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Instructor Certification Program The certification program has 4 levels of certification, as follows: INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 1 Targeted at Brown Belts and Shodan Black Belts. INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 2 Targeted at Nidan and up. INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 3 Targeted at Nidan and up. INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 4 Targeted at Yodan and up. Typically, an individual who teaches regional workouts and programs offered by the organization. This level would mentor Level 1, 2 and 3 students. The core components of the certification include: Shintani instructor course. This course consists of theory, practical work and assessment. Additional Shintani Courses and Workshops. Security Check. Standard CPR / First Aid certification. National Coaching Certification Program Courses (NCCP) or equivalent national program. NCCP is a program sanctioned in Canada for all sports. Refer to https://www.coach.ca to create an NCCP Locker Account and provide access to Making Headway and Making Ethical Decisions courses. There are other equivalent national programs that are acceptable and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The different levels in the program will have different requirements that include programs from our organization as well as CPR / First Aid and official courses from Sport Canada or an equivalent national course if you choose to go that route. The requirements for each of the levels are as follows: To provide flexibility and focus on the interests of our membership, the SWKKF has many different courses / training being offered by our senior instructors. The following courses can be used for credit towards one of the instructor certification levels: Instructor Course (** Mandatory for all certification levels) Judging and Tournament Courses Bunkai Courses (Level 1, 2, 3) Shindo Courses (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) Shintani Kata Clinics Sparring Strategies Course Self Defense Courses (Level 1, 2, 3) Click for information on Instructor Levels Instructor Level 1 Instructor Level 2 Instructor Level 3 Instructor Level 4 You will need to submit an application form to the Grading Committee chairperson (dhumphries@shintani.ca ). This will be reviewed to ensure that you are compliant with all the requirements in accordance with the certification level being requested. Once this is satisfied, the Committee will notify the applicant. The applicant will send an eTransfer ($50 + GST/HST) to payments@shintani.ca . Arrangements will then be made for the applicant to be presented with a certificate indicating successful completion of the appropriate level of the Instructor Certification Program. Some of the key benefits for our organization include: Instructors who are knowledgeable, skilled and effective in the delivery of both the skills and techniques taught in the SWKKF. Consistency of our instruction throughout the SWKKF. Value added certification for those who would like to begin, further or refresh their instructor abilities in the SWKKF. Access to many programs being offered that will apply towards a certification level. Offer additional training and certification for our Instructors across the organization. SWKKF_Instructor_Certification_Application.docx External References National Coaching Certification Program – https://www.coach.ca Canada Sport For Life - http://sportforlife.ca/ Making Head Way - https://coach.ca/module/nccp-making-head-way-sport Making Ethical Decisions - https://coach.ca/module/nccp-make-ethical-decisions NCCP Karate Instructor Beginner - https://karatecanada.org/programs/coaching-nccp/ Karate Canada Documents that may be interesting for students: Karate Canada Coaches Profile - http://karatecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/InstBegCompIntro-Portfolio_EN.pdf Karate Canada Long Term Athlete Development - https://karatecanada.org/programs/ltad/ Button

The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation is a non-profit, inclusive organization, modeling Hanshi Shintani's kindness and humility, through the teaching of his traditional karate and Shindo. Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Welcome to SWKKF Canada’s Premier Karate Community 1900 members, 400+ black belts, and a legacy of excellence. Why SWKKF? Thinking about starting karate — for yourself or your child? We're here to help you begin that journey with purpose, passion, and support. With over 60 clubs across Canada , world-class instructors, family-friendly programs, safety-conscious, and exciting events all year round, SWKKF is more than just martial arts. It’s a place where individuals grow stronger, build friendships, and become leaders — inside and outside the dojo. Ready to Get Started? Experience the difference SWKKF makes! Your First Class - Click Here Learn - Grow - Excel Join the SWKKF Family Click Here to "Find a Club" Near You See Why Families Across Canada Trust SWKKF! Click to Read Karate Clubs Making the Right Choice Click to View Video "The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation is a non-profit, inclusive organization, modeling Hanshi Shintani's kindness and humility, through the teaching of his traditional karate and Shindo." Confirmation of Sensei Shintani Successor Click to Read News That Pack a Punch MORE INFO UPCOMING EVENTS Find a Club Near You Kids, teens, adults — karate is for everyone! Find a karate class near you and take the first step today! Click the button. Clubs Shintani News Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Senate is pleased to announce the 6th Dan ranking promotions. Jul 25, 2025 Continue Reading Sensei Neil Prime Inducted into the Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame Apr 5, 2025 Continue Reading SWKKF 2025 Scholarship Awards Announced Jul 25, 2025 Continue Reading Shindo Photos from National Memorial Tournament May 25, 2025 Continue Reading Sensei Ron Mattie inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame Nov 2, 2024 Continue Reading See All News

