NEWS ALERTS
Sensei Jeff Gervin Memorial Fund
The Sensei Jeff Gervin Memorial Fund offers grants of up to $200.00 to support SWKKF students seeking to deepen their martial arts training through seminars, courses, or training events in any martial discipline.
The fund is open from May 1 to December 31, 2025, and applications will be accepted on a first come, first-served basis while funds remain. More information and the application form can be found via the QR code or link on the attached poster.
Thank you very much for your support in helping us honour Sensei Jeff’s legacy by continuing to invest in the growth and development of our martial arts community.
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With appreciation and respect,
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Sensei Kelsey Mramor
Whitemud Karate Club
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NEWS ALERTS
Sensei Jeff Gervin Passing
Members of the SWKKF
It is with sincere sadness we announce the passing of Sensei Jeff Gervin on Monday March 10th 2025.
Sensei Jeff was a 7th degree black belt and a long time dedicated member of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation.
He was the head instructor of the club he founded, Synthesis Martial Arts in Boissevain Manitoba and was once a member of the Shintani National team. He also was the Manitoba Provincial Representative for many years and currently a very important contributor to our Governance Committee which created our Strategic Plan.
Sensei Jeff will be extremely missed by his students & friends in the SWKKF as well as the entire martial arts world.
Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends that he held so dearly to his heart.. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.
May he rest in peace
Sincerely,
Senate of the SWKKF
Shichidan Rank Advancement
Judging Training Group Member Search
Overview
The Events Committee is one of 12 Committees that support operations in the SWKKF. The Events Committee is established to oversee tournaments, clinics, and events offered to members of the SWKKF.
The Events Committee exists to support Pillar #2 “Invest In Our Members” of the current SWKKF Strategic Plan.
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To create a consistent quality student experience.
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To create a quality instructor experience.
There are three Working Groups that fall under the jurisdiction of the Events Committee
1. Judging Training Working Group,
2. National Tournament Working Group
3. Tournament Working Group
This posting is for the Judging Training Working Group.
Key Responsibilities
A Judging Training Working Group member will work under the guidance of the Events Committee Chair and may take on some or all of the following responsibilities.
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Oversee the agendas, scheduling, and coordination of Judging Training Clinics offered to members of the SWKKF
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Provide oversight for all SWKKF Judging Training Clinics to ensure that they are scheduled and coordinated effectively and that they meet the needs of the SWKKF membership.
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Work to identify areas where additional events or training may be needed and develop plans for these events.
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Develop teaching tools and training materials for registered members of the SWKKF in the standardized practice for clinic instructors, table work, corner judges, and center referees
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Provide knowledge and advice in a constructive manner to train registered members of the SWKKF as Scorekeepers, Judges and Center Referees.
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The working group will ensure that Training Manuals and teaching aids are consistent with recognized standards and best practices for martial arts tournament scorekeeping, judging and refereeing.
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The working group will ensure that all training supports established SWKKF Policies, Procedures and Manuals and directly reflect the values of Hanshi Shintani.
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Ensure that SWKKF Judging Training Clinics provide a forum in which the membership can learn in a safe, controlled environment by providing approved published documentation for member use.
Working Group Structure and Skillset
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The Judging Training Working Group may consist of 4-6 members.
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The following skills will ideally be present among the Group Members:
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Extensive knowledge and experience in karate training and tournament scorekeeping, judging and refereeing
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Familiarity with recognized standards and best practices for martial arts tournament scorekeeping, judging and refereeing
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Strong organizational and communication skills.
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Experience in event planning, scheduling, and coordination
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A commitment to the SWKKF's mission, values, and objectives
INTERESTED:
Anyone meeting the required skillset that may be interested in joining the Judging Training Working Group please contact Sensei Denis Labbe. dlabbe@shintani.ca
Audit Committee Member Search
Overview
The Finance and Audit Committee is one of 12 Committees that support operations in the SWKKF. The Finance and Audit Committee’s main role is to ensure the financial integrity of the SWKKF, and it does this through three main activities:
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Creation of the Annual Budget for senate approval
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Quarterly Audit and Analysis of financials
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Support for grant applications and fund-raising
Key Responsibilities
An Audit Committee member will work under the guidance of the Audit Committee Chair and with the Treasurer of the SWKKF and may take on some or all of the following responsibilities.
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Financial Management and Planning:
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Collaborate with the Senate to align financial decision-making with organizational goals and strategic priorities to ensure the long-term financial stability and growth of the SWKKF.
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Collaborate with the Senate and relevant committees to develop and review financial strategies, policies, and procedures.
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Assist in the development and monitoring of the annual budget and financial forecasts.
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Evaluate financial risks and opportunities, providing recommendations for improving financial efficiency and sustainability.
