Volume 13, Issue 1 January, 2009

Volume 13, Issue 1 January, 2009

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4 DECEMBER, 2009

THE HARMONIZER—VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4—DECEMBER, 2009 2

THE HARMONIZER Volume 14, Issue 4

December, 2009

In this issue:

Message from the President: p.2

Message from the National

Coach: p.2

In Memoriam: Sensei Tim Robinson: p.3

National Team competes in

Italy: p.4

Karate Tourney a proud accom-plishment for Area: p.6

Kids, the best teachers: p.8

First Niagara workout for 2010:

p.9

How to Incorporate Shindo into your Karate: p.11

Our federation: seen with new

eyes: p.13

Upcoming Clinics and Tourna-ments: p.15-17

SWKKF National Team Selection

Process: p.18

Advanced Shindo DVD now available: p.20

Message From the President In memory of Master Shintani Sensei Denis Labbé

On the cover: A happy Kendalyn Penner stands on the podium with her awards beside SWKKF President, Sensei Denis Labbe. The photo was taken at the annual Saskatchewan Provin-cial Wado-Kai Tourna-ment held in November (Kim Penner photo)

This year is an election year for the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. The election for the Club Representative was on January 15th. The due date for the election of the Regional Representative is on February 8th and for the Provincial Representative is on February 28th.

(Continued on page 7)

Message From the National Coach Sensei Ron Mattie

I came across this bit of philosophy and would like to share it with everyone: Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if he or she were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kind-ness, and understanding you can muster, and do so with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again. Og Mandino (1923-1996) Writer The Bow: I have been asked to explain the reasons for bowing in karate. In this article I will try my best to clarify these reasons, and will de-scribe some aspects of bowing etiquette. An etiquette manual should be printed soon and available to all members. This manual will explain when and where bowing is appropri-ate in karate, and the technical aspects of bowing. In karate, all classes should start with a kneeling bow to the Shinzen (place of hon-our for our predecessors), followed by a kneeling bow to the Shoman (front of the class) or Sensei (teacher). Bowing at the end of class is done in reverse order; the kneeling bow to the Sensei is per-formed first, followed by the kneeling bow

to the Shinzen. If yodansha of Godan rank or higher are present in the dojo, these indi-viduals should be lined up in the front of the dojo. It is polite to bow to each of these people individually prior to bowing to the Shinzen. The kneeling bow in karate represents a show of respect to our predecessors. It is NOT a bow to a God. You are only acknowl-edging their dedication to the art that lead you to this art in this dojo. Without their dedication and years of commitment to the art, you wouldn’t be there. You are thanking them, acknowledging them, and/or feeling their spirit in you as you practice. A standing bow to an opponent is a show of respect and an acknowledgement of the phrase ―onegai shimasu‖ (let us practice together). In ef-fect, it is similar to shaking hands in western culture. It is important to recognize the significance of bowing in certain religions. The bow to practitioners of these religions may repre-sent different things than what the dojo calls for, and you may want to make accommoda-tions. I have been told that Muslim people cannot bow to the Shinzen while kneeling, but may do so while standing. The kneeling bow is reserved for religious purposes. I have heard other reasons for not performing the ―standing bow‖ from other clubs, and can only suggest that you try to understand and accommodate each other. The issue of gender commonly arises in the dojo as well. Some people are not allowed to touch members of the opposite sex. In my club, all the students are aware of this so that when we pair up, they know to respect that commitment. I would recommend that instructors explain the significance of bowing in karate to their dojo members. In addition, instructors should sit down with members of their dojo and become educated on their various cul-tures and religious beliefs. Once you under-stand each other, practice becomes less tense and more enjoyable for everyone. I hope I have helped those who have asked me for some direction.


IN MEMORIAM—SENSEI TIM ROBINSON By Jeff Gervin

Sensei Tim Robinson, Sandan, passed away suddenly at his family cabin on Shuswap Lake, BC., in June of 2009. He began his study of wado-kai karate in 1988 under the tutelage of Senseis Dudley and Pam Driscoll of Calgary. Following his acceptance into Saskatoon’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1989, Tim continued training with Senseis Jeff Gervin and Shelly Freeman during his four-year stay in Saskatchewan. He continued to train in Calgary during sum-mer breaks, and received his shodan from Sensei Shintani in Melita, Manitoba, in 1994. Following graduation from veterinary col-lege, Tim set up his own veterinary practice in Salmon Arm, BC. He married Dr. Barb McKinnon, a physician, and together they had three chil-dren, Taylor, Colin, and Alexis. Sensei Tim became a close friend of Sensei Blaine Beemer, Roku-dan, who said ―He (Tim) was an enthusias-tic and knowl-edgeable sen-sei and always encouraged his students to train across the Federa-tion. He had a severe fall several years ago which was almost fatal but he did his best to fight back to a level of

fitness that allowed him to teach karate again. We all miss him very much.‖ I will always remember Tim as an intelligent and cheerful individual that wore a perpet-ual smile and took life in stride. In his vet-erinary school days he drove a battered El Camino that he painted in the black and white colors of a Holstein cow. He was the kind of person that was befriended by every-one, and always was available to help a friend in need. He was a dedicated student of karate, and his enthusiasm for the art was evident whenever he practiced. I, too, miss him very much, and think of him often. On behalf of the entire membership of the SWKKF, I offer sincere condolences to the members of Tim’s family. Rest in peace, my friend.

