Over the past few issues of the Harmonizer we have been able to find out a little bit about the people who have assisted in helping Sensei Shintani form the organization as we know it today. Now more than ever we must put our trust into these people and assist the members of the Senate to carry on the teachings and philosophy's that Sensei worked his whole life to instill. The Senate members were chosen by Sensei himself to carry on with this task. I'm sure you'll agree, the people he has chosen reflect his principles and will guide us into the future keeping the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation of Canada and the United States the great organization that took so many years to establish.
Last, but certainly not least, here are a few words by Sensei Lawrence Blakemore, Rokudan.
I began training under Shintani Sensei in 1972 in the Port Dover, Ontario dojo. He used to come to Port Dover twice a week to teach the class and he would bring along some of the students from other clubs to train with us. A number of years ago, Shintani Sensei asked me to become part of the senate, which helps in his direction, and operation of The Federation. I was honoured to be able to assist him in any way I could.
The organization has grown not only in size but also in maturity and it has been rewarding just being a part of the decision-making processes on behalf of Shintani Sensei for the betterment of all SKF members.
Perhaps the most singular thing that I have attained in my training (along with many other important concepts) is the ideals of patience and time. Being on the floor with Sensei as the instructor and experiencing these concepts first-hand, made a great impact on my own methods of teaching and dealing with issues within the organization.
Reflecting back over the years, I have seen the SKF become more united and stronger. I feel that as time goes on, this unity and strength will increase as long as we follow the principles that Sensei has so consistently presented to us in his manner and his actions - those of patience and time.
