06/07/2026
I don't often share family updates here, but yesterday, my youngest daughter Dahlia gave us a reason to shout from the rooftops. She officially received her black belt in BOTH Karate and Shindo. 🥋✨
Her journey started 11 years ago at the age of 5. Because of her age, her path was defined by patience, she had to wait out the mandatory timeframes for every single one of her 10 belts. But her greatest test came two years ago when a genetic condition began causing her ribs and knee to painfully dislocate with the slightest movement. It broke our hearts to see her have to slow to a near-total halt in the training she loved so deeply.
Yet, true martial artists are defined by how they handle adversity. Dahlia’s spirit never wavered. Unable to step onto the floor to compete, she refused to walk away. Instead, she turned her passion into service, volunteering at every single tournament just to support the Shintani family she loves so much.
Her Shindo journey followed a similar test of perseverance. After starting during COVID, she worked through every stripe, becoming the first Red Stripe in the Shintani organization, once again hitting an age barrier. Between her age and her severe rib injuries, she truly believed Red Stripe was the end of the road.
But Sensei Jim and Sensei Ray had other ideas. Thanks to the incredible leadership creating a special circumstance grading tailored just for her, Dahlia fought through the pain, found a way forward, and achieved her Gold Stripe.
To accomplish all of this by age 16 is nothing short of extraordinary. Words will never be enough to express how proud we are of her heart, her grit, and her unstoppable spirit. This organization means the world to our family, and we are so profoundly grateful to call the Welland Martial Arts Centre our home. ❤️
