INSTRUCTOR

My name is Rick Dupont. I am honored to have attained the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt and the title of “Shihan'' in Aiki Kempo Karate and a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as part of the Gracie system. I have had the opportunity to train with some amazing people on my journey and understand that everyone has something to offer. Each person is on his or her own path in life and the Martial arts offers an opportunity for everyone to walk on that path with confidence.

My background includes 12 years as a United States Marine, 18 years as a Police Officer here in New Hampshire and 23 years as a martial arts student studying Aiki Kempo Karate, Brazilian Jui Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing under Grand Master (Dashi) Robert Young the creator of the Aiki Kempo system.

My philosophy regarding the future of Eastern Dragon Karate and Self-Defense Center is to carry on the type of martial arts that Dashi worked hard to develop. To provide a place for everyone to learn and train at their own pace. I believe that the martial arts should be a matter of having fun while learning serious self-defense skills. When people are having fun, they do not realize the skills they are learning and regardless of age, they find that they have discovered confidence in themselves and in their lives.

The greatest reward is watching students grow in the martial arts, gain confidence and become successful people who are not afraid to accept the challenges of life.

Thank you and I look forward to training with you,

Shihan Rick

INSTRUCTOR

Hello, my name is Sensei Ian Smart, I am one of the head instructors here at Eastern Dragon Karate, I teach the kids classes and the Muay Thai program. I have been a student here for 5 years and I have received my Second Degree Black Belt. I've been teaching formally since July of 2021. I also have been learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 5 years. 

Outside of the dojo, I am currently in my second year of college at NHTI in Concord, NH. My major is the Criminal Justice associate in Science. In terms of where I want to see Eastern Dragon go, I want to continue the legacy Grandmaster Robert Young has created at Eastern Dragon. I want there to be a place where our students can come in and get away from their day for 45 minutes to an hour and. My philosophy of teaching is to make my students better at where they are than I was when I was there and to teach them valuable self defense and life skills while also having fun. 

Over the course of the past year since I’ve been teaching, it’s been amazing to watch our students grow not only in martial arts, but life in general and watch them come in and have fun and help out the other students in their classes. 

Thank you for reading, and I hope to meet you and train with you. 

Sensei Ian