History of Karate | History of Wado | Sensei Shintani | Sensei Dave

Masaru Shintani (1927 - 2000)
Kudan (9th degree)

Sensei Masaru Shintani is a direct student of Master Otsuka, the founder of Wado Kai Karate. Mr.Shintani trained in karate for over fifty years.

Originally he started karate as a boy in an internment camp for Canadians of Japanese decent in British Columbia during the Second World War. Typical of his character he changed that nightmare into a blessing. His first exposure to karate was in this camp by a man named Kitagawa. Shintani remained faithful to Kitagawa for 20 years. After Kitagawa passed away, he began his search to learn more about karate.

Continuing his studies he attained blackbelt ranking in Judo (3rd degree), Aikido (1st degree), and Kendo (1st degree). At present he is a 9th degree black belt, the highest ranking in North America.

In the late 50's he competed in and eventually won the All Japan Karate-doh Championships held in Tokyo. It was at this competition that he was noticed by Sensei Ohtsuka. Mr.Otsuka saw his skill, perseverance, and humility of the young Shintani that is so vital. They developed a deep friendship and Masaru Shintani became a student of Sensei Ohtsuka until the latters' death in 1982.

During the 1970's, Sensei Otsuka placed Sensei Shintani in sole charge of the teaching of Wado Kai in North America and appointed Sensei Shintani to the head of Wado Kai for North America.

According to Sensei Shintani, "True karate can transcend national boundaries. A Canadian need not leave Canada to achieve excellence in the martial arts. Personal drive or determination and perseverance are what make good Karateka out of students."
To his last day with us, Master Shintani diligently followed the teachings of Master Otsuka, both on the dojo floor and in his daily life. In fact, he said there can be no separation. "If you sincerely attempt to practice the philosophy and attitudes of karate in class, they will eventually become part of your own nature and follow you wherever you go."

In his later years Master Shintani spent most of his time traveling around the United States and Canada teaching Wado techniques and philosophy to thousands of students under his direction. The rest of the time he spent practicing basic techniques and kata. He was quoted as saying "I believe at this point in my life and career, it is more important than ever to practice my techniques and I probably spend more time at basics than most of my students."

The Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation is presently one of the largest martial arts organization under a single style in North America.