Shintani Wado Kai Senate

Denis Labbé - Kudan (9th Dan)

"Sensei Shintani's influence, changed my life. His impact on me not only benefitted me physically, it helped develop my confidence and to overcome my shyness as a young student to take on a leadership role. Sensei has taught me honor, humility, loyalty, compassion and commitment. In return I dedicate my life to Sensei Shintani and to his organization." - Sensei Denis Labbé

Neil Prime - Hachidan (8th Dan)

"Other than my own father, Sensei Shintani has been the most influential man in my life." - Sensei Neil Prime

Shelley McGregor - Shichidan (7th Dan)

"One of the things I remember most of Sensei Shintani visits was how kind and respectful he was to everyone. He always spoke so highly of Otsuka Sensei with admiration, loyalty, fondness and respect. He expressed that his teachings were that of Otsuka Sensei and it was his legacy he was preserving in his teachings. As SWKKF members we must do the same and maintain Sensei Shintani’s legacy. We can do this by keeping his spirit alive through our teachings and demonstration of good character." - Sensei Shelley McGregor

Bruce Perkins - Kudan (9th Dan)

“Karate becomes who you are and how you live your life – you cannot be a good black belt on the floor and change the minute you leave the dojo. A good black belt stands for so many things that are not related to the dojo” – Sensei Bruce Perkins

Danny McCoy - Kudan (9th Dan)

"Sensei Shintani has given me clear direction and instruction which has given me the ability to reach and continue to develop karate the way Mr. Shintani would like." - Sensei Danny McCoy

Ron Mattie - Kudan (9th Dan)

"When you come to a difficult time in your life and have to decide how to deal with it, put yourself 20 years from now and look back at this moment, then ask yourself "how do I wish I had dealt with it then" " - Sensei Ron Mattie

Michel Gosselin - Shichidan (7th Dan)

"I am so grateful to have met Sensei Shintani and to be a part of what he has created. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that an organization like the SWKKF existed. All across this country we find passionate people who continue to teach Sensei’s important lessons of kindness, humility and respect, through the practice of karate." - Sensei Michel Gosselin

Brian Julien - Godan (5th Dan)

“I was lucky enough to train with Sensei Shintani in my early formative karate years. I was always
amazed that such a quiet, unassuming gentleman could demonstrate his techniques with such explosive
speed and power, only to transform back into his humble self moments after the demonstration. It truly
was inspirational.”

Brad Cosby - Kudan (9th Dan)

"Sensei Shintani never looked at karate as a "that's all there is, it's a static art", it was always evolving, changing for the better." Sensei Brad Cosby

Brian Chmay - Hachidan (8th Dan).

"I was very fortunate to train directly under Sensei Shintani. He inspired us not so much by his words but of his presence on the dojo. However, one of his quotes I that I will always remember is "You are not finished when you lose, you are finished when you quit." As a young Shodan, I felt that this statement was very important to help me become a better black belt, to strive harder, give your best effort in everything you do and to persevere. Now I realize it was meant as a guide in how to live your life and become the best person you could be. This is a philosophy I like to instill into all of my students." - Sensei Brian Chmay

Jim Atkinson - Hachidan (8th Dan)

"Mr. Shintani touched my life the moment I met him with his kindness & gentleness. When I seen him perform I was amazed and will be forever grateful to have his influence in my life." - Sensei Jim Atkinson

Darren Humphries - Shichidan (7th Dan)

"Sensei Shintani and his senior students have influenced my life since I started Shintani Wado Kai. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Sensei Shintani during his spring and fall visits to the prairies. His presence in the dojo was unbelievable. When you watched him demonstrate techniques, his power and explosiveness was incredible. In the evenings he captivated everyone by telling stories about his life. Sensei built an amazing organization and I so proud and humbled to be part of it." - Sensei Darren Humphries

Kris Reynolds - Godan (5th Dan)

“I remember as a teenager when Hanshi Shintani would attend tournaments, you could feel the whole room change when he walked in. He commanded such an enormous presence while at the same time a total kind and quiet demeanor. Even at my young age, it was easy to recognize that he had a true confidence derived from competence without ego, a precious and rare quality that I decided to aspire to. We are so lucky that quality is prominent in so many of his direct students in the SWKKF.”

Rick Leveille - Kudan (9th Dan)

"The honesty and integrity Sensei Shintani taught me is the true strength of Wado Karate and are virtues that I live by everyday". Sensei Rick Leveille

Heather Fidyk - Shichidan (7th Dan)

"Sensei Shintani was an incredible inspiration to me and so many others. He served to ever increase his knowledge of Karate but most of all to share his gift of Karate with those who aspired to have it. Sensei Shintani holds a special place in my dedication to the Shintani Karate Federation and the continued development of the amazing organization he created." - Sensei Heather Fidyk