I first got interested in the martial arts at the age of 14, after being inspired by my cousins combat hand skills (Dean Carricks), and by the time I reached 15 I went to my first martial arts class (wing tsung). I trained for 8 months, while training I heard about a shaolin kung fu system called Nam pai chuan and the skills of one of the instructors (Poorang Shahabi) who I later trained under. His tough training allowed me to develop a strong mind and body. From the age of 16 to this present day we still remain great friends. In 2001 a friend took me to a jujitsu class taught by Sensei Barry Harte and Sensei Nick Brooks. I have been expanding my skills and knowledge and training in Ju-Jitsu ever since.