Master Montise Peterson has been training in martial arts since 1979. Beginning his early training in Kenpo karate, he later trained in Shotokan karate under Sensei Willie Edwards and eventually received his first black belt from Tanaka Sensei Robert Bell. Under Sensei Bell, Master Peterson also learned various other martial arts and combative systems such as; Japanese ju-jitsu, kickboxing, Arnis, Nunchaku, and the Bo staff. Sensei Peterson has been a black belt since 1999 and is currently ranked a 7th degree black belt in the martial arts.

Since 1995, Master Peterson has had the privilege of training with the elites of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, such as: Professors Rickson and Relson Gracie, Professor Caique, Professor Luis “Limao” Heredia, and received his Black belt from Professor Rigan Machado.

Master Peterson is the owner and Master instructor of Mizudo Academy of Martial Arts in Dearborn, Michigan. Mizudo Academy provides martial arts instruction for men, women, and children of all ages and fitness levels. Master Peterson has provided Martial Arts as after school programs to over 40 schools in the Detroit Metro Area.

Master Peterson has trained many champions in Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and currently coaches two MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighters, both of whom remain undefeated. Champion and student Paul Maffesoli currently holds the FightXC Light Heavyweight title.

As a Martial Arts instructor, Master Peterson has taught and conducted seminars and private lessons for police officers, security agents, and personal protection professionals. He provides annual assault prevention workshops for women and is considered a leading expert in teaching stranger awareness to children throughout the Detroit Metro area.

Master Peterson is dedicated to sharing and spreading the positive benefits Martial Arts has to offer: stress release, realistic self-defense, flexibility, improved concentration and focus, confidence, and fitness.

Click here to sign up for a free private lesson and consultation with Master Peterson.

Master Peterson teaching a Stranger Awareness workshop to a group of elementary students

Master Peterson teaching an Arnis seminar


Master Peterson with his two MAA fighters Champion Paul Maffesoli and Richard Roberson


Lecturing at a Martial Arts banquet

Mizudo - The "Way of Water" or the "Water Way"

This principle should be the basis for every martial artist. The great Bruce Lee promoted this philosophy of fluidity and malleability (the ability to change or adapt to a situation).

"Don't get set into one form. Adapt it and build your own, and let it grow; be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now, you put water in a cup—it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water…" - Bruce Lee

Water is soft, yet in the form of ice it can be extremely hard and unyielding. Water can be a gentle tide washing sand from the beach but in the form of a hurricane, it is the most destructive force in nature. When moving water encounters a rock, it does not try to combat the strength of the rock or try struggle to stop the rock. Instead, water covers the rock. It finds the holes and cracks and penetrates any weak points or opening in the rock.

It goes around, above, and under the rock, encompassing the rock. It can wear the rock down over time; water is patient, but relentless. Water assumes any form; if you pour it into a glass it becomes the glass. As a raging river, it can fill your lungs and take your breath from you. As steam, it can fill your lungs and help you relax and breathe.

We should strive to be like water in our lives—willing to change and grow. We should avoid being like rocks—too ridged or fixed unable to grow or change. The Way of Water: soft yet hard; gentle yet powerful; yielding yet unstoppable; able to assume any form needed to succeed. That is why my way is the way of "no" way…the Water Way: Mizudo.

Our Mission

Our pledge is to provide the finest Martial Arts Instruction and the finest student service. Mizudo Academy is a place where personal attention to the needs of our students is our first goal.

Our students will always enjoy a positive, supportive, high-energy atmosphere. The Mizudo experience invigorates your senses, instills well-being, promotes balance, and fulfills personal goals in all areas of your life.

Our mission is not to meet your expectations, but to exceed them. We currently offer over 40 classes per week, making it easy to find a convenient class-time to fit your schedule.