< Back Brian Julien - Godan (5th Dan) Director Sensei Brian began karate around 1988 at the Grimsby Beach Wado Kai Karate Club under Sensei Brian Chmay and Sensei Brad Cosby. He was graded to his Shodan in September 1997, a few weeks after his 16th birthday at Confederation High School in Welland, Ontario. While attending university in Ottawa, Sensei Brian had the opportunity to train with various instructors from a variety of different karate styles. In 2009, Sensei Brian moved to Timmins, Ontario, where he trained with Sensei Willie LeBrun. Throughout this time, Sensei Brian would take every opportunity to train with Sensei Brian and Sensei Brad whenever his travels brought him back to the Niagara Region. Beginning in 2015, Sensei Brian began training with Sensei Melanie Camirand and together they currently run P.O.P. Wado Kai in Timmins, Ontario. Sensei Brian was graded to his Godan in both the SWKKF and the World Traditional Karate Association in the fall of 2021. Throughout the years, Sensei Brian has been on various committees within the organization, including the Scholarship Committee, Fundraising and Grants Committee, and the Standards and Ethics Committee. He has also been Regional Representative for North Eastern Ontario for approximately 10 years. Sensei Brian is a lawyer and continues to live in Timmins with his wife, Julie, and their 4 children, all of whom are members of the SWKKF. bjulien@shintani.ca +1 (705) 262-2802

< 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 Rick Leveille - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor Sensei Leveille was first drawn to the discipline of karate in 1971 after visiting a Shi to-Ryu dojo in Vancouver. However it was not until 1973, after attending a Wado Karate demonstration m Wawa Ontario with Sensei Don Girard, that Sensei Rick started his karate career. It was as a yellow belt that Sensei Rick first met Sensei Shintani. He was immediately impressed by his presence, knowledge, and confidence and began attending classes regularly with him from that time on. He graded to Shodan in March of 1977 and has continued to train and instruct Wado Kai, advancing his rank to Hachidan (8th dan) . Sensei Rick has dedicated his karate career to promoting Wado Kai all over Canada as well as Northern Ontario. He played a pivotal role in developing a network of clubs from Wawa to Fort Francis, Ontario and in 1991 formed the Northwest Ontario Wado Kai Karate Association, which is still active today. Sensei Leveille now lives in Elkford BC, where he has founded the Elk Valley Wado Kai Karate Club. Sensei Rick was awarded the Kudan (9th Dan) from the SWKKF senate December 2021. For a more detailed biography of Sensei Rick Leveille, as well as some personal stories of his training with Sensei Shintani please read the article in the October 2007 Harmonizer.

< Back Heather Fidyk - Shichidan (7th Dan) Former Senate Member Sensei Heather began her karate career through the University of Alberta Wado Kai club in 1986 earning her Shodan in 1990. In 2007 she earned the rank of Godan (5th dan) under the tutelage of Sensei Ron Mattie. Subsequently, she earned her rank of Rokudan (6th) rank August 2013, and Shichidan (7th) rank December 2020 from the SWKKF Senate. From 1992 to 1993, Sensei Heather lived and worked in Japan with her husband Sensei Darren Fidyk, Godan, where they trained and competed in Wado Ryu under the instruction of Sensei Endo. They continued their international training as Wado Ryu guests in Brazil in 1998 and in Japan in 2000 accompanied by Sensei Ron Mattie and Sensei Darren Humphries. Sensei Heather was a member of the SWKKF National team from 2002-2006. During this time she competed throughout Canada, in the US and Morocco. She maintains her involvement with the SWKKF National Team taking on the role of assistant coach from 2010 to present and even competed with the National Team in Italy in 2011. Sensei Heather has played a large role in the growth and development of Wado Kai karate in Alberta. She founded the St. Albert Wado Kai club, ran the Edmonton Riverbend Wado Kai club, and in 1994 co-founded the South Calgary Wado Kai Karate club with Sensei Darren Fidyk. Currently she is the head instructor and treasurer of the South Calgary Wado Kai Karate Club. The club is about 150 -200 members and hosts one of the SWKKF’s largest tournaments annually in March. She trained Shindo beginning as a blue belt with Hanshi Shintani and today the club participates in the SWKKF Shindo program with both an adult and youth component. As a new member of the SWKKF senate she brings with her a western perspective, a female view, knowledge of being a board member, running a nonprofit organization, and an international understanding.

< Back Brad Cosby - Kudan (9th Dan) Senate Advisor Sensei Brad started his karate career in Grimbsy, Ontario in 1967 under the instruction of Sensei Shintani. As a blue belt he began travelling with Sensei Shintani helping to teach at new clubs in Welland, ON, Niagara Falls, ON, Brock, ON, Port Dover, ON and Simcoe, ON. In 1972 Sensei Brad was graded to Shodan. At the age of 17, he was the youngest person to be graded to a black belt rank by Sensei Shintani. After taking a couple years off to raise a family, Sensei Brad returned to the Grimsby Beach Community Centre where he taught along side Sensei Brian Chmay. They continued to train and instruct at this location until 2007, when after more than 25 years, the dojo closed its doors. Sensei Brad now trains at area clubs, including the St. Catherine's club with Sensei Neil Prime. He also has a gym in his family garage where he continues to develop techniques using the principles Sensei Shintani taught him. Sensei Brad was awarded the Kudan (9th Dan) from the SWKKF senate in December 2020. "When I travel to different clubs, I am truly amazed at the precision, speed, and spirit which with the karateka, especially the blackbelts, are able to perform the technique and kata. I am honored to perform both beside and across from the men and women who make up the SWKKF. Sensei Shintani would be very pleased." - Sensei Brad Cosby For a more detailed biography of Sensei Brad Cosby, as well as some personal stories of his training with Sensei Shintani please read the article in the July 2008 Harmonizer.

< 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 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

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 2025 Sensei Carlos Garcia https://youtu.be/KN_E6cdKliE 2025 Michel Gosselin https://youtu.be/drWb_F3lK1U Ambassador Sensei Annika de Witte

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 Senate Finance Viability Regional 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.

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

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

History Making History - SWKKF 2024 Symposium on Grasshopper Island Historical - 2000 SWKKF Senate Origin of Karate History of Karate History of Wado Kai Photos Videos Interviews Para-Karate Master Hironori Otsuka Hanshi Masaru Shintani Family Tree Pioneers Published Articles Legacy Documents Legacy Memorial