Matt began training in Aikido in 2011, receiving his shodan (first degree black belt) from the chief instructor of Aikido World Alliance, Andrew Sato Sensei in October 2015. In June 2016 he started Cy-Fair Aikido Center, and he remained a member of Aikido World Alliance through 2017.
In June of 2017, Matt Sensei learned that Derek Nakagawa Sensei had formed a new organization, Aikido Dojo International (ADI). In November, 2018 Matt Sensei was awarded his Nidan (2nd degree black belt) from Igarashi Shihan during the annual ADI seminar.
Matt Sensei continues to study the style of the late Fumio Toyoda Shihan. Toyoda Shihan’s style is powerful and emphasizes efficacy in Martial arts. Additionally, Matt Sensei enjoys studying deeper concepts in Aikido in his journeys to Japan or cross training with other high-level instructors as time allows.