Ervin Tong started his karate training in 1990 through classes offered by the Calgary Board of Education's Continuing Education Programs. Soon after, he began teaching for them as an assistant instructor, gaining experience and honing his skills. Ervin received his shodan with the All Japan Karatedo Federation Renbukai in 1998.

Always having a great interest in traditional weapons, he searched for a kobudo instructor and was fortunate to encounter one at a local tournament. Ervin subsequently started his study of kobudo and after several years of hard training, was awarded his shodan in Kobudo through the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Kai in 2003.

Ervin has had great success in tournaments, winning many local, national, and international titles. Although he continues to actively compete, he is currently dedicating the majority of his time to coaching. He has trained exceptional students who have shared his success both on and off the tournament scene

Ervin continues to train in both Renbukai karate and Ryukyu kobudo, always seeking to improve both himself and his students.