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Shintani News List Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Senate is pleased to announce the 6th Dan ranking advancement for Senseis Reynolds, Hynes and Fast. Jul 25, 2025 Continue Reading With great pride, the SWKKF Senate and membership would like to congratulate Sensei Ron Mattie, for being inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame. Nov 2, 2024 Continue Reading Shindo Photos from National Memorial Tournament held on May 25, 2025. May 25, 2025 Continue Reading How every purchase you make from Hatashita can help fund the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. Jun 1, 2025 Continue Reading It is with sincere sadness we announce the passing of Sensei Jeff Gervin on March 10, 2025. He held the rank of 7th Dan and was a long time dedicated member of the SWKKF. Mar 10, 2025 Continue Reading We would like to thank all that have generously donated to this year's Logger Family Memorial Fund. This is an amazing tribute to Chris, Wendy & Brittany. Jun 2, 2025 Continue Reading SWKKF 2025 Scholarship Awards Announced Jul 25, 2025 Continue Reading Congratulations to Sensei Neil Prime for being inducted into the Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Apr 5, 2025 Continue Reading The SWKKF Senate announce the Dan ranking advancement of Sensei McGregor and Sensei Freeman to Shichidan (7th Dan). Jan 20, 2025 Continue Reading 2025 Reach Award recipients announced at Shintani Annual Memorial Tournament on 24 May 2025 May 24, 2024 Continue Reading The Sensei Jeff Gervin Memorial Fund offers grants of up to $200.00 to support SWKKF students seeking to deepen their martial arts training. Mar 10, 2025 Continue Reading

Want to host an event? Fill out the Calendar of event form below and send it to Sensei Labbe (dlabbe@shintani.ca ). Calendar of Events Form Shintani Facebook Events Page Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Sun, Aug 23 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Learn more Aug 23, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Join the Shintani Team for a monthly virtual training session designed to keep SWKKF members connected, active, and training together—no matter where you are. These sessions are open to all SWKKF members and run on the 4th Sunday of the months listed below. Multiple Dates Wed, Aug 26 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa Learn more Aug 26, 2026, 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa SWKKF INSTRUCTORS Sensei Mattie is continuing to host a series of free monthly Instructor Clinics on Zoom. These are on Eastern Time Multiple Dates Fri, Sep 25 Living Skies Wado Kai Workshop/Black Belt Pre-Grading / Traditions Boulevard Learn more Sep 25, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Traditions Boulevard, Traditions Blvd, Warman, SK S0K 4S5, Canada Living Skies Wado Kai Workshop/Black Belt Pre-Grading Multiple Dates Sat, Sep 26 Living Skies Wado Kai Workshop/Black Belt Pre-Grading / Traditions Boulevard Learn more Sep 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Traditions Boulevard, Traditions Blvd, Warman, SK S0K 4S5, Canada Living Skies Wado Kai Workshop/Black Belt Pre-Grading Multiple Dates Sun, Sep 27 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Learn more Sep 27, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Join the Shintani Team for a monthly virtual training session designed to keep SWKKF members connected, active, and training together—no matter where you are. These sessions are open to all SWKKF members and run on the 4th Sunday of the months listed below. Multiple Dates Sun, Oct 25 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Learn more Oct 25, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Join the Shintani Team for a monthly virtual training session designed to keep SWKKF members connected, active, and training together—no matter where you are. These sessions are open to all SWKKF members and run on the 4th Sunday of the months listed below. Multiple Dates Sun, Nov 22 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Learn more Nov 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST ZOOM Link will be sent after Registration Join the Shintani Team for a monthly virtual training session designed to keep SWKKF members connected, active, and training together—no matter where you are. These sessions are open to all SWKKF members and run on the 4th Sunday of the months listed below.

