The Welland Martial Arts Centre is a non-profit dojo offering excellent instruction in Karate, Shindo, Iai-do and Special Needs Martial Arts.

All instructors are volunteers who have proven experience in their arts. They teach because they love the art, not because they’re looking for any financial reward.

Classes are available for students of all ages. Whether you’re 7 or 77, it’s never too early (or late!) to begin training in the martial arts. Children and youth in particular benefit from having fun in a structured environment that teaches discipline and respect and improves their physical fitness.

Wado-Kai Karate

Wado-Kai is a Japanese karate style founded in 1934 by Hironori Otsuka. Wado, meaning “way of harmony”, is one of the four major Japanese karate styles, and is perhaps the purest form of Karate-Do. It is steeped in classical bujutsu (Code of the Samurai) as Mr. Otsuka applied this outlook and experience to his teaching. He rejected hardening certain parts of the body, such as callusing the knuckles of the hand, believing it to be a useless preparation. The aim of Wado-Kai Karate is perfection of technique as well as development of a mind that is tranquil, yet alive. Also the aim is to develop the ability to react intuitively and without hesitation in any situation. The training and concentrated effort required in Wado-Kai helps the student acquire inner strength and calmness of character. Students also learn the virtues of self-control and true humility.

Karate-Do for Mr. Otsuka was primarily a spiritual discipline. In his own words: “Violent action may be understood as the martial arts, but the true meaning of martial arts is to seek and attain the way to peace and harmony”.

Wado-Kai Karate is ideal for all body types and age groups due to its versatility. The study of karate is a rewarding and enriching experience.

Shindo

The art of Shindo was devised by Hanshi Masaru Shintani, 10th Dan in the early 1970’s. Hanshi Shintani had made the Shindo methods and principles known to Master Otsuka who gave it his full endorsement.

After having a dream “in which Hanshi Shintani overcame several swordsmen with the use of a short staff” Hanshi Shintani began to work on his own to develop the concept. The roots of these basics and other techniques taught by Hanshi Shintani can be traced back to his extensive Wado Kai training under Master Otsuka. Hanshi Shintani used the sabaki motion and explosiveness that he was renowned for to develop the same effects with Shindo. Hanshi Shintani introduced “Shindo” to a few of his higher ranking black belts that were sworn to secrecy, once he was comfortable with the format, Hanshi Shintani introduced Shindo to the rest of his black belts. After introducing Shindo to his students, Hanshi Shintani requested Sensei Bruce Perkins put together a training and grading process based on the five katas being practiced at the time, SHINDO NIDAN, CIO BO TIE, SEI SHAN NO SHINDO, CHINTO NO SHINDO, and WANSHU NO SHINDO.

Iai-do

Iai-do is the art of drawing the Japanese sword.

Sound simple? Think again . . .

. . . think back to the days of the samurai. Two samurai are about to duel. Neither has drawn their sword. In a flash, blades are drawn, a cut is delivered and one samurai stands victorious.

To draw one’s blade and cut in a single motion requires intense training and focus. This was the beginning of Iai-do.

Today, Iai-do is practiced by men, women and children worldwide. It is a non-contact martial art, with all cuts being delivered to an imagined opponent.

Iai-do helps develop and maintain your mental focus, physical balance, strength and flexibility. As martial arts go, it is similar in many ways to Tai Chi and is performed at a slow, determined pace.

Beginners in Iai-do will be provided with a wooden sword to practice with, although if you want to train seriously, a specially-designed Iai-do sword and uniform will be in your future.
Iai-do is taught at the Welland Martial Arts Centre by Sensei Ron Mattie, 5th dan.

Martial Arts for Students with Special Needs

Come and Train With Us!

Unique and engaging weekly martial arts classes utilizing stations, group and partner activities.

Students will learn the basics of traditional karate, weapons training, free sparring, and jiu-jitsu while working as a part of a special group.

Our martial arts are tailored to suit ALL abilities and mobilities.

Hope to see you in the dojo!

Call Sensei Steffannie at 289-696-3669