Denis Labbé - Kudan (9th Dan)

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."