Wado Kai Wado is a Japanese karate style founded in 1939 by Master Hironori Otsuka. It combines Master Otsuka's early experience with classical jujutsu (also known as jujitsu) with the shotokan karate he learned as a student of Gichin Funakoshi's. Wado, meaning the "way of peace/harmony", is one of the four major styles of karate in Japan. It, perhaps, is the purest form of karate-do (the way of the empty hands). Trained in classical bujutsu (the techniques of the samurai), Master Otsuka applied this outlook and experience to his teachings. Some of the harsher resistive or hard contact elements of sparring technique, typical of many karate styles, are not present in Wado. Master Otsuka rejected hardening certain parts of the body, such as hand conditioning, as useless preparation. Hanshi Masaru Shintani was one of Master Otsuka's senior students. At the time of his death, he was the head of Wado Kai karate for North America. The aim of Wado karate is not merely perfection of the physical techniques of self-defense, but the development of a mind that is tranquil yet alive, able to react intuitively to any situation. In Wado, as skill and knowledge are acquired through training and concentrated effort, the student is expected to develop inner strength and calmness of character, as well as the virtues of self-control, respect for others, and true humility. Karate-do for Master Otsuka was primarily a spiritual discipline. Basic techniques - punching, kicking, blocking, striking with open hand, joint twisting, and trapping techniques - kata (a sequence of techniques done in certain order against imaginary opponents), and prearranged and free style sparring comprise the training foundation of this style. Equally fundamental to Wado is taisabaki, body shifting to avoid the full brunt of an attack, a technique derived from Japanese swordsmanship. Kumite (sparring) is usually judged on a point system. One referee and four corner judges determine which techniques are given a point. In free sparring, there is no contact allowed to the head, below the waist except for foot sweeps, or to the spine. Only light to medium contact is allowed to the torso. Attacks to the head and torso can all score points in a tournament. Therefore, Wado karate-ka tend to fight with explosive, close movements with an emphasis on well-controlled techniques.

Any SWKKF Member who would like to join the Shintani Team Shintani Team Member Selection For the 2023- 2024 year the Shintani Team will not be holding formal Team Evaluations. Any SWKKF member in good standing who wishes to join the Shintani Team for the 2023-2024 year may do so by stating their intention to the Head Coach and Manager. A sign-up link will then be provided to the SWKKF member for additional information. The member will then be added to the Shintani Team in a developmental role. At the discretion of the Head Coach the member could then be reclassified from Developmental to Elite. Any person wishing to join the Shintani Team must meet the eligibility criteria below. Shintani Team Eligibility Criteria To become a Shintani Team member you must be: 14 years of age or older on the date of stated intention; a minimum rank of blue belt; a registered SWKKF member in good standing in a registered SWKKF club Please note – Team members who are under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when travelling with the team. Classifications Athletes will be classified, at the discretion of the Head Coach as: Developmental – Age 14 and older, these athletes will be of average ability with good potential for improvement; Elite – Age 14 and older, these athletes will be of outstanding ability with potential for improvement and usually achieve medal placements at large SWKKF tournaments; Para – Age 14 and older, Athletes with a disability. For competitions outside of the SWKKF the Team will work to find events for Para athletes; All Team Members, regardless of classification, will attend training camps and tournaments where categories exist for their ability. Reclassification of Team Position Throughout the year, at the discretion of the Head Coach, a Shintani Team member could be reclassified from their current team position (ie. from Developmental to Elite or from Elite to Developmental) based on: tournament results and experience skill level – technical and tactical character – including feedback from the team member’s home instructor fulfillment of Team Member expectations Para Athletes will be placed on the Shintani Team as Developmental or Elite Athletes at the discretion of the Head Coach. The Shintani Team Commitee has created a thorough set of objective assessment tools which include: results and participation at tournaments standardized fitness testing rubric for expectations for technical abilities and tactical abilities in kata and kumite understanding of the philosophy and values of Hanshi Shintani

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. SWKKF Constitution & By-Laws The SWKKF Constitution & By-Laws outline the governing structure, rules and guiding framework of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. It defines the purpose of the Federation and clarifies how the organization operates. For more information on the SWKKF Constitution and By-Laws, contact our General Secretary Sensei Jim Atkinson SWKKF Strategic Plan The SWKKF Strategic Plan provides a roadmap that focuses on the Federation’s purpose and values, priorities and measurable actions for the continued strength and legacy of the Shintani Wado Kai Federation. For more information on the SWKKF Strategic Plan, contact our General Secretary Sensei Jim Atkinson 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

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)

