Neil began Aikido in 1983 at the Brighton Aikikai. He subsequently lived in Japan for 14 years, studying at the World Aikido Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, and received his 3rd dan from the Second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, in 1993.
From 1999 to 2016, he lived in Edinburgh, where he founded Azami-Kai.

Since 2016 Neil has been resident in Thailand teaching at Renshinkan Aikido Dojo in Chiang Mai.