I began my martial arts training in 1983, at the age of seven, training in Wado‑Ryu Karate with the Chojinkai Karate‑Do Club at Prudhoe Middle School. I trained under Sensei Jimmy Hague, with Sensei Doug James as Chief Instructor. This early experience established the foundations for my lifelong involvement in martial arts.

In 1988, I broadened my training to include amateur boxing, which became my primary focus for several years. During this time, I continued my karate training, achieving 1st Kyu in 1993. In the the following years, I cross‑trained in related disciplines, including kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Wing Chun Kung Fu, developing a broad understanding of both traditional martial arts and applied combat systems.

I returned to karate in 2015 after my children began training at a local Shukokai Karate club. Restarting from white belt, I progressed through the full grading syllabus to achieve 1st Dan in 2018, at which point I also began assisting with instruction. Later that year, the club transitioned to Wado‑Ryu, as part of British Wadokai. Returning to Wado‑Ryu marked a significant reconnection with my roots and remains my primary martial arts focus.

I achieved 2nd Dan in 2019, 3rd Dan in 2021, and 4th Dan in June 2025.

In recent years I have been fortunate to train with senior instructors from British Wadokai and Wado Academy, including Sensei Arthur Meek, Sensei Peter Hill, and Sensei Roger Vickerman. Sensei Vickerman has been particularly influential in my development and I continue to attend his club and courses whenever possible. I also attend the annual Wado Academy Winter Course, where I have trained under Sensei Otsuka III.

My ongoing focus is on developing a practical, thoughtful approach to martial arts, with a particular interest in self defence and the principles that underpin effective training. Karate continues to be an important part of my life, both as a personal discipline and as a way to support others in their own development.