Martial Arts Profile: John Zander Rund (“Zander”)

Junior Black Belt | Demonstration Team Champion | Junior InstructorJohn Zander Rund, known to friends and fellow martial artists as Zander, is a highly accomplished junior black belt with a deep passion for the martial arts. Specializing in forms and weapons forms—particularly the Bo staff—Zander has consistently demonstrated excellence in competition. He has earned numerous first-place trophies for his performances in both traditional and weapons forms, standing out for his precision, power, and dynamic stage presence.

Zander was a proud member of the Thunderbirds Demonstration Team, a trophy-winning group known for their high-level, synchronized martial arts exhibitions. His dedication and skill earned him a place as a junior instructor at Rule of 3 Martial Arts, where he now helps train the next generation of martial artists with the same energy and commitment that define his own journey.

Zander’s martial arts lineage is deeply rooted in the Kenpo tradition. He was promoted to black belt under the guidance of Instructor Christopher Johnson and Associate Professor Arlo Kane, both respected figures in the Kenpo community. His father, Instructor John Nicholas Rund (Nick), is a seasoned martial artist and a 1st Degree Black Belt, having trained under the mentorship of Kane and Johnson. Together, they continue to learn and teach under Marty Martin, an 8th Degree Black Belt and Associate Master of the Arts in Kenpo.

Zander’s training reflects the evolution of Kenpo through generations—starting from James Mitose’s teachings, modernized by Ed Parker, and passed down through Al Tracy to Marty Martin, and ultimately to the Rund family. This lineage combines traditional Eastern philosophy with Western practicality, integrating elements of boxing, kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu into a solid self-defense system.

As a young leader in the martial arts community, Zander embodies the principles of discipline, respect, humility, and growth. His journey is just beginning, but he already stands as a shining example of what dedication, guidance, and passion can achieve in the martial arts.