In 1972, wanting something different, Rick Marshall joined Don Warrener’s Martial Arts Academy. In 1975, holding the rank of brown belt he decided to travel to Japan and further his studies with Sensei Gogen Yamaguchi, who was the head of the Goju system in Japan. One year later he returned home as a Shodan and continued training under Warrener. Warrener had, by then, made a full commitment to the Bu Toku Kai organization under Richard Kim.

In 1978, after testing for Nidan, he moved to Parksville, British Columbia, and in 1979 began training in the local club. In 1980 he became a partner and in 1982 bought out his partner.

In 1983, he received his Sandan from O’Sensei Richard Kim, in 1990 became Yondan and in 1995 Godan.

In 1990 the University of Hawaii started an off-campus correspondence course in Martial Science called Polemikology. In March of 1995 he received his Masters Degree and in 1997 he received his Doctoral Degree in the field of Martial Science.

He continues to teach in Parksville, British Columbia.