Practice with Purpose

For more than four decades, my practice has been shaped by small rooms, hired halls, and the kind of training that values clarity over ceremony. Insight does not require a Japanese façade, it requires intent, discipline, and a willingness to look deeper than technique.

As an author, my research is not confined to archives or field notes. Much of it is understanding how people moved, thought, adapted, and survived in the time periods I write about. The training I offer reflects this. It is not simply instruction in martial technique; it is an exploration of the historical context, cultural pressures, and tactical reasoning that shaped the pioneers featured in my books.

I offer training to small groups and dedicated practitioners who want to engage with the JDK Method at this deeper level. Sessions are held either in my home training space in Western Australia or in rented facilities when there is sufficient scheduled commitment to support the cost. This ensures that every session is purposeful, sustainable, and respectful of everyone’s investment.

Participants should expect a blend of physical practice, historical insight, and interpretive work drawn from the last one to two hundred years. Beginners living locally are welcome to express interest, and experienced practitioners may be invited if they are ready to work with focus, control, and open-mindedness.

For those considering affiliation under the JDK banner, in‑person training is essential. International affiliates must commit to visiting one of our training locations, listed below, at least once a year. This is not a formality; it is how the art, the method, and the historical understanding are transmitted.

If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to submit an Expression of Interest. I review each submission personally and will contact you if a suitable training opportunity becomes available.

Expectations of JDK Students

Training at JDK is a commitment to depth, discipline, and personal responsibility. Our standards reflect the seriousness of the art, the lineage we represent, and the level of trust required between teacher and student. Students who choose to train with us should understand and accept the following expectations:

1. Training Fees (Six‑Month Commitment)

Training is structured around six‑month cycles, which is the typical timeframe between gradings. Fees are paid in six‑month blocks to support continuity, discipline, and the long‑term development expected of all JDK practitioners.

2. Grading Does Not Guarantee Promotion

A grading is an assessment, not a reward. Students should expect to fail at least once on their journey to black belt. This is part of the learning process and reflects the high standards of our lineage.

3. Annual AKATO Membership

All students who continue beyond white belt must maintain annual membership with the American Karate and Taekwondo Organization (AKATO). The current fee is US$25, as outlined at akato.org. This supports recognition, record‑keeping, and international standards.

4. Required Reading

Two books form the foundation of our shared language and training culture:

  • Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata — Colin Wee
  • Complete Book of Taekwondo Forms — Keith D. Yates All students are expected to own and study both.

5. Seminar Attendance

Students based in Australasia who continue training with JDK are expected to attend at least one seminar weekend hosted by the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Inc) before black belt. These events provide exposure, community, and higher‑level instruction.

6. International Affiliate Requirements

International affiliates must train in person at least once a year at either:

  • JDK HQ (Western Australia)
  • JDK USA (Schenectady, NY)
  • ApproachTKD (Aberdeen, Scotland)

    This ensures technical accuracy, cultural continuity, and personal connection.

7. White Belt Does Not Guarantee Continuation

Training at white belt is an introduction, not an automatic pathway. Students may or may not be invited to continue beyond this rank. Progression depends on attitude, commitment, and alignment with JDK values.

8. Recognition of External Black Belts

Students who hold a black belt (or higher) from another school may wear their earned rank. A timeframe will be agreed upon to upskill to the equivalent JDK standard.

9. All Other Students Begin at White Belt

Regardless of previous experience, all students from white to black belt begin at white belt within the JDK system. This ensures consistency, shared foundations, and a common technical language.

10. Health & Fitness Requirements (Strict Entry Standard)

JDK training is physically demanding and requires a baseline level of fitness to ensure safety, longevity, and meaningful progress. Students who do not meet this baseline will not be permitted to train until they do.

This is not a judgement of appearance — it is a safety requirement and a reflection of the standards of our lineage.

Students who are significantly unfit, medically at risk, or morbidly obese must:

  • obtain medical clearance from a qualified health professional, and
  • complete a separate diet and exercise program to reach the minimum fitness baseline before joining regular JDK training.

Minimum Fitness Baseline (must meet at least one):

  • BMI under 32, or
  • Body fat under 32% (men) / 38% (women), or
  • Cardiovascular benchmark:
    • Complete 6 minutes of continuous padwork, or
    • Complete a 1 km walk in under 12 minutes, or
    • Hold a 2‑minute static stance (horse stance, front stance, or similar)

Students who do not meet these baselines will be asked to return only after they have achieved the required standard.