I started my Martial Arts journey in 1979 at the age of 9 and hold Dan grades in 3 Japanese Martial Arts:

柔道 Judo (2nd Dan)

日本柔術 Japanese Ju-Jitsu (8th Dan)

松涛館空手 Shotokan Karate (7th Dan)

I am also fortunate enough to hold a Lifetime Achievement Award in Martial Arts, and be inducted into the International Black Belt Hall of Fame. 

My Karate grading dates include: 一段 Shodan (1991), 二段 Nidan (1993), 三段  Sandan (1999), 四段 Yondan (2005), 五段 Godan (2011), 六段 Rokudan (2016), and 七段 Shichidan (2023).

Qualifying as an International Karate Instructor is a significant achievement that enhances my professional credibility and deepens my understanding of the art. It allows me to share authentic, globally recognised techniques while fostering cross-cultural engagement. This qualification also enables me to contribute meaningfully to the global Karate community by mentoring others and promoting discipline, respect, and physical well-being.

"One of my highest achievements happened in 2014 when I was inducted into the International Black Belt Hall of Fame at the 27th annual conference in Pennsylvania, USA." The International Black Belt Hall of Fame is an organisation that recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the martial arts community. They also highlight innovations or advancements in martial arts training and teaching methods, that have had a significant impact on the practice and evolution of martial arts worldwide.

As an Ofqual Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training holder, I possess advanced pedagogical skills that enhance my Karate instruction. This qualification enables me to design inclusive, effective learning environments, assess progress accurately, and adapt teaching to diverse needs. Consequently, I promote disciplined, structured training that not only improves technical proficiency but also fosters personal development in my students. Qualification details

Earned my prestigious 7th Dan Black Belt certificate from the International Karate Institute, a globally recognised Martial Arts organisation. This certificate was issued in the United States by the highly respected Shihan Joe Cayer, a renowned master in the field of Karate. It is further certified and endorsed by the World Union of Karate-do Federations (WUKF).

Kyoshi is a title in Karate meaning “teacher of teachers". Being granted the Kyoshi title is a significant honour that reflects my continued dedication, deep understanding, and commitment to the art of karate. It strengthens the credibility of my instruction and supports the preservation of traditional values. This recognition benefits Karate by encouraging disciplined learning, inspiring students, and promoting the responsible transmission of knowledge within the Martial Arts community.

Being an Ofqual-registered Trainer enhances the credibility and professionalism of karate instruction. It ensures I meet national education standards, providing structured, quality-assured training. This recognition supports student progression and fosters trust among learners, parents, and institutions. It aligns martial arts with broader educational frameworks, elevating karate’s status and reinforcing its value as a disciplined, lifelong learning pursuit. 

Holding a CMI Level 7 in Strategic Management & Leadership enhances my capability to lead and develop a Karate organisation with vision and precision. It provides me with advanced skills in strategic planning, effective decision-making, and motivating teams, which are crucial for fostering discipline, improving performance, and ensuring the sustainable growth of karate programs and practitioners under my leadership.

I believe receiving the British Citizen Award and Medal of Honour positively impacts Karate by recognizing dedication and excellence within the art. Such honours elevate Karate’s profile, encouraging wider participation and respect. They also highlight the discipline’s values of perseverance and integrity, inspiring practitioners and fostering a stronger, more united Karate community both locally and nationally.

As a Qualified School Teacher with QTS, I apply structured teaching methods and clear communication to Karate instruction. This qualification helps me understand diverse learning needs, allowing me to adapt training effectively. It also supports creating a disciplined and safe environment, which is essential for Karate, thereby improving the learning experience and student progress in Karate.

In the 80's and 90's, I was a Gymnast and still have some great friendships from those days including Kristian Thomas, who was the captain of the TeamGB Mens Olympic Squad in 2016 in Rio. and my good friend Nadia Comaneci a Gymnast from Romania, who was the first Gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 at an Olympic Games.