Interviews Highlighting Sensei Shintani Denis Labbe Brad Cosby Ron Mattie Rick Leveille Michel Gosselin Neil Prime Lou Roentgen Bruce Perkins Jim Atkinson Brian Julien Heather Fidyk Peter Avino Dave Manara Darren Humphries Shintani Stories & Memories Rick Leveille Peter Avino Charlotte Martin Robert Graham Lou Roentgen Jim Atkinson Bruce Perkins Shelley McGregor Ron Mattie Darren Humphries Brad Cosby Michel Gosselin Blaine Beemer Heather Fidyk Carlos Garcia

HANSHI MASARU SHINTANI Judan (10th DAN) 1928 - 2000 Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan (Jūdan) was the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai Karate in Canada and founder of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). At the time of his death, he was the highest ranking Sensei outside of Japan. A direct student of Master Otsuka , the founder of Wado Kai, Shintani devoted over 50 years to the study of Karate. He also held ranks in Judo (Sandan), Aikido (Shodan), and Kendo (Shodan). Shintani was born on 3 February 1928 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the child of Japanese immigrants. His mother was a member of the Matsumoto clan, a respected samurai clan with a history going back hundreds of years. Like virtually all West Coast Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, his family was uprooted and moved to the rugged interior of British Columbia for the duration of the war. The Shintani family, mother and six children, was interned in New Denver, an abandoned mining town used to house hundreds of Japanese Canadians. While growing up in the camp, he learned the ways of two cultures. On school mornings he attended Canadian classes in English, history, and mathematics. In the afternoon, he studied the Japanese language and heritage, along with Kendo and Judo, the standard physical education for all Japanese students. One day in 1940 -41, while looking for frozen ponds by the river to play hockey, Shintani and a group of youths came across an older man standing barefoot in the snow, punching a tree and shouting. This was his initial contact with the person who would introduce him to Karate. After several meetings, some of the boys were invited to train with the man, whose name was Kitagawa. He was a practitioner of Shorin-ryu, one of the older Okinawan Karate styles. Sensei Kitagawa referred to his teachings as Kumite (fighting) and soon the eager young men were beating the bark off of trees with punches, blocks and kicks. Shintani recalls training barefoot on the ice rink and sparring bouts. “Every time you got on the floor, it was life or death.” Sensei Kitagawa's methods would be considered rather excessive or 'brutal' by today's standards. Shintani reflected, “I believe it hurt our minds more than it helped our bodies.” Sensei Shintani instructing Sensei Peter Ciolfi After nine years under Sensei Kitagawa's direction, Shintani was graded to 6th Dan when Kitagawa returned to Japan. Shintani also traveled to Japan to train in Karate and visit his mother's family. He met Master Otsuka in 1956 at a Karate seminar. Over the next few years, Shintani competed in large national torunaments, eventually winning the Japan Karate Federation championship. In 1958, Master Otsuka invited Hanshi Shintani to join his Wado Kai organization. Impressed with the character and integrity of Master Otsuka, Hanshi Shintani respectfully accepted the invitation. During this time, Hanshi Shintani's family moved to Beamsville, near Hamilton, Ontario. To support his family, he tended the family farm and greenhouse. He also played semi-pro baseball. Shintani began teaching Karate and Judo locally and at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Hamilton. Sad to say, the Japanese in North America during the post-war period were subject to racism and violence. Shintani credits his survival during this time to his harsh training under Kitagawa and the humility he learned from his mother and Master Otsuka. “I learned a lesson in the war-time camps under Kitagawa Sensei. It protected my life. Under Otsuka Sensei, I preserved it”. In 1979, Master Otsuka graded Hanshi Shintani to Hachidan (8th Dan). At the same time Master Otsuka presented him with a Kudan (9th Dan) certificate. This was to be revealed by Shintani only after a suitable period of time had elasped. He made known his Kudan rank in 1995. Hanshi Shintani traveled to Japan several times to train with Master Otsuka. Master Otsuka honored his Canadian disciple by coming to Ontario occasionally to visit and teach. The last time was in 1980, two years prior to his passing. Sensei Shintani with Master Otsuka During the 1970s, Master Otsuka appointed Shintani the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai in North America. After the death of Master Otsuka, Shintani visited Okinawa to meet with the old masters who had trained with Master Otsuka. Most of these men had passed on, except for Sensei Yamashita who shared his knowledge and memories with Shintani. Shintani's devotion to and mastery of Karate is remarkable. Stories of his skill and acts of humility greatly impressed those who had not met him. He constantly refined and improved the basic Karate techniques and concepts to advance the Way of Karate. He was determined that the vital and dynamic nature of Karate should not become stagnant or ritualized and be allowed to deteriorate into a stylized dance of impractical techniques, no longer representing a real martial art. He indicated that there are no symbolic moves in kata. Every technique must be performed as if it was ‘real’. In the few years before his death, Shintani spent much of his time developing Karate and Shindo concepts. He traveled across North America and globally to conduct seminars in Wado Kai and Shindo. As the leader of a large North American martial arts organization, he could easily have become a wealthy man. Instead, he lived a life of quiet modesty, continuing to follow his three ideals -- Humility, Integrity and Honour. Those of us in Wado Kai, who had the honor to meet Shintani, recognize what an incredible privilege it was to have trained with him and learned from him how to live the Way of Peace and Harmony. On December 2017, the SWKKF Senate was pleased to announce that its founder, Hanshi Masaru Shintani, had been awarded the highest Karate rank of Jūdan (10th dan) posthumously. Shintani is revered and honoured by his family, friends and students as the Grand Master and founder of the SWKKF.

