As a qualitative researcher, I am interested in motivation and the relationship between movement, character, cognition, emotion, and spirit.

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My research areas lie within Positive Psychology and Exercise & Sport Psychology. I'm particularly interested in how both of these fields of psychology have emerged in terms of ethics, values, and regulation, and intersect in nature.

 

I am (2024-) enrolled in a part-time PhD at the University of Edinburgh under the Department of Sport, Physical Education & Health Sciences. My research topic is exploring the cultural, educational, and psychological dimensions of "kime" in Karate. The current phase is unpacking the physical, technical, and spiritual components of this Japanese term, which loosely translates to "decisive action with force" in karate.

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Independent research (2021-2025) has explored the motivation to practice and how this changes over time. It suggests that love of movement is an intrinsic strength that fosters a positive self-concept and self-regard, and in optimal conditions, facilitates self-actualisation and self-transcendence. We continue to do what we love, and are better off for it.

 

Postgraduate research (2019) has explored the motivation to teach martial arts and/or self-defence. It found that love, optimism, leadership, curiosity, creativity, perseverance, mastery, service, and compassion motivate teachers (at least those who are motivated by a moral compass). A positive emotional environment is key for ongoing motivation.

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Work-wise, I direct Operations and Education at the Positive Psychology Guild. This includes training and supervising Positive Psychology Practitioners. Prior to this, I worked with international organisations such as the United Nations, Doctors Without Borders, and International Red Cross & Red Crescent over 16 years, and ran a coaching and consulting practice.

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The Inner Athletics website was constructed in the Middle East in 2017. It was established as a company in the UK in 2018 and functioned in this capacity for coaching and training services until June 2023, when it became an ongoing research project focused on movement, education, and psychology.