Master Hironori Otsuka Shodai Karate-do Meijin Judan (First Generation Karate-do Master of the Tenth Dan) "The karateka should always hold true three vital elements -- the heart, spirit and physical strength." Master Otsuka Master Hironori Otsuka was born June 1, 1892, in Shimodate, Japan, where his father, Dr. Tokujiro Otsuka, operated a clinic. As a boy, he listened to a samurai warrior, his mother's uncle, tell thrilling stories of samurai exploits. This may well have been where the first seeds were sown that would later be some of the guiding principles and philosophies of Wado karate. Master Otsuka began martial arts training at five-years of age under his great uncle Chojiro Ibashi (Shintani & Reid, 1998) and by age thirteen was formally studying shindo yoshinryu jujutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art from which modern judo was derived, under Yokiyoshi Tatsusaburo Nakayama. Whereas most schools at that time stressed throwing or grappling techniques, this school stressed atemi (striking and kicking techniques). His martial arts training continued even when, in 1911, he entered Waseda University to study business administration. It was during this period that Master Otsuka began studying atemi-style Toshin-Kenpo while he continued his studies in shindo yoshinryu. When his father died in 1913 he was forced to quit school and return to Shimodate to work in a bank. Family portrait -- Master Otsuka standing on left Founder of Wado Kai Karate (1892-1982) By 1921, at the relatively young age of 29, he was awarded the coveted menkyo-kaiden, designating him the successor as master of this style. A year later, he began karate training under Gichin Funakoshi, the man who introduced karate to Japan from Okinawa. Master Otsuka had heard of Funakoshi's visit to Japan and journeyed to Tokyo to witness the demonstration. Later, when Funakoshi decided to stay in Japan and teach karate at the Meishojuku Gymnasium, Master Otsuka asked to stay and study with him. In 1927, he left the bank at Shimodate, and became a medical specialist treating martial arts injuries in order to devote more time to the martial arts. Master Otsuka outside Sensei Shintani residence In 1929, he started the first karate club at Tokyo University. The next five years would see him establish clubs in many other universities as one of Funakoshi's most senior students. During this time, Master Otsuka also had the opportunity to study with other prominent karate stylists of the time, including Kenwa Mabuni of the shito-ryu style, and Choki Motobu, who was known for his emphasis on kumite and the Naihanchi kata. However, Master Otsuka eventually began disagreeing with Master Funakoshi over developmental issues, particularly Master Otsuka's desire to develop free sparring drills. Funakoshi denounced this as an impurity in karate training, with a potential for great injury due to the deadly nature of some karate techniques. In the early 1930s, Master Otsuka parted company with Funakoshi, and traveled to Okinawa to learn more karate from the masters who had instructed Funakoshi. It was his belief that Funakoshi had over-simplified and over-modified several karate techniques and katas in the interests of teaching large groups of beginners. Master Otsuka combined knowledge of Funakoshi's karate with his new knowledge of Okinawan karate, and added several of his own adaptations from Japanese bushido (the way of the warrior) martial arts to form Wado karate. Master Otsuka eventually opened his own dojo as the Dai Nippon Karate Shinko club in 1934. According to records published by Shintani & Reid (1998), the name changed to Dai Nippon Karate-do Shinbu-Kai, then to Ko-Shu Wado-Ryu Karate Jutsu, which was subsequently shortened to Wado-Ryu Karate Jutsu, followed finally by Wado Ryu. Master Otsuka registered Wado karate in 1940 at Butokukai, Kyoto. It has become one the four major styles of Japanese karate, the others being: Shotokan, Shito, and Goju. In the same year, Master Otsuka organized the All Japanese Karate-do Federation, Wado-Kai, which serves as the worldwide sanctioning body for Wado karate and its affiliates. As early as 1934, he had developed rules and regulations for competitive free sparring to be incorporated into his system, the first karate style to do so. These rules have been wholly or partially adopted by virtually all modern martial arts competitions. In 1966, Master Otsuka received the Kun-Go-To, or "The Fifth Order of Merit of the Sacred Treasure" from the Emperor of Japan. He was also bestowed with the Soko Kyokujitsu-Sho medal for outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of karate. In 1972, he received the Shodai Karate-do Meijin Judan or "First Generation Karate-do Master of the Tenth Dan". He was designated the head of all martial arts systems within the All Japan Karate-do Federation. Master Otsuka passed away on January 29, 1982, after which Wado karate separated into several organizations based upon differences in leadership and teaching concepts.

