William sensei commenced training in 1994 with Aikikai Australia under the direction of Sugano Sensei. Trained until 2001, obtaining the grade of Shodan in January 2000.

Travelled to Japan in September/October 1999 and 2005, training in Hombu Dojo under the current Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba. Whilst training with Aikikai Australia, was fortunate enough to take instruction from many leading Japanese Shihan including current Doshu, Osawa Sensei, Tamura Sensei, Shindo Sensei and of course Sugano Sensei.

Left Aikikai Australia in 2001 for personal reasons and joined the Kufudokan dojo of Grant South Sensei. South Sensei researches the early Aiki Budo of o'sensei and demonstrates a dynamic and powerful form of Aikido. Forming the Makotokan Dojo in July 2002 along with assistant instructor Tony Cox, the Dojo has since established a strong core of dedicated students.

In March 2004, realising the need for Aikikai Hombu recognition and higher level of instruction for his students, the Dojo became an affiliate of the Central Coast Aikikai under the direction of Colin Hackett sensei 5th Dan & later being a founding member of the Australasian Aikikai.

Apart from his training in Aikido, William Sensei also practices Tenjin Shinyo ryu jujutsu, in which he holds a Mokoroku licence.

Bill sensei also holds Shodan in Goju ryu Karate in which he practiced from 1961 to 1995.

Bill Sensei was awarded Nidan by Gordon Jones Sensei at the 2007 winter Gasshuku and was promoted to Shidoin in 2010.