After studying martial arts, off and on, for twenty years, Austin received a black belt in Tang Soo Do in 2004, but he saw limits to the art’s practical combative effectiveness and ability to present new challenges. He was looking for something subtler, more challenging, and that presented a pathway to true mastery. He found Nami-ryu Aiki Heiho and began studying under James Williams at the Dojo of the Four Winds in Encinitas, CA in 2005.

The sword-based nature of Nami-ryu has deliver on what Austin sought. Training for edged weapon combat provides near-infinite challenges and opportunities for improvement. The community of people studying Nami-ryu are serious and thoughtful, and are engaged in a common pursuit of higher attainment of skill through refinement of physical movement, application of superior strategy and personal growth. They also approach the pursuit the art with camaraderie and a desire to help each other grow and improve. In Nami-ryu the sword and our kata tell us if we are learning and improving and there is constant opportunity for feedback and progress and learning.

Austin brings the perspective of a lifelong study of, and Masters degree in, military history to his study of Nami-ryu and strives to apply the lessons of the past - in terms of what works and what doesn’t - to his training. He brings what he learns from Nami-ryu to operating an entrepreneurial business in aerospace technology for primarily US military customers. He has been married for 24 years and has two children