Mike began studying Judo when he was 15 years old and over time (including military service) expanded his studies to Okinawan karate, Uechi Ryu style. After completing his engineering studies in college, Mike encountered a Sandan from Hombu Dojo who was able to exhibit an intriguing form of strength.  The mechanics of that strength was compelling enough that Mike studied Aikido in various dojos for 7 or 8 years.  

Ultimately deciding that the odd strength he encountered must have come originally from Chinese martial-arts, Mike shifted to Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) and ultimately also studied (incompletely) both Baguazhang and Xingyiquan, all the while focusing on gathering more and more information on how the “internal strength” skills worked. Given that most martial styles hold information on this type of training closely, it took many years to accumulate a comprehensive view of the overall mechanics. 

Mike has been instrumental in John's understanding and development with regard to 6 Harmonies, or internal strength, and it's components. Mike has run several workshops in the Dojo and returns periodically.