A poster advertising Aikido classes while Michael was in London on his OE, tempted the 22 year old to give Aikido a go. He’s been training ever since.

Having started training in an Iwama style dojo, Saito Sensei became and still remains a big influence.

Over 15 months in 1990/91, Michael trained under Saito Sensei in Iwama, Japan.

Shorter Uchideshi (live in student) training with trips between 2011 and 2018, continued with Nemoto Sensei in Iwama, Japan.

Seminars and training opportunities in Europe, Australia, USA and China have all added to Michael’s experience as a student and later a teacher.

Michael opened his first dojo in Paraparaumu (Kapiti Coast Aikido) 1994 – 2004, and his current dojo in 2006, Hutt City Aikido in Lower Hutt.