Dave received his black belt exactly 8 years later on September 18th, 1986, in a night which also found Mark Caldwell and Jim Harper testing for their belts.  He received his 2nd degree in December of 1990, his 3rd degree in March of 1995, his 4th degree in July 2000, and his 5th degree in December 2005 .

In 1988 Dave joined the U.S. Navy, which became a truly eye opening experience for him in terms of martial arts.  He had the opportunity to meet and train with experts in many different styles, and really came to appreciate what a unique style Lotus is.  What ever instructor he was training with, he found that elements of that style were ingrained in Lotus.  Whether it be the circular techniques of Aikido, the joint locks of Jiu-Jutsu or the external power of Goju-Ryu, they were all there in Lotus also.  Dave found Lotus to be the most well-rounded style out there.

While Lotus was integral in Dave’s development as a martial artist, he has always had a passion for kickboxing.  He has competed off and on for many years and has established an amateur record of 4 - 4.  Along with fellow black belt John Johnston (JJ), Dave currently coaches the Lotus kickboxing team based in Spokane, Washington.  The team has a small stable of fighters that compete regionally and have proven to be some of the best fighters in the area.

Dave has also had the opportunity to train in Tae Kwon Do, Goju Ryu, Aikido, Muay Thai, Escrima, Judo, Kajukenbo, and western Boxing.  He also had edged weapon training from James Keating and Bram Frank as well as unarmed defensive tactics training for law enforcement.

Dave lives in Spokane, has two sons, and is a Spokane City Firefighter.