WELCOME TO SWKKF Canada's Premier Karate Community 1,900+ Members, 60+ Clubs across Canada, 400+ Blackbelts A legacy stretching back to 1966 Find a Club Near You Learn About the SWKKF Club SWKKF Why Families Trust SWKKF. Trust Sensei Neil Prime (8th Dan) on Choosing the Right Club. Right Club Find a Club Near You Find a Club Your First Class. Your First Class Photo Slideshow Demo-ing Karate and Shindo

Shintani Wado Kai Senate The Senate is the governing body for the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. Prior to the death of Hanshi Shintani, the organization was primarily directed by Hanshi Shintani himself with the assistance of the senate. The senate consists of senior ranking members initially appointed by Hanshi Shintani. The Senate held its inaugural meeting on November 1, 1997 in Toronto. At that time Hanshi Shintani signed the new constitution and named Sensei Denis Labbé his successor. Sensei Denis Labbé now heads the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation assisted by the Senate members. Denis Labbé - Kudan (9th Dan) President "Sensei Shintani's influence, changed my life. His impact on me not only benefitted me physically, it helped develop my confidence and to overcome my shyness as a young student to take on a leadership role. Sensei has taught me honor, humility, loyalty, compassion and commitment. In return I dedicate my life to Sensei Shintani and to his organization." - Sensei Denis Labbé More Neil Prime - Hachidan (8th Dan) Director "Other than my own father, Sensei Shintani has been the most influential man in my life." - Sensei Neil Prime More Shelley McGregor - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director "One of the things I remember most of Sensei Shintani visits was how kind and respectful he was to everyone. He always spoke so highly of Otsuka Sensei with admiration, loyalty, fondness and respect. He expressed that his teachings were that of Otsuka Sensei and it was his legacy he was preserving in his teachings. As SWKKF members we must do the same and maintain Sensei Shintani’s legacy. We can do this by keeping his spirit alive through our teachings and demonstration of good character." - Sensei Shelley McGregor More Bruce Perkins - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor “Karate becomes who you are and how you live your life – you cannot be a good black belt on the floor and change the minute you leave the dojo. A good black belt stands for so many things that are not related to the dojo” – Sensei Bruce Perkins More Danny McCoy - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor "Sensei Shintani has given me clear direction and instruction which has given me the ability to reach and continue to develop karate the way Mr. Shintani would like." - Sensei Danny McCoy More Ron Mattie - Kudan (9th Dan) Chief Instructor "When you come to a difficult time in your life and have to decide how to deal with it, put yourself 20 years from now and look back at this moment, then ask yourself "how do I wish I had dealt with it then" " - Sensei Ron Mattie More Michel Gosselin - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director "I am so grateful to have met Sensei Shintani and to be a part of what he has created. