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< Back Shelley McGregor - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director Sensei Shelley started her Karate journey in 1987 at the Edson Club under the guidance of Sensei Danial McCoy. She was graded to Shodan February of 1992 and in June, 2024 was promoted to Shichidan by the Senate. She has achieved her Level 4 instructor certification in the SWKKF. In May, 2019 she received the rank of Rokudan from the World Traditional Karate Association and has since obtained her Level A instructor qualification and Level A examiner qualification. Sensei Shelley moved to Whitecourt, Alberta in 1993 and took over the Whitecourt club as head in 1998. She has enjoyed hosting numerous tournaments and events over the years. In 2012 she became President of the Alberta Shintani Karate Association and leads the clubs in their development. She has been involved on numerous committees and still remains an active contributor, is a past provincial representative of Alberta, organizes and instructs the Shintani Kata course. She aided in the Kata production of Volume 3 and Volume 4 where she demonstrates Chocodo. Sensei Shelley and her husband Grant continue to reside in Whitecourt, Alberta where they raised their four children, Brandon, Cameron, Conner and Shantelle. Two of her children are black belts in the SWKKF. Sensei Shelley’s believes: Focus on the positive Be kind to yourself and to others Keep training, keep learning, enjoy your karate journey and above all - have fun! smcgregor@shintani.ca +1 (780) 706-5746

Tasks and Goals Extract from Sensei Denis Labbé (President) letter to the SWKKF Membership Shindo Committee / September 9, 2010 The Shindo committee has been continuously working at fulfilling the dream Sensei Shintani had for Shindo. The goal is to bring Shindo into the lives of all the students in the federation. To this end, the Shindo committee has worked on, and continues to work on, a number of items to facilitate the completion of this task. Teaching Aids - There are a number of teaching aids currently available to provide instructors a starting point for the instruction of Shindo at the club level. The curriculum for the three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced has been developed and remains in place. Accompanying the curriculum are the three DVDs Clinics - Clinics are taught across the country by accomplished Shindo practitioners to introduce students to the art, refresh instructors, and provide new ideas from which it will grow Beyond these currently available aids, there are a few suggestions for incorporating Shindo into our routine karate workouts. As in karate, students must start with the basics and work their way up to advanced interpretations of karate movements. The basic grading structure for Shindo is as follows: Basic Shindo White Stripe - white belt to green belt stage of karate. Intermediate Shindo Green Stripe - green and blue belt levels. Advanced Shindo Brown Stripe – brown belt and above. Ideally, a student in the white belt to green belt stage of their karate should be able to translate their knowledge of karate basics to the Shindo and perform at a basic level. Thus, the white stripe awarded for successful performance of the basic level of Shindo is thought to be appropriate at green belt. The green stripe for completion of the intermediate requirements is approximately parallel to practice at the green and blue belt levels where combinations of techniques are introduced. It is recommended to be awarded at blue belt. Advanced kyu belts should, with regular practice, be able to perform the advanced portion of the Shindo curriculum. Therefore, at brown belt it is suggested that the brown stripe be awarded. Of course, these are not set times to award the stripe; it should be awarded as appropriate at this time or later, as the student progresses. Black belts, as in karate, will continue on beyond this program, and use their minds and skills to interpret the art. They will learn the newly developed kata Kushanku no Shindo, and begin to apply their knowledge of Shindo to techniques of the everyday karate class. The ability to accomplish this demonstrates the parallel with ‘regular’ karate and the parallels which Sensei Shintani created when he developed Shindo. A grading format beyond the current curriculum is being investigated to award Dan rankings. Tips for Teaching Shindo At first the student may feel overwhelmed by the foreign object in their hands, especially when starting out. Remember to teach at the level of the students. This caution is warranted to help decrease this possibility, regardless of the level of the student Shindo should be related to everyday karate. For the very first punch or block techniques we learn we can develop Shindo techniques to coincide with them. This is an important point for Shindo instructors and practitioners to grasp. Shindo classes can be structured exactly the way that ‘regular’ classes are. There should be at least an emphasis on the basics every time the Shindo is picked up. How these basics relate to karate (ie: kumais, sabaki, etc) is a good way to begin showing how Shindo really is Shintani Wado Kai with a Shindo hand-bo (short staff) of self-defense in our hands. Going forward, there are many ways to continue to develop Shindo across the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. Instructors should encourage their students to study - as they should themselves have awareness of the art. This will help and improve their abilities in karate and Shindo. Positive encouragement to participate in the Shindo divisions at tournaments is a great way to demonstrate knowledge and compare philosophies with peers. Encourage your tournaments to have two Shindo divisions, one for the kyu belts and one for the black belts. This is an ideal situation and something to be strived for. There in fact may be some kata that are not a part of the current curriculum as it stands now. The Shindo Committee welcomes and in fact seeks members’ own creative ideas for kata(s) (TAI SEI NO SHINDO, CHINTO NO SHINDO, WANSHU NO SHINDO, etc). These would be used in some manner as a part of the teaching and tournament system for Shindo. That is to say, in pockets of the North America there is lots of good work being accomplished with the Shindo, and everyone deserves to have access to this knowledge. By sharing ideas, they may be incorporated in some form into common Shindo practice. More information on introducing more Shindo kata(s) will be released in the near future from the Shindo committee. The goal of all involved in Shindo is to have all students practicing Shindo on some level. This is what Sensei Shintani envisioned. With current aids in place to assist instruction and the new directives and recommendations of the Committee we hope that the organization can move towards this goal. The Shindo Committee welcomes constructive feedback, suggestions, recommendations, and/or comments from the SWKKF members as a means to assist everyone to work and promote Shindo.

