Ray Peet was born in Oswego, New York and started his martial arts career at the University of Oswego Karate Club at the age of 10. His primary training was in Shobukan Goju Ryu Karate and Matayoshi Kobudo. His first instructor was Thomas Ravesi. Secondary instructors include: Frank Van Lenten (10th Degree BB) of the Goshin-Do Karate Do; George Alexander (10th Degree BB) of the I.S.K.K.F – Kobudo training; and Kenneth Penland (10th Degree BB) – Shorinji Aiki Jujitsu training.
Ray has visited Okinawa on several occasions to train with the highest level masters and to participate in Okinawa Karate and Kobudo festivals. He has had the privilege of training with and participating in demonstrations alongside Shobukan master Masanobu Shinjo. Kodokan masters Shinpo Matayoshi, Kyoki Miyagi, Seisho Itokazu, and Yoshiaki Gakiya; Meitoku Yagi (Meibukan), Morio Higaonna (I.O.G.K.F); Seikichi Higa (Shodokan), Tesunosuke Yasuda (Jundokan); and others.
Certifications
7th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu karate awarded by Shobukan Goju Ryu, Okinawa, Japan.
7th Degree Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo awarded by the Zen Okinawa Kobudo Renmei / All Okinawa Kobudo Federation, Okinawa, Japan.
1st Degree Black Belt in Aiki Jujitsu awarded by Kenneth Fenland of the Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu Association, United States of America