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Financial Reporting and Analysis:
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Prepare and present regular financial reports, including budget vs. actuals for operations and committees, highlighting key financial metrics and trends, to the Senate.
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Collaborate with the accounting team or external accountants to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, adhering to accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and the SWKKF’s bylaws.
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Review financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to assess the SWKKF's financial health and performance.
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Ensure the Financial return is prepared for the Annual General Meeting of the SWKKF.
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Conduct financial analysis and provide insights to the Senate, identifying areas for improvement and potential cost-saving measures.
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Compliance and Internal Controls:
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Ensure compliance with financial regulations, laws, and reporting requirements.
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Help to establish and maintain internal control procedures, including policies for financial transactions, expense approvals, and financial record-keeping.
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Monitor compliance with established financial policies and procedures, identifying and addressing any potential risks or issues.
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Facilitate external audits and financial reviews when necessary, working closely with auditors to provide documentation and support.
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Financial Leadership and Collaboration:
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Serve as a financial advisor to the President and CEO, offering guidance on financial matters and participating in strategic discussions.
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Collaborate with members of the Senate, and SWKKF committees to integrate financial considerations into decision-making processes.
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Foster effective communication and collaboration with the accounting team or external accountants, ensuring a smooth flow of financial information and coordination.
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Skills
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An understanding of basic financial and managerial accounting is required. This may come as part of a university degree in business (BCom, MBA) or through other accounting training.
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An understanding of engagement models with third-party Accounting firms is an asset
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The SWKKF uses QuickBooks On-line (QBO) to facilitate reporting and analysis. Knowledge of QBO is a strong asset
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets is required
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Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work both alone and virtually with team members are required.
The role of an Audit Committee member will be a non-compensated role in the SWKKF.
INTEREST:
Anyone with in these suggested requirements and skill sets interested in this position please contact Sensei Denis Labbe. dlabbe@shintani.ca
Sensei Ron Mattie inducted into the
Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame
With great pride, the SWKKF Senate and membership would like to congratulate Sensei Ron Mattie, for being inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame at Gatineau, Quebec on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024.
Sensei Ron is the chief instructor of the SWKKF and is our first inductee into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame since Hanshi Masaru Shintani , who was inducted in 2007.
It is a great honor for Sensei Ron to be recognized by the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame and a proud moment for the SWKKF !
Sensei Mattie's Acceptance Speech
Thank you everyone. I think there was a mistake, by the people,who sent in the request, to have my name in here. It was supposed to go, to the rock and roll hall of fame, for my drumming. Now people think, that I do, a special numchucks martial art with drum sticks.
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However, I would like to thank, the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame, for just considering me, let alone be accepted, and the affiliation, with Hanchi Therien, and the World Kobudo Federation. I Also would like to thank sensei Darren Humphries for spearheading the application, behind my back. It is quite an honor,to be following the legacy, of Hanshi Masuru Shintani who was inducted in 2007.
At age 14, in the early 70’s, I was the cool guy, with long hair, bell bottoms, and in a rock band, but most of my friends, were turning to drugs, so I had to look for a new group of friends to hang out with. I have 6 sisters, and though we were poor, we were all raised with,good morals and kindness, so we stayed out of trouble.
About the only person, that wasn’t on drugs, was a kid that sat beside me at school, who was nerdy. We started to hang out together, outside of school, and then I found out he took Karate. I told him, “I don’t care how much Karate you know, I can still beat you up.” He said yeah probably.
Then he talked me into going to watch a class. He was only a greenbelt, and in 10 minutes, I thought, “ wow, he would’ve beat me up bad” , and that’s the kind of guy I want to be like. His instructor,was Hanshi Shintani, who also carried himself with, humility and kindness, and with strong, powerful explosive Karate. Today that person, sensei Denis Labbé, is the president, of the SWKKF, and my best friend for over 52 years.
I also need to thank my family, for supporting me, and my kids, for humoring me by taking up Martial arts. They do have ranking in Jujuitsu and kickboxing . I even have my granddaughter Aryanna joining me here for the second year in a row.
My loving wife, who is a dressage competitor and coach, is my emotional support. We always bounce our coaching styles back and forth and compare notes.
We also have, a great governing board for the SWKKF, who have encouraged me to challenge my goals, which is to continue Hanshi Shintani’s legacy. I was so lucky, to fall under his wings. The late Peter Ciolfi, was also a great guidance to me on how to keep my karate real.
I think, the greatest gift or accomplishment you can receive as an instructor, is having a student come back to you years later and say “you made a big difference in my life”.
It doesn’t matter what martial art you teach, as long, as you can give a clear, and positive path, in someone’s life, through the Martial arts. And to everyone in this room, that is our challenge.
Again, thank you so much for this award. I don’t take it lightly.
Congratulations to all the past recipients, and to those being inducted tonight. Thank you.
Hanshi Shintani Authorizing Senate