Shintani History & Legacy - Photos / Videos Click here to submit new photos / videos Senei Rick Leveille Visits the Nikkei Center 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2011 2017 2023 2006 2007 2008 2009 2012 2013 2014 2015 2018 2019 2020 2021 2024 2025 2010 2016 2022 Years with Red are under development. Check back often for updates. If you have a lot of pictures to send, please send an e-mail to legacy@shintani.ca to get a google drive link

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

Policies Manuals Please Click Form should you require a document or have a question . Form Conduct & Ethics Original Date Updated CLICK 1 Feb 2025 Comment Status New Confidentiality Original Date Updated CLICK Jan 2026 Comment Status New Conflict of Interest Original Date Updated CLICK Jan 2026 Comment Status New Constitution & Bylaws Original Date Updated CLICK Comment Not available - complete FORM request at top Status Discipline & Complaints Original Date Updated CLICK 1 Feb 2025 Comment Status New Discipline & Complaints - Flow Chart Original Date Updated CLICK 1 Feb 2025 Comment Status New Harassment and Discrimination Policy Original Date Updated CLICK Feb 2017 19 June 2025 Comment Status New Intellectual Property Rights Original Date Updated CLICK 1 Feb 2025 Comment Status New SWKKF Logo Trademark Original Date Updated CLICK June 2012 Sept 2014 Comment Status SWKKF Affiliations Original Date Updated CLICK June 2019 Comment Status Procedures

Welcome to the Shintani Store SWKKF Katas - Volume 1 - 4 Volume 1: Power Kata (Chi Kata), Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan, Pinan Godan Volume 2: Kushanku, Naihanchin, Chinto, Wanshu Volume 3: Chonan Shodan, Tekki Shodan, Shopai Volume 4: Seisho, Chocodo, Teisho Shindo Volume 1 - 3 Volume 1: Basic Shindo Volume 2: Intermediate Shindo Volume 3: Advanced Shindo Grading Techniques Shindo Katas Chonan No Shindo Kushanku No Shindo Taisei No Shindo ** New Shindo Katas Wanshu No Shindo Gensho Shodan No Shindo Chinto No Shindo Black Belt Grading Techniques of the SWKKF Kihon Kumite Techniques Shintani 60 Year Celebration Hanshi Shintani Kihon Kumite Techniques Hanshi Shintani Kihon Kumite Techniques Limited Edition Prints ** Shintani / Otsuka, Hanshi Shintani Gedan Shuto, Hanshi Shintani Shindo Shintani / Shindo Shirts ** Shintani Wado Kai and Shindo Limited Edition Shirts. ** To Order - Send email to dlabbe@shintani.ca Shintani Branded Dojo Apparel SWKKF Student Store Shintani Branded Duffel Bags, Mugs, Shirts, Jackets and more Equipment: Hand/Foot Pads, Karate Gi's , Belts Duffel Bags, Clothing Hard & Soft Shindo. Make sure to search for Shintani when ordering. Use discount code: SWKKF Sport Excel Academy Member Items Special offer for SWKKF Members Wood carvings SWKKF Instructor Store Store for SWKKF Instructors. Make sure to search for Shintani when ordering. Use discount code: SWKKF Louis Roentgen Book Order Sensei Lou Roentgen (direct student of Sensei Shintani) book on Karate-Do

