OKJ History

EARLY YEARS

The original circle and tiger symbol of Okuden Karate Jutsu (OKJ) derived from the instructors’ early training in the modified Chito Ryu Karate that was introduced to Ottawa by the late Andre Langelier (Godan) in the 1960’s.  Mr. Langelier was a student of the Father of Canadian Karate, Masami Tsuruoka (Kudan). As well, Langelier was original instructor to the first generation Chito Ryu sensei in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Tsurouka Sensei added the Shotokan versions of various kata to his Karate and taught these to his students. He felt that the more linear Shotokan kata would present less of a challenge for Western learners. 

Ottawa Karate Jutsu (OKJ) started in 1996 after Sensei Duchesney received Shodan rank  from Sensei Alberto Bernabo (Sandan), of Bernabo’s Institute of Karate. Sensei Bernabo, a former professional kick-boxer, teaching Kata and hard-contact Karate and its associated training methods.  Other instructor's included the late Fermo Stefanelli (Sandan) and Carl Presland (Nidan). OKJ  operated from 1996 to 2003 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Merivale Road in Ottawa. From 2003 to 2017, OKJ  operated at the Dalhousie Community Centre and recently moved the club to the McNabb Community Centre. 

 In 2005, the club's name was changed to Okuden karate Jutsu to reflect Sensei Duchesney's interest in classical bunkai.  In Karate terms, The Japanese word Okuden refers to deeper levels of bunkai jutsu as opposed to Omote, the obvious interpretation of Kata movements.  To mark the club's name change, the original symbol was replaced by the current one.

Part of OKJ's  mission has always been to make Karate instruction available to low income earners and the physically and mentally challenged. We are dedicated to empowering people. 

 INFLUENCES / CURRENT FOCUS:

OKJ focuses on bunkai jutsu and associated kata. Sensei Duchesney remains heavily-influenced by the late Hanshi Paul Leonard (Kudan) as well as Karate Jutsu researchers like Iain Abernathy, Vince Morris and Patrick McCarthy. 

CANADIAN KARATE ASSOCIATION (CKA):

Sensei Duchesney has been a member of the Canadian Karate Association since 2009. He trains frequently with Kyoshi Francois Beaulieu (Kudan) and attends CKA technical clinics. Sensei Duchesney is the organization's Ottawa South Director.

 WOMEN'S SELF-DEFENCE

 Sensei Duchesney also conducts periodic women's self-defence seminars and has taught women's self-defence at community centres,  the YMCA and for the federal government. He has conducted research to determine the most common violent scenarios that occur in the Ottawa area including man against man, man against woman, "swarming" and various armed attacks. The goal of this research is to prioritize training methods by establishing a predictive model of the most common acts of physical violence.