Karate Federation Shintani Wado Kai SWKKF Introduction The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF) is a non-profit organization that was founded by Hanshi Masaru Shintani in 1966. The SWKKF is one of the largest martial arts organization of a single style in North America. Current registered membership is approximately 1,900 students with 400+ active black belts. The largest Canadian membership groups are in Southern Ontario and Alberta. SWKKF membership continues to grow nationally, particularly in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. US membership also continues to grow, an area that we are looking to expand. The SWKKF supports a national team that represents it at Canadian and international tournaments. Organizational Structure The SWKKF has adopted a practical, functional structure that supports its strategy and strategic direction. One aspect addresses its hierarchical structure and the other area establishes designated SWKKF activities. Members are elected to representative positions within this structure for a period of 4 years. The last election was held in 2020. Hierarchical Structure SWKKF Committees Provincial Regional Senate Finance Viability Members Investment Clubs Service Excellance Legacy Click any box for more info. NOTE: Current provinces represented include: Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Current states represented include: Arizona, Arkansas, Texas and New York. Club members with any questions or concerns should first contact their club representative(s). They will be pleased to assist you.

Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan (Jūdan) was the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai Karate in Canada and founder of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). HANSHI MASARU SHINTANI Judan (10th DAN) 1928 - 2000 Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan (Jūdan) was the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai Karate in Canada and founder of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). At the time of his death, he was the highest ranking Sensei outside of Japan. A direct student of Master Otsuka , the founder of Wado Kai, Shintani devoted over 50 years to the study of Karate. He also held ranks in Judo (Sandan), Aikido (Shodan), and Kendo (Shodan). Shintani was born on 3 February 1928 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the child of Japanese immigrants. His mother was a member of the Matsumoto clan, a respected samurai clan with a history going back hundreds of years. Like virtually all West Coast Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, his family was uprooted and moved to the rugged interior of British Columbia for the duration of the war. The Shintani family, mother and six children, was interned in New Denver, an abandoned mining town used to house hundreds of Japanese Canadians. While growing up in the camp, he learned the ways of two cultures. On school mornings he attended Canadian classes in English, history, and mathematics. In the afternoon, he studied the Japanese language and heritage, along with Kendo and Judo, the standard physical education for all Japanese students. One day in 1940 -41, while looking for frozen ponds by the river to play hockey, Shintani and a group of youths came across an older man standing barefoot in the snow, punching a tree and shouting. This was his initial contact with the person who would introduce him to Karate. After several meetings, some of the boys were invited to train with the man, whose name was Kitagawa. He was a practitioner of Shorin-ryu, one of the older Okinawan Karate styles. Sensei Kitagawa referred to his teachings as Kumite (fighting) and soon the eager young men were beating the bark off of trees with punches, blocks and kicks. Shintani recalls training barefoot on the ice rink and sparring bouts. “Every time you got on the floor, it was life or death.” Sensei Kitagawa's methods would be considered rather excessive or 'brutal' by today's standards. Shintani reflected, “I believe it hurt our minds more than it helped our bodies.” Sensei Shintani instructing Sensei Peter Ciolfi After nine years under Sensei Kitagawa's direction, Shintani was graded to 6th Dan when Kitagawa returned to Japan. Shintani also traveled to Japan to train in Karate and visit his mother's family. He met Master Otsuka in 1956 at a Karate seminar. Over the next few years, Shintani competed in large national torunaments, eventually winning the Japan Karate Federation championship. In 1958, Master Otsuka invited Hanshi Shintani to join his Wado Kai organization. Impressed with the character and integrity of Master Otsuka, Hanshi Shintani respectfully accepted the invitation. During this time, Hanshi Shintani's family moved to Beamsville, near Hamilton, Ontario. To support his family, he tended the family farm and greenhouse. He also played semi-pro baseball. Shintani began teaching Karate and Judo locally and at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Hamilton. Sad to say, the Japanese in North America during the post-war period were subject to racism and violence. Shintani credits his survival during this time to his harsh training under Kitagawa and the humility he learned from his mother and Master Otsuka. “I learned a lesson in the war-time camps under Kitagawa Sensei. It protected my life. Under Otsuka Sensei, I preserved it”. In 1979, Master Otsuka graded Hanshi Shintani to Hachidan (8th Dan). At the same time Master Otsuka presented him with a Kudan (9th Dan) certificate. This was to be revealed by Shintani only after a suitable period of time had elasped. He made known his Kudan rank in 1995. Hanshi Shintani traveled to Japan several times to train with Master Otsuka. Master Otsuka honored his Canadian disciple by coming to Ontario occasionally to visit and teach. The last time was in 1980, two years prior to his passing. Sensei Shintani with Master Otsuka During the 1970s, Master Otsuka appointed Shintani the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai in North America. After the death of Master Otsuka, Shintani visited Okinawa to meet with the old masters who had trained with Master Otsuka. Most of these men had passed on, except for Sensei Yamashita who shared his knowledge and memories with Shintani. Shintani's devotion to and mastery of Karate is remarkable. Stories of his skill and acts of humility greatly impressed those who had not met him. He constantly refined and improved the basic Karate techniques and concepts to advance the Way of Karate. He was determined that the vital and dynamic nature of Karate should not become stagnant or ritualized and be allowed to deteriorate into a stylized dance of impractical techniques, no longer representing a real martial art. He indicated that there are no symbolic moves in kata. Every technique must be performed as if it was ‘real’. In the few years before his death, Shintani spent much of his time developing Karate and Shindo concepts. He traveled across North America and globally to conduct seminars in Wado Kai and Shindo. As the leader of a large North American martial arts organization, he could easily have become a wealthy man. Instead, he lived a life of quiet modesty, continuing to follow his three ideals -- Humility, Integrity and Honour. Those of us in Wado Kai, who had the honor to meet Shintani, recognize what an incredible privilege it was to have trained with him and learned from him how to live the Way of Peace and Harmony. On December 2017, the SWKKF Senate was pleased to announce that its founder, Hanshi Masaru Shintani, had been awarded the highest Karate rank of Jūdan (10th dan) posthumously. Shintani is revered and honoured by his family, friends and students as the Grand Master and founder of the SWKKF.

