Brief History of Karate Some of the earliest origins of karate have been traced to the island of Okinawa in the Ryukyu Island chain. It is thought that a native style of self-defense developed here called te, or hand in English. Okinawa is within close distance to the coasts of Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea. Thus there has been extensive influence from a number of Asian cultures in the subsequent history of this island. Karate as it has developed is thought to be an amalgamation of te with some prominent Chinese martial arts, such as Shaolin Temple Monk fist boxing. In early years, karate was translated as "Chinese hand". (kara = China / Chinese and te = hand) An early event germane to the development of karate, occurred in 1477 during the beginning of the newly formed Sho Dynasty (Reid & Croucher, 1983 ). In order to manage unruly warlords, the king proclaimed a ban on the carrying of swords, and had all weapons, and the warlords themselves, brought to court, where they could be monitored. In 1609 when the Japanese annexed Okinawa, they maintained the ban on the carrying of weapons. However, Japanese samurai were exempt from this edict. It is suggested that during this time both the art of the hand, as well as weapon arts, or kobudo, were developing. The nobility were studying mostly te, and the peasant classes developing weapons systems based upon the use of familiar, and available tools, such as rice flails (nunchaku), mill grindstone handles (tonfa), sickles (kama), and other implements. On Okinawa, te began to develop into three similar, but distinct systems. They were tied to the major geographical regions of Shuri, Tomari, and Naha. Reid & Croucher (1983) state that these differences may have emerged through the divergent influences coming into each region. Shuri-te evolved more from the influence of the harder Shaolin Temple style under the likes of Sokon Matsumura, and Naha-te, these being more closely related to the "inner" Chinese styles. They emphasized the cultivation of ki (a.k.a. chi), or life energy and was fostered by Kanryo Higaonna. In the early 1920's, an Okinawan school teacher under the tutelage of Anko Itosu, named Gichin Funakoshi, was observed by the Japanese Emperor's son performing a display of Shuri-te karate. Funakoshi was subsequently invited to Japan to demonstrate karate for the nation, and later went on to be charged with incorporating it into the regular Japanese school curriculum. Funakoshi's adaptations to shorin-style karate later became known as shotokan, a name adapted from his own authored pen name. In 1935, a multi-style coalition of karate masters met to decide on a common name for their teachings, and "karate" was decided upon, with a slight change in the meaning to "empty hand", a decision which reflects the independent political stance at the time. Tomari-te appears to adopt aspects of both the hard and soft of Shuri-te and Naha-te, and has been associated with Kosanku Matsumora. Towards the late 1800's, the Shuri and Tomari styles merged into what was called shorin-ryu (the small forest school). Shorin is the Okinawan pronunciation of "Shaolin" in Mandarin-Chinese. The shorin-based styles tend to be light and high in stance. Many styles have emerged from this line, including kobayashi-ryu under Chosin Chibana, matsubayashi-ryu under Shosin Nagamine, and the shorin-ryu of Yasutsune ("Anko") Itosu. Naha-te emerged as goju-ryu (hard and soft school) under the development of Chojun Miyagi, with the goju style placing emphasis on breathing and tension. Another school, shito-ryu is a combination of both goju and shorin styles, while uechi-ryu is very similar to goju.

