Historical Background of Para-Karate in the SWKKF

The initiative for an equitable and fair karate environment goes back to 1985. See the Peter Ciolfi letter at the bottom of the page.

2014

• Shintani Athlete with a disability and Shintani Coach become part of Karate Canada National Team and attend WKF World Championships in Bremen, Germany

• Shintani Coach creates Para Program for Karate Canada

2015

• Shintani Athlete with a disability wins Gold at Karate Canada National Championships, Vancouver, BC

2016

• Shintani Team includes Para athletes

• Shintani team competes at US Open winning Para Medals with two Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

• Shintani Team Para athletes earn medals at the Calgary Karate Cup Shotokan Tournament

2017

• Shintani team competes at Irish Open winning Para Medals with two Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

• Shintani team competes at US Open winning Para Medals with two Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

• Shintani team competes at Junior International Cup winning Para Medals with two Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

2018

• Shintani team competes at US Open winning Para Medals with Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

• Shintani team competes at Junior International Cup, winning Para Medals with Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

Development and Growth of the SWKKF Para-Karate Committee

2018:

• Para-Karate Committee began

• Membership was established (3 black belts, 1 senate advisor, 1 auxiliary member)

• The committee’s mandate was written

• Para-Karate rules and regulations for this event at SWKKF tournaments started to be developed

• The design of a training workshop for judges was discussed

2019:

• Mandate approved by the senate

• Rules and Regulations for Para-Karate division designed with WKF information as a reference

• Judging clinics started to be available to provide training opportunity

• This committee was senate approved to stand alone

• Preparation made for black belt training at black belt workouts

2020:

• Welland black belt workout hosted a Judging and Supporter training clinic

• Started development of SWKKF Instructor’s Manual for Para-Karate

• Started development of training clinics for instructors to become certified Para-Karate Instructors

• Started discussion on development of grading manual and grading sheets

• Started development of modified criteria and ranking system for Para-Karate students

2021:

• Development of videos i.e., how to instruct virtually (tips)

• Modified criteria and ranking for kyu belts established

• Guidelines for black belt gradings discussed

• Proposed budget for National Competition initiated

• Request for SWKKF website to include Para-Karate section – Manual was posted

• Began development of international competition guide

2022:

• Re-design SWKKF website to ensure Para-Karate Program is accessible

• Started discussion about marketing Para-Karate at local dojos

• International Competition guide posted on SWKKF website

• Development of more videos i.e., upper/lower body techniques, two-step flag kumite

• Begin training clinics for Para-Karate Instructors to become certified

• Confirm guidelines for black belt gradings

• Redesign SWKKF Website to provide a Para-Karate Program section that will be accessible and contain all Para-Karate Program resources, manuals and guidelines.

Para-Karate at SWKKF Tournaments

2017:

• South Calgary began hosting Para divisions including Shindo (first division featured 3 competitors)

2019:

• First Para-Karate event at a SWKKF tournament in Welland (April 2019)

• Second Para-Karate event at a SWKKF tournament – Nationals (May 2019)

2020-2022

• All F2F tournaments were placed on hold due to Covid-19 pandemic and public health restrictions

International Para- Karate Competition with SWKKF Representation

2018

• Shintani team competes at US Open winning Para Medals with two Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

• Shintani Team competes at Junior International Cup winning Para Medals with Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

• Shintani team member medals in Para weapons with Shindo

• Shintani Para team member competes kumite on podium in front of 1500 person audience

2019

• Shintani team competes at US Open winning Para Medals with two Shintani athletes with a disability (kata & kumite)

2020

• Para athletes compete in virtual events, both within and outside the SWKKF

2021

• Para athletes compete in virtual events, both within and outside the SWKKF

2022

• Para athletes compete in both in person and virtual events, both within and outside the SWKKF

Future Possibilities of the SWKKF Para-Karate Program

• Regular in-person National Tournament with Para-Karate event

• Active Instructor’s training program

• Recognized certified Para-Karate Instructors and Judges

• Recognized SWKKF of Inclusion in policy and practice

• Increased and active Para-Karate membership in SWKKF