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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

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< Back Peter Ruch Jul 13, 2022 comments debug Comments (11) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest ylebel Admin Jun 15 Rick Leveille It was sad news to hear of Sensei Peter Ruch’s passing away. I have many good memories of Sensei Peter. He had a calming way with people he associated with and I always appreciated his advice and leadership. He also had a playful side which I will always remember. I was at an Karate banquet where Sensei Peter led the folks there in a dance ( La Macarena) . It was great fun and his playfulness was contagious. Sensei Peter was a great Karate Man and he will be missed by all that knew him. Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Michel Gosselin Sensei Peter was a great friend and dedicated member of the SWKKF. I have fond memories of him as the manager of the Shintani Team and I am honoured to have gotten to know him. He was a kind, loving and funny person. I remember being in a store with him, before a tournament, and he was purchasing little things. I do not remember exactly what it was, but he looked at me and said “The kids are going to love it”. He was preparing something special for the kids!! Spreading joy and happiness was his main focus. Rest in peace Sensei Peter, we will miss you. Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Ron Mattie My relationship with Peter Ruch: The last time I saw Sensei Peter Ruch was at Tim Horton in Port Colborne this past spring. We had a chance to reminisce about the pass, National Team, Roland Day, karate, family, Sensei Shintani and life in general. I’ve had the pleasure of working with sensei Ruch on the National team when he was the manager and I was the coach. We travelled across the country and had many great laughs. I also had the pleasure of sitting on the Senate with him. Also had some great visits with his wife Darlene and his daughter Cory. As for his son Steven, I only knew him briefly in his early karate career. Sensei Ruch and I competed against each other many times and I remembered the time he broke his big toe throwing me a kick and hitting my elbow. Another time I threw him a roundhouse kick and hit him scare in the chest. It made a really loud noise and everyone looked at us. He brushed it off and said, “boy the mosquitoes are bad in here”. LOL Throughout the years, Sensei Ruch has always been a gentleman and carried himself with the most respect. He has left a positive legacy and represented his family well. He will be missed greatly as an adviser and a friend. In peace by way of harmony; Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Brad Cosby I have personally known Sensei Peter Ruch for over 40 years, originally as a fellow tournament competitor. He was a strong, imposing and surprisingly quick opponent. What impressed me the most was that from the time you entered the ring, to the hearing of ‘Hajime’, is that time you establish presence and gain an advantage is always a part of my game and I am not sure if I ever phased him, but I knew he made ME think. After the match, it would always be a smile, a handshake, a hand on the shoulder, and either “Nice Fight”, or a “You know there will be a next time”, depending on the outcome, and myself thinking ‘hopefully not soon’. I was on the original Senate Committee with Peter; us all being handpicked by Hanshi Shintani. The knowledge Peter brought to the table from his personal life experiences laid the foundation for what the SWKKF is today and will carry on into the future. I do believe Peter leaving the Senate wasn’t that he necessarily wanted to, but more of a curiosity to sit back and see where the SWKKF would go. Over the past number of years, I have seen Sensei Peter at numerous SWKKF events as well as worked with him on the Standards and Ethics Committee alongside Sensei Bruce Perkins and myself, and once again I found his knowledge of mediation invaluable to us. The last time I saw Sensei Peter was at a Standards and Ethics Committee meeting at a coffee shop in Cayuga, Ontario. I will sadly miss Sensei Peter for what he gave to the SWKKF and to myself personally. RIP Sensei Peter. Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Jim Atkinson Sensei Peter Ruch was one of the kindest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. For me there are very few people I met and feel comfortable with immediately. Sensei Peter was one of those people. To describe him in a few words would be “kind, generous, fun, “however when it came to business he was serious and thorough. He had so much respect for Hanshi Shintani and the SWKKF and took great pride in protecting our federation’s future. Sensei Peter was always there for me to offer advice and guidance. When Sensei Peter retired from the Senate where he was General Secretary, I was appointed to the position. He guided me every step of the way in what was to be expected from me. He was a great mentor and friend. As a joke he gave me a book called “How to run a successful meeting in half the time.” This book turned out to be a great asset in how our meetings are run today. I am very fortunate to have had the guidance and friendship from Sensei Peter Ruch and will forever appreciate his influence in my life. RIP my friend. Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Darren Humphries Sensei Peter Ruch was one of the kindest and sincerest people I have ever met. He always had a positive outlook on life, and I rarely saw him without a smile on his face. I will always remember the weekend trip to San Diego when the Shintani organization started the international competition team. The karate was great and the time with Sensei Peter was better. Hearing his stories and his desire to help Hanshi Shintani move the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation forward will never be forgotten. Along with the rest of the original Senate, Sensei Ruch was a key contributor to the organization we have today. Thank You Sensei Ruch. You will be missed. Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Neil Prime Sensei Peter Ruch was a fun-loving, likeable, kind gentleman that had a way about him that immediately put people at ease. Although he was very well known for his carefree spirit and antics, when Sensei Peter was asked a question in regard to a matter of importance, he had a subtle tone in which to convey a message and inform you of the facts or his opinion. You would walk away feeling better and more knowledgeable about the situation. There were a few occasions in which I received guidance from Sensei Peter. One was prior to taking over the management position of the National Team. The other was why I should represent the SWKKF on the Senate when the time came. They were not long discussions, as he was clear and to the point. My wife Lori first met Sensei Peter and Darlene when we stopped in to see him at his house 1 week before his annual tournament in January of 1997. The two of them were an admirable couple. They did not hesitate to invite us in and spent a couple hours entertaining us with stories from soup to nuts. They were such a delightful couple as they bounced their conversation off each other, one not missing a beat in adding to each other’s stories. Sensei Peter will be missed in person, but his memory will last another generation! In memory of a great person, Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Denis Labbe I have so much to say about Sensei Peter Ruch. I met Sensei Peter through Sensei Peter Ciolfi and Sensei Roland Day. Sensei Roland was the instructor of the Fort Erie club and when he moved out west, Sensei Peter Ruch took over the club. I worked out at Sensei Peter's club and competed with him in tournaments. Before the Senate was founded in 1997, Sensei Peter and I and a handful of ranking black belts formed an Executive Committee to assist Sensei Shintani with his organization. Sensei Peter played a major role in creating the Constitution and By-Laws for the Senate and when Sensei Shintani passed away, I became the President and Sensei Peter was the Secretary General for the SWKKF. We did many travels together. He had a great sense of humour. I remember one time we had a tournament in Hearst, he bought this huge chocolate bar and knowing that I had a love for chocolate he did a presentation for me at the evening banquet. His advice was always appreciated and very helpful. Even after he retired from the Senate, Sensei Peter was always there for me. Attached are articles, photos and more information about Sensei Peter. You may have some of these already. Within these attachments, you will find many more experiences that I had with Sensei Peter. Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Bruce Perkins There are very few people that I have come across that compare to Sensei Peter. He was a warm loving man with an incredible sense of humour, you never knew what to expect when he decided he was going to have fun. I had the pleasure of serving with him on the Senate for several years, where I soon learned to respect his intelligence as we started to form a constitution for the SWKKF. Without his input, there would be no constitution. I take great pleasure in calling him a friend and always felt better after being in his presence. Thank you Sensei Peter and Rest In Peace my friend. Like Reply ylebel Admin Jun 15 Heather Fidyk Sensei Peter was an incredible person, his larger than life personality paired with his gift of empathy brought out the best in people, and then we add in his karate contributions. Sensei Peter leaves a legacy within the Shintani federation that generations to come will enjoy. Sensei Peter is in my prayers as I remember the incredible time I spent with Sensei Peter, on and off, the floor. Like Reply Show more comments Previous Next

