Robert began his aikido study in 1984 and holds the rank of rokudan (6th dan). He is a personal student of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and is known for his weapons work, graceful movement, and clear teaching. Robert has been training and teaching at Aikido Shobukan Dojo (ASD) since 1994. Robert has studied Shindo Muso Ryu for 25 years as well as Yagyu Shinkage Ryu for 7 years, influencing his precise and powerful weapons work.
Robert was made a member of the Ueshiba Juku by Saotome Sensei. This connotes a direct line of transmission from the Aikido Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, through Saotome Sensei, to Sensei’s personally trained students. Robert was also a founding member of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba Board of Directors and served two years as President.