Sensei Tim Robinson, at left, with his daughter, Taylor, and his wife, Dr. Barb Mc Kinnon


SWKKF NATIONAL TEAM COMPETES IN ITALY By Jeff Gervin

The SWKKF National Team competed in the World Traditional Karate Association World Championships held in Marina di Carrarra, Italy, from November 4-8, 2009. A total of twelve ath-letes represented the SWKKF and Canada in this event. Athletes from approximately fifty coun-tries were in attendance. Registration and opening ceremonies were held on November 4. Athletes from across Europe, North and South America entered the stadium accompanied by drummers and flag bearers. The competition occurred from November 5-8. In addition to karate, there were events in kick-boxing, MMA, muay thai, taekwondo, kung-fu, iaido, and self-defence. Team members com-peted in traditional open and wado-ryu kata events, individual ippon and sanbon shobu kumite, point fighting, and team events. Ippon shobu kumite is similar to that practiced in the SWKKF. The first competitor to score ippon, or one full point, is the winner. Matches are two minutes in length. Typically, ippon is achieved by scoring to waza-ari, or half-points, but ippon may be awarded for a single, strong technique. A valid scoring technique is awarded when the attacker delivers the technique from a well-balanced, stable position to a defender that is either stationary or moving forward into the technique. If the defender shifts even slightly away from the technique, it is typically not con-sidered to be a scoring blow. Sanbon shobu kumite is similar to ippon shobu kumite, but matches continue until three points or a time limit of three minutes is reached. The point fighting, or ―karate point‖, as it was called in Italy, was a more relaxed, free-flowing kumite style in which contestants donned boxing-style headgear and gloves. Points were awarded more freely in this type of fighting, and a given exchange might see points awarded to both combatants. The team kumite events had the same rule struc-tures as their counterparts in individual competi-


Team members and coaches pose with the flag outside of the tournament venue prior to the opening ceremonies

Sensei Emilie Gosselin, at right, faces Italian competitor in point karate fighting.

Sensei Cassey Sumbler with picture-perfect form as she finishes Kushanku kata


tion. The team perfomed well at this competition, and it was evident that all members had im-proved significantly since our initial foray into international competition at the Ozawa Cup in Las Vegas. Each member of the team received at least one medal. Results by team member are: Sensei Michel Gosselin (Hearst, Ontario): Gold medal team ippon shobu kumite Bronze medal individual ippon shobu kumite Bronze medal individual point fighting Sensei Jeff Gervin (Boissevain, Manitoba): Silver medal individual forms Silver medal team ippon shobu kumite Bronze medal team sanbon shobu kumite Sensei Scott Hill (Tillsonburg, Ontario): Silver medal team ippon shobu kumite Silver medal team sanbon shobu kumite Gold medal kickboxing Sensei Kevin Bowes (Calgary, Alberta): Bronze medal individual forms Silver medal team ippon shobu kumite Sensei Shannon Kaye (Welland, Ontario): Silver medal individual point fighting Silver medal individual sanbon shobu kumite Gold medal team ippon shobu kumite Bronze medal team sanbon shobu kumite Sensei Mike Rust (Toronto, Ontario): Bronze medal team sanbon shobu kumite Sensei Kelsey Ross (Edmonton, Alberta): Silver medal individual ippon shobu kumite Silver medal individual forms Bronze medal individual sanbon shobu kumite Silver medal team ippon shobu kumite Bronze medal team sanbon shobu kumite Bronze medal team point fighting Sensei Cassey Sumbler (Welland, Ontario): Bronze medal individual forms Silver medal team ippon shobu kumite Bronze medal team sanbon shobu kumite Bronze medal individual point fighting Sensei Samantha Fitzel (Whitecourt, Alberta): Silver medal team ippon shobu kumite Bronze medal team sanbon shobu kumite

(Continued from page 4) Bronze medal team point fighting

Sensei Emilie Gosselin (Hearst, Ontario): Gold medal individual forms Silver medal individual point fighting Bronze medal individual sanbon shobu kumite Sensei Evan Junkin (Lindsay, Ontario): Gold medal ippon shobu kumite Gold medal individual point fighting Bronze medal team sanbon shobu kumite Sensei Ron Mattie (Welland, Ontario): Gold medal Iaido (Japanese Sword) Sensei Ron Mattie, National Team coach, had these comments regarding this tournament and the members of his team: “More important than the medal standings was the impact that the SWKKF National Team had at the tournament. When they arrived on the first day of competition, no-one knew who the SWKKF National Team was. As our athletes com-peted, however, they started to gain recognition for their karate, their spirit, and above all, the values they competed with. They gained the respect of other competitors by upholding the true spirit of karate and as a result, they were well-known and favored by the last day of the tournament. This experience gained the Cana-dian team invitations to other competitions and to train with competitors from across the world.‖ Following the tournament, most of the entou-rage spent a few days touring and relaxing prior to the return trip to Canada. In future editions of the Harmonizer I hope to share more photo-graphs of the competition and sightseeing. Italy is a beautiful country, and we are blessed to have had such a wonderful opportunity to travel there to represent the SWKKF. The team wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the SWKKF membership and our sponsors for their support of this project. Without your sup-port, this trip would not have been possible. We especially wish to recognize the generous finan-cial contributions of Mr. Ed Dyck, owner of the Fitness Fanatics training facility in Boissevain, Manitoba. For a complete listing of our spon-sors, or to learn more about our team, visit our official website at www.shintaniteam.ca.


