1995 Michael was promoted to Blackbelt in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Michael first teachers in were Sensei Jim Fry and Shihan Michael J LaMonica. It was through these two amazing teachers that Michael was introduced to the Head of the KoKoDo Organization - Irie Soke.
By 2000 Michael started to make routine trips to Japan and began to study directly under Soke, a person known throughout Japan and international for his traditional jujutsu teachings and expert knowledge in the healing arts of bone setting, acupuncture and acupressure.
Michael is currently a director of KoKoDo and one of only two world wide to reach the rank of 8th degree black belt and title of Hanshi Menkyo Kaiden Shihan KoGyoku in KoKoDo JuJutsu and the first westerner to receive Shinan Yaku teaching license in Kappo Shiatsu from Soke and the Hombu in Japan
On behalf of the HQ,Michael has to date written 4 books on KoKoDo. Three books regarding the basic dan or levels in KoKoDo JuJutsu and One book the art of KoKoDo Kappo Shiatsu
Michael also studies and teaches defensive tactics and the art of BJJ or Brazilian JiuJitsu. He began the BJJ journey in the early on but started to take it more serious during his career in Protection and was cemented after attending a Royce Gracie BJJ and Law Enforcement Seminar.
In 2013 his school (Sadohana Academy) official offered a BJJ program and in 2014 became an official Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Affiliate. In Nov 26th 2022 was promoted to the rank of black belt by Professor Rodrigo Pagani and Professor Dean Toews at the Curucuruland BJJ Winter camp held at the BWC. Michael is currently the Instructor for Curucuruland BJJ Vancouver