Shindo A Dream. A Staff. A Legacy Born. In the '70s, Sensei Shintani dreamed of facing a blade with only a short stick. That vision sparked Shindo - a powerful fusion of Wado-Ryu philosophy and weapon-based technique with a 36-inch staff. History & Development Shindo Gradings Principles & Concepts New Shindo Katas Future Of Shindo Incorporating Shindo Seishin No Shindo Shindo Tasks & Goals Download the Shindo Reference Manual

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. How to Incorporate Shindo into Your Karate by Sensei Marco Reyes In the Harmonizer newsletters you are going to see more information on Shindo from various Shindo practitioners. These are people who have taken Sensei Shintani’s legacy and continued with it. I know it is a tough venture, but the rewards are worth it. The first step is to just pick up the Shindo and start. Here are some of my personal thoughts on Shindo. There are three basic roadblocks for not working Shindo that I have found. Each of these can be overcome. Roadblock One There is just not enough time to work Shindo AND Karate. Answer It does not have to be this way. They are one and the same. In our class we dedicate the first 30 minutes (of a two hour class) to the work on Shindo. We have actually found that our karate has improved from this model. Shindo as we call it is a lie detector. If the Shindo technique does not work for some reason we go back to the basic karate for answers and from experience this works. Let’s take a basic Shindo strike. If you look at the basic movement of a punch and a strike with the Shindo you will see that they are almost identical. Many times there is a common theme or topic for a workout and various techniques are used to work towards this goal. For example: Hip action – a basic punch uses this with hip rotation. A basic Shindo strike uses this as well with hip rotation. If you were working hip action with your students this could be accomplished with both karate and Shindo. Roadblock Two Nobody in my dojo knows any Shindo. Answer You know karate – that is a good place to start. I would challenge anyone to pick up a Shindo and start. Once you pick up a few techniques you will start to feel how similar it is to basic karate. Let’s begin with the illustration above. The body position, stance, posture are all similar to basic karate. The right hand is in the ready position, left hand is out with the strike. When moving with the Shindo remember these basic principles: Hold the Shindo in three equal parts. The fulcrum is in the center – every movement you do the fulcrum must be maintained. Remem-ber this when you move the Shindo. Concentrate your strike on the ends of the Shindo. Lines of Force : This is where you would hold the Shindo for the most leverage. An easy test is to put your Shindo against something solid and push (hard). If you can hold it without any uncomfortable pressure, or it does not slip out of your hand you have good support. Roadblock Three Shindo is not karate. It is something completely separate. Answer: False. Shindo had its origins in karate. Check "History & Development" under Shindo on the Main Menu. Click here. "The art of Shindo was devised by Sensei Masaru Shintani, 9th Dan in the early 1970's. Sensei had made the Shindo methods and principles known to Otsuka Sensei who gave it his full endorsement. Sensei began teaching Shindo in the early 1980's. The roots of these basics and other techniques taught by Sensei can be traced directly back to his extensive Wado Kai training under Otsuka Sensei. Sensei Shintani used the sabaki motion and explosiveness that he was renowned for to develop the same effects with the Shindo. Sensei Shintani once held the Shindo up in front of a class at a black belt workout and said "This is my life" . I can remember going to black belt workouts and working basic karate techniques and then working with Shindo afterwards. There was no break in the instruction. The movement from karate to Shindo was seamless. The Shindo was just an extension of what I already knew. At that time it was also very exciting since this was something completely new. I felt like a white belt all over again trying to make sense of this new tool in my hands. But after a short while the Shindo began to feel comfortable. One tip – if the technique with the Shindo does not feel comfortable put it down. Try the technique as a karate move – look at the movement, the technique, all the basic principles that make it whole. Then pick up the Shindo and apply this analysis and see what you come up with. Shindo was important to Sensei Shintani. In each of our own ways we continue with this legacy through karate. But we must not minimize the importance that he placed on Shindo. And always remember you can contact the Shindo Committee for assistance. They will give you the tools that will make your Shindo work accessible from clinic, DVD material, etc. They are always there to help.

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

YOUR FIRST CLASS Join Us and be Part of a Distinguished Tradition For your first class, wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes like a track suit. And bring a water bottle - you'll get thirsty. We train barefoot to enhance balance, so no shoes are needed. Once you decide to join the club, we'll fit you out with a traditional karate gi (uniform).

