The Shaolin Martial arts were developed in a Chan Buddhist Temple. The Martial arts they practiced were a practical way of linking the mind and body with the spiritual practices incumbant in Buddhism. Through training the aim was to make the body and mind stronger and healthier, so as to help with the deeper meditative practice. With the practicality of buddhists it also enabled them to be able to protect themselves against those who might seek to hurt them. It was therefore a platform to enhance their spiritual mental and physical growth, whilst ensuring maximum benefits on a human level.

As a part of their buddhist practice, the purpose of this `Wu Su Kung Fu` was as a tool to help with the eradication of the ego, over time this purpose has been forgotten and martial arts have largely become an expression of ego.

The founder of Zenyogkido wanted to return to the original purpose of the Shaolin system with Zenyogkido. He brought in Taoist, Zen and yogic practices and merged them into a hybrid martial art that has its foundation in the traditional Shaolin Kung Fu with Judo, Karate, Aikido and Modern self defence stratagies blended in. 

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One of the aims of Zenyogkido is to create a family atmosphere, where adults and children (often of the same family) train together. This family connection is very important in life and is in keeping with the way much of the Chinese martial arts were taught. Often a style was a families style and was not taught to outsiders. 

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In Zenyogkido, we aim to develop ourselves mentally, physically and spiritually, in the hope that this will render us as better members of society. The benefits are better health, mental clarity, self discipline, greater awareness and self belief.