Want to host an event? Fill out the Calendar of event form below and send it to Sensei Labbe (dlabbe@shintani.ca ). Calendar of Events Form Shintani Facebook Events Page Upcoming Events Sat, Jan 10 Whitecourt - Feeling Frosty Open Clinic / Whitecourt RSVP Jan 10, 2026, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM MST Whitecourt, 5630 Mink Creek Rd, Whitecourt, AB T7S 1M9, Canada Warm up and join us for a focused and engaging training clinic designed to strengthen fundamentals, refine technique, and elevate overall performance for practitioners at every stage of their journey. Sun, Jan 11 Brown and Black Belt Zoom Workout / Zoom RSVP Jan 11, 2026, 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM EST Zoom Join us for a powerful start to the year. Multiple Dates Tue, Jan 13 Shindo Clinic Zoom Series / https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc RSVP Jan 13, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc Hosted by Sensei Jim Atkinson, open to all Karateka Multiple Dates Thu, Jan 15 Shindo Clinic Zoom Series / https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc RSVP Jan 15, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc Hosted by Sensei Jim Atkinson, open to all Karateka See All Sat, Jan 17 National Shindo Clinic / Kawartha Lakes RSVP Jan 17, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST Kawartha Lakes, 24 Weldon Rd, Kawartha Lakes, ON K9V 4R4, Canada Join us in a dynamic and supportive environment designed to help you grow as a martial artist while honoring the traditions of Shindo. Mon, Jan 19 Southern Alberta High Belt Workout / Calgary RSVP Jan 19, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM MST Calgary, 65 Tuscany Hills Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3L 0C7, Canada Hosted by the Dynamic Karate in Calgary See All Multiple Dates Tue, Jan 20 Shindo Clinic Zoom Series / https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc RSVP Jan 20, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc Hosted by Sensei Jim Atkinson, open to all Karateka Multiple Dates Thu, Jan 22 Shindo Clinic Zoom Series / https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc RSVP Jan 22, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc Hosted by Sensei Jim Atkinson, open to all Karateka Fri, Jan 23 Wainfleet Frostbite Clinic / Dunnville RSVP Jan 23, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST Dunnville, 110 Helena St, Dunnville, ON N1A 2S5, Canada We’re pleased to announce the inaugural Wainfleet Frostbite Tournament, taking place January 23–24, 2026, in Dunnville, Ontario. This event promises an exciting weekend of learning, friendly competition, and community spirit for all ranks — from white belts to black belts. Fri, Jan 23 Regina Shintani Wado Kai Karate Clinic / Regina RSVP Jan 23, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CST Regina, 125 Paynter Crescent, Regina, SK S4X 2A9, Canada Join us for two incredible days of Karate training, competition, and community spirit! Sat, Jan 24 Wainfleet Frostbite Tournament / Dunnville RSVP Jan 24, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM EST Dunnville, 110 Helena St, Dunnville, ON N1A 2S5, Canada We’re pleased to announce the inaugural Wainfleet Frostbite Tournament, taking place January 23–24, 2026, in Dunnville, Ontario. This event promises an exciting weekend of learning, friendly competition, and community spirit for all ranks — from white belts to black belts. Sat, Jan 24 Regina Shintani Wado Kai Karate Tournament / Regina RSVP Jan 24, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST Regina, 125 Paynter Crescent, Regina, SK S4X 2A9, Canada Join us for two incredible days of Karate training, competition, and community spirit! See All Multiple Dates Mon, Jan 26 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa RSVP Jan 26, 2026, 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa SWKKF INSTRUCTORS Sensei Mattie is continuing to host a series of free monthly Instructor Clinics on Zoom. These are on Eastern Time See All Fri, Jan 30 South Alberta Black Belt Pre-Grading / Calgary RSVP Jan 30, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM MST Calgary, 2223 146 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2J 6P8, Canada South Alberta Black Belt Pre-Grading Sun, Feb 01 Northern Alberta Black Belt Pre-Grading / Edmonton RSVP Feb 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM MST Edmonton, 351 Chappelle Dr SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 2Z2, Canada Fri, Feb 06 Thunder Bay Wado Kai Karate Clinic / Thunder Bay RSVP Feb 06, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST Thunder Bay, 655 River St, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 3S5, Canada Thunder Bay Wado Kai Karate Clinic Fri, Feb 06 Kathy Long Clinic - Millwood Karate Club / Edmonton RSVP Feb 06, 2026, 6:00 PM MST – Feb 07, 2026, 4:00 PM MST Edmonton, 4210 12 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6L 5V6, Canada You're invited to a special weekend clinic featuring Kathy Long, February 6-7th-2026, hosted by the Millwoods Karate Club. Sat, Feb 07 Thunder Bay Wado Kai Karate Tournament / Thunder Bay RSVP Feb 07, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST Thunder Bay, S, 205 Franklin St S, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1R2, Canada Thunder Bay Wado Kai Karate Tournement Load More

