After enduring the arduous several hours of daily training at a small country dojo in rural Japan, in 1984 he received his Black Belt from the legendary Chief Instructor Masatoshi Nakayama (1913-1987) at the Japan Karate Association World Headquarters in Tokyo. That same year he would qualify for and compete in the All-Japan Karate Tournament held at the famous Nippon Budokan, where he would return to compete again in 1986 as part of an elite International Team representing the

World Headquarters. During that same time period, he was accepted to train, as one of few foreigners ever, with the team at Takushoku University, a perrenial power renowned for it's rigorous karate program and alma mater to nearly all of the JKA legends. Following a training related death and subsequent banning of the karate program there, Michael transferred to Komazawa University, an equally demanding and highly ranked karate power, again through a letter of reference of special recommendation by world leader of the Japan Karate Association, the legendary Sensei Hiroshi Shoji as one of only two foreigners, where he trained under the guidance of former All-Japan Champion Sensei Takeshi Ohishi.

In 1988, Michael received his Nidan from 8th Dan Tetsuhiko Asai while living in Hawaii. That same year he was selected to compete in the 2nd Shoto-World Cup in Brisbane, Australia, as part of the US National team. In 1994, while in Los Angeles, Michael had the privilege of becoming acquainted with legendary Grandmaster Soke Takayuki Kubota, and began training and teaching at the IKA World Headquarters.

In the year 2000, he was awarded his 5th Dan and the title of Shihan (master). His rank examination took place under Soke Kubota and a host of other high-ranking examiners from across the globe in a rare ceremony at the 10th Kubota World Cup Karate Championships. In the tournament, Michael placed 2nd in the senior individual kumite division, defeating a former National, Pan American, European and World Champion in the semi-finals,and several other international champions in other matches. He also represented the United States and the IKA World Headquarters in Team Kumite, placing 3rd following a victory over the reigning German National Champion.

In January of 2008, Michael was honored with his 6th Dan(Rokudan)from Soke Kubota.

In addition to the previously mentioned legendary masters, Michael's other instructors have included Hidetaka Nishiyama, Hiroshi Shoji, Masahiko Tanaka, Keinosuke Enoeda, Taiji Kase,Yoshiharu Osaka, Mikio Yahara, Minoru Kawawada, Tadaashi Ishikawa, and a host of other great legends in the art of karate.

In November of 2001, Michael returned to Japan after more than a ten year absence, where he again underwent arduous training for a six week period, visiting many of his legendary teachers, some of whom he had not seen in over seventeen years. In addition, he competed in the 13th Annual Japan Karate Federation Tokorozawa Tournament, held in Saitama Prefecture at the Tokorozawa Budokan, where he placed a remarkable 2nd place in the kumite division and 3rd in the kata division.

He has had additional training in judo, kendo, tai chi, kobudo (weapons), ju-jitsu, grappling arts, and is a Zen practitioner. He continues his study regularly under the tutelage of Grandmaster Soke Takayuki Kubota in Los Angeles and abroad. He has appeared in over fifty film and television projects in various featured and starring roles, and the author of BUDOJIN, a book in progress that chronicles his life.