I started my training under the direction of Kenny Taylor. The Chief Instructor at that time was Mr Enoeda and his assistant Mr Tomita. After several training sessions, I was totally hooked to such an extent that I gave up Rugby. Later Mr Kawasoe took over as Mr Enoeda’s assistant.

I joined the Metropolitan Police in 1981 and eventually moved my family to London, Work permitting I travelled twice a week to Earls Court to train with Mr. Kawasoe. All the above Instructors were truly inspirational in their teaching and guidance. I am good friends with Kenny and stay in touch with him.

In 1992 I started North London Karate with my Family, Darren and Lynsey assisted in teaching and Isabel dealt with all the paper work and we have gone from strength to strength. Darren is now a full-time karate instructor and has worked diligently in the development and expansion of North London.

Sadly in 2003 Mr Enoeda died which left in my opinion a great void in the Karate world. Later that year I was invited to assist in the setting up of JKA England. I resigned from JKA England in 2010 when Shotokan Karate Centres was founded.

The real turning point in my Karate studies was in 1982 whilst walking the beat as uniformed constable in the early hours of the morning in Grays Inn Road. London. When I was confronted with a very angry man who was down on his luck, he wanted to be arrested and didn’t care who he injured in the process all 6’8″ of him I felt like a wee boy and I’m 6’2″ I remember him coming at me in a rage I hit him as hard as I could, down he went. However that was not the end of it, he just shook his head like a dog and got back on his feet. You can imagine how I felt, standing in a cold and dark street in the early hours of the morning confronted by a madman, I had just hit him with my best shot and he was getting back up. I had called for back up but I knew that would not be here quick enough, unfortunately not like the movies where there is plenty of Police around I was on my own. He came at me again I knew if he laid hands on me I would be in serious trouble I hit him again and down he went. I’ll keep this story short after I had put him down a third time he appeared quite groggy and thankfully I could hear the sirens coming. We handcuffed and arrested him. True story folks. But this was a wakeup call for me. I refocused my training developing and evolving my Karate studies.

I have much to be thankful to Karate as it has saved my life more times than I care to remember, In my 32 years of service with the Police I have been attacked with just about everything. Karate does not make you invincible, but it gives you the edge, the strength of spirit, awareness and skill when the odds are stacked against you, I’ve had my fair share of injuries which I’m sure would have been far more serious were it not for my studies and training . In fact one night whilst making enquiries at an address the suspect drove a Samurai sword through the letterbox at me. I could recount a number of incidents, but the point I’m trying to get across is albeit Karate develops the mind and body as one, but diligently practiced and studied it could save your life.

Always train hard and outside your comfort zone, constant repetition in order to develop the techniques so they become as natural as breathing. Never rush your practice, breathe correctly during your practice and feel where the power is coming from. Remember Relaxation gives you speed, speed gives you power. This is what I believe

Proudest moment, there have been many in my life. From marrying my wife Isabel, the birth of my children and grandchildren. However in Karate I would say 2004 Japan Tokyo watching my son Darren and daughter Lynsey compete in the JKA world championships.