Top of Page REACH Program Leadership Award Contributor Award Ambassador Award Athletes Award 2025 REACH Award Winners 2024 REACH Award Winners REACH Ceremonies Recognizing Extraordinary Achievement, Contribution and Hard-Work SWKKF REACH Program ABOUT THE PROGRAM Each year, the Shintani Culture of Recognition Program recognizes some of the organization’s leaders, contributors, amb assadors, sch olars and karate-ka for their contributions and achievements over the past year. Nomination period is September 1 - April 20, 2026. Nominations – nominees must be SWKKF member. Must be a SWKKF registered member to nominate Nomination Process To nominate a leader, contributor, ambassador, scholar or karate-ka for their contributions, scan the QR Code or click on the Nomination Form SELECTION COMMITTEE Each club is asked to submit a person’s name to be a part of a selection pool to review the nominations for each of the awards. Qualifications (preferred): Yudansha Generally, be available early May via email Be willing to spend time reviewing the nominations The selection committee is structured from the pool of volunteers, taking into consideration any potential conflicts of interest. A communication will be sent out each year to the SWKKF membership asking for volunteers and providing pertinent dates and details. To volunteer for the Selection Committee, scan the QR Code above or click on the Nomination Form. Select Selection Committee Volunteer (option 6). LEADERSHIP AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and effective mentorship within the SWKKF. Key Associated Values Honour, Humility, Community Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Yudansha only, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection committee. Example Someone who demonstrates leadership and mentorship within a dojo, the SWKKF, with all students, peers, ranking yudansha. CONTRIBUTOR AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who has truly made a difference to the SWKKF through their contribution to committees, governance, policy development, or financial sustainability within the SWKKF. Key Associated Values Excellence, Community, Humility Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Yudansha only, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection committee. Example Someone who contributes to committees, policy development, fundraising. AMBASSADOR AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual with a strong, positive voices, who advocates, raises awareness or enhances the image of the SWKKF in the greater community. Key Associated Values Community, Kindness Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility S hintani members, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection Committee. Example Someone who travels and supports both inside and outside their club. Member recruitment. Raises funds for charitable Organizations. Brings the SWKKF to community activities. Promotes the activities of the SWKKF ATHLETES AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who excels as a karateka through their dedication to training, attending tournament and clinic opportunities and achieving excellence as a result of this dedication. Key Associated Values Community, Kindness Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Shintani members, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection Committee. Example Someone who trains karate over and above the usual karate-ka, attends everything possible in their area, contributes to their dojo and the greater SWKKF. 2025 REACH Award Winners Leadership Sensei Tom Foster Contributor Sensei Elliott Knowles Ambassador Sensei Steffannie Hancharyk Female Athlete Sensei Erin Couture Male Athlete Sensei Geoff McDonald 2024 REACH Award Winners Leadership Sensei Bill Hynes Contributor Sensei Adam Knowles Ambassador Sensei Brandon Marques Female Athlete Sensei Cristina lordache Male Athlete Sensei Braden Oishi REACH Award Ceremony Videos Year Description Video Link 2025 2025 REACH Awards coming soon https://youtu.be/F44xs48FiKg 2024 2024 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/EWWSrCzv8vM 2023 2023 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/-6_36hjpReE 2022 2022 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/34XFn_EQ_vk 2021 2021 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/rHsgtBZoKPw REACH Award: Story Videos Year Interviewee Video URL 2025 Sensei Carlos Garcia https://youtu.be/KN_E6cdKliE 2025 Michel Gosselin https://youtu.be/drWb_F3lK1U 2025 Darren Humphries https://youtu.be/e2418F6RWes 2024 Sensei Shelley McGregor https://youtu.be/yESPDJ21ezU 2024 Sensei Bruce Perkins https://youtu.be/puxoG0x78qc 2024 Sensei Ron Mattie https://youtu.be/ok1wIykVvqE 2023 Sensei Heather Fidyk https://youtu.be/KxjNziviF_0 2023 Sensei Brad Cosby https://youtu.be/CPPOx5Y-XGg 2023 Sensei Blaine Beemer https://youtu.be/8f-vrOrMnnA 2022 Sensei Anne Readhead 2022 Sensei Peter Avino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq5fSqv2r5A 2022 Sensei Rick Leveille https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN3f9jIuVRw 2021 Sensei Charlotte Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buwci22s-KE&feature=youtu.be 2021 Jim Atkinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jbtY66-X3o 2021 Sensei Bob Graham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HLp_cUHJz0&feature=youtu.be 2021 Sensei Lou Roentgen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObqAxd94yFk

