< Back Shelley McGregor - Shichidan (7th Dan) Director Sensei Shelley started her Karate journey in 1987 at the Edson Club under the guidance of Sensei Danial McCoy. She was graded to Shodan February of 1992 and in June, 2024 was promoted to Shichidan by the Senate. She has achieved her Level 4 instructor certification in the SWKKF. In May, 2019 she received the rank of Rokudan from the World Traditional Karate Association and has since obtained her Level A instructor qualification and Level A examiner qualification. Sensei Shelley moved to Whitecourt, Alberta in 1993 and took over the Whitecourt club as head in 1998. She has enjoyed hosting numerous tournaments and events over the years. In 2012 she became President of the Alberta Shintani Karate Association and leads the clubs in their development. She has been involved on numerous committees and still remains an active contributor, is a past provincial representative of Alberta, organizes and instructs the Shintani Kata course. She aided in the Kata production of Volume 3 and Volume 4 where she demonstrates Chocodo. Sensei Shelley and her husband Grant continue to reside in Whitecourt, Alberta where they raised their four children, Brandon, Cameron, Conner and Shantelle. Two of her children are black belts in the SWKKF. Sensei Shelley’s believes: Focus on the positive Be kind to yourself and to others Keep training, keep learning, enjoy your karate journey and above all - have fun! smcgregor@shintani.ca +1 (780) 706-5746

Tasks and Goals Extract from Sensei Denis Labbé (President) letter to the SWKKF Membership Shindo Committee / September 9, 2010 The Shindo committee has been continuously working at fulfilling the dream Sensei Shintani had for Shindo. The goal is to bring Shindo into the lives of all the students in the federation. To this end, the Shindo committee has worked on, and continues to work on, a number of items to facilitate the completion of this task. Teaching Aids - There are a number of teaching aids currently available to provide instructors a starting point for the instruction of Shindo at the club level. The curriculum for the three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced has been developed and remains in place. Accompanying the curriculum are the three DVDs Clinics - Clinics are taught across the country by accomplished Shindo practitioners to introduce students to the art, refresh instructors, and provide new ideas from which it will grow Beyond these currently available aids, there are a few suggestions for incorporating Shindo into our routine karate workouts. As in karate, students must start with the basics and work their way up to advanced interpretations of karate movements. The basic grading structure for Shindo is as follows: Basic Shindo White Stripe - white belt to green belt stage of karate. Intermediate Shindo Green Stripe - green and blue belt levels. Advanced Shindo Brown Stripe – brown belt and above. Ideally, a student in the white belt to green belt stage of their karate should be able to translate their knowledge of karate basics to the Shindo and perform at a basic level. Thus, the white stripe awarded for successful performance of the basic level of Shindo is thought to be appropriate at green belt. The green stripe for completion of the intermediate requirements is approximately parallel to practice at the green and blue belt levels where combinations of techniques are introduced. It is recommended to be awarded at blue belt. Advanced kyu belts should, with regular practice, be able to perform the advanced portion of the Shindo curriculum. Therefore, at brown belt it is suggested that the brown stripe be awarded. Of course, these are not set times to award the stripe; it should be awarded as appropriate at this time or later, as the student progresses. Black belts, as in karate, will continue on beyond this program, and use their minds and skills to interpret the art. They will learn the newly developed kata Kushanku no Shindo, and begin to apply their knowledge of Shindo to techniques of the everyday karate class. The ability to accomplish this demonstrates the parallel with ‘regular’ karate and the parallels which Sensei Shintani created when he developed Shindo. A grading format beyond the current curriculum is being investigated to award Dan rankings. Tips for Teaching Shindo At first the student may feel overwhelmed by the foreign object in their hands, especially when starting out. Remember to teach at the level of the students. This caution is warranted to help decrease this possibility, regardless of the level of the student Shindo should be related to everyday karate. For the very first punch or block techniques we learn we can develop Shindo techniques to coincide with them. This is an important point for Shindo instructors and practitioners to grasp. Shindo classes can be structured exactly the way that ‘regular’ classes are. There should be at least an emphasis on the basics every time the Shindo is picked up. How these basics relate to karate (ie: kumais, sabaki, etc) is a good way to begin showing how Shindo really is Shintani Wado Kai with a Shindo hand-bo (short staff) of self-defense in our hands. Going forward, there are many ways to continue to develop Shindo across the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. Instructors should encourage their students to study - as they should themselves have awareness of the art. This will help and improve their abilities in karate and Shindo. Positive encouragement to participate in the Shindo divisions at tournaments is a great way to demonstrate knowledge and compare philosophies with peers. Encourage your tournaments to have two Shindo divisions, one for the kyu belts and one for the black belts. This is an ideal situation and something to be strived for. There in fact may be some kata that are not a part of the current curriculum as it stands now. The Shindo Committee welcomes and in fact seeks members’ own creative ideas for kata(s) (TAI SEI NO SHINDO, CHINTO NO SHINDO, WANSHU NO SHINDO, etc). These would be used in some manner as a part of the teaching and tournament system for Shindo. That is to say, in pockets of the North America there is lots of good work being accomplished with the Shindo, and everyone deserves to have access to this knowledge. By sharing ideas, they may be incorporated in some form into common Shindo practice. More information on introducing more Shindo kata(s) will be released in the near future from the Shindo committee. The goal of all involved in Shindo is to have all students practicing Shindo on some level. This is what Sensei Shintani envisioned. With current aids in place to assist instruction and the new directives and recommendations of the Committee we hope that the organization can move towards this goal. The Shindo Committee welcomes constructive feedback, suggestions, recommendations, and/or comments from the SWKKF members as a means to assist everyone to work and promote Shindo.