Welcome to the Shintani Store SWKKF Katas - Volume 1 - 4 Volume 1: Power Kata (Chi Kata), Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan, Pinan Godan Volume 2: Kushanku, Naihanchin, Chinto, Wanshu Volume 3: Chonan Shodan, Tekki Shodan, Shopai Volume 4: Seisho, Chocodo, Teisho Shindo Volume 1 - 3 Volume 1: Basic Shindo Volume 2: Intermediate Shindo Volume 3: Advanced Shindo Grading Techniques Shindo Katas Chonan No Shindo Kushanku No Shindo Taisei No Shindo ** New Shindo Katas Wanshu No Shindo Gensho Shodan No Shindo Chinto No Shindo Black Belt Grading Techniques of the SWKKF Kihon Kumite Techniques Shintani 60 Year Celebration Hanshi Shintani Kihon Kumite Techniques Hanshi Shintani Kihon Kumite Techniques Limited Edition Prints ** Shintani / Otsuka, Hanshi Shintani Gedan Shuto, Hanshi Shintani Shindo Shintani / Shindo Shirts ** Shintani Wado Kai and Shindo Limited Edition Shirts. ** To Order - Send email to dlabbe@shintani.ca Shintani Branded Dojo Apparel SWKKF Student Store Shintani Branded Duffel Bags, Mugs, Shirts, Jackets and more Equipment: Hand/Foot Pads, Karate Gi's , Belts Duffel Bags, Clothing Hard & Soft Shindo. Make sure to search for Shintani when ordering. Use discount code: SWKKF Sport Excel Academy Member Items Special offer for SWKKF Members Wood carvings SWKKF Instructor Store Store for SWKKF Instructors. Make sure to search for Shintani when ordering. Use discount code: SWKKF Louis Roentgen Book Order Sensei Lou Roentgen (direct student of Sensei Shintani) book on Karate-Do