Recognizing Extraordinary Achievement, Contribution and Hard-Work SWKKF REACH Program ABOUT THE PROGRAM Each year, the Shintani Culture of Recognition Program recognizes some of the organization’s leaders, contributors, amb assadors, sch olars and karate-ka for their contributions and achievements over the past year. Nomination period is September 1 - April 20, 2026. Nominations – nominees must be SWKKF member. Must be a SWKKF registered member to nominate Nomination Process To nominate a leader, contributor, ambassador, scholar or karate-ka for their contributions, scan the QR Code or click on the Nomination Form SELECTION COMMITTEE Each club is asked to submit a person’s name to be a part of a selection pool to review the nominations for each of the awards. Qualifications (preferred): Yudansha Generally, be available early May via email Be willing to spend time reviewing the nominations The selection committee is structured from the pool of volunteers, taking into consideration any potential conflicts of interest. A communication will be sent out each year to the SWKKF membership asking for volunteers and providing pertinent dates and details. To volunteer for the Selection Committee, scan the QR Code above or click on the Nomination Form. Select Selection Committee Volunteer (option 6). LEADERSHIP AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and effective mentorship within the SWKKF. Key Associated Values Honour, Humility, Community Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Yudansha only, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection committee. Example Someone who demonstrates leadership and mentorship within a dojo, the SWKKF, with all students, peers, ranking yudansha. CONTRIBUTOR AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who has truly made a difference to the SWKKF through their contribution to committees, governance, policy development, or financial sustainability within the SWKKF. Key Associated Values Excellence, Community, Humility Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Yudansha only, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection committee. Example Someone who contributes to committees, policy development, fundraising. AMBASSADOR AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual with a strong, positive voices, who advocates, raises awareness or enhances the image of the SWKKF in the greater community. Key Associated Values Community, Kindness Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility S hintani members, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection Committee. Example Someone who travels and supports both inside and outside their club. Member recruitment. Raises funds for charitable Organizations. Brings the SWKKF to community activities. Promotes the activities of the SWKKF ATHLETES AWARD Recognition of This award recognizes an individual who excels as a karateka through their dedication to training, attending tournament and clinic opportunities and achieving excellence as a result of this dedication. Key Associated Values Community, Kindness Nominated by Shintani Membership Nomination Eligibility Shintani members, excluding senate members. Not eligible in consecutive years. Selected by The selection is at the full discretion of the Selection Committee. Example Someone who trains karate over and above the usual karate-ka, attends everything possible in their area, contributes to their dojo and the greater SWKKF. 2026 REACH Award Winners Leadership Sensei Kelsey Mramor Contributor Sensei Cynthia Brocklebank Female Athlete Sensei Aryanna Mattie Male Athlete Sensei Randy Quarrell Ambassador Sensei Annika de Witte 2025 REACH Award Winners Leadership Sensei Tom Foster Contributor Sensei Elliott Knowles Ambassador Sensei Steffannie Hancharyk Female Athlete Sensei Erin Couture Male Athlete Sensei Geoff McDonald PREVIOUS REACH Award Winners Year Leadership Contributor Ambassador Female Athlete Male Athlete 2025 Tom Foster Elliott Knowles Steffannie Hancharyk Eric Couture Geoff McDonald 2024 Bill Hynes Adam Knowles Brandon Marques Cristina Iordache Braden Oishi 2023 Dan Hill Yvon Lebel Alice Pinto-Lebel Emily Muddle Stefan Iordache 2022 James Freeman Beverly Beuermann-King Doug Taylor Natalie Wong Conrad Graup 2021 Scott Knowles Blaine Beemer Kyle Chambers Maisie Rathwell Kyle Chambers 2020 Bernadine Jugdutt Lauren Pankratz Calvin Pittet Robin Fidyk Brodie Hicks 2019 Raye Willms Darren Humphries Darren Humphries Elise Leong-Sit Kyle Chambers 2018 Shelley McGregor Marco Reyes Kris Reynolds Natalie Olson Nico Gosselin REACH Award Ceremony Videos Year Description Video Link 2026 2026 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/ik97S6fI-9U 2025 2025 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/F44xs48FiKg 2024 2024 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/EWWSrCzv8vM 2023 2023 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/-6_36hjpReE 2022 2022 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/34XFn_EQ_vk REACH Award: Story Videos Year Interviewee Video URL 2026 Sensei Bill Hynes https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2D8eryLUjbU 2026 Sensei Denise Baxter https://youtu.be/6zuT0FU2TQY 2026 Sensei Kris Reynolds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zuT0FU2TQY 2025 Sensei Carlos Garcia https://youtu.be/KN_E6cdKliE 2025 Michel Gosselin https://youtu.be/drWb_F3lK1U

(250) 603-9148 < Back Elk Valley Wado-Kai Sensei Rick Leveille / Sensei Eric Logodi (250) 603-9148 eriklogodi@gmail.com Address Elkford, British Columbia, Canada Elkford, BC, Canada Practice Times 8 yrs old - Adult - 6-7:30 pm (Pacific Daylight Time). Days are on shift Schedule - Contact Eric Logodi Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

