Hey everybody!

**S_Robertson** · 07-19-2010, 19:35

My name is Sean Robertson. I currently train in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu in Christchurch, New Zealand, and was graded to shodan in late 2009.

A little of my background: unfortunately, I was not lucky enough to be childhood friends with the grandson of one of Takamatsu's lesser known students; nor was I taught secret ninja techniques by my redneck American neighbours. I have not (yet) served in any elite military units, nor have aliens abducted me to teach me the secret martial arts of the King, Elvis Presley (to my knowledge, at least). I am just a regular guy who happens to enjoy BBT.

I was first exposed to martial arts in the late 80s, while living in Brisbane, Australia, when my father started training in Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu, which Wayne Roy was popularizing in Australia at the time. I spent many weekends watching my father and his buyu training in our backyard while I waited to meet the minimum age requirement.

In the early nineties, I was permitted to start training, and I was a green belt (I forget the exact rank) when my family moved to Christchurch, New Zealand in late '91. I continued to train until approximately '94 (I think), when I started being a slacker instead.

In 1999, I moved to Auckland and joined the Royal New Zealand Navy as an Electronics Technician (note: NOT an elite military unit, if you can do high-school maths, you can probably get in). I received additional training as a Fire Control Officer, which meant I could safely fire the ship's weapons (again, not elite; the only way that this would qualify as "elite" was that there was only a dozen people in active service with this training - probably due more to training budget constraints than "elite standards"). Due to service commitments, despite my best efforts, I was unable to find a class that suited me in Auckland. I did manage to train (albeit briefly) with Michael Gent, and tried a class or two of Karate and Aikido (the karate didn't suit me; the aikido was a better fit, but alas - the service whisked me away again, and I did not return to those arts once I was home again).
In early 2007, I was fortunate enough to land a short stint (four months) as a Naval Recruiter in Christchurch, and I was able to recommence my training during this time. After a career of some nine years, I resigned in early 2008 and returned to Christchurch, where I now work as a Technical Manager.

I have been training (at least) twice weekly since that time, and was graded to shodan late last year. I don't teach (martial arts, any way); I'm happy just to train. That said, I do assist in the running of the class in any way possible - the class is not huge, so we help out where we can.

Anyway - I think that's enough about me.