Shintani History & Legacy - Photos / Videos Click here to submit new photos / videos If you have a lot of pictures to send, please send an e-mail to legacy@shintani.ca to get a google drive link Senei Rick Leveille Visits the Nikkei Center in June 2011 - Hanshi Shintani Wartime Camp 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 2026 2010 2016 2022 Years with Red are under development. Check back often for updates.

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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

< Back Rick Leveille - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor Sensei Leveille was first drawn to the discipline of karate in 1971 after visiting a Shi to-Ryu dojo in Vancouver. However it was not until 1973, after attending a Wado Karate demonstration m Wawa Ontario with Sensei Don Girard, that Sensei Rick started his karate career. It was as a yellow belt that Sensei Rick first met Sensei Shintani. He was immediately impressed by his presence, knowledge, and confidence and began attending classes regularly with him from that time on. He graded to Shodan in March of 1977 and has continued to train and instruct Wado Kai, advancing his rank to Hachidan (8th dan) . Sensei Rick has dedicated his karate career to promoting Wado Kai all over Canada as well as Northern Ontario. He played a pivotal role in developing a network of clubs from Wawa to Fort Francis, Ontario and in 1991 formed the Northwest Ontario Wado Kai Karate Association, which is still active today. Sensei Leveille now lives in Elkford BC, where he has founded the Elk Valley Wado Kai Karate Club. Sensei Rick was awarded the Kudan (9th Dan) from the SWKKF senate December 2021. For a more detailed biography of Sensei Rick Leveille, as well as some personal stories of his training with Sensei Shintani please read the article in the October 2007 Harmonizer.

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

< Back Denis Labbé - Kudan (9th Dan) President Sensei Denis began his karate career in 1972 in Welland, Ontario. He attended a demonstration by Hanshi Masaru Shintani and was immediately impressed with his skill and presence. He has been training in Wado Kai ever since. Sensei Denis trained with Hanshi Shintani and also with Sensei Peter Ciolfi, one of Hanshi Shintani's black belts. As a kyu belt Sensei Denis trained with Sensei Ron Mattie who had started karate in 1973. In March of 1975 Sensei Denis received his Shodan rank. As a black belt Sensei Denis trained with Sensei Ron, Sensei Peter Ciolfi, Sensei Dominic Morabito and Sensei Ray Poulin. In June of 1997 Hanshi Shintani formed the SWKKF Senate. Sensei Denis held the position of Secretary-General for 10 years. In May of 2000 Hanshi Shintani passed away and Sensei Denis became the successor as President of the SWKKF. Sensei Denis continues to train, teach seminars, and attend tournaments and black belt gradings across Canada. He oversees the SWKKF and continues to fuel the organization in the direction Sensei Shintani guided him. Sensei Denis currently resides in St. Catharines, Ontario. Sensei Denis has two children (Aaron and Kelsey). On May 26, 2018 the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Senate (after a long overdue decision) that Sensei Denis Labbé was awarded the rank of Kudan (9th Dan). For a more detailed biography of Sensei Denis Labbé, as well as some personal stories of his training with Hanshi Shintani please read the article in the October 2006 Harmonizer. From Hanshi Shintani - " Wado, way to harmony and peace. The finest quality of human race. A total goal to peace on earth. We the Wado students of karate must be the leaders of unity and happiness through the universe and guide our students to a alternate human alliance with understanding." dlabbe@shintani.ca +1 (905) 788-7999