Top of Page Concussion Protocols Health & Safety Education - Safe Sport Training Prevention - Screening Resources Additional Resources SAFE KARATE PROGRAM The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF) Safe Karate Program has been developed to provide Karate-ka of all ages and at all levels of karate development the ability to participate in the SWKKF karate clubs, tournaments and events in a safe environment free from abuse. The SWKKF's mission is to be a family oriented organization which follows Hanshi Shintani’s values to create positive role models. Through the Safe Karate program the SWKKF is committed to creating a culture of Safe Karate through abuse and injury prevention, education, and accountability. Concussion Protocols Concussion Protocols Click The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation has developed the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Concussion Protocols to help guide the management of athletes who may have a suspected concussion as a result of participation in Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation activities. Purpose This protocol covers the recognition, medical diagnosis, and management of ATHLETES (KARATE-KA) who may sustain a suspected concussion during Karate/Sport activity. It aims to ensure that athletes with a suspected concussion receive timely and appropriate care and proper management to allow them to return back to their sport safely. This protocol may not address every possible clinical scenario that can occur during karate/sport-related activities but includes critical elements based on the latest evidence and current expert consensus Health & Safety Health & Safety Incident Report Form Incident Reports related to injury during club/dojo supervised trainings and/or events. The SWKKF has an online form which can be filled out and submitted online. This will assist the organization should there ever be a need for insurance. Reports will be confidential and will be accessed by the Executive. Education - Safe Sport Training Education Safe Sport Training Click The SWKKF has chosen the Safe Sport Training offered by Coaching Association of Canada. All head instructors, co-head instructors and instructors who teach on a regular basis should take the training. Minimum requirement for each club/dojo, as part of the Club Charter, the Head Instructor is to have the education completed by August 2021. Better practice is to have all instructors complete the training. Prevention - Screening Prevention Screening Instructors and Volunteers Criminal Record Check The SWKKF understands that screening instructors and volunteers is a vital part of providing a safe karate environment. It has become a common practice among sport organizations that provide programs and services to the community. This Policy applies to all individuals whose position within the SWKKF is one of trust or authority which may relate to, at a minimum, finances, supervision, minors, and/or persons with a disability. Not all individuals associated with SWKKF will be required to obtain an E-PIC, a VSC, or submit a Screening Disclosure Form. This is because not all positions pose a risk of harm to the SWKKF, its clubs, or to its participants. The SWKKF will determine which individuals will be subject to screening using the guidelines provided in the policy. "The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation is an inclusive organization and welcomes full participation of all individuals in our programs and activities, irrespective of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability. In line with other sport organizations/universities, SWKKF members will be eligible to compete which corresponds with either their sex assigned at birth or their gender identity." Resources Resources Mail Copies of the following resources are available to SWKKF members. Click on e-mail icon. SWKKF Bylaws and Constitution SWKKF Conflict of Interest Policy SWKKF Standards and Ethics Policy SWKKF Harassment Policy Additional Resources Additional Resources You may find the following third party resource also beneficial. Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

Shindo - Letter from Senate Date: December 8, 2009 To: All Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Instructors, The purpose of our letter to you today is to remind you all of a vitally important component of Sensei Shintani and his teachings. Sensei Shintani studied karate for much of his life. He had a dream that developed from his love and understanding of the martial arts, and this dream was Shindo. Nearly 40 years since he developed Shindo, and almost 30 years since his first instruction, Shindo is a reflection of all that is Shintani Wado Kai Karate in its entirety. The value to our members is immense. We have seen many examples of students elevate their level of skill in, and more importantly their understanding of karate through the study of Shindo. He has given us an understanding that the Shindo was an important part his life. It was Sensei’s intention to spread his knowledge and character through Shindo to those in and out of the federation across the country and undoubtedly the world. In our position as the Senate representing the organization, it is our intention to see this organization carry on in Sensei’s image, and as Sensei would have wished. We have, therefore, a feeling of responsibility to oversee a steady curriculum of Shindo implemented into the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. It is our desire that in time we might see every student within this organization studying Shindo in some capacity. This is our responsibility to Sensei, and now we ask for your assistance in the matter. In order to reach every student all of the instructors in this federation must be of a similar mind. We implore each of you to take steps to incorporate Shindo into your regular teachings. This is a large task to accomplish, but one that we feel is well within the realm of possibility for this organization. To achieve this, however, we would ask all of you to aid us in moving towards this very fulfilling goal. Yours very sincerely, Denis Labbé and the members of the Senate

