Sensei Herb began his formal martial arts training in 1975 in Pai Lum Kung Fu. In 1976, his karate training began at the academy of Okinawan Karate/Kung Fu under Sensei John Izzo. In 1978, Sensei Herb was promoted to Instructor as a 2nd Kyu. He was then tested and promoted to rank of Black Belt in 1979. He is currently ranked as 9th Dan.