Petit sensei began his training within Nippon Kobudo Kamishin Ryu in
1971, first training under one of Soke Church's black belt instructors
then eventually under Church and Kelly sensei directly. It was Church's goal for his
students to train within a combined martial
structure, therefore, Petit earned separate black belt rankings
under the Kamishin Ryu system.
By 1979 Petit sensei moved to Texas.
In late 1995, Robert Kelly signed and sealed a letter giving Petit sensei
full sponsorship, permission and backing to carry on the Shorinji Tekken
(Tetsuken) Ryu / Kamishin Ryu lineage teachings as taught to him.
Petit sensei continually seeks to advance his budo training and
knowledge.
Petit began sword training in 1973. At that time the training
methods taught to him were based on the Mugai Ryu Iai system,
as taught to Church sensei by Shogo Kuniba. Since Church
sensei's death, in 1980, Petit maintained and passed on
these foundation teachings to his students.
Petit sensei has trained with Guy Power, Renshi seventh dan,
Toyama Ryu/ Nakamura Ryu Batto-Do (founded by Nakamura
Taizaburo, Hanshi tenth dan Toyama Ryu Iaido). Guy Power was
the USA representative of the International Batto-do Federation
and is now retired. Power sensei was introduced to Iaido (Mugai
Ryu) by Church sensei from 1970-1972.