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

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

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.

Shindo A Dream. A Staff. A Legacy Born. In the '70s, Sensei Shintani dreamed of facing a blade with only a short stick. That vision sparked Shindo - a powerful fusion of Wado-Ryu philosophy and weapon-based technique with a 36-inch staff. History & Development Shindo Gradings Principles & Concepts New Shindo Katas Future Of Shindo Incorporating Shindo Seishin No Shindo Shindo Tasks & Goals Download the Shindo Reference Manual

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, Feb 21 SWKKF Bunkai Level 1 - Welland Martial Arts Centre / 77 Division St RSVP Feb 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST 77 Division St, 77 Division St, Welland, ON L3B 3Z8, Canada Join us for a focused Level 1 Bunkai Clinic with guest instructor Sensei Kris Reynolds Sat, Feb 21 Bushido Judo Clinic / Grandview Heights Community Centre RSVP Feb 21, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM MST Grandview Heights Community Centre, 12603 63 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 1P2, Canada JOIN US! FOR A SPECIAL EVENT! A hands-on Judo clinic featuring two outstanding instructors from the University of Alberta Judo Club, covering essential beginner fundamentals in a supportive, high-quality learning environment. Multiple Dates Sun, Feb 22 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration RSVP Feb 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. See All Multiple Dates Tue, Feb 24 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa RSVP Feb 24, 2026, 7:45 PM – 9:15 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 Multiple Dates Fri, Feb 27 Sensei Darren Humphries - P.O.P. Wado Kai / Timmins RSVP Feb 27, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST Timmins, 855 Park Ave, Timmins, ON P4N 8G2, Canada Sensei Darren Humphries will be leading two outstanding clinics: See All Fri, Feb 27 Niagara Region Black Belt Pre-Grading / Welland RSVP Feb 27, 2026, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM EST Welland, 77 Division St, Welland, ON L3B 3Z8, Canada The Welland Martial Arts Centre is hosting the event on February 27th-2026 from 6:30-10:00 pm at the Holy Trinity Church, 77 Division Street in Welland. +6 more Multiple Dates Sat, Feb 28 Sensei Darren Humphries - P.O.P. Wado Kai / Timmins RSVP Feb 28, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST Timmins, 855 Park Ave, Timmins, ON P4N 8G2, Canada Sensei Darren Humphries will be leading two outstanding clinics: See All Sat, Feb 28 Simcoe South Karate Tournament / Simcoe RSVP Feb 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST Simcoe, 138 Evergreen Hill Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y, Canada The Simcoe South Karate Tournament on February 27, 2026, will be a celebration of skill, discipline, and community. Sun, Mar 08 Shintani Virtal Kata Clinic / Zoom RSVP Mar 08, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT Zoom I’d like to invite you and your students (rank appropriate) to participate in an upcoming SWKKF Virtual Kata Clinic being held via Zoom Multiple Dates Fri, Mar 13 Whitemud Karate Club - Karate Clinic & Tournament / Edmonton RSVP Mar 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM MDT Edmonton, 3500 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 5P5, Canada The Whitemud Karate Club invites SWKKF karateka to the Inaugural Winter Warrior Karate Tournament taking place March 13–15, 2026 in Edmonton Multiple Dates Sat, Mar 14 Whitemud Karate Club - Karate Clinic & Tournament / Edmonton RSVP Mar 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM MDT Edmonton, 3500 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 5P5, Canada The Whitemud Karate Club invites SWKKF karateka to the Inaugural Winter Warrior Karate Tournament taking place March 13–15, 2026 in Edmonton Multiple Dates Sun, Mar 15 Whitemud Karate Club - Karate Clinic & Tournament / Edmonton RSVP Mar 15, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM MDT Edmonton, 3500 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 5P5, Canada The Whitemud Karate Club invites SWKKF karateka to the Inaugural Winter Warrior Karate Tournament taking place March 13–15, 2026 in Edmonton Fri, Mar 20 Eastern Ontario 2026 Karate Championship Clinic / Kawartha Lakes RSVP Mar 20, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Kawartha Lakes, 24 Weldon Rd, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R4, Canada Karate Kawartha Lakes is pleased to announce the 14th annual Eastern Ontario Shintani Karate Championships Clinic. Sat, Mar 21 Eastern Ontario 2026 Karate Championship / Kawartha Lakes RSVP Mar 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Kawartha Lakes, 24 Weldon Rd, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R4, Canada Karate Kawartha Lakes is pleased to announce the 14th annual Eastern Ontario Shintani Karate Championships. The tournament will be hosted by Karate Kawartha Lakes on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at I.E. Weldon Secondary School starting registration at 8:00 a.m. Sun, Mar 22 Shintani Bunkai Level 3 / Kawartha Lakes RSVP Mar 22, 2026, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT Kawartha Lakes, 24 Weldon Rd, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R4, Canada Shinatani Wado Kai Karate Federation Shintani Bunkai Level 3 Multiple Dates Sun, Mar 22 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration RSVP Mar 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT 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. Tue, Mar 24 The Norfork Black Belt Pre-Grading / 128 Evergreen Hill Rd RSVP Mar 24, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT 128 Evergreen Hill Rd, 128 Evergreen Hill Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 0B5, Canada This pre-grading is for polishing. Fine tuning details, composure, and etiquette, so you walk into grading day ready. Multiple Dates Wed, Mar 25 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa RSVP Mar 25, 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 Load More

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

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.

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

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

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 Bruce Perkins - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor Sensei Bruce began his karate career in Wawa, Ontario in 1974 under the instruction of Sensei Danny McCoy, Sensei Rick Leveille, and Sensei Luigi Troverello. In 1979 Sensei Bruce moved to Southern Ontario where he continued his training under Sensei Shintani. In July 1979 he was graded to Shodan. Sensei Bruce founded the SWKKF Scholarship fund in May of 1990. Sensei Bruce was a member of the original National Team which was picked by Hanshi Shintani in 1996. He has been involved with the Shindo Development Committee and has also participated in the production of the SWKKF Kata and Shindo Instructional videos. Sensei Bruce received the rank of Shichidan, dated September 15th, 2007 and Hachidan, dated in 2014 from Otsuka Sensei Sr. of the All Japan Karate-do Federation, prior of his death, at the request of Hanshi Sensei. Subsequently was awarded Hachidan (8th Dan) in August 2013, and Kudan (9th Dan) in December 2020 from the SWKKF Senate. Sensei Bruce currently resides in Simcoe, Ontario with his wife Irene. His son's Dustin and Derek live in Western Canada. For a more detailed biography of Sensei Bruce Perkins, as well as some personal stories of his training with Hanshi Shintani please read the article in the July 2007 Harmonizer. bperkins@shintani.ca +1 (519) 429-5628