PKCC Episode 187 - Paul Dupre

Punch Kick Choke Chat

Join us this week as we sit down with Paul Dupre, a martial artist with over 61 years of experience spanning multiple disciplines and traditions. Sensei Dupre began his martial arts journey in 1963 at the Downsview Air Force Base in Toronto, training in Judo and Jujitsu under Minoru “Frank” Hatashita and his students. He later continued at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, where he was captivated by Karate and began his lifelong dedication to the art. In the 1970s, Sensei Dupre trained in Quebec under Raymond Damblant (Club Hakudokan) and Hiroshi Nakamura (Shidokan Judo Club), while also studying Aikido, Aiki-Jutsu, and Judo with Nicolas Gill. He trained Shotokan Karate under various instructors, including Nakayama, Okazaki, Kanazawa, Nishiyama, and others. He later aligned with Asai’s organization after Nakayama’s passing. Beyond Karate, Sensei Dupre has studied Chito-Ryu, Kendo, Seven-Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Tai Chi (Yang, Sun, and Chen), and Liu-Ho Ba Fa (Water Boxing). He continues to practice Tai Chi and Liu-Ho Ba Fa today. A former Vice President of JKA Quebec and President of Dojo Centrale in Montreal, Sensei Dupre also competed extensively from 1973 to 1989, forming connections with martial artists such as Cezar Borkowski, Patrick McCarthy, and John Therien. Currently ranked 8th Dan in Shotokan Karate and holding black belts in several other martial arts, Sensei Dupre is a strong-willed and independent leader and always tries to avoid the spotlight.