2025 REACH Awards 2025 REACH Awards Ceremony Previous Years Awards Ceremonies: 2021 2022 2023 2024 Leadership Award Sensei Tom Foster "...promotes true growth in his students...both on the floor and out into the world..." Previous Recipients 2018 Sensei Shelley McGregor 2019 Sensei Raye Willms 2020 Sensei Bernadine Jugdutt 2021 Sensei Scott Knowles 2022 Sensei James Freeman 2023 Sensei Dan Hill 2024 Sensei Bill Hynes Contributor Award Sensei Elliott Knowles "...quiet dedication to the SWKKF...elevating the professionalism and visibility of the SWKKF across Canada..." Previous Recipients 2018 Sensei Marco Reyes 2019 Sensei Darren Humphries 2020 Sensei Lauren Pankratz 2021 Sensei Blaine Beemer 2022 Sensei Beverly Beuermann-King 2023 Sensei Yvon Lebel 2024 Sensei Adam Knowles Ambassador Award Sensei Steffannie Hancharyk "...truly humble...lifting others up..." Previous Recipients 2018 Sensei Kris Reynolds 2019 Sensei Darren Humphries 2020 Sensei Calvin Pittet 2021 Sensei Kyle Chambers 2022 Sensei Doug Taylor 2023 Sensei Alice Pinto-Lebel 2024 Sensei Brandon Marques Female Athlete Award Sensei Erin Couture "...positive, encouraging, and incredibly serious about her karate..." Previous Recipients 2018 Sensei Natalie Olson 2019 Sensei Elise Leong-Sit 2020 Sensei Robin Fidyk 2021 Sensei Maisie Rathwell 2022 Sensei Natalie Wong 2023 Sensei Emily Muddle 2024 Sensei Cristina Iordache Male Athlete Award Sensei Geoff McDaonald "...a strong desire to help others achieve their personal best..." Previous Recipients 2018 Sensei Nico Gosselin 2019 Sensei Kyle Chambers 2020 Sensei Brodie Hicks 2021 Sensei Kyle Chambers 2022 Sensei Conrad Graup 2023 Sensei Stefan Iordache 2024 Sensei Braden Oishi

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

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

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