Editor’s note: Todd Gervais is a reporter from the Carlyle Observer. This article is reprinted with permission. For yet another year the Carlyle-based Moose Mountain Karate Club pulled off a wonderful event with its annual Shintani Wado-Kai Karate tournament. With more than 150 competitors from all across Canada, the tournament provided both an op-portunity for those involved to hone their skills in martial arts combat, and to prove their met-tle in choreographed martial displays known as a “kata”. Hosted at the Gordon F. Kells gymnasium, the huge crowd of competitors and onlookers filled the venue. Along with the colourful selection of lower-ranking belts, many mid-and high-degree black-belts also attended the match, including Cana-dian team member Jeff Gervin, freshly returned from the international championships in Italy. Also joining the elite members of the Wado-Kai school was former Carlyle resident and founder of the club, Sensei Rathe.

Sensei Rathe, who following his move to Alberta founded three more Wado-Kai clubs was happy to be back to his old town. “I always enjoy coming back to Carlyle,” Sensei Rathe said. “It is nice to see the community again, and the faces I got to know when I was here and miss when I’m back home.” “Carlyle is really blessed to have such an active and involved membership.” Sensei Rathe said, “And it really makes me happy to see that the club has continued and flourished since I left.” Sensei Joan Adams, who has been involved with the club for years now, was also extremely proud of the tournament and the draw it has proven to have for those in the Shintani Wado-Kai karate world. “We’ve got groups in from Alberta and Mani-toba.” Sensei Adams said. “We’ve got individu-als from Ontario and British Columbia. The tournament has become a real event in the an-nual calendar for Wado-Kai, and the support we continue to receive makes the efforts to put it together worthwhile.” Another luminary from the Wado-Kai world who was on-hand for the event was Canadian Shin-tani Wado-Kai president Sensei Denis Labbe. An eighth-degree black belt, Sensei Labbe has been involved with Wado-Kai since his introduc-tion to the form in 1972. Now living in Welland, ON, Sensei Labbe has the opportunity to see many tournament events, but was impressed by the efforts put on in Carlyle. “Wado-Kai is a martial art that teaches not just self-defence, but health in the heart and mind,” Sensei Labbe said. “The fact that such a well-established tournament can happen again and again over the years in a smaller community shows the commitment that the local members have to these principles.” “Everything in Wado-Kai is done on a volunteer basis.” Sensei Labbe said, “From the instruc-tors on down, people work in the organization because they want to. The efforts that go into a tournament like this are considerable, and I


Karate Tourney a Proud

Accomplishment For Area By Todd Gervais

Sparing partners Allie Cantelo of Virden, MB (left), and Marlee Cormier of Moose Mountain Karate Club (right), square off. Just one

of many matches that occurred at the annual karate tournament

hosted in Carlyle on Nov. 27 and 28.


The results for the Club Representative by region in each province are: British Columbia Port Alberni Wado Kai – Dennis Olsen Graham Island Wado Kai – Jan Wilson Vancouver Wado Kai – Jason Deeth Salmon Arm Wado Kai – Craig Pulsifer Alberta Calgary South Calgary Wado Kai –WIC – Adults - Heather Fidyk South Calgary Wado Kai – Deer Run - Juniors – Darren Fidyk South Calgary Wado Kai – Deer Run – Adults – Ray Muller South Calgary Wado Kai – WIC – Juniors – Frank Hagenaars South Calgary Wado Kai – McKenzie Juniors – Heather Fidyk Hokusei Wado Kai Karate – Sandro Reffo Glamorgan Wado Kai – Adults – Kevin Bowes Glamorgan Wado Kai – Juniors – John Eastly Glamorgan Wado Kai – Women’s Club – Jennifer Heumann Dynamic Karate Association – Darren Humphries Alberta South Didsbury Wado Kai – Adults – Rathe Mokelky Didsbury Wado Kai – Juniors – Rathe Mokelky Turner Valley Wado Kai – Rathe Mokelky Olds Wado Kai – Walter Greening Okotoks Wado Kai – Adults – Chris Ashby Okotoks Wado Kai – Juniors – Chris Ashby Brooks Wado Kai – Dan Braconnier Edmonton Bushido Karate Association – Adults - James Freeman Bushido Karate Association – Juniors – Kelsey Ross Millwoods Karate Clubs – Bill Hynes Riverbend Karate Association – Adults – Doug Wiltshire Riverbend Karate Association – Juniors – Doug Wiltshire Alberta North Whitecourt Wado Kai – Adults – Shelley McGregor Whitecourt Wado Kai – Juniors – Shane Shepherd Stony Plain Wado Kai – Adults – Cary Stellmach Stony Plain Wado Kai – Juniors – Cary Stellmach Edson Wado Kai – Adults – Chris Marler Edson Wado Kai – Juniors – Chris Marler Hinton Wado Kai – Adults – Hugh Lougheed Hinton Wado Kai – Juniors – Hugh Lougheed Spruce Grove Wado Kai – Jake Fleming