Master Hironori Otsuka Shodai Karate-do Meijin Judan (First Generation Karate-do Master of the Tenth Dan) "The karateka should always hold true three vital elements -- the heart, spirit and physical strength." Master Otsuka Master Hironori Otsuka was born June 1, 1892, in Shimodate, Japan, where his father, Dr. Tokujiro Otsuka, operated a clinic. As a boy, he listened to a samurai warrior, his mother's uncle, tell thrilling stories of samurai exploits. This may well have been where the first seeds were sown that would later be some of the guiding principles and philosophies of Wado karate. Master Otsuka began martial arts training at five-years of age under his great uncle Chojiro Ibashi (Shintani & Reid, 1998) and by age thirteen was formally studying shindo yoshinryu jujutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art from which modern judo was derived, under Yokiyoshi Tatsusaburo Nakayama. Whereas most schools at that time stressed throwing or grappling techniques, this school stressed atemi (striking and kicking techniques). His martial arts training continued even when, in 1911, he entered Waseda University to study business administration. It was during this period that Master Otsuka began studying atemi-style Toshin-Kenpo while he continued his studies in shindo yoshinryu. When his father died in 1913 he was forced to quit school and return to Shimodate to work in a bank. Family portrait -- Master Otsuka standing on left Founder of Wado Kai Karate (1892-1982) By 1921, at the relatively young age of 29, he was awarded the coveted menkyo-kaiden, designating him the successor as master of this style. A year later, he began karate training under Gichin Funakoshi, the man who introduced karate to Japan from Okinawa. Master Otsuka had heard of Funakoshi's visit to Japan and journeyed to Tokyo to witness the demonstration. Later, when Funakoshi decided to stay in Japan and teach karate at the Meishojuku Gymnasium, Master Otsuka asked to stay and study with him. In 1927, he left the bank at Shimodate, and became a medical specialist treating martial arts injuries in order to devote more time to the martial arts. Master Otsuka outside Sensei Shintani residence In 1929, he started the first karate club at Tokyo University. The next five years would see him establish clubs in many other universities as one of Funakoshi's most senior students. During this time, Master Otsuka also had the opportunity to study with other prominent karate stylists of the time, including Kenwa Mabuni of the shito-ryu style, and Choki Motobu, who was known for his emphasis on kumite and the Naihanchi kata. However, Master Otsuka eventually began disagreeing with Master Funakoshi over developmental issues, particularly Master Otsuka's desire to develop free sparring drills. Funakoshi denounced this as an impurity in karate training, with a potential for great injury due to the deadly nature of some karate techniques. In the early 1930s, Master Otsuka parted company with Funakoshi, and traveled to Okinawa to learn more karate from the masters who had instructed Funakoshi. It was his belief that Funakoshi had over-simplified and over-modified several karate techniques and katas in the interests of teaching large groups of beginners. Master Otsuka combined knowledge of Funakoshi's karate with his new knowledge of Okinawan karate, and added several of his own adaptations from Japanese bushido (the way of the warrior) martial arts to form Wado karate. Master Otsuka eventually opened his own dojo as the Dai Nippon Karate Shinko club in 1934. According to records published by Shintani & Reid (1998), the name changed to Dai Nippon Karate-do Shinbu-Kai, then to Ko-Shu Wado-Ryu Karate Jutsu, which was subsequently shortened to Wado-Ryu Karate Jutsu, followed finally by Wado Ryu. Master Otsuka registered Wado karate in 1940 at Butokukai, Kyoto. It has become one the four major styles of Japanese karate, the others being: Shotokan, Shito, and Goju. In the same year, Master Otsuka organized the All Japanese Karate-do Federation, Wado-Kai, which serves as the worldwide sanctioning body for Wado karate and its affiliates. As early as 1934, he had developed rules and regulations for competitive free sparring to be incorporated into his system, the first karate style to do so. These rules have been wholly or partially adopted by virtually all modern martial arts competitions. In 1966, Master Otsuka received the Kun-Go-To, or "The Fifth Order of Merit of the Sacred Treasure" from the Emperor of Japan. He was also bestowed with the Soko Kyokujitsu-Sho medal for outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of karate. In 1972, he received the Shodai Karate-do Meijin Judan or "First Generation Karate-do Master of the Tenth Dan". He was designated the head of all martial arts systems within the All Japan Karate-do Federation. Master Otsuka passed away on January 29, 1982, after which Wado karate separated into several organizations based upon differences in leadership and teaching concepts.

