Our Sensei
Sensei Alcide Bourque
Sensei Alcide Bourque
1932-2023
1932-2023
Sensei Alcide Bourque’s interest in the martial arts started after attending a public karate demonstration. The next day, he decided to go and watch classes given by Sensei Masami Tsuruoka at the Queen Street dojo in Toronto. After attending and watching a few of his classes, one of Sensei Tsuruoka’s students approached Alcide and asked if he was interested in learning karate. It is from that day on, January 7th 1962 at the age of 29, that Sensei Bourque started his formal training in karate. The style of karate being taught by Masami Tsuruoka at that time was Chito-ryu which he learned from his teacher in Japan, Dr. Chitose. After five years of intensively working out, Sensei Bourque obtained his Black belt in 1967 from Dr. Chitose and under the guidance of Sensei Masami Tsuruoka. Sensei Bourque is part of the second wave of students that trained under Sensei Tsuruoka. The second wave also included Bill Doyle, Lonny Pike, Murray Sutherland, Monty Guest and his brother, Nathan Guest. The first group of student under Tsuruoka’s teaching were also very influential in Sensei Bourque’s intense training.
Sensei Alcide Bourque’s interest in the martial arts started after attending a public karate demonstration. The next day, he decided to go and watch classes given by Sensei Masami Tsuruoka at the Queen Street dojo in Toronto. After attending and watching a few of his classes, one of Sensei Tsuruoka’s students approached Alcide and asked if he was interested in learning karate. It is from that day on, January 7th 1962 at the age of 29, that Sensei Bourque started his formal training in karate. The style of karate being taught by Masami Tsuruoka at that time was Chito-ryu which he learned from his teacher in Japan, Dr. Chitose. After five years of intensively working out, Sensei Bourque obtained his Black belt in 1967 from Dr. Chitose and under the guidance of Sensei Masami Tsuruoka. Sensei Bourque is part of the second wave of students that trained under Sensei Tsuruoka. The second wave also included Bill Doyle, Lonny Pike, Murray Sutherland, Monty Guest and his brother, Nathan Guest. The first group of student under Tsuruoka’s teaching were also very influential in Sensei Bourque’s intense training.
The names of these students are: Benny Allen, Qai Wong, John Matsumoto, Jim Imamura, Ned Paige and Shane Higashi. At this point in history, Tsuruoka's son and wife: David and Kei, respectively, were also learning karate. Other members of Tsuruoka’s dojo who trained very hard with Sensei Bourque in those days are: Hal Henschel, Fred Boyko, Don Hooper, Mas Takano and Frank Foulkes. It was the beginning of a long journey in the arts of self-defence, of self-mastery.
The names of these students are: Benny Allen, Qai Wong, John Matsumoto, Jim Imamura, Ned Paige and Shane Higashi. At this point in history, Tsuruoka's son and wife: David and Kei, respectively, were also learning karate. Other members of Tsuruoka’s dojo who trained very hard with Sensei Bourque in those days are: Hal Henschel, Fred Boyko, Don Hooper, Mas Takano and Frank Foulkes. It was the beginning of a long journey in the arts of self-defence, of self-mastery.
It’s worth mentioning that when Sensei Bourque was promoted to the rank of Godan, which is a fifth degree Black belt, he was the only remaining person of Tsuruoka’s oldest group of students at that time to receive this recognition from his teacher. He was also the oldest active member in the Tsuruoka Karate School, across Canada, and head instructor of this organization in Atlantic Canada. However, for personal reason, Sensei Bourque is no longer associated with the Tsuruoka organization.
It’s worth mentioning that when Sensei Bourque was promoted to the rank of Godan, which is a fifth degree Black belt, he was the only remaining person of Tsuruoka’s oldest group of students at that time to receive this recognition from his teacher. He was also the oldest active member in the Tsuruoka Karate School, across Canada, and head instructor of this organization in Atlantic Canada. However, for personal reason, Sensei Bourque is no longer associated with the Tsuruoka organization.
Sensei Alcide Bourque is credited for being rather influential in establishing the N.B. Karate Association. He has also coached students provincially as well as nationally, including Team Canada during the 4th World Karate Championships in 1977 held in Tokyo, Japan.
Sensei Alcide Bourque is credited for being rather influential in establishing the N.B. Karate Association. He has also coached students provincially as well as nationally, including Team Canada during the 4th World Karate Championships in 1977 held in Tokyo, Japan.