(Continued from page 2) Vimy Wado Kai – Ian Shank Peace Region Wado Kai – Dave Blanchet Carvel Wado Kai – Denise Locher Rainbow Lake Wado Kai – Fred Isla North West Territories Hay River Wado Kai – Adults – Alex Pinto Hay River Wado Kai – Juniors – Alex Pinto Norman Wells Wado Kai – Cal Pittet Saskatchewan Saskatoon Wado Kai – Crystal Johnson Warmen Wado Kai – Crystal Johnson Carlyle Moose Mountain Wado Kai – Adults – Jayson Humphries Carlyle Moose Mountain Wado Kai – Juniors – Jayson Humphries Regina Wado Kai – Ryan McDonald LW Wado Kai Karate – Scott Bax Weyburn Wado Kai – Kathy Weiss Melfort Wado Kai – Jonathan Scott Manitoba Selkirk Wado Kai – Mark Forsyth Synthesis Martial Arts – Jeff Gervin Brandon Wado Kai – Leslie Bowskill Virden Wado Kai – Ron Cole Hamiota Wado Kai – Scott Lints Melita Wado Kai – Alby Morris Birtle Wado Kai – Adults – Jeremy Laferriere Birtle Wado Kai – Juniors – Jeremy Laferriere Ontario Ontario North East Timmins Wado Kai – Willie Lebrun Personal Best Wado Kai – Jim Lebrun Hanmer Wado Kai – Adults – Gilles Dupuis Hanmer Wado Kai – Juniors – Gilles Dupuis Barrie Wado Kai – Caron Goudreau Barrie Wado Kai – Jeremy Barrick Ontario North East Michipicoten Wado Kai – Duanne Wenmann Wawa Wado Kai – Larry Laforge Nordik Wado Kai – Michel Gosselin Fort Frances Wado Kai – Adults – Christopher Bazinet Fort Frances Wado Kai – Juniors – Christopher Bazinet Thunder Bay Wado Kai – Raymond O’Connor



Sault St. Mary Wado Kai – Victor Apnar Ontario South East Kawartha Wado Kai – Sandford DeWitt Kawartha Lake Wado Kai – Kris Reynolds Wado Kai Karate at the Canadian Japanese Cultural Center – Gord Derii Hamilton Wado Kai & Self Defense – Adults – Gil Fright Hamilton Wado Kai & Self Defense – Juniors – Gil Fright JR’s Karate Club – Joe Ramirez Ontario Niagara Region Welland Wado Kai Karate Clubs – Adults - Eddy Poulin Welland Wado Kai Karate Clubs – Juniors – Eddy Poulin St. Catharines Wado Kai – Adults – Neil Prime St. Catharines Wado Kai – Juniors – Neil Prime Fort Erie Wado Kai – Adults – Gary Bird Fort Erie Wado Kai – Juniors – Gary Bird Port Colborne Wado Kai – Joe Pruyn Ridgway Wado Kai – Vicki Baker Grimsby Beach Wado Kai – Steve Bone Niagara-on-the-Lake Wado Kai – Mike Cocco Ontario SWOR Waterford Wado Kai – Lawrence Blakemore Paris Wado Kai – Lawrence Blakemore Caledonia Wado Kai - Adults – Roger Frigault Caledonia Wado Kai – Juniors – Roger Frigault Hagersville Wado Kai – Tony Rulli Ontario HNAKC Simco South Wado Kai – Adults – Marco Reyes Simco South Wado Kai – Juniors – Marco Reyes Simco North Wado Kai – Rod Philip Delhi Wado Kai – Adults – Darwin Sherman Delhi Wado Kai – Juniors – Darwin Sherman Port Dover Wado Kai – Adults – Tim McCullough Port Dover Wado Kai – Juniors – Tim McCullough Quebec Rouyn-Noranda Wado Kai – Roger St-Arneault Val-d’Or Wado Kai – Richard Simbirski New Clubs this year Kawartha Minden Wado Kai Karate Club – Kris Reynolds Tillsonberg Wado Kai Karate Club – Scott Hill

(Continued from page 7)

When I finally got my shodan at my black-belt grading, I looked around at all the high-ranking senseis in atten-dance—Sensei Shintani included—and said to a fellow gradee, ―Boy, did I ever fool them.‖ As hard as I had worked on katas, techniques, and spar-ring, and as well as I thought I knew my stuff, it still seemed like I was starting at white belt all over again. So how was this equipping me to teach? I asked myself. How could I expect to be called ―Sensei/Teacher?‖ I didn’t feel ready. So, I wondered, how does a lowly Shodan sensei become a coach sensei like all the black belts on the Joseki board? The answer, I expected, was through ten times as much work as it took me to get my black belt. When I first headed off to start a club, a senior sensei sug-gested that I start with a kids’ class first—as that was the best way to build a club. Since then, the number of times I have cursed that advice—as right as it was—have been too many to count. Kids are brutally honest, and ―in your face‖ when you are unreasonable or boring or too rigid in your approach. You’d see it in their posture. Or they would say, ―This is BORING‖ or ―Can’t we do something more fun?‖ As a result, I have found them to be the best teachers. So I learned. I learned to add fun as I taught them, in order to get them to feel empowered with karate, in all aspects, from technique to kata. Great athletes in all sports make what they do fun, and as a result they love to practice. In karate, I learned that I had better make prac-tice fun, because all of my students would be practicing many times longer than they would ever compete. And some students would never compete at all. So, I learned to make karate fun with games, where tech-niques were challenging and competitive, where the class felt valued, the words I said were enthusiastic and spir-ited. I learned that once I got their trust and confidence—surprise—even the klutzes started to perform with skill. Kids teach you this stuff—in your face—whereas adults are very polite week after week. Then a month later, they disappear. ―Where did they go?‖ you ask. ―I thought they liked my teaching.‖ Here are three suggestions to help turn you—the newly minted Shodan sensei—into a seasoned coach sensei:


