Théâtre Impérial le 9 juin dernier en présence de Monsieur Raymond Bernier,
député de Montmorency et président du caucus libéral.



The Judan was given to Master Clermont Poulin on Saturday, May 25th 2009 at the 29th Quebec Open

Clermont Poulin has been evolving in the world of martial arts for over 40 years. In 1986, he met a person who was going to change drastically not only his practice of martial arts but also how to teach them. That’s when he met Grand Master Nick Cerio, founder of Nick Cerio s Kenpo Karate. The complicity between the two men settles very quickly. Besides considering him to be his professor and his mentor, Clermont has the privilege to count Professor Cerio among his friends. Clermont remains linked to Professor Cerio until his last breath on October 7th, 1998. In spite of his Master’s death, Clermont always remained faithful to him and decided to preserve Professor Cerio’s education in the practice of our style.

When a Grand Master passes away, it is customary for the highest-ranking person in the organization to automatically accept his degree. Clermont, being the highest ranking in Nick Cerio’s Kenpo Karate, should have seen himself automatically awarded Professor Cerio’s, which is 10th Dan, in 1998. But Clermont, being an honourable man, refused this nomination based on the principle that he could not see himself awarded this rank because of his Master’s passing away.

Almost 11 years have passed since then, and Clermont still holds the rank of Hashidan. However, the man and the karateka in him has never stopped his ascent and continues developing the qualities which characterize a 10th Dan in the martial arts world. To us, Clermont, you hold all the qualities defining what a 10th Dan should be.

Through your intensity in training, you are a source of inspiration for all members of your organization. Through the loyalty, the integrity and the faithfulness you have shown towards Professor Cerio as well as towards us, you have transmitted us all fundamental values of life. Through your wisdom and your persistence, you show us the steps to be followed to overcome our challenges and obstacles. Through your leading role within our organization, you know how to rally us around a common mission which is to form good athletes, but also good persons. Finally, through the influence and the respect that everyone shows you, both on the national and international scenes, you allow us to have the best education and influences contributing to our ascent in the world of martial arts.

This evening, the United Studios’ Circle of the Wise has the unique privilege to mark the history of martial arts in North America. In front of your students, your friends, your collaborators, your family and also Professor Cerio, who is in all our hearts, the United Studios’ Circle of the Wise, by the authority vested in them, has the honour to grant you the title which represents the best of what you are as a man and as a practitioner of martial arts, that is to say, the title of Judan 10th Dan.

The hand that gives it to you is his, the hand that accepts it will become yours.