Contact Us Phone (905) 788-7999 Email dlabbe@shintani.ca Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Scholarships Overview Application SCHOLARSHIPS Wado Kai Student Development Fund Application deadline is 30 June at midnight each calendar year Scholarship Overview The Wado Kai Student Development Fund is proud to offer the following scholarships to the top three applicants who best demonstrate well roundedness in academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and karate achievements.: 2 (two) annual scholarships of $1,000 and, 1 (one) annual scholarship of $1,000 (courtesy of the Jean Foster Memorial Fund) Eligibility Criteria The applicant must be a member of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). The applicant will either be a student or a parent or a guardian of a student: If the applicant is the student, he/she will be judged on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities and karate achievements. If the applicant is a parent/guardian of the student, the application will be judged on: The student’s academic accomplishments and extracurricular activities The parent or guardian’s karate achievements The student must be applying to or continuing in a post-secondary institution such as university, college, technological institute, teacher’s college, etc. The student’s academic success (i.e. grades) must be sufficient to allow admittance into the post-secondary institution or continuance from one year to the next. All sections of the application must be received by June 30, 2022. Email submissions will be accepted until midnight and mailed submissions must be postmarked by the deadline. Proof of acceptance or continuance within the institute will be required before the scholarship is released. Applications are judged on three equally weighted categories: Academic accomplishments Extra-curricular activities Martial arts accomplishments Documents Required for Application: SWKKF Student Development Scholarship Application Form Letter of acceptance or proof of continuance in post-secondary program Official transcript of grades Incomplete applications will not be submitted to the Committee for review. How to Submit Your Application You can submit your entire application either by Regular Mail or by e-mail, but not a combination of both. You have two Application Forms (different formats) to choose from. Please select one. Word App Form pdf App Form Submission via Regular Mail The Wado Kai Student Development Fund 15307 44 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T6H 5W4 The postal address is listed in the application package. When submitting via regular mail, please ensure that the application form plus all supporting documentation is in ONE sealed envelope. Submission via e-mail scholarship@shintani.ca The e-mail address is listed in the application package. When submitting via e-mail, the applicant must fill out the application form online, save, and submit it along with scanned copies of all supporting documentation. The Committee will contact the applicant, if originals are required.

< 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

< Back Denis Labbé - Kudan (9th Dan) President Sensei Denis began his karate career in 1972 in Welland, Ontario. He attended a demonstration by Hanshi Masaru Shintani and was immediately impressed with his skill and presence. He has been training in Wado Kai ever since. Sensei Denis trained with Hanshi Shintani and also with Sensei Peter Ciolfi, one of Hanshi Shintani's black belts. As a kyu belt Sensei Denis trained with Sensei Ron Mattie who had started karate in 1973. In March of 1975 Sensei Denis received his Shodan rank. As a black belt Sensei Denis trained with Sensei Ron, Sensei Peter Ciolfi, Sensei Dominic Morabito and Sensei Ray Poulin. In June of 1997 Hanshi Shintani formed the SWKKF Senate. Sensei Denis held the position of Secretary-General for 10 years. In May of 2000 Hanshi Shintani passed away and Sensei Denis became the successor as President of the SWKKF. Sensei Denis continues to train, teach seminars, and attend tournaments and black belt gradings across Canada. He oversees the SWKKF and continues to fuel the organization in the direction Sensei Shintani guided him. Sensei Denis currently resides in St. Catharines, Ontario. Sensei Denis has two children (Aaron and Kelsey). On May 26, 2018 the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Senate (after a long overdue decision) that Sensei Denis Labbé was awarded the rank of Kudan (9th Dan). For a more detailed biography of Sensei Denis Labbé, as well as some personal stories of his training with Hanshi Shintani please read the article in the October 2006 Harmonizer. From Hanshi Shintani - " Wado, way to harmony and peace. The finest quality of human race. A total goal to peace on earth. We the Wado students of karate must be the leaders of unity and happiness through the universe and guide our students to a alternate human alliance with understanding." dlabbe@shintani.ca +1 (905) 788-7999

< 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.

