My martial arts career started in the 1970,s, when i practised Judo for 5 years. In1981/82 onwards my son and daughter were members of a junior Judo club. After their training session another martial arts class came into the combat room to practise Aikido. I liked what I was seeing, a dynamic effective martial art with a very focused training ethic. I spoke to the instructor who was Sensei Riley and joined the white Rose Aikido Club.

In 1990 as a 1st kyu I was invited to attend a yudansha training day by Sensei Riley. The instructor was Sensei Cottier. I was very impressed with Sensei Cottier's presence and power on the mat. I graded for shodan in 1992 and after discussions and agreement with Sensei Riley started and established the Halifax Class in1993, were i was the instructor for 9 years.

Further gradings were Nidan/1994. Sandan/1997. Yondan/2005.Promoted to Godan in 2009. Teaching weapons is now my main focus within the association.Practising regularly with the Bokken has certainly improved my Aikido re stronger centre and better technique. I am also a member of the grading panel.