Classes usually involve a warm up and stretching, technique and skills development, partner and pad training self defence maneuvours and Group theory (forms and drills), as well as some touch contact sparring.

Zen Do Kai has never had a closed attitude, nor is it a closed system, we are an open system, and as such we have to be open to influences and ideas from all around the world.

In class, students are divided into groups according to their experience, each group identified by the wearing of different coloured belts.

Brand new students wear a white belt before progressing through yellow, orange, blue, then green, brown and finally black.

Gradings are held to give students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned at class and to progress to the next level.

It is important for students to experience a feeling a sense of achievement, and gradings are held at regular intervals throughout the year. Students attempt a grading when they and their instructor believe they are ready to progress to the next level, working their way through the levels at their own pace. After successfully completing a grading students receive the next level belt and a certificate of achievement.

All gradings up till blue are held at the Kalamunda Club, then from Blue upwards are held at the state grading(usually every 3 months in the Craigie Leisure Centre).