After a brief introduction to Judo in my late teens I began training Shotokan Karate in 1975 (The golden years of Bruce Lee), under the direction of Kawasoe Sensei. Deviating for a couple of years to study both Wadoryu and Shukakai, I took my Shotokan 1st Dan under Kato Sensei in 1989.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Karate journey but was feeling the need for something different. Something more challenging.

I started my Aikido training in 1990 and was awarded 1st Dan in 1997 by the late Marion Mucha Sensei. I currently hold the Aikido rank of 5th Dan (Aikikai), and  also hold the British Aikido Board Coach Level 2 award.

In 2007 I jointly set up the Marple Aikido Dojo (UK), with Christine Shepherd.

In paralel to my Aikido study, I also qualified as an instructor in the Martial Art of Systema in 2016 and I jointly set up the SystemaNW with Graham Harrison in 2016. 

In May 2021 my wife Wendy & I moved to Wexford in Ireland.

There was very little Aikido here in the South East, with most groups in or around the Dublin area.

I started Aikido Wexford in Nov 2023.

I am thoroughly enjoying both promoting and developing Akido here in Wexford and sharing my knowledge with our great group of lads, and anyone who is interested in exploring this exciting Japanese Martial Art.