Background
I guess I’m a slightly scruffy guy in my thirties, I think I look slightly younger than I am despite the profusion of facial hair which I’m often too lazy to shave.
I studied Environmental Science at University but found that I have a innate knack for technology and it’s application – generally I’m more interested in taking the scientific equipment apart and trying to fix it than using it properly.
When I left University I discovered that my ‘knack’ was far more profitable than my degree (being a poor ex-student) and so I started work in the field of IT, Systems and Remote Management and I’ve been there ever since.
I’ve trained in the Martial Arts since 1994, I have a shodan in Aikido, which I gained shortly before my first Sensei passed away. I hold a few sashes in Wing Chun Kungfu and Wutan Kungfu which I trained whilst at University.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Japan and train with the 34th Ninjutsu Grandmaster Hatsumi Masaaki for a short period at the end of 6 years of Ninjutsu training – I was given a Shodan in the art by local teacher but never had it ratified by the Hombu Dojo in Japan. I had a falling out with the local teacher because the club was getting a little ‘strange’ and I wasn’t happy with the direction it was going – I do however hold the certificates up to that grade. I’ve had the chance to attend one of Stephen K Hayes seminars which was really uplifting and I’m extremely interested in the way that Anshu teaches.
I’m currently training at the Exeter Practical Martial Arts club with Matt Sylvester which proves to be interesting, challenging and good fun!
I recently had the pleasure of attending a few seminars by Iain Abernethy, who made a great impression – Iain is a practical, charismatic and insightful teacher who I’d definitely like to see more of.
I intend to continue researching and training in the Martial Arts, I’d like to teach one day and I intend to continue training in Ninjutsu regardless. I really don’t think that many people today realise the intention and wisdom implicit in the art. I admit I’m not the best or most accomplished martial artist in the world but I’m sure that I’ve learned something along this journey and I’d probably describe myself as “adequate” 
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