In returning to his home town Grande Digue, New Brunswick in 1970, and still under the supervision of his teacher, Sensei Bourque started the first Tsuruoka School of Karate. On November 11 of the same year, he started teaching at “Leo’s Hall” in Caissie Cape, a small town not too far from where he lived and still lives to this day. It’s important to mention that many students were anxiously waiting to train under Sensei Bourque at this time. This was the first school of its kind in the province of New Brunswick. He was also, at the time, the first Black belt with formal training living and instructing karate in this province.
In returning to his home town Grande Digue, New Brunswick in 1970, and still under the supervision of his teacher, Sensei Bourque started the first Tsuruoka School of Karate. On November 11 of the same year, he started teaching at “Leo’s Hall” in Caissie Cape, a small town not too far from where he lived and still lives to this day. It’s important to mention that many students were anxiously waiting to train under Sensei Bourque at this time. This was the first school of its kind in the province of New Brunswick. He was also, at the time, the first Black belt with formal training living and instructing karate in this province.
With a growing interest in the martial arts from individuals of all ages, in 1971, Sensei Bourque started another school. This time it was in Moncton, New Brunswick. For approximately six months, he trained his students at the Moncton Union Center located on Norwood Avenue. He later moved his classes to the Hillcrest School also located in Moncton. After roughly two and a half years, he again moved to another location. This was to the Vanier High School. He remained at this location for around 32 years, until the closure of this school in 2005. Since then, Sensei Bourque continued teaching karate classes at “Le Mascaret” School located on Leopold F. Belliveau Dr., Moncton, New Brunswick, where he still give classes twice a week, as of 2014.
With a growing interest in the martial arts from individuals of all ages, in 1971, Sensei Bourque started another school. This time it was in Moncton, New Brunswick. For approximately six months, he trained his students at the Moncton Union Center located on Norwood Avenue. He later moved his classes to the Hillcrest School also located in Moncton. After roughly two and a half years, he again moved to another location. This was to the Vanier High School. He remained at this location for around 32 years, until the closure of this school in 2005. Since then, Sensei Bourque continued teaching karate classes at “Le Mascaret” School located on Leopold F. Belliveau Dr., Moncton, New Brunswick, where he still give classes twice a week, as of 2014.
In the fall of 1972, after being approached many time by Mr. Richard Lymburner, Sensei Bourque started teaching karate at the Louis-J-Robichaud High School located in Shediac, New Brunswick. To this day, in 2014 and since he began in 1972, he still passionately teaches classes twice a week even after 42 years at this school. It’s important to mention that Mr. Lymburner was the first director of this high school, from 1969 to 1975.
In the fall of 1972, after being approached many time by Mr. Richard Lymburner, Sensei Bourque started teaching karate at the Louis-J-Robichaud High School located in Shediac, New Brunswick. To this day, in 2014 and since he began in 1972, he still passionately teaches classes twice a week even after 42 years at this school. It’s important to mention that Mr. Lymburner was the first director of this high school, from 1969 to 1975.
From that beginning, Sensei Bourque has been responsible for the opening of many others karate schools throughout our province and Prince Edward Island. He has trained thousands of students. In 1979, he started to travel on weekends to train students in the small towns of Tracadie and Caraquet. Also in New Brunswick, in 1980, he brought his teaching to the town of Bouctouche. He continued working out with his students at this location two hours a night, on Wednesday’s until June of 2013. For many years, Sensei Bourque was training karate with his students five nights a week.
From that beginning, Sensei Bourque has been responsible for the opening of many others karate schools throughout our province and Prince Edward Island. He has trained thousands of students. In 1979, he started to travel on weekends to train students in the small towns of Tracadie and Caraquet. Also in New Brunswick, in 1980, he brought his teaching to the town of Bouctouche. He continued working out with his students at this location two hours a night, on Wednesday’s until June of 2013. For many years, Sensei Bourque was training karate with his students five nights a week.
In 1991, Sensei Bourque started to travel, again on weekends, to Montague, Prince Edward Island to teach student from this school of karate. In 1993, he started going to Oromocto and Lameque, New Brunswick and, in 1994, to the town of Neguac. Sensei Bourque’s works out on weekends were known to be very intense. On Saturday, close to 150 students could show up for eight hours of karate training, four hours in the morning and another four hours in the afternoon. The same group of students would again work out another 8 hours on Sunday.
In 1991, Sensei Bourque started to travel, again on weekends, to Montague, Prince Edward Island to teach student from this school of karate. In 1993, he started going to Oromocto and Lameque, New Brunswick and, in 1994, to the town of Neguac. Sensei Bourque’s works out on weekends were known to be very intense. On Saturday, close to 150 students could show up for eight hours of karate training, four hours in the morning and another four hours in the afternoon. The same group of students would again work out another 8 hours on Sunday.
