In 1981, he began training in Shotokan Karate under the guidance of Sensei Ernest Paramore. He obtained a 1st and 2nd Degree Black Belt. His primary focus was teaching the children's class at the YMCA until 1992.

In 1992, he began training with Shihan Sayfullah Al-Amriykiy a Shotokan stylist. From 1993 to 1994, he taught the Children's class at the Freedom Theater.

In 1995, he earned 3rd Dan in Shotokan Karate.

In 1998, Erik sought out the instructions of Shihan Terry Hayford to learn Aikijutsu and Japanese weaponry. He studied Aiki, Iai-jutsu, kenjutsu, jojutsu and various grappling arts until Shihan's death in 2002.

In 2006, Erik returned to Shihan Al-Amriykiy and resumed training.

In April 2009, he obtained his 4th Dan from the Universal Song Do Kwan Alliance. Also, he began training in Traditional Okinawan Weapons after being introduced to Oki-Kobudo by Sensei Quinton Massey in Delaware, a direct student of Kyoshi Wiggins. Erik is also a student at the head dojo in Philadelphia under Kyoshi Tyrone Wiggins, the founder of the Oki-Kobudo system.