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.