< 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 Thank you to all who have generously donated to the Logger Family Memorial Fund 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. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_84ad2c0d14c146dfa42d21a5c29ea6b1.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next

< Back Darren Humphries - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director Inspired by his older brother Jayson Humphries, Sensei Darren began his karate training in Arcola, Saskatchewan in 1986 under Sensei Rathe Mokelky (Rokudan). He was honored to have been graded to his Shodan in the spring of 1990 by Sensei Peter Coilfi and Sensei Roland Day. In January 1998, he received the rank of 1st Dan in Jin Pal Hapkido and in July the same year received the rank of Sandan in Shindo. In September 2021, he received the rank of Shichidan (7th Dan) from the World Traditional Karate Association. In November 2021, he received a Rokudan (6th Dan) in Shindo from the Shindo Federation of North America. In December 2021, he received the rank of Shichidan (7th Dan) from the SWKKF Senate. In 1996-1997, Sensei Darren was selected by Sensei Shintani and his senior students to be on the first Shintani World Competition Team to travel to Okinawa to compete. Sensei quoted on September 15, 1996 " I think that this team will show the world the true spirit of karate." Although the trip was eventually cancelled, the groundwork was established for the SWKKF National Team. He was a member of the National team in 1997-1998 and 2002 – 2004 at which time he competed across Canada and the United States. Sensei Darren has been involved with numerous committees and has been active in the growth and development of Shintani Wado Kai in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He became Sensei Rathe Mokelky’s assistant instructor in the late 80s and early 90s; teaching at several clubs in South Eastern Saskatchewan and then later founded clubs in Findlater, Saskatchewan. In 2005, he founded the Dynamic Karate Association of Alberta based out of Northwest Calgary Alberta. He is currently the head instructor and treasurer for the Dynamic Karate Association of Alberta and operates clubs in NW Calgary and Turner Valley, Alberta. Sensei Darren resides in Calgary, Alberta with his wife Deborah, son Carter and daughters Lexi and Maya. dhumphries@shintani.ca +1 (403) 671-5662

< Back It is with sincere sadness we announce the passing of Sensei Jeff Gervin on March 10, 2025. 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. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_acfb637a773d46d9b2ee0e168d320987.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next

< Back Brian Julien - Godan (5th Dan) Director Sensei Brian began karate around 1988 at the Grimsby Beach Wado Kai Karate Club under Sensei Brian Chmay and Sensei Brad Cosby. He was graded to his Shodan in September 1997, a few weeks after his 16th birthday at Confederation High School in Welland, Ontario. While attending university in Ottawa, Sensei Brian had the opportunity to train with various instructors from a variety of different karate styles. In 2009, Sensei Brian moved to Timmins, Ontario, where he trained with Sensei Willie LeBrun. Throughout this time, Sensei Brian would take every opportunity to train with Sensei Brian and Sensei Brad whenever his travels brought him back to the Niagara Region. Beginning in 2015, Sensei Brian began training with Sensei Melanie Camirand and together they currently run P.O.P. Wado Kai in Timmins, Ontario. Sensei Brian was graded to his Godan in both the SWKKF and the World Traditional Karate Association in the fall of 2021. Throughout the years, Sensei Brian has been on various committees within the organization, including the Scholarship Committee, Fundraising and Grants Committee, and the Standards and Ethics Committee. He has also been Regional Representative for North Eastern Ontario for approximately 10 years. Sensei Brian is a lawyer and continues to live in Timmins with his wife, Julie, and their 4 children, all of whom are members of the SWKKF. bjulien@shintani.ca +1 (705) 262-2802

< 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.

< Back Support the SWKKF Every Time You Shop at the Hatashita Store! How every purchase you make from Hatashita can help fund the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_7df2e167529e44f194a1008ceaec8df6.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next

