Benedicto P. Elopre, born on May 6, 1955 at #8 San Miguel,
Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Philippines.
They were eight siblings in the family and he was expected by his
parents to become the 'black sheep' because of his 'pilyo' attitude.
As a child he was very fond in the sports of boxing. His boxing idol
was the famous and legendary 'Flash' Elorde, a known world champion
in his category.
He had his first informal karate training when he was in grade 1 to 3,
under Master Juanito Piaz, 6th Dan Red & White from the Black Phantom
Karate Club, Naga City and is now called the Bastikan Clan. He was also
very active in scouting. In 1966, while in grade six, Master Elopre
experienced his first fight against a bigger guy. After this, he
realized that he wanted to train harder in karate to defend himself.
Now in high school, he had a friend from Jingky Karate Club who was a
3rd Dan Blackbelt and encouraged him to train with him and being an
enthusiast of the art, he did.
In 1968, he watched a demonstration by Black Kimono Okinawan Art, held
at the local municipal. This club was affiliated to a Master of Karate
teaching employees from the local government, military, and youth
organizations nationwide, and became an inspiration to excel and study
more the art of karate. Years passed by and as he doubled his efforts
of his training, he was promoted to 3rd Dan Blackbelt. He was now given
the authority to teach karate at this time. He became very close to
his Master and consequently was given secret karate techniques. He
continued his training until 1972.
In 1970 to 1971, he trained at a Judo Club under Detective
Claros. He only reached until yellow belt.
In 1973, he entered seminary. Personal experience that time, that there
were a lack of true teachers/masters, only those claiming to be
masters but without license, and this was of great concern for him.
In 1975, he organized or founded Okinawa Shorin-ryu Clan inside the
seminary, Holy Rosary Regional Seminary, Conception Heights, Naga City,
for the purpose of sharing the Ancient Art of Shorin-Ryu for future
clergy/priests and seminary workers. There he learned from his students
that there is a Master that came from Manila teaching Okinawan
Shorin-Ryu Karatedo in the P. C. Provincial Command. One year after OSC
was organized. In 1976, he visited the training center and met the
Master, Manny Q. Duran. As sign of submission to this great and true
master, he surrendered hid 3rd Dan Black belt, and started the basics
together with his students. After 1 year, he was promoted, and Master
Duran returned the surrendered 3rd Dan in 1977.
In the summer 1977, Master Duran accompanied him to Manila together
with brother, Toy 'Lightning' Elopre, and they were submitted to the
board of examiners of the Philippine Amateur Karate Association (PAKA).
In their residence, Roberto Gonzales (Hari ng Karate), Rolando
Gonzales (Hari ng Judo), and 'The Last Warrior' Manny Q. Duran, gave
them the rank examination. As they passed the test, later was confirmed
of his 3rd Dan in Manila.
In 1979, two years after, he was promoted to 4th Dan at Master Duran at
Duran School of Martial Arts (DUSMA) Training Center, at the TRAFFCOM,
GHQ. P.C. Provincial Command, Camarines Sur. And in 1980, he was now a
senior 4th Dan, confirmed at an old building within the city proper of
Naga City. The specific location is where Philippine National Bank
(PNB) now stands.
One month after ordination to the Priesthood, he was promoted to 5th
Dan, Oct. 17, 1982 at the DUSMA (Duran School of Martial Arts,
Dimasalang St., Naga City).
He was promoted to 6th Dan Red and White Belt in May 6, 1986 at 
Navarette's Residence Km.11 Carolina, Naga City. Sponsored by Mayor
Jess Robredo of Naga City.
In 1990, a special occasion was held in Quipayo Parish Church, as a
farewell party for Master Elopre as he is now being assigned as Army
Chaplain. There was also a semi-tournament held in that occasion and
was participated in by local chapters along with the newly established
region 4 group.
As he was being assigned to different parts of the country, he received
his 7th Dan Red and White Belt in 1992, through an official letter from
Master Duran.
He received a verbal promotion to 8th Dan from Master Duran. The last
conversation month's prior of his death and months upon assignment to
Region II in 1993. While being assigned in Davao, he received a
telegram notifying a heart attack occurred to Master and until a second
telegram was received informing his death.
One story from Master Elopre's training under Master Duran,; "I would
come and visit him in his home to train or sometimes just to have a
conversation. Then Sir Manny (as we call him) would ask me to buy a
pack of cigarette, coffee and sugar. As I went to off to the store, I
realize that he did not give me any money". This is one of his many
ways of teaching you humbleness.
Another story was that another Master of a different club challenged
Master Duran. He was much bigger and younger. As the duel came, it came
to the point that Master Duran was at the receiving end but a fatal
mistake was all it took to defeat the other Master. He made the same
technique that he used earlier in the fight and in that moment Master
Duran quickly took advantage and delivered a counter sending him down
hard to the floor, which eventually led to admit defeat.
Master Elopre's karate training has made him a great visionary.
Utilizing its philosophical values and virtues in line his spirituality
serving as a Man of God. As he founded the OSC, its goals are centered
in the development of an individual's good character, therefore
creating good leaders of the community and of a nation. Giving emphasis
to the ff: Spiritual, Moral, Intellectual, Social, Aesthetics and
Physical (SMISAP). As he calls it, the 'wholistic' approach of
relationship. Our relation with God (the vertical line) and the
relationship with our fellowmen (the horizontal line). +
Being an Oscian is not just the physical aspect of karate, but to go
deeper into the heart of it, and realizing the vision, the true essence
of Karatedo's way of life.
