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.

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.

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

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

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 Tue, May 19 Shintani National Memorial - Sensei Ron Mattie's Clinic / 77 Division St Learn more May 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT 77 Division St, 77 Division St, Welland, ON L3B 3Z8, Canada All SWKKF members are also invited to attend one or more regional clinics being offered throughout the area. Wed, May 20 Shintani National Memorial - Sensei Jim Atkinson's Clinic / 443 James St Learn more May 20, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EDT 443 James St, 443 James St, Delhi, ON N4B 2B9, Canada All SWKKF members are also invited to attend one or more regional clinics being offered throughout the area. Thu, May 21 Shintani National Memorial - Sensei Tim McCullough's Clinic / Port Dover Lions Silver Lake Market Learn more May 21, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EDT Port Dover Lions Silver Lake Market, 320 St Patrick St, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0, Canada All SWKKF members are also invited to attend one or more regional clinics being offered throughout the area. Fri, May 22 Shintani National Memorial - National Clinic / 123 Evergreen Hill Rd Learn more May 22, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT 123 Evergreen Hill Rd, 123 Evergreen Hill Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 1C4, Canada All SWKKF members are also invited to attend one or more regional clinics being offered throughout the area. Sat, May 23 Shintani National Memorial Tournament / 128 Evergreen Hill Rd RSVP May 23, 2026, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EDT 128 Evergreen Hill Rd, 128 Evergreen Hill Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 0B5, Canada Multiple Dates Sun, May 24 Shintani Team Monthly Virtual Wourkouts / 123 Evergreen Hill Rd Learn more May 24, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT 123 Evergreen Hill Rd, 123 Evergreen Hill Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 1C4, Canada 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. Sun, May 24 National Shindo Grading / Simcoe RSVP May 24, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EDT Simcoe, 128 Evergreen Hill Rd, Simcoe, ON N3Y 5M5, Canada The Shindo Dan Grading, hosted by the Delhi Wado Kai Karate Club on May 24, 2026 Multiple Dates Fri, May 29 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa Learn more May 29, 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 Fri, Jun 05 Ontario Black Belt Clinic / Welland RSVP Jun 05, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Welland, 77 Division St, Welland, ON L3B 3Z8, Canada The Ontario Black Belt Clinic and Grading, taking place June 5–6 in Welland, Ontario, will bring together brown and black belts for a focused weekend of refinement, challenge, and assessment. For more information contact Sensei Labbe (dlabbe@shintani.ca). Sat, Jun 06 Ontario Black Belt Grading / Welland RSVP Jun 06, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Welland, 77 Division St, Welland, ON L3B 3Z8, Canada The Ontario Black Belt Clinic and Grading, taking place June 5–6 in Welland, Ontario, will bring together brown and black belts for a focused weekend of refinement, challenge, and assessment. For more information contact Sensei Labbe (dlabbe@shintani.ca). Sat, Jun 13 Northern Alberta Region Clinic / 12603 63 Ave NW RSVP Jun 13, 2026, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM MDT 12603 63 Ave NW, 12603 63 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 1P2, Canada Join us for a follow up special event. A hands on Judo clinic featuring two outstanding instructors from the University of Alberta Judo Club, covering essential beginner fundamentals in a supportive, High-quality learning environment. Multiple Dates Mon, Jun 22 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa Learn more Jun 22, 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 Fri, Jul 03 7th Annual Shintani Symposium 2026 / 86 Rolling Banks Rd RSVP Jul 03, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT – Jul 05, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT 86 Rolling Banks Rd, 86 Rolling Banks Rd, Roseneath, ON K0L 1Y0, Canada Come and join us for a weekend on a 25 Acre Solar Powered Island. Multiple Dates Tue, Jul 21 Sensei Mattie Monthly Instructor Clinics / https://rebrand.ly/t55ybqa Learn more Jul 21, 2026, 7:45 PM – 9:15 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 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 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. Load More

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.

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.

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.

Manuals Procedures Policies Please Click Form should you require a document or have a question . Form SWKKF Grading Manual Original Date Oct 2014 Updated Dec 2024 CLICK Comment Status Dojo Etiquette Manual Original Date Oct 2001 Updated Sept 2014 CLICK Comment Status Tournament Rules & Regulations Original Date Sept 2014 Updated Aptil 2026 CLICK Comment Status Judging Training Manuals Phase 1 Original Date Oct 2014 Updated Dec 2024 CLICK Comment Status Judging Training Manuals Phase 2 Original Date Mar 2019 Updated Dec 2024 CLICK Comment Status SWKKF Approved Kata List Original Date Oct 2014 Updated Feb 2020 CLICK Comment Status Shintani Team Original Date Nov 2017 Updated CLICK Comment Status Shindo Grading Original Date Updated CLICK Comment See Shindo on Main Menu Status SWKKF Mentorship Program Original Date Mar 2016 Updated CLICK Comment Status Masters Cup National Tournament Original Date Mar 2016 Updated CLICK Comment Status

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

From the Beginning (our past) This section is dedicated to the memories of past members of the SWKKF that helped form the organization into what it is today. Although they are no longer with us physically, their contributions live on and their spirit is part of the fabric that forms the SWKKF as it is today. In order to be eligible for this section, the member must have been registered and a member in good standing at the time of their passing. coming soon Comments Masaru Shintani Feb 3, 1928 May 7, 2000 Comments Peter Ciolfi Feb 3, 1950 Mar 20, 1997 Comments Chris Logger Dec 21, 1952 Dec 22, 2022 Comments Peter Ruch Jul 13, 2022 Comments Dominic Morabito Comments Roland Day Comments Robert Trahan Comments Dan Bracconier Sep 6, 1956 Sep 3, 2013 Comments June Lebrun Jun 4, 1950 Mar 16, 2013 Comments Gord Vermette Oct 27, 2009 Comments Eve Hobbs Comments Roy Jaworski Comments Ed Poulin Aug 3, 1951 Jul 5, 2024 Comments Jeff Gervin Sep 21, 1968 Mar 10, 2025

Shintani Team Committee Member and Team Staff Sensei Michel Gosselin Head Coach Sensei Brodie Hicks Assistant Coach Sensei Colin Frans Team Manager