< 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 Ron Mattie - Kudan (9th Dan) Chief Instructor Sensei Mattie started Wado-Kai Karate in the yearly 1970’s at the Welland Wado-Kai Karate Club. He was influenced to join by Sensei Denis Labbé. Sensei Labbé and Sensei Mattie along with the late Sensei Peter Ciolfi were among three of the top competitors through out the 70‘s and 80’s. Sensei Mattie taught many of Hanshi Shintani’s monthly black belt classes at the Japanese Culture center in Hamilton as well as traveling across Canada conducting karate workshops. After Hanshi Shintani’s passing in 2000, Sensei Mattie was appointed Chief instructor of the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. He still travels across Canada as well as other countries holding clinics for vary martial art groups. Sensei Mattie is also the SWKKF National Team coach. With the help of many instructors in the organization, the team excelled internationally and is reaching the goals that were set by Hanshi Shintani. Ron’s two children are also both in martial arts. His daughter Ronnie-Kay, a firefighter for the Niagara Falls Fire Department, is a black belt belt in Kickboxing and an orange belt in Jujitsu. His son Chad is a black belt in both kickboxing and Jujitsu. Sensei Mattie along with Sensei Labbé, has also been involved in Schutzhund training. This is a type of sport protection dog training. They both competed in the late 70’s and early 80’s across Canada and won many championships with their German Shepherd dogs. Recently, Sensei Mattie received his 8th dan and was appointed vice president and chief technical director for Wado in Canada under the World Traditional Karate Association (WTKA) for Canada. Sensei Ron received the rank of Hachidan from Otsuka Sensei Sr. of the All Japan Karate-do Federation, prior to his death, at the request of Hanshi Sensei coming into effect September 05, 2009 and subsequently awarded Kudan (9th Dan ) rank from the World Traditional Karate Association in November 2020 and Kudan (9th Dan) from the SWKKF Senate in December 2020. Sensei Ron Mattie is married and still resides in Welland Ontario. From Sensei Ron - A lesson in karate I remember Sensei Shintani saying: “The 1st technical thing you learn in karate is how to make a proper fist. Years later, the student wants to learn more katas and other kumite drills, and yet they still haven’t learnt the simplest lesson, how to make a proper fist.” For a more detailed biography of Sensei Ron Mattie as well as some personal stories of his training with Sensei Shintani please read the article in the July 2006 Harmonizer. Sensei Ron has produced the "5 Rules of Karate" video series. To view these follow this link: rmattie@shintani.ca +1 (905) 736-0943

Recognizing Extraordinary Achievement, Contribution and Hard-Work SWKKF REACH Program ABOUT THE PROGRAM Each year, the Shintani Culture of Recognition Program recognizes some of the organization’s leaders, contributors, amb assadors, sch olars and karate-ka for their contributions and achievements over the past year. Nomination period is September 1 - April 20, 2026. Nominations – nominees must be SWKKF member. Must be a SWKKF registered member to nominate Nomination Process To nominate a leader, contributor, ambassador, scholar or karate-ka for their contributions, scan the QR Code or click on the Nomination Form SELECTION COMMITTEE Each club is asked to submit a person’s name to be a part of a selection pool to review the nominations for each of the awards. Qualifications (preferred): Yudansha Generally, be available early May via email Be willing to spend time reviewing the nominations The selection committee is structured from the pool of volunteers, taking into consideration any potential conflicts of interest. A communication will be sent out each year to the SWKKF membership asking for volunteers and providing pertinent dates and details. To volunteer for the Selection Committee, scan the QR Code above or click on the Nomination Form. Select Selection Committee Volunteer (option 6). LEADERSHIP AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and effective mentorship within the SWKKF. Key Associated Values Honour, Humility, Community Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Yudansha only, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection committee. Example Someone who demonstrates leadership and mentorship within a dojo, the SWKKF, with all students, peers, ranking yudansha. CONTRIBUTOR AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who has truly made a difference to the SWKKF through their contribution to committees, governance, policy development, or financial sustainability within the SWKKF. Key Associated Values Excellence, Community, Humility Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Yudansha only, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection committee. Example Someone who contributes to committees, policy development, fundraising. AMBASSADOR AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual with a strong, positive voices, who advocates, raises awareness or enhances the image of the SWKKF in the greater community. Key Associated Values Community, Kindness Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility S hintani members, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection Committee. Example Someone who travels and supports both inside and outside their club. Member recruitment. Raises funds for charitable Organizations. Brings the SWKKF to community activities. Promotes the activities of the SWKKF ATHLETES AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who excels as a karateka through their dedication to training, attending tournament and clinic opportunities and achieving excellence as a result of this dedication. Key Associated Values Community, Kindness Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Shintani members, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection Committee. Example Someone who trains karate over and above the usual karate-ka, attends everything possible in their area, contributes to their dojo and the greater SWKKF. 2025 REACH Award Winners Leadership Sensei Tom Foster Contributor Sensei Elliott Knowles Ambassador Sensei Steffannie Hancharyk Female Athlete Sensei Erin Couture Male Athlete Sensei Geoff McDonald 2024 REACH Award Winners Leadership Sensei Bill Hynes Contributor Sensei Adam Knowles Ambassador Sensei Brandon Marques Female Athlete Sensei Cristina lordache Male Athlete Sensei Braden Oishi PREVIOUS REACH Award Winners Year Leadership Contributor Ambassador Female Athlete Male Athlete 2024 Bill Hynes Adam Knowles Brandon Marques Cristina Iordache Braden Oishi 2023 Dan Hill Yvon Lebel Alice Pinto-Lebel Emily Muddle Stefan Iordache 2022 James Freeman Beverly Beuermann-King Doug Taylor Natalie Wong Conrad Graup 2021 Scott Knowles Blaine Beemer Kyle Chambers Maisie Rathwell Kyle Chambers 2020 Bernadine Jugdutt Lauren Pankratz Calvin Pittet Robin Fidyk Brodie Hicks 2019 Raye Willms Darren Humphries Darren Humphries Elise Leong-Sit Kyle Chambers 2018 Shelley McGregor Marco Reyes Kris Reynolds Natalie Olson Nico Gosselin REACH Award Ceremony Videos Year Description Video Link 2025 2025 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/F44xs48FiKg 2024 2024 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/EWWSrCzv8vM 2023 2023 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/-6_36hjpReE 2022 2022 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/34XFn_EQ_vk 2021 2021 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/rHsgtBZoKPw REACH Award: Story Videos Year Interviewee Video URL 2025 Sensei Carlos Garcia https://youtu.be/KN_E6cdKliE 2025 Michel Gosselin https://youtu.be/drWb_F3lK1U 2025 Darren Humphries https://youtu.be/e2418F6RWes 2024 Sensei Shelley McGregor https://youtu.be/yESPDJ21ezU 2024 Sensei Bruce Perkins https://youtu.be/puxoG0x78qc 2024 Sensei Ron Mattie https://youtu.be/ok1wIykVvqE 2023 Sensei Heather Fidyk https://youtu.be/KxjNziviF_0 2023 Sensei Brad Cosby https://youtu.be/CPPOx5Y-XGg 2023 Sensei Blaine Beemer https://youtu.be/8f-vrOrMnnA 2022 Sensei Anne Readhead 2022 Sensei Peter Avino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq5fSqv2r5A 2022 Sensei Rick Leveille https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN3f9jIuVRw 2021 Sensei Charlotte Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buwci22s-KE&feature=youtu.be 2021 Jim Atkinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jbtY66-X3o 2021 Sensei Bob Graham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HLp_cUHJz0&feature=youtu.be 2021 Sensei Lou Roentgen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObqAxd94yFk

