I commenced learning Judo with Tom Gillies in Hastings in 1984.  As a teenager I trained in South Korea at their Sports Science College in Yongin (literally, "the place of grit") and that's where I received my black belt in 1992.  I can fully understand how that nation consistently produces some of the best sports Judoka (Judo practitioners) in the world.  In Korean, Judo is called Yudo and I'm a huge fan of their competitors, culture and food (still working on the language...). 

 

While living in Australia I trained with the Korean 1967 World Bronze medalist, Kim Buyng Shik.  Back in New Zealand I've been privileged to have great Kiwi instructors.  Recently my training partners and I have been winning national medals in Kata.  I'm now a 4th degree black belt (Yon Dan in Japanese).

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In my working life, I've been a soldier, policeman, bodyguard and security consultant.  I bring my experience in these fields to my Judo teaching.  I'm always seeking new ways to make what I teach 'stick' because I know about stress and the effect it has on our ability to recall complex techniques in the actual battle!