< Back Jim Atkinson - Hachidan (8th Dan) Vice President & Secretary Sensei Jim started his karate career in 1981 at the Simcoe South Club under the instruction of Sensei Bruce Perkins. He was graded to Shodan in 1987 and in June 2021 received the rank of Hachidan (8th Dan) from the SWKKF Senate and in December 2021, received the rank of Hachidan (8th Dan) from the World Traditional Karate Association. Sensei Jim has been the head instructor of Delhi Wado Kai since 1992. Sensei Jim has been very active in the SWKKF. He worked with Sensei Bruce Perkins to develop the SWKKF scholarship fund and was a member of the first Shindo committee, which has worked to develop the Shindo program within the federation. Sensei Jim was also involved in the production of Volumes 1 and 2 of the Kata DVD's as well as all 3 Shindo DVD's. Sensei Jim was the Ontario provincial representative for a lengthy time until being appointed to the Senate. Sensei Jim is currently the Vice President and Secretary of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation and the Chair of the Shindo Federation of North America. jatkinson@shintani.ca +1 (519) 428-8406

< Back Michel Gosselin - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director Sensei Michel started karate in September 1972 in Geraldton, Ontario. Circumstances were such that he changed organizations three times before earning a black belt in I.T.F. Taekwondo in March 1983 and was a member of the Canadian team at the 1984 World ITF Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Sensei Michel has been a member of the Shintani National Team since 1997. He was a competitor for 6 teams, assistant coach in kumite and was recently appointed head coach. He has represented the SWKKF in many local and international events. He has been highly influenced by his coach Sensei Ron Mattie. Sensei Michel has been the regional Representative for the Northwestern Ontario region for many years. He received the rank of Shichidan from the Senate and his instructor, Sensei Rick Leveille in December 2022. In 2002, Sensei Michel started the Nordik Wado Kai club in Hearst, Ontario at the high school where he taught for 29 years and where he hosts an annual tournament bringing together SWKKF members from across the province. Sensei Michel is a retired high school physical education teacher. He is happily married with 3 adult children. Sensei Michel has chosen the practice and promotion of Wado Kai karate as his life-style; he is proud to be a member of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. Sensei Michel is dedicated to his family and loves outdoor activities. mgosselin@shintani.ca +1 (705) 372-5227

< Back Danny McCoy - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor Sensei Shintani has given me clear direction and instruction which has given me the ability co reach and continue co develop karate the way Mr. Shintani Sensei Danny started training in Wado Kai karate at the age of 19 under the instruction of Sensei Don Gerard in Timmins, Ontario. Training together with Sensei Rick Leveille, as Kyu belts the two on a weekly basis would travel many hours around Northern Ontario for instructions and then help instruct classes back in their hometown. At the rank of Shodan, Sensei Danny began training under the direct instruction of Sensei Shintani. In 1980, Sensei McCoy moved to British Columbia and throughout the years raised a family and started clubs in Merritt BC, Edson, Hinton and Spruce Grove Alberta. For over 20 years Sensei Danny was proud 10 be a part of the Western Canadian Karate Tournament which started in Edson with approximately 30 students and peeked at over 300 participants at Karate events held at Spruce Grove's Tri Leisure Centre. The proceedings grew to include a workshop, tournament, and Grading in a single weekend. Sensei Danny currently lives in Calgary, Alberta with his wife Linda and is pleased to be a part of the Shintani Karate Organization as Sensate advisor. Sensei Danny was awarded Kudan (9th Dan) from the SWKKF senate December 2021. For a more detailed biography of Sensei Danny McCoy, as well as some personal stories of his training with Sensei Shintani please read the article in the April 2008 Harmonizer.