Contact Us Phone (905) 788-7999 Email dlabbe@shintani.ca Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Scholarships Overview Application SCHOLARSHIPS Wado Kai Student Development Fund Application deadline is 30 June at midnight each calendar year Scholarship Overview The Wado Kai Student Development Fund is proud to offer the following scholarships to the top three applicants who best demonstrate well roundedness in academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and karate achievements.: 2 (two) annual scholarships of $1,000 and, 1 (one) annual scholarship of $1,000 (courtesy of the Jean Foster Memorial Fund) Eligibility Criteria The applicant must be a member of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). The applicant will either be a student or a parent or a guardian of a student: If the applicant is the student, he/she will be judged on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities and karate achievements. If the applicant is a parent/guardian of the student, the application will be judged on: The student’s academic accomplishments and extracurricular activities The parent or guardian’s karate achievements The student must be applying to or continuing in a post-secondary institution such as university, college, technological institute, teacher’s college, etc. The student’s academic success (i.e. grades) must be sufficient to allow admittance into the post-secondary institution or continuance from one year to the next. All sections of the application must be received by June 30, 2022. Email submissions will be accepted until midnight and mailed submissions must be postmarked by the deadline. Proof of acceptance or continuance within the institute will be required before the scholarship is released. Applications are judged on three equally weighted categories: Academic accomplishments Extra-curricular activities Martial arts accomplishments Documents Required for Application: SWKKF Student Development Scholarship Application Form Letter of acceptance or proof of continuance in post-secondary program Official transcript of grades Incomplete applications will not be submitted to the Committee for review. How to Submit Your Application You can submit your entire application either by Regular Mail or by e-mail, but not a combination of both. You have two Application Forms (different formats) to choose from. Please select one. Word App Form pdf App Form Submission via Regular Mail The Wado Kai Student Development Fund 15307 44 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T6H 5W4 The postal address is listed in the application package. When submitting via regular mail, please ensure that the application form plus all supporting documentation is in ONE sealed envelope. Submission via e-mail scholarship@shintani.ca The e-mail address is listed in the application package. When submitting via e-mail, the applicant must fill out the application form online, save, and submit it along with scanned copies of all supporting documentation. The Committee will contact the applicant, if originals are required.

< Back Sensei Ron Mattie inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame 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. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_6871df69c0334bcb887f2a081c688b5f.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next

< 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 Brad Cosby - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor Sensei Brad started his karate career in Grimbsy, Ontario in 1967 under the instruction of Sensei Shintani. As a blue belt he began travelling with Sensei Shintani helping to teach at new clubs in Welland, ON, Niagara Falls, ON, Brock, ON, Port Dover, ON and Simcoe, ON. In 1972 Sensei Brad was graded to Shodan. At the age of 17, he was the youngest person to be graded to a black belt rank by Sensei Shintani. After taking a couple years off to raise a family, Sensei Brad returned to the Grimsby Beach Community Centre where he taught along side Sensei Brian Chmay. They continued to train and instruct at this location until 2007, when after more than 25 years, the dojo closed its doors. Sensei Brad now trains at area clubs, including the St. Catherine's club with Sensei Neil Prime. He also has a gym in his family garage where he continues to develop techniques using the principles Sensei Shintani taught him. Sensei Brad was awarded the Kudan (9th Dan) from the SWKKF senate in December 2020. "When I travel to different clubs, I am truly amazed at the precision, speed, and spirit which with the karateka, especially the blackbelts, are able to perform the technique and kata. I am honored to perform both beside and across from the men and women who make up the SWKKF. Sensei Shintani would be very pleased." - Sensei Brad Cosby For a more detailed biography of Sensei Brad Cosby, as well as some personal stories of his training with Sensei Shintani please read the article in the July 2008 Harmonizer.