Main Menu Students Events - Tournaments Events - Gradings P-K Videos P-K App Forms Events - Competition Regional Provincial National Students Shintani Para-Karate Students Coming shortly Events - Competition Events - Competition Opportunities COMPETITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY Karate for persons with a disability can be rewarding at the grassroots and participation only level. For some karateka, participating in competitions offers an opportunity to face challenges on the playing field, the competition ring or the tatami. Karateka with a disability are welcome to participate in mainstream divisions and/or para-only divisions. This document will provide information for para-only opportunities, is not exhaustive and is evergreen. DEFINITIONS Open Participation: All competitors are invited to participate Qualification Required: Competitors must qualify to be able to compete MODALITIES 1. Intellectually Impaired – Inclusive a. All athletes with various intellectual impairments 2. Intellectually Impaired – Limited a. Athletes with an intellectual impairment IQ <75 b. Athletes with Down syndrome 3. Wheelchair 4. Visually impaired 5. Mobility Impaired PARTICIPATION Dojo and Club level Integrated classes and/or exclusive classes Events - Tournaments Events - Tournaments Regional Open Participation SWKKF club tournaments – most clubs offer divisions for persons with a disability Modalities – all Event(s) – Kata, sometimes kumite and shindo Provincial Open Participation SWKKF club tournaments – most clubs offer divisions for persons with a disability Modalities – all Event(s) – Kata, sometimes kumite and shindo Provincial/Territorial Karate Canada member organizations Modalities – 2, 3, 4, 5 Event(s) – Kata National Open Participation SWKKF club tournaments – most clubs offer divisions for persons with a disability Modalities – all Event(s) – Kata, sometimes kumite and shindo Qualification Req uired Karate Canada National Tournament Must be a member of a Provincial/Territorial Team Modalities – 2, 3, 4, 5 Event(s) – Kata International Open Participation US-Open and Junior International Cup Modalities – all Event(s) – Kata, weapons, sometimes kumite I-Karate Global Modalities – all Event(s) – Kata International Karate Union Modalities – all Event(s) – Kata WTKA Modalities – to be confirmed Event(s) – to be confirmed NASKA Modalities – to be confirmed Event(s) – to be confirmed Qualification Required PKF Pan American Karate Championship Must be a member of the Karate Canada National Team to compete Modalities – 2, 3, 4 Event(s) – Kata WKF World Karate Championship Must be a member of the Karate Canada National Team to compete Modalities – 2, 3, 4 Event(s) – Kata ADDITIONAL INFORMATION International Para-Karate C ompetition Opportunities Click above Events - Gradings Events - Gradings SWKKF Black Belt Grading Application Form SWKKF Kyu Belt Grading Sheet Para-Karate Black Belt Gradings Guidelines and Recommendations P-K Videos Para-Karate Videos These are the first of several videos to be added to this section in due course. Click on URL below to connect with video currently hosted on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zFiiLiRcqc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zx5fLNj434 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH4cntmVPCQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3MLPoY0_Z0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot_b00hVlmc P-K App Forms

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

(250) 720-9232 < Back Port Albeni Wado Kai Sensei Dennis Olsen (250) 720-9232 gldolling@shaw.ca Address 4102 Hollywood Street, Port Alberni, BC, Canada Port Alberni, BC, Canada Practice Times Monday/Wednesday - 5:00-6:30 pm (Pacific Daylight Time) Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

SWKKF Clubs Big Spirit in Every Dojo From coast to coast, our dojos pulse with energy, expert instruction, and deep community spirit. Local instructors are backed by high-ranking black belt mentorship and Zoom training sessions that keep skills sharp. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, SWKKF offers vibrant online classes, spirited tournaments, and a chance to connect with karatekas across Canada. Your journey starts at a dojo near you - step in and feel the difference. Check out a Club near you! Filter by Province/State Filter by City Reset Filter Map Synthesis Martial Arts Boissevain Manitoba Sensei Jeff Gervin (204) 215-0911 More Dynamic Karate Association of Alberta Calgary Alberta Sensei Darren Humphries (403) 671-5662 More Three Elements Karate Club Calgary Alberta Sensei Kevin Bowes (403) 700-3166 More South Calgary Wado Kai Calgary Alberta Sensei Heather Fidyk (403) 257-4638 More Crooked Hill Wado Kai Karate Canborne Ontario Sensei Sanford DeWitt (705) 931-3400 More Moose Mountain Wado Kai Karate Club Carlyle Saskatchewan Sensei Jayson Humphries (306) 577-8783 More Ceylon Wado Kai Karate Ceylon Saskatchewan Sensei Owen Day (306) 861-3214 More Umi Wado Kai-Juniors Comox British Columbia Sensei Danny McKee (250) 650-5451 More Delhi Wado-Kai Delhi Ontario Sensei Jim Atkinson (519) 428-8406 More Iwa Yama Karate Club Didsbury Alberta Sensei Walter Greening More Load More

(204) 764-0358 < Back Hamiota Wado Kai Sensei Scott Lints (204) 764-0358 hamiotakarateclub@gmail.com Address 91 1st Street, Hamiota, MB, Canada Hamiota, MB, Canada Practice Times Sunday - 5-7 yrs old - 4:15-4:45 pm (Central Daylight Time) Sunday - Juniors (8 yrs-up) - 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday - Adults (16 yrs-up) - 7:00-9:00 pm Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

< Back Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Senate is pleased to announce the 6th Dan ranking promotions. Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Senate is pleased to announce the 6th Dan ranking advancement for Senseis Reynolds, Hynes and Fast. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_2e3bfb4eeac14ad0947ff0f3daca224a.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next

< Back Iwa Yama Karate Club Sensei Walter Greening Address Spruce Grove, AB, Canada Didsbury, AB, Canada Practice Times Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

(905) 788-7999 < Back Welland Martial Arts Centre Sensei Ron Mattie (905) 788-7999 ddlabbe3@gmail.com Address 77 Division Street, Welland, ON, Canada Welland, ON, Canada Practice Times Friday - 7:00-8:30 pm (Adults - 12yrs and up) Sensei Mattie Monday - Juniors - 5:30-6:30 pm / Adult - 7:00-8:30 pm Sensei Labbe Thursday - Advance Juniors - 6:00-7:30 pm Sensei Poulin Wednesday - Special Needs - 5:30-8:30 pm Sensei Hancharyk Saturday - Special Needs - 12:00-1:00 pm Sensei Hancharyk Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next