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

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

Welcome to the Shintani Karate 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 Limited Edition Prints Kihon Kumite Techniques Hanshi Shintani Kihon Kumite Techniques ** Shintani / Otsuka, Hanshi Shintani with Shindo, Hanshi Shintani Gedan Shuto Shintani / Shindo Shirts ** Shintani Wado Kai and Shindo Limited Edition Shirts. Shintani Branded Dojo Apparel Shintani Branded Duffel Bags, Mugs, Shirts, Jackets and more ** To Order - Send email to dlabbe@shintani.ca SWKKF Members Store Equipment: Hand/Foot Pads, Karate Gi's , Belts Duffel Bags, Clothing Hard & Soft Shindo. Make sure to search for Shintani when ordering. SWKKF Instructors Store Store for SWKKF Instructors. Make sure to search for Shintani when ordering. Sport Excel Academy Louis Roentgen Book Order Sensei Lou Roentgen (direct student of Sensei Shintani) book on Karate-Do Special offer for SWKKF Members Member Items Wood carvings

Top of Page REACH Program Leadership Award Contributor Award Ambassador Award Athletes Award 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 generally – September 1 - April 21, 2025. Nominations – nominees must be SWKKF member. Must be a SWKKF registered member to nominate 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 and not be part of another SWKKF committee 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. 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 OishiCristina lordache REACH Award Ceremony Videos Year Description Video Link 2025 2025 REACH Awards coming soon 2024 2024 REACH Awards Ceremony https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FFqYGwQeGk4rEE2rLmW8lKGJuidYDxJc/view?usp=drive_link 2023 2023 REACH Awards Ceremony https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yLsMAsILEW2f11NTz4OZd77HRurZs9ub/view?usp=drive_link 2022 2022 REACH Awards Ceremony https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MChG0J6yg09LWZD3GT3tYblHaQB_bEVE/view?usp=drive_link 2021 2021 REACH Awards Ceremony https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dCCnSePePzJZvtTZviXSGo8Df1yKY3qz/view?usp=drive_link REACH Award: Story Videos Year Interviewee Video URL 2025 Peter Avino https://drive.google.com/file/d/18GKsND_WE8XAzxvqsg--SFFjXEbC_8AZ/view?usp=drive_link 2025 Sensei Carlos Garcia https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S7KmYf3rZAJ8tUkca3NtSpZ2FT4pRIEE/view?usp=drive_link 2025 Michel Gosselin https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fcH5qiPPe-C0DOQTEXi3LfizjMKedf9T/view?usp=drive_link 2025 Darren Humphries https://drive.google.com/file/d/15A-Otla3x081FDZq7Z02upkXECvaK9Ru/view?usp=drive_link 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

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

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.

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, Dec 13 Hamiota SWKKF Tournament / Hamiota RSVP Dec 13, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST Hamiota, 91 1 St, Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0, Canada Come and join us for a great weekend of Karate Sat, Dec 13 Hamiota SWKKF Clinic / Hamiota RSVP Dec 13, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST Hamiota, 91 1 St, Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0, Canada Come and join us for a great weekend of Karate Multiple Dates Fri, Dec 19 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa RSVP Dec 19, 2025, 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 Multiple Dates Tue, Jan 06 Shindo Clinic Zoom Series / https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc RSVP Jan 06, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc Hosted by Sensei Jim Atkinson, open to all Karateka See All Multiple Dates Thu, Jan 08 Shindo Clinic Zoom Series / https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc RSVP Jan 08, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM EST https://rebrand.ly/y0h3hhc Hosted by Sensei Jim Atkinson, open to all Karateka 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 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. 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 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 See All Fri, Feb 13 1st Annual Jeff Gervin Memorial Clinic / Virden RSVP Feb 13, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM CST Virden, 538 Government Rd S, Virden, MB R0M 2C0, Canada 1st Annual Jeff Gervin Memorial Tournament & Clinic February 13th, 14th and 15th 2026 For More Information Contact Sensei Alex Arndt (204) 522-0890 arndtaj@hotmail.com See All Sat, Feb 14 1st Annual Jeff Gervin Memorial Tournament / Virden RSVP Feb 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST Virden, 538 Government Rd S, Virden, MB R0M 2C0, Canada 1st Annual Jeff Gervin Memorial Tournament & Clinic February 13th, 14th and 15th 2026 For More Information Contact Sensei Alex Arndt (204) 522-0890 arndtaj@hotmail.com See All Load More

< Back Dan Bracconier Sep 6, 1956 Sep 3, 2013 comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Previous Next

(519) 718-8665 < Back Port Dover Wado Kai Sensei Tim McCullough (519) 718-8665 mccdover@gmail.com Address Port Dover, ON, Canada Port Dover, ON, Canada N0A 1N0 Practice Times Tuesday/Thursday - 7-8 pm (Juniors) & 8-10 pm (Advanced) Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

(306) 861-3214 < Back Weyburn Wado Kai Karate Sensei Owen Day (306) 861-3214 senseiowen@outlook.com Address 317 3rd Street South, Weyburn, SK, Canada Weyburn, SK, Canada Practice Times Wednesday - Youth - 5:30-6:30 pm / Advance Youth/Adult - 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesday - Blue & Up - 8:30-9:00 pm (Central Standard Time) Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

< Back Peter Ruch Jul 13, 2022 comments debug Comments (1) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest ylebel Nov 18, 2024 Some pictures of our dear late friend and pass senate member sensei Peter Ruch being recognized by the Town of Fort Erie for his years on contribution. Sensei Denis Labbe and I were at the ceremony. Also a pic of his family, daughter Cory with her husband and son Brayden and his son Steven and Peter’s wife Darlene. Like Reply Previous Next

(519) 909-9438 < Back Simcoe Saturday Kids Sensei Marco Reyes (519) 909-9438 marcoreyes@gmail.com Address 182 South Drive, Simcoe, ON, Canada Simcoe, ON, Canada Practice Times Saturday - Kids - 9:30-11 am / Advance - 11-12:30 pm (Eastern Daylight) Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next