Ben (2nd from left) has been training at Newtown Dojo since the age of 12, when he started high school at Fort Street High School. He graduated in 2004, and is currently taking time out before going to University. In the meantime, of course, he's training towards his black belt!

Receiving one of his first trophies from Shihan Doug.

Here he is in the middle of the picture, competing as a yellow belt at the IFKKA Bowral Tournament.

Here he is with his classmate, also a yellow belt, after a tournament. Pictured also are Vlad Shurupov and Gareth Poole.

Here he is again, as a 3rd kyu, after another successful tournament (2004 Kempo Ryu), together with Shigemi and Shahnaz. Ben is in his final year of high school here, and the two yellow belts in the picture with him are in their first. The cycle begins again.

A group photo after an eye-opening Ashihara seminar with Shihan Hoosain Narker of Ashihara Karate International.

Senpai Aysha Harnekar, of Ashihara Karate International, demonstrating to Ben the application of biomechanics