KIDS—THE BEST TEACHERS By Sensei Bob Palmer


1. Use your instructor and other instructors as role models. Attend as many workshops as you can, not so much to learn techniques, but to watch instructors teach. Listen and learn, and then ―BE THEM‖ when you teach your students. Step into their shoes and try out their manner-isms, how they use their voices and how they pace a class. It speeds up the learning process. 2. Perspective is good. Step back from your teaching in order to imagine yourself in front of your class. Imagine what you look like as you teach, as though you could watch yourself on a stage. This vantage point will give a lot of infor-mation about your teaching. And it will give you a whole lot more in terms of what you need to do to become a coach sensei. From this vantage point, you can make yourself bigger and stronger and more confident. It will allow you to see the frustration, headaches, anger, boredom, etc. that indicate your students are leading you. Step back and change the one person you can change—you. In this way, you transform your frustration and, class by class, you learn to be a motivational coach. 3. All last, plan your class. Perhaps you have never seen your senseis with a plan, but you can be sure they have it in their heads. Never take chances. Put yours on paper and if you have to refer to it during class—do so. It will help you to stay focused and directed, so you avoid running out of ideas. With practice, you’ll be able to leave the list in your pocket. There are many more suggestions that seasoned sensei coaches can offer to Shodan senseis. But these three will get you started, and, if you are willing to put in ten times as much work as you did for your shodan grading, you will become a fluid, inspirational and confident sensei coach, perhaps as inspirational as the sensei coaches you saw on the Joseki board at your black belt grading.

Sensei Bob Palmer, from Barrie, Ontario, is a Peak Performance Trainer who works with cli-ents in both sport and business. One of his cli-ents was a snowboarder in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. He writes on peak perform-ance for two US magazines, has a book in the works and currently works with the Shintani Team. To comment on the article, you can reach Bob at [email protected].

Sunday January 10th marked the first black belt workshop of the year 2010 in the Niagara Re-gion. During the first workout of the year the kamiza is open for viewing. The kamiza is lo-cated on the dojo's front wall, which is referred to as the "shomen". The kamiza is the "upper" or "divine seat" where the dojo deities are held to reside. It is the "chief seat" or "seat of honour" within the dojo. Different influential objects may be found within the kamiza. In the Welland dojo there are pictures of Sensei Otsuka, Shintani, Ciolfi and Moribito, the forefathers of our karate and the Welland dojo. Although many of you will know who Sensei Otsuka and Sensei Shintani are, many readers may not know who Sensei Peter Ciolfi and Dominic Moribito are. Simply put, they were key figures in the growth of the Shintani Karate Federation, particularly in the Welland dojo and Niagara Region. It is key individuals like them that helped Sensei Shintani spread the philoso-phy and teachings of Sensei Otsuka. It was more than just karate. It was honour, humility, hon-esty and a work ethic that was above what most people could ever imagine. They shared their passion with such enthusiasm. You were a better person just knowing them. I believe that having the kamiza open should make you reflect on your personal accomplish-ments and realize your goals. The idea is to rec-ognize where we were when we first trained at the beginning of the year, what we have accom-plished within the last year and what we should strive to improve on in the year to come. We also consider that we will be facing our forefa-thers once again at the beginning of the next year. In the Niagara Region, the Welland dojo is host to 10 black belt workshops per year (also open to brown belts). They are held every sec-ond sunday of the month. The intent is to get together with the senior ranking people in the area to share ideas and train at a higher level than you would normally be able to in your weekly classes. It also helps maintain consis-tency within the organization as the various in-


FIRST NIAGARA WORKOUT FOR 2010 By Sensei Neil Prime

mailto:[email protected]


structors work together towards a common goal. With 25 people in attendance from 7 different SWKKF clubs, it certainly creates certain uni-formity as we worked through our katas in preparation for the next grading. I personally enjoy the black belt workouts and look forward to the challenges presented by whoever happens to be instructing that particu-lar day. If I happen to be honoured with the re-sponsibility of teaching I take it very seriously and try to share ideas that I have found person-ally beneficial to my training. It may be a tech-nique or a philosophy or a strategy (if we are sparring) but one thing I know is that I can work it at a high level and my goal is to make people think about what they are doing rather that just following. This is important for personal devel-opment and I believe makes karate (or whatever you are doing) more enjoyable. Not all of our workshops share these numbers but I hope that the enthusiasm shown this par-ticular month spreads. I remember working out

(Continued from page 9) with Sensei Shintani in this format where it was difficult to find room on the floor to move. I was very much influenced by these classes. Sensei didn’t teach them all. He allowed his high-ranking students to teach and share their ideas. It was nice to have Sensei in the background to consult, but really it was the idea of many of the clubs’ higher ranking people getting to-gether to share what they love to do. Sensei taught us how to build unity. I believe this is why the SWKKF is still as strong as it is today. As for the kamiza, the doors were closed after the family class was held on Sunday night. It wasn’t closed to forget about for another year. The kamiza remains at the front of the dojo as a reminder for the rest of the year. Set your goals and prepare yourself to reflect upon your achievements when the doors open again in the New Year. In Harmony, Sensei Neil Prime Member of the Shintani Karate Federation

Attendees at the first 2010 Niagara region black belt workout held at the Welland dojo


How to Incorporate Shindo into Your Karate by Sensei Marco Reyes In the coming Harmonizer newsletters you are going to see more information on Shindo from various Shindo practitioners. These are people who have taken Sensei Shintani’s legacy and continued with it. I know it is a tough venture, but the rewards are worth it. The first step is to just pick up the Shindo and start! Here are some of my personal thoughts on Shindo. There are three basic ―roadblocks‖ for not working Shindo that I have found. Each of these can be overcome. There is just not enough time to work Shindo AND Karate.