Documents Issued by Sensei Shintani Appointing the SWKKF and Sensie Denis Labbé as his succesor

Shintani Team Vision - To represent the SWKKF at tournaments, clinics and workshops in Canada and internationally. Team Structure Current Team Team History Expectations Committee & Staff Teams by Year Team Gallery Shintani Team Upcoming Events Title Date Time Location

Instructor Level 1 Prerequisites: Minimum Brown Belt, 16 years of age or older Requirements: Instructor Course, successful completion of assessment. Send your completed application form to the grading committee chairperson (dhumphries@shintani.ca ). Once your application has been reviewed, the grading committee chairperson will provide an email with next steps. Instructor Level 2 Prerequisites: Minimum rank of NIDAN, 19 years of age or older SWKKF Instructor Course, successful completion of assessment NCCP Making Head Way (Concussion Protocol) or an equivalent national concussion course Completion of 2 additional courses offered by the SWKKF Police Security Check Standard CPR / First Aid Send your completed application form to the grading committee chairperson (dhumphries@shintani.ca ). Once your application has been reviewed, the grading committee chairperson will provide an email with next steps. Instructor Level 3 Prerequisites: Minimum rank of NIDAN, 19 years of age or older SWKKF Instructor Course, successful completion of assessment NCCP Making Head Way (Concussion Protocol) or an equivalent national concussion course NCCP Making Ethical Decisions or an equivalent national ethical decisions course Police Security Check Standard CPR / First Aid Shintani Course Options: Bunkai Course (Level 1 or 2) and Secondary Kata Clinic or Shintani Kata Clinic and 2 Shintani courses or NCCP Instructor Beginner Certification and 1 additional Shintani course Send your completed application form to the grading committee chairperson ( dhumphries@shintani .ca). Once your application has been reviewed, the grading committee chairperson will provide an email with next steps. Instructor Level 4 Prerequisites: Minimum rank of YODAN, Club Head Instructor or Co-Head Instructor SWKKF Instructor Course, successful completion of assessment NCCP Making Head Way (Concussion Protocol) or an equivalent national concussion course NCCP Making Ethical Decisions or an equivalent national ethical decisions course Police Security Check Standard CPR / First Aid Co-instructs or instructs Shintani courses Shintani Course Options: Bunkai Course (Level 1 or 2) and Secondary Kata Clinic or Shintani Kata Clinic and 2 Shintani courses or NCCP Instructor Beginner Certification and 1 additional Shintani course Send your completed application form to the grading committee chairperson (dhumphries@shintani .ca). Once your application has been reviewed, the grading committee chairperson will provide an email with next steps.

Representatives British Columbia Alberta NWT Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario REPRESENTATIVES The following is the hierarchy within the SWKKF organization. Senate (click here) Provincial Representative Highlighted in brown Alberta British Columbia Manitoba Northwest Territories Ontario Saskatchewan Regional Representative Highlighted in green Club Representative Listed in each category

Photos - Sensei Jim Atkinson

Shindo Gradings & Ranking Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Shindo To properly introduce Shindo into your dojo the Shindo committee, under the request of Sensei Shintani, developed Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Shindo programs. For full reference, refer to the Shindo Manual . The following downloads are available on the Shintani Store: Shindo Course outlines - available to all can be downloaded here . Basic Shindo Video (paid download) Intermediate Shindo Video (paid download) Advanced Shindo Video (paid download) Shindo Kata List Below is a list of Shindo Kata guidelines. Shindo Dan-Level Application Forms (Gold Stripe) To download the official application click here . Completed applications can be sent to the chair of the Shindo Committee. Please ensure before submitting: Student portion is completed fully Instructor portion is completed fully Gradig Fee: $150 + applicable taxes (GST/HST) eTransfer grading fee to payments@shintani.ca Senate - Importance of Shindo The purpose of our letter to you today is to remind you all of a vitally important component of Sensei Shintani and his teachings. Continue Reading What if someone was to ask you, “What does Shindo represent, and what do you learn from it?” Could you answer this question? Continue Reading Future of Shindo Is Important 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. Continue Reading How to Incorporate Shindo into Your Karate The first step is to just pick up the Shindo and start! Here are some of my personal thoughts on Shindo. Continue Reading The Shindo committee is dedicated to the introduction of Shindo into the everyday teachings of our organizations students. However, the committee is also dedicated to improving and expanding upon Shindo teachings. Continue Reading Introduction of New Shindo Kata(s) Tasks and Goals 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. Seishin no Shindo I had thought about what kind of a kata that would be good for the Shindo and decided that a Kitagawa kata would best fit the movements of the Shindo as well as capture the essence of Sensei Shintani's movements. Continue Reading Continue Reading

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 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 Teams Choose a Year Year 2023-2024 David Blanchet, Seth Brewer-Desouza, Gavin Campbell, Skye Cotter, Erin Couture, Stefan Iordache, Cristina Iordache, Farhaan Iyub, Geoffrey McDonald, Arielle Morissette, Emily Muddle, Braden Oishi, Maisie Rathwell, Parth Sakpal, Kira Slator, Mia Steacy

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)