Instructor Certification Program The certification program has 4 levels of certification, as follows: INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 1 Targeted at Brown Belts and Shodan Black Belts. INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 2 Targeted at Nidan and up. INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 3 Targeted at Nidan and up. INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 4 Targeted at Yodan and up. Typically, an individual who teaches regional workouts and programs offered by the organization. This level would mentor Level 1, 2 and 3 students. The core components of the certification include: Shintani instructor course. This course consists of theory, practical work and assessment. Additional Shintani Courses and Workshops. Security Check. Standard CPR / First Aid certification. National Coaching Certification Program Courses (NCCP) or equivalent national program. NCCP is a program sanctioned in Canada for all sports. Refer to https://www.coach.ca to create an NCCP Locker Account and provide access to Making Headway and Making Ethical Decisions courses. There are other equivalent national programs that are acceptable and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The different levels in the program will have different requirements that include programs from our organization as well as CPR / First Aid and official courses from Sport Canada or an equivalent national course if you choose to go that route. The requirements for each of the levels are as follows: To provide flexibility and focus on the interests of our membership, the SWKKF has many different courses / training being offered by our senior instructors. The following courses can be used for credit towards one of the instructor certification levels: Instructor Course (** Mandatory for all certification levels) Judging and Tournament Course Bunkai Courses (Level 1, 2, 3) Shindo Courses (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) Shintani Kata Clinics Sparring Strategies Course Self Defense Courses (Level 1, 2, 3) Click for information on Instructor Levels Instructor Level 1 Instructor Level 2 Instructor Level 3 Instructor Level 4 You will need to submit an application form together with an administration fee of $50 to the Grading Committee. This will be reviewed to ensure that you are compliant with all the requirements in accordance with the certification level being requested. Once this is satisfied, the Committee will notify the applicant. Arrangements will then be made for the applicant to be presented with a certificate indicating successful completion of the appropriate level of the Instructor Certification Program. Some of the key benefits for our organization include: Instructors who are knowledgeable, skilled and effective in the delivery of both the skills and techniques taught in the SWKKF. Consistency of our instruction throughout the SWKKF. Value added certification for those who would like to begin, further or refresh their instructor abilities in the SWKKF. Access to many programs being offered that will apply towards a certification level. Offer additional training and certification for our Instructors across the organization. SWKKF_Instructor_Certification_Application.docx External References National Coaching Certification Program – https://www.coach.ca Canada Sport For Life - http://sportforlife.ca/ Making Head Way - https://coach.ca/making-head-way-concussion-elearning-series-p153487 Making Ethical Decisions - https://www.coach.ca/make-ethical-decisions-med--s16834 NCCP Karate Instructor Beginner - https://www.coach.ca/karate-p154477 Karate Canada Documents that may be interesting for students: Karate Canada Coaches Profile - http://karatecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/InstBegCompIntro-Portfolio_EN.pdf Karate Canada Long Term Athlete Development - https://karatecanada.org/programs/ltad/ Button

Introduction of New Shindo Katas Extract from Sensei Denis Labbé (President) letter to the SWKKF Membership Shindo Committee / September 9, 2010 The Shindo Committee is dedicated to the introduction of Shindo into the everyday teachings of our organization's students. However, the Committee is also dedicated to improving and expanding upon Shindo teachings. We are aware of some Shindo kata(s) that exist currently that are not part of the curriculum and wish to explore them and any others that exist beyond our awareness. The Shindo curriculum should be representative of the entire organization as all members have valuable thoughts and input. These kata(s) may be submitted to the Shindo Committee either in person or via video recording. Regardless of the method of submission, a detailed explanation of all important points is to be included. This may include, but is not limited to the following: Stances Grips Target areas Timing Bunkai History and inspiration for the Participating members who contributed to the kata development Any other important information that is relevant If you are considering developing a new Shindo kata a good starting reference point are the Shindo DVDs themselves. They were intended to be instructional tools and cover the necessary Shindo curriculum. Upon receipt of a kata a thorough review will be performed by the Shindo Committee. Once a good understanding is achieved, the kata will be presented to the Senate for approval. The Senate will make their final decision on whether the kata is eligible and appropriate for tournament competition purposes. In addition, the kata may be recommended to be incorporated into the curriculum for Shindo at some level. Shindo is Sensei Shintani’s art and life. All who study karate are in turn studying Shindo and vice versa, whether they realize it or not. Inherently they may seem different but parallels between karate and Shindo are undeniable. With so many skilled karate and Shindo practitioners in our organization the Shindo Committee wishes to draw upon all knowledge. Collectively we all benefit from this mindset. The Shindo Committee would like to thank everyone for their involvement in Shindo. With your support Shindo will continue to grow and prosper. Shindo Reference Manual