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that an organization like the SWKKF existed. All across this country we find passionate people who continue to teach Sensei’s important lessons of kindness, humility and respect, through the practice of karate." - Sensei Michel Gosselin More Brian Julien - Godan (5th Dan) Director “I was lucky enough to train with Sensei Shintani in my early formative karate years. I was always amazed that such a quiet, unassuming gentleman could demonstrate his techniques with such explosive speed and power, only to transform back into his humble self moments after the demonstration. It truly was inspirational.” More Brad Cosby - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor "Sensei Shintani never looked at karate as a "that's all there is, it's a static art", it was always evolving, changing for the better." Sensei Brad Cosby More Brian Chmay - Hachidan (8th Dan). Senate Advisor "I was very fortunate to train directly under Sensei Shintani. He inspired us not so much by his words but of his presence on the dojo. However, one of his quotes I that I will always remember is "You are not finished when you lose, you are finished when you quit." As a young Shodan, I felt that this statement was very important to help me become a better black belt, to strive harder, give your best effort in everything you do and to persevere. Now I realize it was meant as a guide in how to live your life and become the best person you could be. This is a philosophy I like to instill into all of my students." - Sensei Brian Chmay More Jim Atkinson - Hachidan (8th Dan) Vice President & Secretary "Mr. Shintani touched my life the moment I met him with his kindness & gentleness. When I seen him perform I was amazed and will be forever grateful to have his influence in my life." - Sensei Jim Atkinson More Darren Humphries - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director "Sensei Shintani and his senior students have influenced my life since I started Shintani Wado Kai. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Sensei Shintani during his spring and fall visits to the prairies. His presence in the dojo was unbelievable. When you watched him demonstrate techniques, his power and explosiveness was incredible. In the evenings he captivated everyone by telling stories about his life. Sensei built an amazing organization and I so proud and humbled to be part of it." - Sensei Darren Humphries More Kris Reynolds - Rokudan (6th Dan) Director “I remember as a teenager when Hanshi Shintani would attend tournaments, you could feel the whole room change when he walked in. He commanded such an enormous presence while at the same time a total kind and quiet demeanor. Even at my young age, it was easy to recognize that he had a true confidence derived from competence without ego, a precious and rare quality. We are so lucky that quality is prominent in so many of his direct students in the SWKKF.” More Rick Leveille - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor "The honesty and integrity Sensei Shintani taught me is the true strength of Wado Karate and are virtues that I live by everyday". Sensei Rick Leveille More Heather Fidyk - Shichidan (7th Dan) Former Senate Member "Sensei Shintani was an incredible inspiration to me and so many others. He served to ever increase his knowledge of Karate but most of all to share his gift of Karate with those who aspired to have it. Sensei Shintani holds a special place in my dedication to the Shintani Karate Federation and the continued development of the amazing organization he created." - Sensei Heather Fidyk More