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Committees Finance Viability Member Investment Service Excellence Legacy COMMITTEES WANTED: We need new Committee members to help us build the SWKKF into a leading, global karate organization. Come and join us. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated. A Finance Viability Senate Advisor: Denis Labbé Chairperson: James Freeman & Melanie Camirand Budget Sensei James Freeman Sensei Melanie Camirand Sensei Denis Labbe Audit Sensei James Freeman Sensei Melanie Camirand Sensei Denis Labbe Finance Expenditure Sensei Brad Cosby Sensei Brian Chmay Sensei Leona Dolling Grants and Fundraising Sensei Sylvia King Sensei Bret North Sensei Dan Hill B Member Investment Student Proficiency Committee Sensei Ron Mattie ‐ Senate Advisor Curriculum Chairperson: Ron Mattie Bunkai Sensei Kris Reynolds Sensei James Freeman Sensei Darren Humphries Sensei Craig McCleary Sensei Craig Pettie Kata Sensei Ron Mattie ** Alternate members for each project Shintani Kata Sensei Shelley McGregor Sensei Sanford Dewitt Kumite Sensei Neil Prime Sensei Peter Avino Sensei Brad Cosby Self Defense Sensei Darren Marshall Sensei Mike Rust Shindo Sensei Jim Atkinson Sensei Kris Reynolds Sensei Darwin Sherman Sensei Craig McCleary Grading Chairperson: Darren Humphries Sensei Denis Labbé Sensei Ron Mattie Sensei Jim Atkinson Sensei Neil Prime Sensei Michel Gosselin Sensei Shelley McGregor Sensei Brian Julien Sensei Kris Reynolds Affiliate Chairperson: Darren Humphries Sensei Denis Labbe Sensei Ron Mattie Judging / Training Chairperson: Rod Philip Sensei Scott Knowles Sensei David Demude Sensei Shannon DeForest Sensei Ron Mattie National Tournament Chairperson: Anne Readhead Sensei Rod Philip Sensei Tom Foster Sensei Katrina Marques Sensei Brandon Marques Sensei Karen Atkinson Sensei Denis Labbé Tournament Chairperson: Kevin Bowes Sensei Blaine Beemer Sensei David Brunarski Sensei Kevin Dyck Sensei Tom Foster Sensei Colin Frans Sensei Kelsey Mramor Sensei Anne Readhead Sensei Rod Philip Certified Tournament Trainers Sensei Denise Baxter Sensei Blaine Beemer Sensei David Brunarski Sensei Heather Fidyk Sensei Tom Foster Sensei Michel Gosselin Sensei Darren Humphries Sensei Crystal Johnson Sensei Craig McCleary Sensei Shelley McGregor Sensei Daniel McKee Sensei Lauren Fast Sensei Cal Pettet Sensei Rod Philip Sensei Anne Readhead Sensei Kris Reynolds Regional Mentorship Chairperson: Bill Hynes Sensei Lauren Fast Sensei Alex Arndt Sensei Jonathan Scott Sensei Cal Pittet Sensei Megan Bond Sensei Peter Avino Sensei Joanne Johnson Central Purchasing Chairperson: Neil Prime Sensei Denis Labbé C. Service Excellence Sensei Jim Atkinson - Senate Advisor Marketing & Communications Chairperson: Elliott Knowles Sensei Alice Pinto Sensei Shannon DeForest Sensei Kevin Dyck Sensei Randy Schiller Sensei Yvon Lebel Harmonizer Team Lead: Alice Pinto-Lebel Sensei Yvon Lebel Sensei Kevin Dyck Scholarship Team Lead: Kelsey Mramor Sensei Brian Julien Sensei Blaine Beemer Sensei Laszlo Voszi REACH Team Lead: Beverly Beuermann-King Sensei Bernadine Jugdutt Sensei Scott Knowles Technology Team Lead: Darren Humphries Sensei Kris Reynolds Sensei Kevin Bowes Sensei John Mealin Sensei Yvon Lebel Sensei Doug Taylor Website Team Lead: Darren Humphries Sensei Kris Reynolds Sensei Kevin Bowes Sensei John Mealin Sensei Yvon Lebel Sensei Doug Taylor Governance & Strategic Planning Team Lead: Beverly Beuermann-King Sensei Brian Julinen Sensei Rod Philip Sensei John Mealin Sensei Cynthia Brocklebank Succession Planning Team Lead: Denis Labbé Reference Manual Team Lead: Jim Atkinson Sensei Neil Prime Sensei Beverly Beuermann-King Standards & Ethics Team Lead: Brian Julien Sensei Brad Cosby Sensei Kelsey Mramor Sensei Shelley McGregor Constitution & Bylaw Team Lead: Jim Atkinson D. Legacy Team Lead: Sensei Yvon Lebel Legacy Team Lead: Yvon Lebel Sensei Bruce Perkins Sensei Brad Cosby Sensei Ron Mattie Sensei Rick Leveille Sensei Brian Chmay Sensei Neil Prime Sensei Darren Humphries Lineage Team Lead: Yvon Lebel Sensei Ron Mattie Sensei Neil Prime Sensei Darren Humphries Archives Team Lead: Neil Prime Sensei Darren Humphries Shintani Team Team Lead: Colin Frans Sensei Michel Gosselin Sensei Brodie Hicks