(403) 700-3166 < Back Three Elements Karate Club Sensei Kevin Bowes (403) 700-3166 info@threeelementskarate.com Address 3602 8 St SW, Calgary, AB, Canada Calgary, AB, Canada Practice Times Monday - Family Class Intermediate - 6:30-7:30 pm (Mountain Daylight) Monday/Thursday - Family Class Beginner - 6:30-7:30 pm Monday/Thursday - Adult Class - 7:30-9:30 pm Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

Contact Us Where to Find Us SWKKF headquarters proudly calls Welland, Ontario home - a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Niagara Region, just a short drive from world-famous Niagara Falls. Known historically as the meeting point of rails and waterways, Welland is where tradition and motion flow together - thanks to the Welland Canal and the River that bears its name. Who We Are With over 1,900 passionate students and more than 60 active clubs across Canada, the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation stands tall as one of North America’s leading martial arts organizations focused on a single style. We're backed by a remarkable community of 400+ black belts - dedicated, skilled, and highly ranked instructors committed to preserving and sharing the spirit of Shintani Wado Kai karate. Get in Touch Got questions about our style? Thinking of joining a club? Just curious? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us directly or reach out to your nearest club. CLICK HERE to find the nearest Club to you. We’re here to listen, help, and guide you - whether you're a beginner, seasoned martial artist, or simply interested in learning more about what makes SWKKF so special. Head Quarters Address: Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF) 515-375 Scott Street St. Catharines, Ontario Canada L2M 3W3 Contact: Denis Labbé - Kudan (9th Dan) President, SWKKF email: dlabbe@shintani.ca

World Traditional Karate Association (WTKA) The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF) is affiliated with the World Traditional Karate Association. The WTKA offers our members the ability to earn International Dan Ranking / Registration, International Instructor / Examiner certifications and the ability to compete in WTKA Championships around the world. Dan Rankings In order to obtain a Dan rank with the WTKA, students must participate and pass a Dan Grading in front of the WTKA National Technical Committee during a WTKA Seminar or Clinic. Students will be evaluated on the technical standards that are submitted and approved as part of the application process. For more information refer to the WTKA Canada Website: WTKA Canada Dan Gradings Instructor Qualification WTKA offers four levels of Instructor Qualification (Level D, C, B, A). D class: Those who have 2nd Dan with D class Instructor are qualified to instruct and train at local dojo. C class: Those who have 3rd Dan with C class Instructor are qualified to instruct and train at local and community dojos. B class: Those who have 4th and 5th Dan with B class Instructor are qualified to instruct and train at Provincial level. A class: Those who have 6th Dan and above with A class Instructor are qualified to instruct and train at National and International level. For more information refer to the WTKA Canada Website: WTKA Canada Instructor Qualification Examiner Qualification WTKA offers four levels of Examiner Qualification (Level D, C, B, A). D class: Those who have 3rd Dan with D class examiner qualification are allowed to give up to 1st Dan. C class: Those who have 4th Dan with C class examiner qualification are allowed to give examinations up to 3rd Dan. B class: Those who have 5th Dan with B class examiner qualification are allowed to give examinations up to 4th Dan. A class: Those who have 6th Dan and above with A class examiner qualification are allowed to give examination from 1st to 4th and 5th Dan and over. For more information refer to the WTKA Canada Website: WTKA Canada Examiner Qualification For additional information refer to the WTKA Canada Website: WTKA Canada or the international Website: WTKA International. Please e-mail Sensei Ron Mattie or Darren Humphries should you need further information. e-mail address: Sensei Ron Mattie (rmattie@shintani.ca ) Sensei Darren Humphries (dhumphries@shintani.ca)

Origins, Principles, and Concepts The art of Shindo was devised by Masaru Shintani Sensei, 9th Dan, in the early 1970’s and he started teaching Shindo to his students in the late 1980’s. Sensei had made the Shindo methods and principles known to Otsuka Sensei who gave it his full endorsement. Its concept is two-fold. First, it was to be a supplement to karate training incorporating the fundamentals of the Shintani Karate-method - sudden explosive action, proper body movement as well as combining harmony, peace and humility. These principles were very close to Sensei as they were conductive to real martial arts training. Second, by being introduced to the law enforcement agencies as a practical method for use by officers in the field, the Shindo method would enhance the abilities and effectiveness of the performance of those using its principles and training. In essence, it is a gift to his students and to society which showed the true nature of all martial arts.