Robert began studying the art of Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu karate under the tutelage of Sensei Daniel Gobillot in February 2010 at age 51.  While serving in the Army in the 1970’s Robert had a brief introduction to Ishin-ryu karate but he did not pursue further training at that time.  When he started Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu training in 2010 he wasn’t sure what he was hoping to achieve or where he wanted karate to take him. Walking on to the deck of a dojo for the first time can be an intimidating endeavor for anyone, but he likes to say, “Once begun halfway done”.  After training for a while one becomes more comfortable and confident in their progression in the art. Everyone at Pine Forest dojo, especially the Sensei, are great at taking time with students from white belt to black belt rank and teaching them proper form and technique without harsh criticism.

As is discussed on the deck and in the Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book, karate is about moving forward.  Not being a static person and always interested in what was around the next corner, Robert has travelled extensively throughout North America via motorcycle, exploring every state and Canadian Province and Territory.  His practice of karate has been an introspective journey about seeing what else lies ahead in karate and in life. Both karate and motorcycling have been and continue to be very Zen-like activities for him. When being tested for Shodan in December 2015 he was asked to describe in two words what he would like to get out of his next five years of karate.  His answer was to “go further”. Karate training takes time and effort, but as is often said, what you put into something is what you get out. The rewards are well worth the hard work!