< Back Peter Ciolfi Feb 3, 1950 Mar 20, 1997 comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Previous Next

Photos - Sensei Jim Atkinson

(780) 232-5454 < Back Derrick Wado Kai Karate Association Sensei Kelsey Mramor (780) 232-5454 info@derrickwadokai.ca Address 3500 119 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB, Canada Edmonton, AB, Canada Practice Times Tuesday - 4:00-9:00 pm / Saturday - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

< Back Michel Gosselin - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director Sensei Michel started karate in September 1972 in Geraldton, Ontario. Circumstances were such that he changed organizations three times before earning a black belt in I.T.F. Taekwondo in March 1983 and was a member of the Canadian team at the 1984 World ITF Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Sensei Michel has been a member of the Shintani National Team since 1997. He was a competitor for 6 teams, assistant coach in kumite and was recently appointed head coach. He has represented the SWKKF in many local and international events. He has been highly influenced by his coach Sensei Ron Mattie. Sensei Michel has been the regional Representative for the Northwestern Ontario region for many years. He received the rank of Shichidan from the Senate and his instructor, Sensei Rick Leveille in December 2022. In 2002, Sensei Michel started the Nordik Wado Kai club in Hearst, Ontario at the high school where he taught for 29 years and where he hosts an annual tournament bringing together SWKKF members from across the province. Sensei Michel is a retired high school physical education teacher. He is happily married with 3 adult children. Sensei Michel has chosen the practice and promotion of Wado Kai karate as his life-style; he is proud to be a member of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. Sensei Michel is dedicated to his family and loves outdoor activities. mgosselin@shintani.ca +1 (705) 372-5227

< Back Brian Chmay - Hachidan (8th Dan). Senate Advisor Sensei Brian Chmay started karate in 1976 under Sensei Dan Davies. Sensei Dan’s dojo was on Parkdale Ave in Hamilton. Shortly afterwards, Sensei Shintani started a dojo in Hamilton, ON, a few blocks away. Sensei Dan decided that since Sensei Shintani was so close, that he would close down his club and all would all work out directly under Sensei Shintani. Sensei Shintani later moved from his Hamilton dojo to the Japanese Culture Center (also in Hamilton). This is when Sensei Brian (at a green belt level) first met Sensei Brad Cosby. Sensei Brian was very pleased when Sensei Shintani opened up a club in St Catharines, ON. Sensei Shintani was also teaching karate at Brock University, St. Catharines, ON – Sensei Brian was working out 3 to 4 times a week between these three clubs with the occasional work out with Sensei in Grimsby. Sensei Brian received his Shodan rank in 1980 and continue to work out in both locations in St. Catharines, ON. Sensei Shintani assigned Sensei Brian to teach the Brock University karate classes after his Shodan grading; he taught for the full academic year. In 1981, Sensei Shintani moved from Grimsby to Hamilton leaving Sensei Brian to run the Grimsby, ON club. At this time, the Grimbsy club was running one day a week. Soon afterwards, Sensei Brad Cosby joined with Sensei Brian and they started running two workouts a week in Grimsby. This was the beginning of the “ Grimsby Beach Wado Kai ” dojo. Sensei Brian and Sensei Brad led by example by participating in all SWKKF events and tournaments. Sensei Brad and Sensei Brian continued to run the Grimsby Beach Wado Kai until August 2007 when the town of Grimsby allocated the Community Centre to other interests. Sensei Brian has been involved in the SWKKF in many different areas: Niagara Regional Representative Mentor for Sensei Mike Cocco (Head Instructor NOTL Wado Kai) Mentor for Sensei Steve Bone (Head Instructor Grimsby club) Mentor for Sensei Brian Julien (Instructor Timmins Wado Kai club) Assistant Shindo instructor for the Welland Shindo club Assistant Financial Committee member under Sensei Brad Cosby Shindo Committee member Throughout the years, Sensei Brian has had the opportunity to meet and work out with “many fine people belonging in our organization”. During his employment with the Canadian Welding Bureau (which sent him across Canada to present courses) he had the opportunity to work out with members of the Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Vancouver Wado Kai clubs. Sensei Brian’s daughter Michelle and my son Michael are also involved with the SWKKF. “ It is encouraging to see them taking an active role in their clubs. It gives me great pleasure watching them gaining experience and recognition among their fellow black belts. They belong to the new generation of black belts, very keen and dedicated to the teachings of Sensei Shintani. ” Sensei Brian is an advisor to the senate. Sensei Brian was awarded Hachidan (8th Dan) from the SWKKF senate in December 2022.

< Back Robert Trahan comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Previous Next