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.

Sport Excel - ZoneQuest Online Black Belt Clinics & Gradings Instructor Course and Certification Kata Clinics Kihon Kumite Clinics Bunkai Self Defense Sparring Strategies Judging Training Shindo Club Startup Initiative SWKKF Training Programs It's often said that learning karate is a lifelong journey, taking consideration and effort. You need to make time and space for it. Skill sets in karate are best taught in person. There is no replacement for that. However, our world has changed. People today want immediate access to information. And it has to be relevant to their instant needs. Think about how you are likely to approach a task at home. You turn on a YouTube instructional video to understand what has to be done just before you begin your task. This requires you to know where to go to access that video information. This is the objective of the SWKKF website -- to provide you with a single source where you can access what you need or find clear directions to where the information can be obtained. The information can relate to clinics, videos, instruction manuals, online courses, certifications, etc. It could relate to refining a particular skill set or even starting a new karate club. With the help of various Committee Members, the SWKKF has developed a series of training programs. These programs or instruction sets are available Online or through Clinics conducted by highly skilled senseis (instructors). Programs and Clinics Offered by the SWKKF Shintani Blac k Belt Clinics & Gradings SWKKF will assum e all costs associated with Black Belt Gradings Host Responsibilities: Book Friday evening facility for clinic Book Saturday facility for grading Plan a banquet Collect fees Recommended pricing to help cover facility costs Friday Clinic $25. Saturday Grading: $25 - $40 Shintani Instructor Course & Certification – Level 1, 2, 3 & 4 Developed and instructed by Sensei Ron Mattie Instructor Course (2 day clinic) Learn Hanshi Shintani’s theory and philosophy Apply theory and philosophy to techniques and teaching methods Four instructor certification levels Level 1: Brown Belt, Shodan Black Belts Level 2: Nidan and up Level 3: Nidan and up Level 4: Yodan and up Certification Requirements Shintani Instructor Course Additional Shintani courses and workshops Security check Standard CPR / First Aid National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) or equivalent national program Click here for more information. Shintani Kata Clinics Shintani Kata’s Kitagawa taught these kata to Hanshi Shintani Seisho was developed by Hanshi Shintani Eighteen Unique Kata to the SWKKF Clinics Taught by instructors selected by the Shintani Kat a Commitee Range from 1 – 3 kata in a day All members can participate (Juniors, Seniors and Black Belts) In-person or Virtual Online Cost: Junior or Single Kata - $20. Full day Clinic - $50. Shintani Kihon Kumite Clinics Developed by direct students of Hanshi Shintani (Sensei Denis Labbe, Sensei Bruce Perkins, Sensei Ron Mattie, Sensei Jim Atkinson, Sensei Neil Prime, Sensei Brad Cosby, Sensei Danny McCoy) Learn Hanshi Shintani’s favorite Kihon Kumite techniques 36 techniques taught in two clinics Taught by direct students of Hanshi Shintani Video reference is on the Shintani store Cost: $50. Bunkai – Level 1, 2, 3 Developed by Sensei Ron Mattie, Sensei James Freeman, Sensei Darren Humphries, Sensei Kris Reynolds, Sensei Craig McCleary, Sensei Craig Pettie Learn how to analyze the movements in kata to find the underlying fighting concepts behind the techniques and apply them to real self defense situations 3 Levels of Bunkai Level 1: Foundations and concepts involved in analyzing stances, grips and strikes Level 2 (in development): Joint locks, arm bars, break falling Level 3: Open Clinic to analyze and work a kata Can attend any level. Recommended to attend Level 1 as a foundation Cost: Level 1, 2 or 3 - $100. Instructor’s Course - $140. Self Defense – Level 1, 2 Developed by Sensei Darren Marshall to bring awareness 2 levels of Self Defense Level 1 (2 Day clinic): Learning difference between Self Defense, consensual martial arts and sport fighting Environmental awareness Managing adrenal stress Defensive applications Level 2 (2 Day clinic) Passive / Aggressive Stance Vulnerable targets Attack drills Pad drills Ground work Cost: Level 1 or 2 - $100. Sparring Strategies Clinics Developed by Sensei Brad Cosby, Sensei Peter Avino and Sensei Neil Prime 2 Day clinic Increase speed and range of motion Enhance footwork to maximize distancing and timing Identify students' strengths and weaknesses Learn strategies to maximize strengths Learn how to capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses Cost: Full Program - $100. Kyu Belt Participants - $25. Judging Training Phase 1 Certification 6-hour course divided into 2-hour sections Qualify Blue belts and higher as scorekeepers Qualify Black Belts as corner judges Qualify Sandan and up as centre referees Refresher Clinic Ongoing training for our members and volunteers (https://www.shintani.ca/swkkf-programs) 3 ways to offer judging training Night before a tournament Attend full day clinic Online Videos for refresher Phase 2 Focus on scoring techniques and what makes a point Click here for the Online Training Course Phase 1. Click here for the online Training Phase 2 Course . Click here for Tournament Scorekeeping. Shindo – Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Basic Shindo History of Shindo Basic principles Kata: Chonan No Shindo, Shindo Nidan Intermediate Shindo Hand grip transitions Combinations in motion Take downs Kata: Cio Bo Tie Advanced Shindo Shindo Kumite Advanced combinations Kata: Seishin No Shindo Cost: Basic, Intermediate or Advanced - $50. Weekend Clinic - $100. Weekend Clinic Family of 3 or more - $250. Click here for more information Club Startup Initiative Click here for more information Black Belt Clinics & Gradings Kata Clinics Kihon Kumite Clinics Bunkai Self Defense Sparring Strategies Judging Training Shindo Club Startup Initiative Instructor Course and Certification Mail For further information on Clinics, please e-mail Sensei Denis Labbé. To host a clinic or grading download and fill out the Calendar Of Events Form and send it to dlabbe@shintani.ca Also refer to Policies, Procedures & Manuals - Manuals - Judging Training Phase 1 Sport Excel - ZoneQuest Online Sport Excel -- ZoneQuest Online High Performance Program Click on graphic for further information

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

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

History Karate -- Where did it really originate from? Have you wondered how far back in history you can go to trace the origins of karate? Some historians believe that karate can be traced back to Alexander the Great’s time and further. In the Greek Olympic Games of 648 B.C. a sport called “pankration” was introduced. It was an “empty-hand” submission sport with few rules. Athletes used boxing and wrestling techniques, including kicking, holds, joint-locks and chokes on the ground. A rough translation of the term pankration means “strength, might and power”. The sport satisfied a need for a sporting and combative form that boxing and wrestling did not provide. There is evidence that, although events could end in knock-outs, most pankration contests were decided on the basis of submission. Alexander the Great’s invasion of India in 327 B.C. helped introduce pankration into India. There it was picked up by the missionaries spreading Buddhism throughout India, Tibet, Burma and China. The missionaries realized that this new combative form gave them the means to protect themselves on their travels without any weapons . As Buddhism spread from India into China, other groups grasped the essence of the “empty hand” and modified the form to suit their needs. Karate spread through China, eventually reaching Okinawa in the Ryukyu Island chain.