"This Is My Life" The Development of Shindo Sensei Shintani's gift to his students and society The art of Shindo was developed by Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan, in the early 1970s. Hanshi Shintani had made the Shindo methods and principles known to Master Otsuka who gave it his full endorsement. After having a dream in which Hanshi Shintani overcame several swordsmen with the use of a short staff Hanshi Shintani began to work on his own to develop the concept. The roots of these basics and other techniques taught by Hanshi Shintani can be traced back to his extensive Wado Kai training under Master Otsuka. Hanshi Shintani used the sabaki motion and explosiveness that he was renowned for to develop the same effects with Shindo. Hanshi Shintani introduced "Shindo" to a few of his higher ranking black belts that were sworn to secrecy, once he was comfortable with the format, Hanshi Shintani introduced Shindo to the rest of his black belts. After introducing Shindo to his students, Hanshi Shintani requested Sensei Bruce Perkins put together a training and grading process based on the five katas being practiced at the time, SHINDO NIDAN, CIO BO TIE, SEI SHAN NO SHINDO, CHINTO NO SHINDO, and WANSHU NO SHINDO. Not being certain he understood the request, Sensei Perkins called Sensei Labbé (Secretary General at that time) and asked him to confirm the request with Hanshi Shintani. Hanshi Shintani confirmed that was in fact what he wanted. Once notified of this confirmation, Sensei Perkins began to formulate the outline of a plan for the Shindo program. Sensei Perkins was in constant communication with Hanshi Shintani about the direction Hanshi Shintani wanted the program to proceed. A short time later, Hanshi Shintani passed away May 7, 2000. Unsure of how to proceed with the project, Sensei Perkins formed a committee of Hanshi Shintani's high ranking black belts (the first Shindo Committee). After several months which led into years, the program was finalized and approved at the Senate level. Once the program was approved, Sensei Perkins felt he had fulfilled his commitment to Hanshi Shintani and stepped down as the chair of the Shindo Committee. It is important to note Hanshi Shintani had a personal influence on the final outcome of all of these katas (SHINDO NIDAN, CIO BO TIE, SEI SHAN NO SHINDO, CHINTO NO SHINDO, and WANSHU NO SHINDO). For this reason it is critical that they are passed down to the next generations unchanged. There are three segments of the Shindo curriculum which were devised by the Shindo committee - Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Each course is designed to build upon one another to create a strong basis for the dan level rankings and instructor certification. The aim of the Shindo committee is to further develop and spread Hanshi Shintani's teachings and philosophies across the continent. For those of you who had the privilege of being associated with Hanshi Shintani, you know how important Shindo was to him. He once held the Shindo up in front of a class at a black belt workout and said, "This is my life". In essence, it is a gift to his students and to society which showed the true nature of all martial arts. Shindo Reference Manual

Policies, Procedures & Manuals Welcome to the SWKKF’s central hub for all official policies, procedures, and manuals. These documents are essential resources that help guide the day-to-day operations, uphold standards, and support the continued growth of our organization. Whether you're a student, instructor, or volunteer, this section will help you understand how we work together within the SWKKF. To make things easier to find, we’ve organized the materials into clear categories. With so much valuable information available, this structure helps you quickly access what you need - when you need it. Click the one you want to view. Policies Procedures Manuals