Sensei O’Neill holds the rank of 6th Degree black belt. His first karate lesson was with Tadashi Yamashita on Eastern street in Grand Rapids Mi in 1972.

Adult practice began for Mr O’Neill in 1982. Those early years were spent practicing Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu karate under Sensei Gene Wudkewych. In 1998 Mr. O’Neill switched to Matsumura Seito Shorin-Ryu as brought to us by Hanshi Phillip Koeppel under Sensei John Hutchcroft.

Sensei O’Neill occasionally competes and has won numerous trophies and two national titles in kata competition in United States Karate Do-Kai. Sensei O’Neill prefers to focus on personal development rather than competition. Students that wish to compete will receive coaching but is not required.