Interviews Highlighting Sensei Shintani Denis Labbe Brad Cosby Ron Mattie Rick Leveille Michel Gosselin Neil Prime Lou Roentgen Bruce Perkins Jim Atkinson Brian Julien Heather Fidyk Peter Avino Dave Manara Darren Humphries Shelley McGregor Shintani Stories & Memories Rick Leveille Peter Avino Charlotte Martin Robert Graham Lou Roentgen Jim Atkinson Bruce Perkins Shelley McGregor Ron Mattie Darren Humphries Brad Cosby Michel Gosselin Blaine Beemer Heather Fidyk Carlos Garcia

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

Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan (Jūdan) was the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai Karate in Canada and founder of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). HANSHI MASARU SHINTANI Judan (10th DAN) 1928 - 2000 Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan (Jūdan) was the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai Karate in Canada and founder of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). At the time of his death, he was the highest ranking Sensei outside of Japan. A direct student of Master Otsuka , the founder of Wado Kai, Shintani devoted over 50 years to the study of Karate. He also held ranks in Judo (Sandan), Aikido (Shodan), and Kendo (Shodan). Shintani was born on 3 February 1928 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the child of Japanese immigrants. His mother was a member of the Matsumoto clan, a respected samurai clan with a history going back hundreds of years. Like virtually all West Coast Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, his family was uprooted and moved to the rugged interior of British Columbia for the duration of the war. The Shintani family, mother and six children, was interned in New Denver, an abandoned mining town used to house hundreds of Japanese Canadians. While growing up in the camp, he learned the ways of two cultures. On school mornings he attended Canadian classes in English, history, and mathematics. In the afternoon, he studied the Japanese language and heritage, along with Kendo and Judo, the standard physical education for all Japanese students. One day in 1940 -41, while looking for frozen ponds by the river to play hockey, Shintani and a group of youths came across an older man standing barefoot in the snow, punching a tree and shouting. This was his initial contact with the person who would introduce him to Karate. After several meetings, some of the boys were invited to train with the man, whose name was Kitagawa. He was a practitioner of Shorin-ryu, one of the older Okinawan Karate styles. Sensei Kitagawa referred to his teachings as Kumite (fighting) and soon the eager young men were beating the bark off of trees with punches, blocks and kicks. Shintani recalls training barefoot on the ice rink and sparring bouts. “Every time you got on the floor, it was life or death.” Sensei Kitagawa's methods would be considered rather excessive or 'brutal' by today's standards. Shintani reflected, “I believe it hurt our minds more than it helped our bodies.” Sensei Shintani instructing Sensei Peter Ciolfi After nine years under Sensei Kitagawa's direction, Shintani was graded to 6th Dan when Kitagawa returned to Japan. Shintani also traveled to Japan to train in Karate and visit his mother's family. He met Master Otsuka in 1956 at a Karate seminar. Over the next few years, Shintani competed in large national torunaments, eventually winning the Japan Karate Federation championship. In 1958, Master Otsuka invited Hanshi Shintani to join his Wado Kai organization. Impressed with the character and integrity of Master Otsuka, Hanshi Shintani respectfully accepted the invitation. During this time, Hanshi Shintani's family moved to Beamsville, near Hamilton, Ontario. To support his family, he tended the family farm and greenhouse. He also played semi-pro baseball. Shintani began teaching Karate and Judo locally and at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Hamilton. Sad to say, the Japanese in North America during the post-war period were subject to racism and violence. Shintani credits his survival during this time to his harsh training under Kitagawa and the humility he learned from his mother and Master Otsuka. “I learned a lesson in the war-time camps under Kitagawa Sensei. It protected my life. Under Otsuka Sensei, I preserved it”. In 1979, Master Otsuka graded Hanshi Shintani to Hachidan (8th Dan). At the same time Master Otsuka presented him with a Kudan (9th Dan) certificate. This was to be revealed by Shintani only after a suitable period of time had elasped. He made known his Kudan rank in 1995. Hanshi Shintani traveled to Japan several times to train with Master Otsuka. Master Otsuka honored his Canadian disciple by coming to Ontario occasionally to visit and teach. The last time was in 1980, two years prior to his passing. Sensei Shintani with Master Otsuka During the 1970s, Master Otsuka appointed Shintani the Supreme Instructor of Wado Kai in North America. After the death of Master Otsuka, Shintani visited Okinawa to meet with the old masters who had trained with Master Otsuka. Most of these men had passed on, except for Sensei Yamashita who shared his knowledge and memories with Shintani. Shintani's devotion to and mastery of Karate is remarkable. Stories of his skill and acts of humility greatly impressed those who had not met him. He constantly refined and improved the basic Karate techniques and concepts to advance the Way of Karate. He was determined that the vital and dynamic nature of Karate should not become stagnant or ritualized and be allowed to deteriorate into a stylized dance of impractical techniques, no longer representing a real martial art. He indicated that there are no symbolic moves in kata. Every technique must be performed as if it was ‘real’. In the few years before his death, Shintani spent much of his time developing Karate and Shindo concepts. He traveled across North America and globally to conduct seminars in Wado Kai and Shindo. As the leader of a large North American martial arts organization, he could easily have become a wealthy man. Instead, he lived a life of quiet modesty, continuing to follow his three ideals -- Humility, Integrity and Honour. Those of us in Wado Kai, who had the honor to meet Shintani, recognize what an incredible privilege it was to have trained with him and learned from him how to live the Way of Peace and Harmony. On December 2017, the SWKKF Senate was pleased to announce that its founder, Hanshi Masaru Shintani, had been awarded the highest Karate rank of Jūdan (10th dan) posthumously. Shintani is revered and honoured by his family, friends and students as the Grand Master and founder of the SWKKF.

