Jun Shihan Mary Jaksch (6th Dan)

I began practicing Zen meditation in my early twenties. My formal training spanned over twenty years, beginning in 1985 under the late Zen Master Robert Aitken—founder of the Diamond Sangha lineage and a pillar of Western Zen. This journey culminated in my designation as a teacher in 1999 and appointment as a Zen Master (Roshi) in 2004. Today, I lead Zen retreats across New Zealand’s North and South Islands and mentor students locally and internationally.

Parallel to my Zen path, I joined Seido Karate in 1985 under Eiko Hanshi Andy Barber. In recent years, I’ve continued this transformative practice with Sei Shihan Aaron Barber. Karate has reshaped me in profound ways. As the oldest student in active training at the Nelson dojo, I know firsthand that this discipline promotes vitality, strength, compassion, and joy—at any stage of life.