John has been involved with Karate for 35 years; he is a 5th Dan in Shotokan. He started training in Wado Ryu at the Tonbridge Club in Kings Cross, in 1973 and after a while went to Marshall Street Baths turning his attention towards Shotokan.

He trained in Kyokushinkai, Goju Ryu, Kung Fu and Jujitsu for a short time, whilst trying to find the right style that best suited him. In 1978 he returned to Shotokan and trained under Sensei Charlie Mack in Victoria and Hampstead. In 1983 he joined BASKA, under Michael Dinsdale, where he remained for over 20 years. He was involved with the EKB and a founder member of the EKGB. He was a qualified BASKA referee, England EKB referee and EKGB Judge and has himself competed at the highest level winning many trophies. He has sat on numerous boards and been Chairman for two karate associations.

In 1983 saw the first North London Shotokan club open in Crouch End and this soon expanded to other clubs in the surrounding areas. The most recent club to open is based at The Enfield Island Village, Fitness Centre in Enfield.

Today in the Dojo John is a very much hands on instructor, who gives each student individual attention. This is a unique and rare quality and his beliefs are based in trying to bring out the best in every one of his students. Apart from teaching Traditional Karate, he also incorporates this with Sport karate and Self Defence.

He still has the passion for competition and regularly takes his squad to competitions in England and Europe and can usually be found on the mats coaching. In 2008 John was elected onto the English Karate Federation (EKF) board as a Director.