I started my training in Aikido under Sensei Shane Riley 7th Dan, head of the White Rose Aikikai. Training 2-3 times a week I rapidly worked my way through the ranks gaining excellent knowledge and 'realistic' technique. I have taken instruction from sensei's, Terry Bayliss Shihan, the late Ken Cottier Shihan, William Smith MBE, Terry Ezra, Frank Burlingham and many more. In 2005 I had the opportunity to train in the united states with ex-student and chief instructor of Steven Seagal Shihan Renshi Luis Santos and Elliot Freeman.

In 2006 I was honoured to be asked to become Sensei for a new class within White Rose at Slaithwaite in Huddersfield. This degree of trust and faith does not come easy from Sensei Shane Riley so to be asked was an honour. After taking some time out from Aikido I am incorporating it more into my life again with the new affiliated club to the White Rose, Shinko Aikido. Shinko is the brain child of myself, and mark Nicholls, both students of Sensei Riley. We decided to set this club up due to difficulties getting to Sensei Riley's classes relating to distance and travelling. Sensei Riley and the senior instructors gave their full backing in December 2009 and the go ahead for Shinko Aikido to begin in the new year where I will be the Senior instructor. I was again honoured to be selected as Head Instructor for Shinko Aikido by the co-founder, Sensei Riley & the White Rose Seniors.

My style of Aikido is based on realism. If you do not train on a practical level then I do not see the point in training. Every attack and every defence should be treated as if it is real life. I have no time for Aikido associations who dance around and make people fall over without touching them. Its false and in my opinion is not correctly preparing you for a real life aggressor. When I take instruction from the seniors in the White Rose or am picked as uke, I feel EVERY technique as if it is real life. This is how it should be and this has been instilled into me from the very beginning. Aikido is one of the deadly arts and if used correctly can be one of the most effective and discreet. This is why I fell in love with it and will always be part of my life.

British Aikido Board

Coach Level 1
Qualified