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.

(905) 650-5287 < Back Thorold Wado Kai Karate Sensei Roberto Scolaro (905) 650-5287 debnrob2@yahoo.ca Address 131 Richmond Street, Thorold, ON, Canada Thorold, ON, Canada Practice Times Monday - 5:45-6:45 pm / Saturday - 9-10:00 am (Eastern Daylight) Club Website or Social Media Notes Previous Map Next

Harmonizer The SWKKF Newsletter The Harmonizer is the official SWKKF newsletter. It's an important piece of communication providing useful information to the membership. This includes internal and external commentaries, tournament listings, event details, information on workshops, personal experiences, karate news from all national regions, etc. Don't forget that it's your newsletter. Your input is critical to its ongoing success. We heartily welcome your contribution - share your thoughts and experiences with your fellow members. Forward your articles to us at harmonizer@shintani.ca Harmonizer is published 3 times a year at the end of February, June and November. Please contact us should you have any question. Your Harmonizer Committee harmonizer@shintani.ca Current Harmonizer Volume 34, Issue 1 - June 2025 Message from the President Finding Strength and Connection Through Karate Kudan Presentation Hanshi Fred Simonaitis Sensei Ron at the Delhi Karate Club When it's going your way The Power of Community The Sensei Jeff Gervin Memorial Fund A Canadian Karateka's Grading A Glimpse into the Art Here is my journey from white belt to yellow belt Karate With a Sibling R.E.A.C.H. 2025 Recipients Sensei Neil Prime Inducted into the CMAHOF Karate in the North The West is knockin, the East is Rocking What a Year and What and Honour Sensei Jim’s Visit to Nordik Wado Kai From the Logger & Atkinson Family From Your Harmonizer Committee Past Harmonizer Issues Download PDF Volume 01, Issue 1 - October 1996 World Union of Martial Arts Why Kata? Download PDF Volume 01, Issue 2 - March 1997 What Makes a Black Belt? Tournament Kata Practice Tips Training Past 35 Download PDF Volume 01, Issue 3 - June 1997 A Message from the Heart Hearst Wado Kai Karate Club Kata Practice Tips Download PDF Volume 02, Issue 1 - November 1997 Saskatchewan Trip - Nov 1997 A Judge's Perspective The Meaning of Pinan Club News - Calgary Wado-Kai Having Fun at Karate

< Back Sensei Ron Mattie inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame With great pride, the SWKKF Senate and membership would like to congratulate Sensei Ron Mattie, for being inducted into the Canadian Black Belt Hall of Fame. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_6871df69c0334bcb887f2a081c688b5f.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next