 His training in the martial arts began at the age of 7 under Takagi where he trained in Jujitsu and Kodokan Judo.At age 21 he was the first man to win both kata and kumite at the "All Hawaii Championships".Other notable accomplishments include winning 5 gold medals each at the Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai International Championships, the All Japan Karate Championships, and the AAU National Championships.