Basic Answer: It does not have to be this way. They are one and the same.

In our class we dedicate the first 30 minutes (of a two hour class) to the work on Shindo. We have actually found that our karate has improved from this model. Shindo as we call it is a ―lie detec-tor‖. If the Shindo technique does not work for some reason we go back to the basic karate for answers and from experience this works. Let’s take a basic Shindo strike. If you look at the basic movement of a punch and a strike with the Shindo you will see that they are almost identical.

Many times there is a common theme or topic for a workout and various techniques are used to work towards this goal. For example ―hip action‖ – a basic punch uses this with hip rotation - a basic Shindo strike uses this as well with hip rotation. If you were working hip action with your students this could be accomplished with both karate and Shindo.

Basic Punch – Karate Basic Strike - Shindo


Nobody in my dojo knows any Shindo. Basic Answer: You know karate – that is a good place to start.

I would challenge anyone to pick up a Shindo and start. Once you pick up a few techniques you will start to feel how similar it is to basic karate. Let’s begin with the illustration above – body position, stance, posture are all similar to basic karate; right hand is in the ready position, left hand is out with the strike. When moving with the Shindo remember these basic principles:

a. Hold the Shindo in three equal parts.

b. The fulcrum is in the center – every movement you do the fulcrum must be maintained. Remem-ber this when you move the Shindo.

c. Concentrate your strike on the ends of the Shindo. ―Lines of Force‖ – this is where you would hold the Shindo for the most leverage. An easy test is to put your Shindo against something solid and push (hard). If you can hold it without any uncomfortable pressure, or it does not slip out of your hand you have good support.

Shindo is not karate, it is something completely separate.

Basic Answer: False – Shindo had its origins in karate.

This is taken directly from the www.shintani.ca website under ―History of Shindo‖.

The art of Shindo was devised by Sensei Masaru Shintani, 9th Dan in the early 1970's. Sensei had made the Shindo methods and principles known to Otsuka Sensei who gave it his full endorsement. Sensei began teaching Shindo in the early 1980's. The roots of these basics and other techniques taught by Sensei can be traced directly back to his extensive Wado Kai train-ing under Otsuka Sensei. Sensei Shintani used the sabaki motion and explosiveness that he was renowned for to develop the same effects with the Shindo. Sensei Shintani once held the Shindo up in front of a class at a black belt workout and said "This is my life".

I can remember going to black belt workouts and working basic karate techniques and then work-ing with Shindo afterwards. There was no break in the instruction – the movement from karate to Shindo was seamless. The Shindo was just an extension of what I already knew. At that time it was also very exciting since this was something completely new. I felt like a white belt all over again trying to make sense of this new tool in my hands. But after a short while the Shindo began to feel comfortable. One tip – if the technique with the Shindo does not feel comfortable put it down. Try the tech-nique as a karate move – look at the movement, the technique, all the basic principles that make it whole. Then pick up the Shindo and apply this analysis and see what you come up with. Shindo was important to Sensei Shintani. In each of our own ways we continue with this legacy through karate. But we must not minimize the importance that he placed on Shindo. And always remember you can contact the Shindo Committee for assistance. They will give you the tools that will make your Shindo work accessible from clinic, DVD material, etc. They are always there to help.

http://www.shintani.ca/


In October of 2009, while my fiancée and I were driving to a neighboring town for dinner and a movie, I received a phone call that was initially a bit confusing. When I an-swered the phone with my usual response, ―Good evening, it’s Kris speaking,‖ the reply came back – ―Are you the teacher?‖ At first, I thought I had misheard the man on the other end of the line. This sounded like an unhappy parent looking for their child’s schoolteacher. ―Excuse me?‖ I said. I went on to explain that I was not a teacher, but worked in a retail store. To my surprise, he then asked if my name was Kris Reynolds. Shocked, confused, and even a little nervous, I asked who was speaking. ―Sid,‖ he re-plied. I frantically tried to scour my memory for any mem-ory of someone named Sid. After an uncomfortable pause

and have them join our federation. I later called Sensei Labbe to inquire about the correct way to approach this type of situation. For the next two months Sensei Sid and his grandson Owen made the hour long drive from Minden to Lindsay every week to attend my class on Tuesday nights, and I traveled to Minden on Mondays. I met Sensei Gord Seabrooke, also a shodan at the Minden club. Over the next few months I would come to see how kind and humble these two men are, and the dedication they have to the children in their community. As first degree black belts, their previous system had abandoned them, and they found themselves with a club full of young students and a lack of support. Rather than give up on their students, they agreed that it was their responsibility to sacrifice their own time to drive to Lindsay so they could get instruction to become better teachers for their students. On January 24, 2010, Kawartha Lakes Wado Kai Karate held

that seemed to last forever, I was re-lieved to hear, ―You do karate, right?‖ With that, every-thing made sense again. On the phone was Sensei Sid Mckeegan, a shodan from a Chito Ryu Karate Club in Hali-burton (a town ap-proximately 1 ½ hours north of my home town). A few weeks later, my karate club held a spaghetti dinner

fund raiser to help support the S.W.K.K.F. National Team on their journey to represent us at the W.T.K.A. World Championships in Italy. It was at this fundraiser that I had the privilege to meet Sensei Sid McKeegan in person for the first time. A very friendly man came into the club where we were serving the dinner, and shook my hand vigorously as he introduced himself. Sensei Sid and I spent a good portion of the evening chatting. I found out that he had heard about our National Team traveling to Italy, and through some quick research had found my club website, and the S.W.K.K.F. website. As we talked further I learned that his club in Minden had been orphaned from their previ-ous instructor, and he and another shodan and their stu-dents wanted me to consider taking them on as students