From the Beginning (our past) This section is dedicated to the memories of past members of the SWKKF that helped form the organization into what it is today. Although they are no longer with us physically, their contributions live on and their spirit is part of the fabric that forms the SWKKF as it is today. In order to be eligible for this section, the member must have been registered and a member in good standing at the time of their passing. coming soon Comments Masaru Shintani Feb 3, 1928 May 7, 2000 Comments Peter Ciolfi Feb 3, 1950 Mar 20, 1997 Comments Chris Logger Dec 21, 1952 Dec 22, 2022 Comments Peter Ruch Jul 13, 2022 Comments Dominic Morabito Comments Roland Day Comments Robert Trahan Comments Dan Bracconier Sep 6, 1956 Sep 3, 2013 Comments June Lebrun Jun 4, 1950 Mar 16, 2013 Comments Gord Vermette Oct 27, 2009 Comments Eve Hobbs Comments Roy Jaworski Comments Ed Poulin Aug 3, 1951 Jul 5, 2024 Comments Jeff Gervin Sep 21, 1968 Mar 10, 2025 Comments Stan Martin Jan 2, 1950 Jun 2, 2026

Shintani News List Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Senate is pleased to announce the 6th Dan ranking advancement for Senseis Reynolds, Hynes and Fast. Jul 25, 2025 Continue Reading 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. Nov 2, 2024 Continue Reading Shindo Photos from National Memorial Tournament held on May 25, 2025. May 25, 2025 Continue Reading How every purchase you make from Hatashita can help fund the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. Jun 1, 2025 Continue Reading It is with sincere sadness we announce the passing of Sensei Jeff Gervin on March 10, 2025. He held the rank of 7th Dan and was a long time dedicated member of the SWKKF. Mar 10, 2025 Continue Reading We would like to thank all that have generously donated to this year's Logger Family Memorial Fund. This is an amazing tribute to Chris, Wendy & Brittany. Jun 2, 2025 Continue Reading SWKKF 2025 Scholarship Awards Announced Jul 25, 2025 Continue Reading Congratulations to Sensei Neil Prime for being inducted into the Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Apr 5, 2025 Continue Reading The SWKKF Senate announce the Dan ranking advancement of Sensei McGregor and Sensei Freeman to Shichidan (7th Dan). Jan 20, 2025 Continue Reading 2025 Reach Award recipients announced at Shintani Annual Memorial Tournament on 24 May 2025 May 24, 2024 Continue Reading The Sensei Jeff Gervin Memorial Fund offers grants of up to $200.00 to support SWKKF students seeking to deepen their martial arts training. Mar 10, 2025 Continue Reading

< Back Neil Prime - Hachidan (8th Dan) Director Sensei Neil Prime began training karate under Hanshi Shintani in 1978, started the St. Catharines Wado Kai Karate Club with Sensei Mike Bannister in the fall of 1987, was graded to shodan in Feb 1988 and to shodan in shindo in 1992. As a brown belt Sensei Neil started training outside his own club and was a regular at the Grimsby club (Sensei Brad Cosby and Sensei Brian Chmay) and in Welland, ON. (Sensei Peter Ciolfi and Sensei Ron Mattie). Sensei Neil also trained in many open seminars and camps. From 1991 to 1995 he trained and competed in kickboxing. “I trusted that my karate fundamentals were strong, but wanted to put them to the test of competing in a full contact environment. I found that by having a more structured base that I had a big advantage over most competitors." - Sensei Neil Prime From 2004 to 2007 Sensei Neil was and alternate team member and manager of the SWKKF National Team. Sensei Neil remained active during the new team selection process and has assisted in coaching as requested. Over the years, Sensei Neil also trained with the USA Shintani Wado group (Sensei Dr. Bob Graham) and through that group formed the Shintani Combative Group (Sensei Toby Wolfe, Sensei Bill Sorvelli, Sensei Peter Avino, Sensei Mark Flaherty and Sensei Dan Moore). In 2011 they trained the Special Warfare Medical Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. introducing Shintani Wado Kai Karate and Shindo to the elite forces. Prior to the forming of the Senate, Sensei Neil was an active member of the Shintani Executive Board and participated as one of the initial members of the Tournament Committee, the Editor of the Harmonizer, held the position of Niagara Regional Representative and still holds an active position on the Grading Committee. Sensei Neil is also the co-author in the development of Strategic Sparring Clinics with Sensei Brad Cosby, Sensei Peter Avino and Sensei Walt Fast. Sensei Neil was awarded Hachidan (8th Dan) from the SWKKF senate in September 2022. nprime@shintani.ca +1 (647) 463-5828

(204) 522-0890 < Back Melita Wado Kai Sensei Alex Arndt (204) 522-0890 arndtaj@hotmail.com Address 4 Elva Street, Pierson, MB, Canada Pierson, MB, Canada R0M1S0 Practice Times 7:00-9:00 pm (Central Daylight Time) Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

(204) 764-0358 < Back Hamiota Wado Kai Sensei Scott Lints (204) 764-0358 hamiotakarateclub@gmail.com Address 91 1st Street, Hamiota, MB, Canada Hamiota, MB, Canada Practice Times Sunday - 5-7 yrs old - 4:15-4:45 pm (Central Daylight Time) Sunday - Juniors (8 yrs-up) - 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday - Adults (16 yrs-up) - 7:00-9:00 pm Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

< Back 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. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_6871df69c0334bcb887f2a081c688b5f.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next