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. 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

< Back Support the SWKKF Every Time You Shop at the Hatashita Store! How every purchase you make from Hatashita can help fund the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. https://811184d5-cd1f-4953-859e-95ef22fe2c82.usrfiles.com/ugd/811184_7df2e167529e44f194a1008ceaec8df6.pdf Previous Continue Reading Next

< 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 Ron Mattie - Kudan (9th Dan) Chief Instructor Sensei Mattie started Wado-Kai Karate in the yearly 1970’s at the Welland Wado-Kai Karate Club. He was influenced to join by Sensei Denis Labbé. Sensei Labbé and Sensei Mattie along with the late Sensei Peter Ciolfi were among three of the top competitors through out the 70‘s and 80’s. Sensei Mattie taught many of Hanshi Shintani’s monthly black belt classes at the Japanese Culture center in Hamilton as well as traveling across Canada conducting karate workshops. After Hanshi Shintani’s passing in 2000, Sensei Mattie was appointed Chief instructor of the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. He still travels across Canada as well as other countries holding clinics for vary martial art groups. Sensei Mattie is also the SWKKF National Team coach. With the help of many instructors in the organization, the team excelled internationally and is reaching the goals that were set by Hanshi Shintani. Ron’s two children are also both in martial arts. His daughter Ronnie-Kay, a firefighter for the Niagara Falls Fire Department, is a black belt belt in Kickboxing and an orange belt in Jujitsu. His son Chad is a black belt in both kickboxing and Jujitsu. Sensei Mattie along with Sensei Labbé, has also been involved in Schutzhund training. This is a type of sport protection dog training. They both competed in the late 70’s and early 80’s across Canada and won many championships with their German Shepherd dogs. Recently, Sensei Mattie received his 8th dan and was appointed vice president and chief technical director for Wado in Canada under the World Traditional Karate Association (WTKA) for Canada. Sensei Ron received the rank of Hachidan from Otsuka Sensei Sr. of the All Japan Karate-do Federation, prior to his death, at the request of Hanshi Sensei coming into effect September 05, 2009 and subsequently awarded Kudan (9th Dan ) rank from the World Traditional Karate Association in November 2020 and Kudan (9th Dan) from the SWKKF Senate in December 2020. Sensei Ron Mattie is married and still resides in Welland Ontario. From Sensei Ron - A lesson in karate I remember Sensei Shintani saying: “The 1st technical thing you learn in karate is how to make a proper fist. Years later, the student wants to learn more katas and other kumite drills, and yet they still haven’t learnt the simplest lesson, how to make a proper fist.” For a more detailed biography of Sensei Ron Mattie as well as some personal stories of his training with Sensei Shintani please read the article in the July 2006 Harmonizer. Sensei Ron has produced the "5 Rules of Karate" video series. To view these follow this link: rmattie@shintani.ca +1 (905) 736-0943

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. 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 2024 REACH Award Winners Leadership Sensei Bill Hynes Contributor Sensei Adam Knowles Ambassador Sensei Brandon Marques Female Athlete Sensei Cristina lordache Male Athlete Sensei Braden Oishi PREVIOUS REACH Award Winners Year Leadership Contributor Ambassador Female Athlete Male Athlete 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 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 2021 2021 REACH Awards Ceremony https://youtu.be/rHsgtBZoKPw REACH Award: Story Videos Year Interviewee Video URL 2025 Sensei Carlos Garcia https://youtu.be/KN_E6cdKliE 2025 Michel Gosselin https://youtu.be/drWb_F3lK1U 2025 Darren Humphries https://youtu.be/e2418F6RWes 2024 Sensei Shelley McGregor https://youtu.be/yESPDJ21ezU 2024 Sensei Bruce Perkins https://youtu.be/puxoG0x78qc 2024 Sensei Ron Mattie https://youtu.be/ok1wIykVvqE 2023 Sensei Heather Fidyk https://youtu.be/KxjNziviF_0 2023 Sensei Brad Cosby https://youtu.be/CPPOx5Y-XGg 2023 Sensei Blaine Beemer https://youtu.be/8f-vrOrMnnA 2022 Sensei Anne Readhead 2022 Sensei Peter Avino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq5fSqv2r5A 2022 Sensei Rick Leveille https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN3f9jIuVRw 2021 Sensei Charlotte Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buwci22s-KE&feature=youtu.be 2021 Jim Atkinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jbtY66-X3o 2021 Sensei Bob Graham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HLp_cUHJz0&feature=youtu.be 2021 Sensei Lou Roentgen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObqAxd94yFk