Referring to the acknowledgement given by the Board and members of KarateNew/Nouveau Brunswick, our sensei, only after a short period of time, “… had the highest number of students in the National Karate Association. “ At one point in Sensei’s history, around 600 students were attending his classes, of which, 150 were under the age of 16. This acknowledgment was given to Sensei Bourque after being inducted in the NB Sports Hall of Fame/Temple de la Renommée Sportive N-B in 2010. As an inductee, he is recognized as an administrator, official, technician, coach, educator, organizer and sponsor for the sport of karate. He’s been acknowledged in the category of Builder. He is known by many as the ‘Father of Atlantic Canadian Karate’. It is also noted in the Telegraph Journal, dated June 1, 2010, during his inauguration, Sensei Bourque has rarely competed himself in tournaments. He doesn’t have trophies to show for all of his contribution to karate within New Brunswick. However, Sensei Masami Tsuruoka had once summed it up for our sensei: “You are not a Canadian champion. You never won any medals in tournaments”, but then adds, “You won something that a lot of people didn’t win, you’re a teacher”. Sensei Bourque tells us that he still values, to this day, this compliment given from his teacher.
Referring to the acknowledgement given by the Board and members of KarateNew/Nouveau Brunswick, our sensei, only after a short period of time, “… had the highest number of students in the National Karate Association. “ At one point in Sensei’s history, around 600 students were attending his classes, of which, 150 were under the age of 16. This acknowledgment was given to Sensei Bourque after being inducted in the NB Sports Hall of Fame/Temple de la Renommée Sportive N-B in 2010. As an inductee, he is recognized as an administrator, official, technician, coach, educator, organizer and sponsor for the sport of karate. He’s been acknowledged in the category of Builder. He is known by many as the ‘Father of Atlantic Canadian Karate’. It is also noted in the Telegraph Journal, dated June 1, 2010, during his inauguration, Sensei Bourque has rarely competed himself in tournaments. He doesn’t have trophies to show for all of his contribution to karate within New Brunswick. However, Sensei Masami Tsuruoka had once summed it up for our sensei: “You are not a Canadian champion. You never won any medals in tournaments”, but then adds, “You won something that a lot of people didn’t win, you’re a teacher”. Sensei Bourque tells us that he still values, to this day, this compliment given from his teacher.
Furthermore, on September 10, 2005, Sensei Bourque was inducted into the Moncton Wall of Fame for his enormous contribution in training many individuals who later became top competitors in the sport of Karate. Of these competitors, we can easily mention: Arthur Bourgeois, Victor Cormier, Louis Comeau and Leo Savoie. These names are a very short list of the quality athletes that where trained under the guidance of Sensei Bourque. An attempt to properly credit these students and others will be done later on. However, Arthur Bourgeois has always maintained a special place in Sensei Bourque memories. Sensei Bourque credits Arthur Bourgeois success as the beginning of his personal accomplishment as a teacher in the sport of karate. Arthur Bourgeois was a strong competitor when he attended tournaments. Mr. Bourgeois was also Sensei’s first student to receive a black belt from Sensei Tsuruoka. In the photo entitled “First Black Belts”, we find the picture of Arthur Bourgeois and 4 others who also received a black belt on this same day. From left to right, the names are: Jean-Robert Bourgeois, Arthur Bourgeois, Sensei Alcide Bourque, Oscar Leger, Victor Cormier and Raymond Hewitt. This photo was taken in March of 1975 after receiving their Black belts.. Not seen in the photo, but who also got his Black belt on this day, was Louis Comeau.
Furthermore, on September 10, 2005, Sensei Bourque was inducted into the Moncton Wall of Fame for his enormous contribution in training many individuals who later became top competitors in the sport of Karate. Of these competitors, we can easily mention: Arthur Bourgeois, Victor Cormier, Louis Comeau and Leo Savoie. These names are a very short list of the quality athletes that where trained under the guidance of Sensei Bourque. An attempt to properly credit these students and others will be done later on. However, Arthur Bourgeois has always maintained a special place in Sensei Bourque memories. Sensei Bourque credits Arthur Bourgeois success as the beginning of his personal accomplishment as a teacher in the sport of karate. Arthur Bourgeois was a strong competitor when he attended tournaments. Mr. Bourgeois was also Sensei’s first student to receive a black belt from Sensei Tsuruoka. In the photo entitled “First Black Belts”, we find the picture of Arthur Bourgeois and 4 others who also received a black belt on this same day. From left to right, the names are: Jean-Robert Bourgeois, Arthur Bourgeois, Sensei Alcide Bourque, Oscar Leger, Victor Cormier and Raymond Hewitt. This photo was taken in March of 1975 after receiving their Black belts.. Not seen in the photo, but who also got his Black belt on this day, was Louis Comeau.
