Jō Sō Alberto Mendez, known as Ensō in the Dark Lotus Zen community, has cultivated a deep meditation practice since childhood, a habit born from those early experiences of time-out.

His 2019 diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis spurred a renewed commitment to his spiritual journey, leading him to Green Bay Zen Center and the guidance of Hollow Bones. A transformative Mondo Zen retreat solidified his path, and in 2022, he completed Mondo Zen Facilitator Training, joined the Juggalos in Recovery board, and began leading their meetings.

In 2023, he embarked on a New Warrior Training Adventure, embracing the brotherhood of the Man Kind Project. At the 2024 Rohatsu ceremony, he received Jukai from Hollow Bones, marking a significant milestone in his Zen journey.

Alongside his spiritual pursuits, Jō Sō has dedicated the past 20 years to the practice of Lima Lama martial arts and more recently, has delved into the study and practice of qigong, further deepening his understanding of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.