the first annual ―Karate Fellowship Workout‖ in Lind-say, Ontario to welcome The Min-den Club as our newest members to the Kawartha Lakes Wado family, and to the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation. This clinic was a very special event for me. It was the first time that we would have a ka-rate event in Lind-

say, and with the help of everyone who attended, I don’t think it could have been a better day. Many black belts and students made the long drive on their Sunday to give our newest members a great first experience with our federation. With approximately 80 people in atten-dance the day turned into a fantastic workout. With some high ranking black belts (Sensei Ron Mattie, Sensei Brad Cosby, Sensei Carlos Garcia, Sensei Neil Prime, Sensei Walt Fast and more) in attendance teaching various kata and kumite sessions, I found myself pleasantly overwhelmed with energy and excitement. I was so happy and excited that I don’t think there was a single moment that my mouth


OUR FEDERATION—SEEN WITH NEW EYES By Sensei Kris Reynolds

An enthusiastic young participant lays the boots to Sensei Kris Reynolds, at left.


left contact with either ear. The parents in at-tendance were equally impressed with the qual-ity of instruction and performance they were seeing.

We are privi-leged to have a federa-tion com-prised of and led by people who give so much of them-selves so freely. I can assure everyone with complete confidence that we are by far the most fortunate karate federation around. Sometimes it takes a new set of eyes to show us just how special our organiza-tion really is, and how lucky we are to be pro-vided the atmosphere and sharing that we have in the S.W.K.K.F. On behalf of Kawartha Lakes Wado Kai, and Min-den Wado Kai, I would like to thank our Senate

(Continued from page 13) for providing an organization that we are very proud to be a part of. I’d like to thank my in-structors, Senseis Darren Marshall and Sanford deWitt, for giving me the tools to pass on to

my own stu-dents. I would like to give a special thank-you to Senseis Mattie, Cosby, Garcia, Prime, Fast, and Palmer and their stu-

dents for making the First Annual Fellowship Workout in Lindsay a successful one.

Sincerely, Kris Reynolds Editor’s note: Sensei Kris Reynolds is also the current manager of the SWKKF National Team.

think the members should be proud of their ac-complishment.” Shintani Wado-Kai karate is a unique form that wsa developed in the late 1930’s in Japan, and brought together aspects of Shotokan, Jujutsu, and Kempo styles of karate. But beyond the fighting style, Wado-Kai carries with it a strong sense of value and harmony, and it is those per-sonality building aspects that many are at-tracted to. “Some people come for self-defence training.” Sensei Labbe said, “Some come for the exercise. But a lot of people stay with us because those values of harmony and self-respect ring true to them. The sense of community that binds the students of Wado-Kai together is really excep-tional.”

(Continued from page 6) Saskatchewan has been a growing center for Wado-Kai and for the first time the Shintani Wado-Kai Western Canadian Championship will be held in the province. Solely held in Edmon-ton up until now, the match will take place in Warman, SK, on April 10 of 2010.


KARATE WORKSHOP Directed by Sensei Ron Mattie—Chief Instructor, SWKKF

FEBRUARY 19, 20, 21 THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO

Ogden Community School—600 McKenzie Street

Brown and Black Belts: Friday: 6:30-9:00 pm Saturday: 9:30 am-11:30 am, 1:00-4:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am-12:00 pm Objective: To receive tools on how to improve your performance and teaching skills

Kyu Belts—Kids: Saturday: 9:30-11:30 am Objective: To improve your knowledge and performance of the basics and develop a per-fect kata Cost: $30.00 for the morning session

Kyu belts—Adults: Saturday: 1:00-4:00 pm Objective: To improve your knowledge and performance of the basics, fine-tuning of kata and kumite drills and develop a perfect pinan kata Cost: $40.00 for the afternoon session


2010

Manitoba Provincial Championships Virden, Manitoba

February 26th & 27th

Friday Night Clinic

Guest Instructor: Sensei Denis Labbe, 8th Dan Virden Collegiate Institute, 251 Kent Street, Virden, MB

Combined Clinic (Adults and Juniors): 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Adults Clinic: 8:30 pm to 9:30pm

Pre-registration for Tournament 6:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday Tournament Virden Collegiate Institute, 251 Kent Street, Virden, MB

Registration begins: 9:00am

Black Belt Meeting 9:30am

Black Belt Competition begins: 10:00 a.m.

Kyu Belt Competition Starts: 12:00 p.m.

Cafeteria Open to participants and audience members

Banquet Dragon Inn Dining & Lounge (204) 748-3838

558 Frame St. E. Virden Manitoba

Costs: Friday Night Clinic ONLY $10/participant (Max $25/family)

Saturday Tournament ONLY $20/competitor (Max $50/family)

Clinic & Tournament Package $25/participant (Max $60/family)

Discount price for Black Belts who are judging $15/Black Belt (both clinic & tournament)

Contacts

Sensei Mark Forsyth: (204) 284-2659 [email protected]

Sensei Ron Cole: (204) 748-1772 [email protected]

http://co113w.col113.mail.live.com/mail/EditMessageLight.aspx?MailTo=%22Ron%20Cole%22%20%3croncole%40mts.net%3e&n=1891673646


