My name is Paul Lopresti. I began studying karate in the Fall of 1977, at the ripe old age of 7. This is partially due to the fact that my father had been training since 1972. We trained directly under Sensei L. B. Safar who was a student of Sensei T. Okazaki. I made Shodan on June 12th, 1982 with the JKA/ISKF. On August 6th, 1986, I was awarded the Grade of Nidan through the AJKA. I continued to train up until I began college. Then my training frequency dropped off from 1988-1995. But I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Physical Education, as well as a certification in Athletic Training with the N.A.T.A. In January of 1995, I came back to training with a purpose. Three years later on June 19th, 1998, I was awarded a Sandan. Later on that same year, I ruptured my ACL Ligament in my right knee and had it repaired (this proves that you can begin or continue to train no matter what circumstances you may have to overcome). On December 4th, 1999, I received my first Instructor Training Certificate. This course was about 14 months of meeting once a week to discuss topics such as techniques, kata bunkai, teaching hurdles, sport karate, etc., as well as some pretty grueling training sessions. This was not a book or correspondence course!!! I have also completed, with honors, the Karate Instructor Certificate course offered by Long Island University and SKIIL. In 2002 I was awarded Yondan by some senior Amercian Karate figures andI was also officialy titled the Technical Director for all of Shotokan Karate Jutsu and their member clubs.I have been published in the New Zealand magazine called Fight Times for an interview with Hanshi McCarthy. As well as co-authored a book with Dr. M.V. Stricevic at Long Island University which will is available through Scientific Karate Institute International entitled Karate: Martial Art and Sport Vol. 7. The second book co-authored with Dr. Stricevic on sweeping techniques was available in 2004. In 2006 I was recognized as Instructor of the Year for the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society.
On April 14th 2007, I earned the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt). Today at age 37, I continue to train a minimum of 3 classes per week and instruct from 2-3 times per week. I continue to attend seminars by Sensei McCarthy and his American affiliates on Koryu Uchinadi. In the summer of 2004 Hanshi McCarthy awarded me Yudansha rank in Koryu Uchinadi. In 2005 I was again awarded Shidoin by Hanshi McCarthy certifying me as an accredited instructor of Koryu Uchinadi. This website is a small compilation of what I have learned. My knowledge, and certainly Hanshi McCarthy's knowledge, of this topic is much broader than what is shown here. Once again, if you are interested in learning proper application of these techniques, please contact a Shotokan Karate Jutsu member club.
Paul Lopresti receiving his Shotokan Godan recognition from Sensei's Gould, Romano, Allan, Palise, Aschkar Jr. and other North American Shihan during USA-SKF's(now known as IUKO) 2007 International Camp.
