Zen-Do Kai  is based in Japanese Shotokan Karate which emphasizes long, wider, linear stances along with powerful blocks and strikes.  Shotokan came to Japan with Master Gichin Funakoshi from Okinawa in the early 1900s and later to America.  Self-defense also blends elements of  judo, jujitsu, and kempo for “street-effective” techniques.

Zen Do Kai karate was founded in 1974 by Master Michael J. Campos of Johnstown New York. Master Campos is a 9th degree black belt who has studied martial arts since 1959. ZDK is primarily a Japanese Shotokan style karate, characterized by long, wide stances and linear techniques. Self-defense techniques incorporate elements of karate, judo, jujitsu, and kempo, with a focus on "street effective" methods.

To become a martial artist is to invokes on a journey. This journey begins on the very first day of class. It is a journey within one's self. The road may not be an easy path to follow. There may be bumps along the way, but each step is an accomplishment. An accomplishment in self-knowledge, self-understanding, self-control, self-discipline, self-respect, and self-confidence. This holds true whether you are a student studying karate for the first time or whether you are a 60 year old ninth degree Black Belt. In the sport of karate, one never truly ends the journey.