1988 – 1991

I initially began my sporting life with school volleyball being rather successful. I later played my first adult professional Beach Volleyball Tournament at age 17 where I was elected State Captain.

Junior Volleyball Awards

– 2 National Gold medals

– 1 Bronze medal

– 1 National most valuable player award

– Australia Day junior sports award

Senior Volleyball Awards

– State Captain

– Most valuable player award

– Best passer/attacker

1991 – 1996

Between 1991 – 1996 I played indoor professional Volleyball travelling and playing in Hungary and Luxembourg. I later played in the Uk and in European cup. During my time in the Australian Volleyball League I toured and played in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and New Zealand.

1994

In 1994 I joined the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). I was also the NSW Open Men’s Outside Hitter. Additionally, I was part of the Australian Pro Beach Volleyball tour from 1992 – 2000.

1996

In 1996, I returned to Australia and began my Aikido journey at the Aikikai in Sydney.

1998

After two years training in Sydney I realised that in order to truly understand the essence of Aikido I needed to move to Japan and train with some of the masters. That said, in January 1998 I moved to Japan and trained at Hombu Dojo.

In December of 1998 I moved to Kamkura and trained at Kamakura Budokan receiving my Shodan.

1999

In July of 1999, I decided to move to Chiba prefecture where I trained under the masterful eye of Nakajima Shihan. A period that would shape the foundations of my Aikido for years to come.

2000 – 2002

Midway through 2000, I returned home to Australia continuing my aikido with Aikikai Australia. As such I was religiously training aikido 5 days were week. I also played my last season of Professional Beach volleyball. The following 2 seasons I was appointed the captain of the Australian National League Volleyball team.

2002

In 2002, I moved to Tasmania, Australia where I received my Nidan in Fuji Ryu Aikido. Shortly after, I met Maruyama Sensei who would play a pivotal part in my aikido journey.

That year, I was also successful in winning the state league volleyball championships with Tasmania.

2004

In 2004, I joined Aikido Yuishinkai receiving my Sandan from Maruyama Sensei. The same year I opened my first dojo in Tasmania.

2012

In 2012, I was formally removed from Aikido Yuishinkai Australia by Maruyama sensei and taken under Aikido Yuishinkai international where I was awarded 7th Dan.

2014

2014 saw me being appointed as Aikido Yuishinkai Australian Chief Instructor.

2019

In 2019, Maruyama Sensei offically appointed me as International Chief Instructor of Aikido Yuishinkai where I have continued to represent Aikido Yuishinkai International in this role ever since.

2020 – 2024

In 2020, I was formally awarded 10th Dan by Maruyama Sensei whilst in Toyko, Japan.

From 2014 – 2024 (present) I have travelled as Maruyama Sensei’s otomo, uke and co-instructor at all international and national seminars. Throughout this time I have lived with sensei for months of the year. Furthermore, I have taught in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan on behalf of or in conjunction with Maruyama Sensei.