Zheng Dao Lo was inaugurated on 7th February 1997, with the aim of promoting traditional Chinese martial arts to the general populace, regardless of age, ability or physical condition. The name translates as "The Venerable/True-Path Way". We believe the True Path to embody more than just martial skills; we attain to the values of honour, courage, integrity, respect, humility and tolerance.
In days gone by, these traits went hand in hand with the learning of martial arts. Sadly, in today’s society, these values are diminishing. We aim to preserve and uphold them through the disciplined practice of ancient martial skills. Through the honing of these qualities along with the perfection of physical movement and interaction, one can travel the path to greatness.
Founders:
Omar El-Kilany
Chairman
Started martial arts in 1975
Omar was a successful competitor in various arts, specialising in full contact fighting, beating World champions in some bouts. He represented & captained the Portsmouth kung-fu team in points, light contact & forms (both empty hand & weapons), in major competitions against many different styles of martial arts.
Omar's National team won 3rd place at an international multi-style competition against a host of teams from all over the world. Since starting full contact kickboxing, Omar has never lost a full contact bout in competition. For this reason, his reputation as a merciless fighter is well known.
Based in Portsmouth, he has taught & coached a number of students to become top quality instructors and champions, some of which are now European and World Champions. A few instructors he has coached have gone on to set up their own schools.
Omar was presented with a national award for 'contribution and development to Chinese martial arts', by the British National Martial Arts Association (BNMA Hons). Having retired from competition, he is now the chairman of the Zheng Dao Lo Academy, and oversees all aspects relating to its operation.
Andrew Austin
Chief Technical Director
Started martial arts in 1979
A published author on Tai Chi, Andrew Austin is the chief technical director of the Zheng Dao Lo Academy, and has been involved in martial arts since the age of seven. He has a multitude of British titles in Kung-fu, Kickboxing and Wushu. He travels to China annually to maintain and expand his knowledge.
Andrew has competed at National, European and World class competition since 1997. He has represented England in Athens, Holland, Portugal, Moscow, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Macao, and is the undefeated British champion. His highest ranking is currently joint 2nd in the World for both 42-step International Tai Chi combined style hand form, and the International straight sword form.
Andrew is the head forms judge and chief technical adviser for the Zheng Dao Lo Academy. He has trained several students to become British national champions in Taiji, kung-fu and kickboxing, as well as coaching the ZDL Wushu and Shaolin demonstration team.
Steven Jessop
Kickboxing Promoter
Started martial arts in 1977
Based in Newcastle, Steven runs the entire northern region of ZDL, and is the official Kickboxing promoter for the World Kickboxing Association. He has trained, and continues to train fighters to British, European and World level, having champions in almost every weight category.
World masters
Zheng Dao Lo has put much effort into their research and sought representative Masters around the world in a relentless effort to establish a solid foundation of authentic Chinese Kung Fu systems.