In 1975, returning to his earlier years of teaching karate, Sensei Bourque was instrumental for bringing and organizing the Canadian National Black Belt Championships to Moncton, New Brunswick. This was the first time that an event of such significance within the martial arts was held in the Maritime province. The competitors representing Team New Brunswick during only the second occasion that these championships were held across Canada are: Dave Green, Arthur Bourgeois, Jean-Robert Bourgeois, Victor Cormier, Gary Power, Bill Grimmer and Oscar Leger. Sensei Bourque was the team manager while their coach was Robert Green. The team members can be seen, in the same order presented previously, in the photo “Team New Brunswick, 1975”. However, Victor Cormier is standing behind Jean-Robert Bourgeois and can’t be seen properly. Robert Green is wearing regular clothing while Sensei Bourque is not shown in this photo.
In 1975, returning to his earlier years of teaching karate, Sensei Bourque was instrumental for bringing and organizing the Canadian National Black Belt Championships to Moncton, New Brunswick. This was the first time that an event of such significance within the martial arts was held in the Maritime province. The competitors representing Team New Brunswick during only the second occasion that these championships were held across Canada are: Dave Green, Arthur Bourgeois, Jean-Robert Bourgeois, Victor Cormier, Gary Power, Bill Grimmer and Oscar Leger. Sensei Bourque was the team manager while their coach was Robert Green. The team members can be seen, in the same order presented previously, in the photo “Team New Brunswick, 1975”. However, Victor Cormier is standing behind Jean-Robert Bourgeois and can’t be seen properly. Robert Green is wearing regular clothing while Sensei Bourque is not shown in this photo.
We find the team members warming up for the tournament in the following photo. We have Arthur Bourgeois, Jean-Robert Bourgeois, Gary Power, Victor Cormier, Bill Grimmer and Oscar Leger.
We find the team members warming up for the tournament in the following photo. We have Arthur Bourgeois, Jean-Robert Bourgeois, Gary Power, Victor Cormier, Bill Grimmer and Oscar Leger.
It is during this tournament in Moncton that Sensei Bourque saw one of his students chosen to be part of Team Canada in the 3rd World Karate Championships held in Long Beach, California in October 1975. It was also the first time ever that a student from New Brunswick was chosen to be part of Team Canada. This was accomplished only after five years of intensively training with his students.
It is during this tournament in Moncton that Sensei Bourque saw one of his students chosen to be part of Team Canada in the 3rd World Karate Championships held in Long Beach, California in October 1975. It was also the first time ever that a student from New Brunswick was chosen to be part of Team Canada. This was accomplished only after five years of intensively training with his students.
Sensei Bourque has been responsible for training students from New Brunswick too compete in four different World Karate Championships. As previously mentioned, Victor Cormier was the first from the province of New Brunswick to attend not only the 3rd of these championships, but also the 4th which was held in Tokyo, Japan in 1977. Team Canada had finished 8th place overall while Mr. Cormier hadn’t lost any of his individual matches. That year, 400 individuals from 47 different countries had competed in the World Championships.
Sensei Bourque has been responsible for training students from New Brunswick too compete in four different World Karate Championships. As previously mentioned, Victor Cormier was the first from the province of New Brunswick to attend not only the 3rd of these championships, but also the 4th which was held in Tokyo, Japan in 1977. Team Canada had finished 8th place overall while Mr. Cormier hadn’t lost any of his individual matches. That year, 400 individuals from 47 different countries had competed in the World Championships.
In 1980, we find Louis Comeau, another noteworthy student of Sensei Bourque, who attended the 5th World Karate Championships which were held in Madrid, Spain. While Arthur Bourgeois had also been chosen to be part of Team Canada that year, he didn’t attend for personal reasons. Furthermore, in 1986, Leo Savoie was also chosen to be a member of Team Canada who competed in the 8th World Karate Championships held in Sydney, Australia.
In 1980, we find Louis Comeau, another noteworthy student of Sensei Bourque, who attended the 5th World Karate Championships which were held in Madrid, Spain. While Arthur Bourgeois had also been chosen to be part of Team Canada that year, he didn’t attend for personal reasons. Furthermore, in 1986, Leo Savoie was also chosen to be a member of Team Canada who competed in the 8th World Karate Championships held in Sydney, Australia.
