In 1974 traveled to Japan, became an uchi deshi (live in student) for on year under the late master Gogen Yamaguchi (now deceased), and received his First Dan Black Belt.

A chance meeting with Master Tadahiko Ohtsuka soon after arriving in Japan changed his life forever.

Under the guidance and tutelage of Master Tadahiko Ohtsuka he trained in the Goju Kensha system and additionally developed a passion for the Nei Chia (Internal Syles of Chinese Gong Fu) and continues to study under Chen Yun Ching (son of Chen Pan Ling ) in Taiwan.

A personal student of Master Ohtsuka for 30 years and now a 7th Dan and Chief Instructor of GojuRyu Kakurin Kan Australia (G.K.A) he has continued to research and study Goju Ryu, writing several texts, producing many videos and teaching thousands of students in Australia and overseas countries.

He is the consummate teacher, with a vast knowledge of many different Martial and Healing Arts. His unique teaching style, combines humor, practical experience and detailed knowledge, creating a comfortable, professional and caring environment.

In 1998 he was awarded by his peers in the Industry, Karate Instructor of the Year in the Blitz Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame awards. He has made 15 trips to Japan, China and Taiwan in search of more knowledge and understanding in the Martial and Healing Arts, illustrating the old Martial Arts adage that "one who learns to harm, should also learn how to heal."

In 1984 his passion for the Internal Arts led him to study in massage, acupuncture, moxabustion, herbal and Qi Gong therapy, developing his belief that the Martial and Healing Arts of the East are complimentary parts of a holistic approach to life.

James also has extensive experience in conducting a unique series of seminars in the corporate sector, covering stress management, conflict resolution and personal development with clients both large and small including Mobil Oil, Coles Myer and Department of Education and Training.

He has for the past twenty years taught professional development to teachers at mainstream and in particular specialist schools, where he has used his Martial Arts expertise to develop the Challenging Behavior Solutions program, instructing staff on safe but effective strategies to handle physically challenging children and clients.

James lives at Wu Lin Retreat 5 kilometres past Lancefield in central Victoria on a country property at the base of the Cobaw Forest. WuLin Retreat is a purpose built Martial and Healing Arts Centre, made from mud brick and recycled materials from China. Classes are conducted weekly in Goju Ryu Karate-do, Chinese Internal Kung Fu and specialized professional development seminars are held for schools and companies.

James also has a busy clinic where he hones his skills as a practitioner of Traditional Chinese medicine, his clients travel from all over the state and abroad to seek his abilities. Wu Lin Retreat is available for lease by other disciplines including Yoga, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do for a weekend workshops, this gives James the opportunity to meet many others "on the path".

His commitment to such a busy schedule is testimony to the love and dedication he has to his chosen life and the depth of commitment he has to improving the quality of not only his life, but of all those with whom he comes in contact with.