In 1959, at the age of eight (8), Sensei Neil began studying Judo and Jujitsu up until moving to Sydney in 1971. Sensei Neil worked as a computer programmer and analyst in Sydney and then as a project manager and later as a research and development manager. He travelled extensively to countries such as the USA, China, Hong Kong Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand. It was not until 1996 that Sensei Neil began his study in Goju-ryu Karate at the age of forty five (45) under Sensei Kon Tsanidis who ran the old Dulwich hill dojo. At the time, Sensei Neil thought he was too old but joined Goju-Ryu anyway as support for his son who also started at the same time. In 2001, Sensei Neil was awarded his 1st Dan (Shodan) at the age of fifty (50). In 2003, Sensei Neil continued his training under Shihan Theodore Tsanidis at the old Lakemba Dojo and began as an assistant instructor in 2007.
Sensei Neil believes that Karate has provided him with very good health and attests to remaining strong and flexible as he gets older. This he believes “is one of the key benefits of Karate”. Sensei Neil also believes that Karate has developed his mental discipline over the years enabling him to lead a balanced and healthy outlook on life and to cope with difficulties whilst remaining optimistic. Sensei Neil’s study of Judo/Jujitsu as a boy provided him as a young man the chance to test himself against better opposition on the way to maturing as a person. He believes that Karate now allows him the chance to be part of a structure that provides the same opportunities. Sensei Neil realises what a gift it is to be given the opportunity to study Goju-Ryu karate. An inspiration to most of the younger instructors, Sensei Neil exhibits great flexibility and stamina.
Sensei Neil continues to train and assist Shihan Tsanidis in the running of the Roselands Dojo and concurrently undertakes cardiovascular exercises through weight training and yoga as a supplement to his Martial Arts training. Sensei Neil’s debut in Goju-Ryu karate is the epitome of the cliché “ it is never too late”.
