Born in Waterford, Ireland, Mick made his way to London, via Dublin, in the early 2000s and over the coming years developed a successful career there as a jazz double bassist. 

Mick had always led an active lifestyle, mainly through running, cycling, swimming and a dedicated yoga practice. Sometime after moving to the UK he began training in Capoeira and later went on to train Kung Fu in the Nam Pai Chuan style under Sufi Lai. 

Through his music connections, he met Guru Bob Breen and started training Jeet Kune Do. This fluid, eclectic style of martial arts aligned greatly with the improvisational nature of Mick’s musical discipline and, feeling very much at home, he has become a dedicated member of the academy and the academy fight team.