Michael started training in 1982 at the NB Ju-Jitsu Club under Nick DiNapoli (President and founder) in the style of Gen Lee Ju-Jitsu. After training for six years, he received his Instructor Certification in 1988 and subsequently began teaching at the NB Ju-Jitsu Club up until the founder’s retirement two years later.

 
In 1990 DellaVolpe Sensei, a long time student of Nick's, opened a club where Michael continued teaching. He tested and was awarded the Shodan (1st Degree Black belt) in 1992, Nidan (2nd Degree Black belt) in 1994 and Sandan (3rd Degree Black belt) in 1995.
After teaching, consulting and assisting at Dominick's club as well as other schools whom continued with the style of Gen Lee Ju-Jitsu and promoting Gen Lee Ju-Jitsu via seminars and demonstrations,  Nick DiNapoli awarded him the Godan (5th Degree Black belt) in 2000.
In 1996, he was given the oppurtunity to begin teaching Gen Lee Ju-Jitsu at Tora Dojo by  Joanne VanGieson Sensei. In that same year, he began studying Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship) under her instruction and after 3 years of dedicated study he tested and was awarded his Shodan in 1999  by Roger Wehrhann Shihan of the North American San Shin Kai. He continued to study Iaido for another few years with the San Shin Kai until occupational schedules made it impossible to continue his Iaido practice.  
After Nick DiNapoli’s death, he took a hiatus from teaching until he was asked if he would help in the “Time and Talent” initiative at St Jude’s Church. This seemed like the ideal time to begin the Gen Lee Ju-Jitsu Club and get back to teaching. He continues to run the club to this day.