History Making History - SWKKF 2024 Symposium on Grasshopper Island Historical - 2000 SWKKF Senate Origin of Karate History of Karate History of Wado Kai Photos Videos Interviews Para-Karate Master Hironori Otsuka Hanshi Masaru Shintani Family Tree Pioneers Published Articles Legacy Documents Legacy Memorial

The art of Shindo was developed by Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan, in the early 1970s. Hanshi Shintani had made the Shindo methods and principles known to Master Otsuka who gave it his full endorsement. How to Incorporate Shindo into Your Karate by Sensei Marco Reyes In the Harmonizer newsletters you are going to see more information on Shindo from various Shindo practitioners. These are people who have taken Sensei Shintani’s legacy and continued with it. I know it is a tough venture, but the rewards are worth it. The first step is to just pick up the Shindo and start. Here are some of my personal thoughts on Shindo. There are three basic roadblocks for not working Shindo that I have found. Each of these can be overcome. Roadblock One There is just not enough time to work Shindo AND Karate. Answer It does not have to be this way. They are one and the same. In our class we dedicate the first 30 minutes (of a two hour class) to the work on Shindo. We have actually found that our karate has improved from this model. Shindo as we call it is a lie detector. If the Shindo technique does not work for some reason we go back to the basic karate for answers and from experience this works. Let’s take a basic Shindo strike. If you look at the basic movement of a punch and a strike with the Shindo you will see that they are almost identical. Many times there is a common theme or topic for a workout and various techniques are used to work towards this goal. For example: Hip action – a basic punch uses this with hip rotation. A basic Shindo strike uses this as well with hip rotation. If you were working hip action with your students this could be accomplished with both karate and Shindo. Roadblock Two Nobody in my dojo knows any Shindo. Answer You know karate – that is a good place to start. I would challenge anyone to pick up a Shindo and start. Once you pick up a few techniques you will start to feel how similar it is to basic karate. Let’s begin with the illustration above. The body position, stance, posture are all similar to basic karate. The right hand is in the ready position, left hand is out with the strike. When moving with the Shindo remember these basic principles: Hold the Shindo in three equal parts. The fulcrum is in the center – every movement you do the fulcrum must be maintained. Remem-ber this when you move the Shindo. Concentrate your strike on the ends of the Shindo. Lines of Force : This is where you would hold the Shindo for the most leverage. An easy test is to put your Shindo against something solid and push (hard). If you can hold it without any uncomfortable pressure, or it does not slip out of your hand you have good support. Roadblock Three Shindo is not karate. It is something completely separate. Answer: False. Shindo had its origins in karate. Check "History & Development" under Shindo on the Main Menu. Click here. "The art of Shindo was devised by Sensei Masaru Shintani, 9th Dan in the early 1970's. Sensei had made the Shindo methods and principles known to Otsuka Sensei who gave it his full endorsement. Sensei began teaching Shindo in the early 1980's. The roots of these basics and other techniques taught by Sensei can be traced directly back to his extensive Wado Kai training under Otsuka Sensei. Sensei Shintani used the sabaki motion and explosiveness that he was renowned for to develop the same effects with the Shindo. Sensei Shintani once held the Shindo up in front of a class at a black belt workout and said "This is my life" . I can remember going to black belt workouts and working basic karate techniques and then working with Shindo afterwards. There was no break in the instruction. The movement from karate to Shindo was seamless. The Shindo was just an extension of what I already knew. At that time it was also very exciting since this was something completely new. I felt like a white belt all over again trying to make sense of this new tool in my hands. But after a short while the Shindo began to feel comfortable. One tip – if the technique with the Shindo does not feel comfortable put it down. Try the technique as a karate move – look at the movement, the technique, all the basic principles that make it whole. Then pick up the Shindo and apply this analysis and see what you come up with. Shindo was important to Sensei Shintani. In each of our own ways we continue with this legacy through karate. But we must not minimize the importance that he placed on Shindo. And always remember you can contact the Shindo Committee for assistance. They will give you the tools that will make your Shindo work accessible from clinic, DVD material, etc. They are always there to help.