South Calgary Wado Kai Karate Club 13thAnnual Spring Workshop & Tournament

March 5 & 6, 2010 Featuring Sensei Brad Cosby and Sensei Neil Prime

South Fish Creek Recreation Complex, 100 - 333 Shawville Blvd SE, Calgary, AB

Contact: Heather Fidyk (403) 257-4638 Email: [email protected]

Tournament Events: • Youth - Kata, Kumite, Pad Kumite

• Adults - Kata, Kumite (double elimination) • Shindo – Kata Kyu belt (youth & adult, and BB divisions)

• Black Belt Divisions - Kata, Kumite, (SWKKF Rules) • Black Belt Team - (SWKKF Rules)

Workshop- Friday March 5 Special Guests: Sensei Brad Cosby and Sensei Neil Prime

REGISTRATION will begin at 5:30pm 5:45pm to 7:15pm Youth (white to green) 7:30pm to 10pm Adult and Youth blue & brown

Location: South Fish Creek Recreation Complex

Tournament Pizza Party - Saturday March 6 – 6:30 -10:30 pm Location: Auburn Bay Beach House - All family and students are invited Cost $15/adult $10/under 12 (80 tickets - available from Sensei Cheryl)

Raffle Draw at Pizza Party - Saturday March 6

We have some amazing prizes, buy your tickets from our students or at the door. Funds will be used for tournament travel. Winners will be contacted by phone

Costs: Workshop cost: $10, $25 per family

Tournament cost: $20 per participant, $50 per family, spectators free Black belt Competitors: $10 for those judging or assisting at the tournament – competitor only is

$20

All competitors will receive a tournament souvenir at time of event

Sanctioned by the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation


SWKKF National Team Selection June 25 - 27, 2010

Welland, ON

The following is a short summary of the process by which the 2010-2012 team will be selected. The selection will

occur through a weekend of karate events. The candidates will be selected based on various categories, including

level of fitness, coachability, and an evaluation of kata and kumite in a competition setting. By the end of the

weekend the best athletes/competitors will represent the team.

A selection committee will consist of 5 members, the team coach and 4 others which will be approved by the sen-

ate from past team members, ranking yudansha and/or senate members from across the country.

The team will remain at 7 members, 5 men & 2 women. The weight categories will be for men under 60kg,

under 80 kg and over 80kg, women would be under 60kg and over 60kg. The two remaining men’s posi-

tions will be called wild cards, and each will be from different weight category. (These weight categories

may change before the selection weekend to best align with the WKF weight classes.)

Alternate team members (2nd place finishers) will also be selected in each weight category. Alternate team mem-

bers would be included in all communication that is sent out to the SWKKF team members, including training

and competition schedules, training and nutritional guidelines, and travelling schedules. When training sessions

are held in close proximity, alternates would be invited and expected to attend.

The weekend event is to be held June 25 – 27, 2010. The retiring national team will compete one final time at the

Shintani National tournament. Information on accommodations will follow.

A non refundable fee of $100.00 must accompany all applications by cheque or money order made out to the

SWKKF National Team.

Itinerary for the weekend:

Friday, June 25, 2010 – 5pm to 7pm Fitness evaluation

Friday, June 25, 2010 – 7pm to 10pm Workshop

Saturday, June 26, 2010 – 9am to 12noon Advanced basics and kata evaluation - workshop

Saturday, June 26, 2010 – 1:30 to 5pm Ippon kumite and kumite evaluation – workshop

Saturday, June 26, 2010 – 7:30 to 10pm R&R time

Sunday, June 27, 2010 – 10am to 1pm Kata & Kumite competition evaluation

Sunday, June 27, 2010 – 2pm Awards (subject to change)

The applications to be received on or before June 1, 2010. Please mail them with payment to the following ad-

dress:

Kris Reynolds

104 Colborne St W

Lindsay, ON

K9V 3T3


I am trying out for the team________ I am only participating in the workout____________

Name__________________________ Rank______________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________________

Phone #:_________________________ Email address:_______________________________

Passbook no._____________________ Birthdate (yyyy/mm/dd)________________________

Club:___________________________ Sensei:______________________________________

Age:_________ Gender:_____________ Weight:_____________ Height:________________

Any disabilities, allergies, or medical problems:__________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

How flexible is your schedule for travelling and working out?_______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

A $100 check or money order MUST be attached to this application. Non-refundable

Payable to: SWKKF (National Team)

Mail to: Kris Reynolds, 104 Colborne St. W., Lindsay, On., K9V 3T3

Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation National Team

Tryout Application


Advanced Shindo DVD – Now Available! The long anticipated third installment of the Shindo series is now available.

To order your copy contact Central Purchasing – Cost is $25 plus shipping. SHINTANI WADO KAI KARATE FEDERATION – CENTRAL PURCHASING 22 Ridgeway Avenue Pinegrove Subdivision R.R. #1 Simcoe, ON N3Y 4J9 Phone Orders: 1-866-WADO KAI

Or online at www.shintani.ca under the STORE section.

THE HARMONIZER IS PUBLISHED UNDER THE MANDATE OF THE SENATE OF THE SHINTANI WADO-KAI KARATE FEDERATION (SWKKF). THE SWKKF DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR STATEMENTS OF FACT OR OPINION MADE BY ANY CON-TRIBUTOR. STATEMENTS MADE BY INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF THE SWKKF. ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION OF ARTICLES, ADVERTISEMENTS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DOES NOT INDICATE ENDORSEMENT OF SAME BY THE SWKKF AND THE SWKKF ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY.

http://www.shintani.ca

Documents

Volume 13, Issue 1 January, 2009