< 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

< Back Brian Chmay - Hachidan (8th Dan). Senate Advisor Sensei Brian Chmay started karate in 1976 under Sensei Dan Davies. Sensei Dan’s dojo was on Parkdale Ave in Hamilton. Shortly afterwards, Sensei Shintani started a dojo in Hamilton, ON, a few blocks away. Sensei Dan decided that since Sensei Shintani was so close, that he would close down his club and all would all work out directly under Sensei Shintani. Sensei Shintani later moved from his Hamilton dojo to the Japanese Culture Center (also in Hamilton). This is when Sensei Brian (at a green belt level) first met Sensei Brad Cosby. Sensei Brian was very pleased when Sensei Shintani opened up a club in St Catharines, ON. Sensei Shintani was also teaching karate at Brock University, St. Catharines, ON – Sensei Brian was working out 3 to 4 times a week between these three clubs with the occasional work out with Sensei in Grimsby. Sensei Brian received his Shodan rank in 1980 and continue to work out in both locations in St. Catharines, ON. Sensei Shintani assigned Sensei Brian to teach the Brock University karate classes after his Shodan grading; he taught for the full academic year. In 1981, Sensei Shintani moved from Grimsby to Hamilton leaving Sensei Brian to run the Grimsby, ON club. At this time, the Grimbsy club was running one day a week. Soon afterwards, Sensei Brad Cosby joined with Sensei Brian and they started running two workouts a week in Grimsby. This was the beginning of the “ Grimsby Beach Wado Kai ” dojo. Sensei Brian and Sensei Brad led by example by participating in all SWKKF events and tournaments. Sensei Brad and Sensei Brian continued to run the Grimsby Beach Wado Kai until August 2007 when the town of Grimsby allocated the Community Centre to other interests. Sensei Brian has been involved in the SWKKF in many different areas: Niagara Regional Representative Mentor for Sensei Mike Cocco (Head Instructor NOTL Wado Kai) Mentor for Sensei Steve Bone (Head Instructor Grimsby club) Mentor for Sensei Brian Julien (Instructor Timmins Wado Kai club) Assistant Shindo instructor for the Welland Shindo club Assistant Financial Committee member under Sensei Brad Cosby Shindo Committee member Throughout the years, Sensei Brian has had the opportunity to meet and work out with “many fine people belonging in our organization”. During his employment with the Canadian Welding Bureau (which sent him across Canada to present courses) he had the opportunity to work out with members of the Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Vancouver Wado Kai clubs. Sensei Brian’s daughter Michelle and my son Michael are also involved with the SWKKF. “ It is encouraging to see them taking an active role in their clubs. It gives me great pleasure watching them gaining experience and recognition among their fellow black belts. They belong to the new generation of black belts, very keen and dedicated to the teachings of Sensei Shintani. ” Sensei Brian is an advisor to the senate. Sensei Brian was awarded Hachidan (8th Dan) from the SWKKF senate in December 2022.

< Back Heather Fidyk - Shichidan (7th Dan) Former Senate Member Sensei Heather began her karate career through the University of Alberta Wado Kai club in 1986 earning her Shodan in 1990. In 2007 she earned the rank of Godan (5th dan) under the tutelage of Sensei Ron Mattie. Subsequently, she earned her rank of Rokudan (6th) rank August 2013, and Shichidan (7th) rank December 2020 from the SWKKF Senate. From 1992 to 1993, Sensei Heather lived and worked in Japan with her husband Sensei Darren Fidyk, Godan, where they trained and competed in Wado Ryu under the instruction of Sensei Endo. They continued their international training as Wado Ryu guests in Brazil in 1998 and in Japan in 2000 accompanied by Sensei Ron Mattie and Sensei Darren Humphries. Sensei Heather was a member of the SWKKF National team from 2002-2006. During this time she competed throughout Canada, in the US and Morocco. She maintains her involvement with the SWKKF National Team taking on the role of assistant coach from 2010 to present and even competed with the National Team in Italy in 2011. Sensei Heather has played a large role in the growth and development of Wado Kai karate in Alberta. She founded the St. Albert Wado Kai club, ran the Edmonton Riverbend Wado Kai club, and in 1994 co-founded the South Calgary Wado Kai Karate club with Sensei Darren Fidyk. Currently she is the head instructor and treasurer of the South Calgary Wado Kai Karate Club. The club is about 150 -200 members and hosts one of the SWKKF’s largest tournaments annually in March. She trained Shindo beginning as a blue belt with Hanshi Shintani and today the club participates in the SWKKF Shindo program with both an adult and youth component. As a new member of the SWKKF senate she brings with her a western perspective, a female view, knowledge of being a board member, running a nonprofit organization, and an international understanding.