Sensei began training in late 1981 under Sherlock Sensei
(2nd Dan) and later Monk Sensei (4th Dan) at the
Auckland Central Shorinji Kempo Dojo.
He earned his Shodan Black Belt in 1984.

In 1986, he headed to Osaka, Japan, where he was lucky enough to be accepted as a student by the legendary Tai Sensei,
(7th Dan) (9th Dan Sotai Kempo).
Tai Sensei took pity on him (his words, not mine LOL) and trained him for two years at Kitashimizu Doin.
Tai Sensei continued to encourage and support Stewart throughout his training career, (that is a long blog all on its own.)

In January 1987, Stewart and Yoko were married in a full-on
Shorinji Kempo wedding right there in the dojo, officiated by
Tai Sensei.

Stewart (2nd Dan) and Yoko returned to New Zealand in mid-1988, bringing with them their lovely baby, Alina.

In 1991, Sensei established a thriving Kempo branch in Takapuna, growing it to 180–190 students.
Several of those students went on to earn their black belts, and some now run their own dojos.
In February 2003, Sensei left Shorinji Kempo and established Sotai Kempo.