Sifu Peterson started martial arts in 1975 at St. Paul YMCA in Minnesota with Sensei Robert Billington, who was stationed in Okinawa, Japan with the US Army. While in Okinawa Sensei Billington studied under Sensei Ankicki Nakamura Okinawa Shuri-Te Karate. Sensei Billington also taught Karate in MN and WI for many years.

In 1992 Sifu Peterson traveled to Okinawa nine times to train in Karate with Sensei Ankichi Nakaumara. He also trained at the Shuri Dojo with other students of Sensei Chozo Nakama. While researching martial arts on each trip Sifu Peterson met many Masters of Okinawa Karate and received 1st degree through 5th degree black belts as well as a Shihan Certificate (Master Teacher) in Karate from Sensei Nakamura.

In 1996 Sifu Peterson began training with Master Tony Sandoval in Minnesota, a highly decorated US Marine who spent many years on Okinawa studying with different teachers. Master Sandoval awarded Sifu Peterson 6th, 7th and 8th degree Karate black belts, as well as a Kyoshi Certificate (Expert Instructor).

In his quest to keep learning and getting back to the early roots in the martial arts, Sifu Peterson discovered Cai Li Fo Kung Fu from his teacher from Minnesota, who had lived and trained in Foshan, China for several years. Sifu Peterson traveled to China himself and studied under Master Wai Leung and earned his coaching/teaching certificate.

While in China, Sifu Peterson met Grand Master Li of the Red Boat Ving Tsun lineage, and joined his Ving Tsun Instinct International Association to train in and learn this system. Throughout Covid 19, he continued training over Zoom until he was able to travel to China again.

Sifu Li’s group accepts students from all ages and walks of life in China. Sifu Li tells us that your training brothers and sisters are now your Kung Fu family once you join the association. Training sessions in China are unique where families support the students and they have brought dinner for the students at the Kwoon (Chinese Training  Hall). Sifu Li also spends time with each student during the training sessions. The annual association celebration in December is supported by students, families and local kung fu martial artists. There is over 100+ people at these annual celebration.

Sifu Peterson continues this tradition of training in Ving Tsun Instinct as created by Grand Master Li. He is teaching Ving Tsun Instinct Kung Fu from a new location in Rapid City, SD.