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 Shelley McGregor 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

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

Karate Federation Shintani Wado Kai SWKKF Introduction The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF) is a non-profit organization that was founded by Hanshi Masaru Shintani in 1966. The SWKKF is one of the largest martial arts organization of a single style in North America. Current registered membership is approximately 1,900 students with 400+ active black belts. The largest Canadian membership groups are in Southern Ontario and Alberta. SWKKF membership continues to grow nationally, particularly in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. US membership also continues to grow, an area that we are looking to expand. The SWKKF supports a national team that represents it at Canadian and international tournaments. Organizational Structure The SWKKF has adopted a practical, functional structure that supports its strategy and strategic direction. One aspect addresses its hierarchical structure and the other area establishes designated SWKKF activities. Members are elected to representative positions within this structure for a period of 4 years. The last election was held in 2020. Hierarchical Structure SWKKF Committees Provincial Regional Senate Finance Viability Members Investment Clubs Service Excellance Legacy Click any box for more info. NOTE: Current provinces represented include: Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Current states represented include: Arizona, Arkansas, Texas and New York. Club members with any questions or concerns should first contact their club representative(s). They will be pleased to assist you.

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 Multiple Dates Thu, Nov 05 South East Ontario Black Belt Clinics / 47 Regent St Learn more Nov 05, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST 47 Regent St, 47 Regent St, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0, Canada South East Ontario Black Belt Clinics Multiple Dates Fri, Nov 20 Delhi Annual Clinic / 234 Main Street of Delhi RSVP Nov 20, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST 234 Main Street of Delhi, 234 Main Street of Delhi, Delhi, ON N4B 2M5, Canada Join the Delhi Wado Kai Karate Club for an exciting weekend of learning, fellowship and friendly competition. Multiple Dates Sat, Nov 21 Delhi Annual Tournament / 393 James St RSVP Nov 21, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST 393 James St, 393 James St, Delhi, ON N4B 2B6, Canada Join the Delhi Wado Kai Karate Club for an exciting weekend of learning, fellowship and friendly competition. Multiple Dates Sun, Nov 22 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Learn more Nov 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Join the Shintani Team for a monthly virtual training session designed to keep SWKKF members connected, active, and training together—no matter where you are. These sessions are open to all SWKKF members and run on the 4th Sunday of the months listed below. Sun, Nov 22 Naihanchin Bunkai Analysis Clinic / Grandview Heights Community Centre RSVP Nov 22, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM MDT Grandview Heights Community Centre, 12603 63 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 1P2, Canada Explore the practical applications of Naihanchin in an afternoon of guided kata analysis and hands-on practice with Sensei James Freeman, Sensei Craig Pettie, and Sensei Scott Knowles. Mon, Nov 23 Dojo Instructor Virtual Clinic November 2026 / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybq Learn more Nov 23, 2026, 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/t55ybq Sensei Mattie continues to host free monthly Instructor Clinics on Zoom to help harmonize techniques across the SWKKF. Multiple Dates Fri, Nov 27 Saskatchewan Annual Provincial - Moose Mountain Karate Clinic & Tournament / G.F. Kells High School Gym Learn more Nov 27, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST G.F. Kells High School Gym, 311 5 St E, Carlyle, SK S0C 0R0, Canada The Moose Mountain Karate Clinic and Tournament Multiple Dates Fri, Nov 27 Saskatchewan Annual Provincial - Moose Mountain Karate Clinic & Tournament / G.F. Kells High School Gym Learn more Nov 27, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM CST G.F. Kells High School Gym, 311 5 St E, Carlyle, SK S0C 0R0, Canada The Moose Mountain Karate Clinic and Tournament Fri, Nov 27 Three Elements Annual Tournament / Glenmore Christian Academy RSVP Nov 27, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM MDT Glenmore Christian Academy, 16520 24 St SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 4W2, Canada Multiple Dates Fri, Nov 27 Saskatchewan Provincial Karate Clinic/Tournament / 311 5 St E Learn more Nov 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM CST 311 5 St E, 311 5 St E, Carlyle, SK S0C 0R0, Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Karate Clinic Sat, Nov 28 Three Elements Annual Tournament / Marshall Springs School | Calgary Board RSVP Nov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM MDT Marshall Springs School | Calgary Board , 1100 Everridge Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 4X5, Canada Two days of Karate, learning and competition. Sharpen your skills, challenge yourself, and celebrate the spirit of karate! Multiple Dates Sat, Nov 28 Saskatchewan Provincial Karate Clinic/Tournament / 311 5 St E Learn more Nov 28, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST 311 5 St E, 311 5 St E, Carlyle, SK S0C 0R0, Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Karate Tournament Multiple Dates Thu, Dec 03 South East Ontario Black Belt Clinics / 47 Regent St Learn more Dec 03, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST 47 Regent St, 47 Regent St, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0, Canada South East Ontario Black Belt Clinics Multiple Dates Fri, Dec 04 Manitoba/Saskatchewan Black Belt Grading / Virden Collegiate Institute Learn more Dec 04, 2026, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT Virden Collegiate Institute, 538 Government Rd S, Virden, MB R0M 2C0, Canada Join us for two days of martial arts training, achievement and camaraderie, featuring a Friday night clinic followed by Saturday's Black Belt Grading and a celebratory banquet. Multiple Dates Sat, Dec 05 Manitoba/Saskatchewan Black Belt Grading / Virden Collegiate Institute Learn more Dec 05, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CDT Virden Collegiate Institute, 538 Government Rd S, Virden, MB R0M 2C0, Canada Join us for two days of martial arts training, achievement and camaraderie, featuring a Friday night clinic followed by Saturday's Black Belt Grading and a celebratory banquet. Sun, Dec 06 Manitoba Shindo Clinic & Grading / Virden Collegiate Institute Learn more Dec 06, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM CDT Virden Collegiate Institute, 538 Government Rd S, Virden, MB R0M 2C0, Canada Refine your Shindo techniques, develop your skills, and prepare for your next grading at this special one-day clinic. Open to karetka ranked Green Belt and above, with advanced instruction and grading opportunities for eligible participants. Tue, Dec 22 Dojo Instructor Virtual Clinic December 2026 / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybq Learn more Dec 22, 2026, 7:45 PM – 9:15 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/t55ybq Sensei Mattie continues to host free monthly Instructor Clinics on Zoom to help harmonize techniques across the SWKKF. Multiple Dates Thu, Jan 07 South East Ontario Black Belt Clinics / 47 Regent St Learn more Jan 07, 2027, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST 47 Regent St, 47 Regent St, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0, Canada South East Ontario Black Belt Clinics Load More

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). 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.

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

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