Sensei Alcide Bourque has been fortunate, according to himself, at least three other times during his dealing with karate. He considers his meetings with Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose as significant events in his life. The first time, as mentioned earlier, was when Bourque got his Black belt back in 1967. It was also the first time that Dr. Chitose had visited Canada. During this visit, Dr. Chitose was accompanied by his protégé Mamoru Yamamoto. His trip to Canada had been organized by Sensei Tsuruoka. At that time, Sensei Tsuruoka was head of the Chito-ryu style of karate in Canada. In 1967, while in Canada, Dr. Chitose also presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament held in Toronto.
Sensei Alcide Bourque has been fortunate, according to himself, at least three other times during his dealing with karate. He considers his meetings with Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose as significant events in his life. The first time, as mentioned earlier, was when Bourque got his Black belt back in 1967. It was also the first time that Dr. Chitose had visited Canada. During this visit, Dr. Chitose was accompanied by his protégé Mamoru Yamamoto. His trip to Canada had been organized by Sensei Tsuruoka. At that time, Sensei Tsuruoka was head of the Chito-ryu style of karate in Canada. In 1967, while in Canada, Dr. Chitose also presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament held in Toronto.
In June of 1973, Sensei Bourque met again, for the second time, with Dr. Chitose. This time, accompanied by Hidemichi Kugizaki, Dr. Chitose performed some demonstration at the Hillcrest High School where Sensei Bourque was training with his students. Dr. Chitose also presided during a grading for some of Sensei Bourque’s student.
In June of 1973, Sensei Bourque met again, for the second time, with Dr. Chitose. This time, accompanied by Hidemichi Kugizaki, Dr. Chitose performed some demonstration at the Hillcrest High School where Sensei Bourque was training with his students. Dr. Chitose also presided during a grading for some of Sensei Bourque’s student.
Another significant moment for Sensei Bourque was when he was asked to stay at Dr. Chitose’s home while coaching Team Canada during the 4th World Karate Championships. As previously mentioned, this event was held in Tokyo, Japan in 1977. For Sensei Bourque, it had been a great honor to have had such an invitation from a great and true Master of the Martial arts. The only other person receiving such an invitation was Ross Ruble. In the photo below, we see Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose and Sensei Bourque, which was taken at Chitose’s home in 1977.
Another significant moment for Sensei Bourque was when he was asked to stay at Dr. Chitose’s home while coaching Team Canada during the 4th World Karate Championships. As previously mentioned, this event was held in Tokyo, Japan in 1977. For Sensei Bourque, it had been a great honor to have had such an invitation from a great and true Master of the Martial arts. The only other person receiving such an invitation was Ross Ruble. In the photo below, we see Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose and Sensei Bourque, which was taken at Chitose’s home in 1977.
The following photos were taken on June 18, 1973 when Dr. Chitose was in the Moncton area. In the next two photos, we have Dr. Chitose demonstrating a “Throw down” technique and a “Wrist” technique with his protégé Hidemichi Kugizaki.
The following photos were taken on June 18, 1973 when Dr. Chitose was in the Moncton area. In the next two photos, we have Dr. Chitose demonstrating a “Throw down” technique and a “Wrist” technique with his protégé Hidemichi Kugizaki.
In the next three photos, we can see Dr. Chitose presenting new belts to some of Sensei Bourque’s students. Respectively, Arthur Bourgeois, Victor Cormier and Yvonne Belliveau are some of the students that were graded on this day.
In the next three photos, we can see Dr. Chitose presenting new belts to some of Sensei Bourque’s students. Respectively, Arthur Bourgeois, Victor Cormier and Yvonne Belliveau are some of the students that were graded on this day.
In the following two photos, we have a group picture of the students who had attended the demonstrations on this day and a picture of Sensei Bourque’s family members with Dr. Chitose.
In the following two photos, we have a group picture of the students who had attended the demonstrations on this day and a picture of Sensei Bourque’s family members with Dr. Chitose.
The next two photos show Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose and Mr. Hidemichi Kugizaki in a more relaxed environment. We see them with Alphe LeBlanc holding quite a big lobster over at Sensei Bourque’s home and then, we see them on a ferry while crossing to Prince Edward Island.
The next two photos show Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose and Mr. Hidemichi Kugizaki in a more relaxed environment. We see them with Alphe LeBlanc holding quite a big lobster over at Sensei Bourque’s home and then, we see them on a ferry while crossing to Prince Edward Island.
These are only a few photos representing Sensei Bourque’s 43 years of teaching karate. However, an attempt will be made to share more photos of Sensei personal collection in a different section of this web site.
These are only a few photos representing Sensei Bourque’s 43 years of teaching karate. However, an attempt will be made to share more photos of Sensei personal collection in a different section of this web site.