Welcome to the Shin-Gi-Tai Karate Club Website

From the origins of the Club in 2002, we have grown from a core of enthusiastic Karateka to having 4 adult karate lessons each week and 8 children's allowing for overlap of lessons. With lessons taking place at 2 venues for adults and 4 venues for kids in addition to the Okinawan Kobudo Weapons Club and the Kenjutsu Club

From the experienced Karateka looking for something a bit different to the novice looking to begin their training, we believe we have something for everyone. Please have a look around the new website and if you would like to know more on any of the training opportunities or corporate services please click here to email us or call us on 07739 977 290 and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Professor Rick Clark May 21st 2012 Workshop

World renowned martial artist and author Professor Rick Clark will be at the Shin Gi Tai, Grove Green Dojo on Monday May 2012. Professor Clark is the head of Ao-Denkou Jitsu who specialise in providing a system to be overlaid on any martial art. He is the author of books including 'Pressure Point Fighting', '101 Down Blocks' and many videos on Pinan, Naihanchi kata and numerous workshop videos.

He holds 8th Dan with ISOK and a member of the ISKK. He visits UK once a year and has for many years supported our club. Don't miss this unique opportunity to train with a truly international author and teacher in interesting and though provoking ways of employing karate for self defence. Please click Rick Clark May 21st 2012 Workshop to email for more details or call us on 07739 977 290 and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

History of the Shin-Gi-Tai Club

Our children's classes started at the request of parents wanting additional tuition for their children. From this small start several club venues were opened and eventually the shin-gi-tai group was opened.

Within a year the local club where Sensei assisted teaching was closed and handed to him by his then Sensei, Grant Wright 5th dan, in recognition of his help over the years.

Our skills base is in Shotokan karate but over the past decade or so we have been seriously studying the Seito aspects of karate to better understand this excellent system.

Chief Instructor

As the Chief Instructor for all the Clubs as well as the head of the grading Committee, Renshi Malcolm Bates, has developed the group into a friendly and competent set of clubs where encouraging students to do their best is the key. He believes in teaching all students irrespective of their personal abilities or limitations.

Renshi Malcolm Bates, was first exposed to karate in the late 1960's while living in South Africa... click here for more

Qualified Sempai

The 'Sempai' or senior student performs a valuable role within the clubs. Their duties include preparing the Dojo for the lesson, taking class warm-ups prior to the lesson beginning, managing the general day-to-day running of the club.

Yudanshakai

The 'Yudanshakai' are the Clubs Role of Registered Black Belts, many of these individuals will act in the role of Assistant Instructors and all have a duty uphold the high standards and reputation of the Club. For a list of the Shin-Gi-Tai Yudanshakai and a bio click here for more...

List Of Clubs

The Shin-Gi-Tai clubs operate in a range of locations in and around Maidstone, Kent. Locations include West Malling, Grove Green, Vitners Park.

For a comprehensive list of clubs see the list at the bottom of the page or click here.

Training Times & Venues

For a comprehensive list of training times and venues with address details and clickable map link please see the list at the bottom of the page or click here.

Shin-Gi-Tai Syllabi

Here at the Shin-Gi-Tai Club we are committed to providing our student with the very best training and support in your studies. Our teaching philosophy is based on the traditional 'Shu Ha Ri' system of learning.

As part of this Shin-Gi-Tai produce a range of high quality, detailed Syllabi and Technical Support documentation for each of the disciplines.

Typically, these cost between £5.00 and £10.00 payable at the time of ordering. If you would like to purchase these study aids on any one of the following topics. Please click here to mail your request.

Adult Karate

The system is based on formal development of Shotokan 'techniques' for novices and progressively introducing a clear understanding of the practical use of these 'techniques' with emphasis on the transition rather than the modern approach to end technique. Kyusho Jutsu, Nage Waza, unarmed street defence and weapons defence are all incorporated into the syllabus. Yudansha are taught the principles of Seito Karate and old style kata and techniques are included in the syllabus.

Children's Karate

Children learn the Shotokan style which is the most popular style of karate around the world. The lineage goes back directly to the founder of karate, Ankoh Itosu. Children are taught karate as a sport with an increasing element of self-defence as they develop through the grades. They study the modern set of kata and basic techniques so that they can participate in competitions or attend other clubs if they wish to.

Kobudo

Our system covers the five primary Okinawan weapons, Bo, Nunchaku, Sai, Tonfa and Kama. Nunchaku kata are based on the Kanazawa lineage and other weapons on Matsumura Seito. Our aim is to learn practical use of each weapon but do not teach competition style kata.

Kenjutsu

The system has been designed to teach practical use of the Katana and its components. We have combined the 'Iaido' Omori Ryu Jikiden kata with Niten Ichi Ryu partner drills, the Muto Dori Hiden of Masaaki Hatsumi, Tamshigiri or 'live cutting' practice, with Interactive Partner Drills and Freestyle Attack & Defence Training with both Bokken and the Shinai.

Shin-Gi-Tai Services Portfolio

Not just a Karate Club. SGT offer a range of training and self-development opportunities in many aspects of the martial arts. Guest instructors invited to add depth and variety to studies.

Children's Karate Training

Members of the Shin-Gi-Tai Juniors Club, training at the Grove Green Dojo, Maidstone, Kent.

Class sizes vary between Dojo locations so students have the opportunity to work in a small or larger group. All members are welcome at all our Dojo (space permitting) and attendance of more than one Dojo is encouraged.

No matter how young the student the practical aspect of the Karate training are very important. The development of good technique, movement and the consequences of standing still for too long all help to develop key skills.

Adult Karate Training

Members of the Adults Club, training at Grove Green in Maidstone, Kent

We have four adult karate classes a week across two Dojo so plenty of opportunity to train in our system. We currently cater for students from 16 to 60 in this class and see age or minor injuries as no obstacle to the learning of karate. We welcome people from all walks of life and encourage them to do their best.

Kenjutsu Training

Reg & Dunc practicing very, very carefully at the Feb 2012, Kenjutsu Syllabus Workshop.

Master the Spirit of the Sword by studying our no-nonsense syllabus based on practical swordsmanship. From the 'poetry of motion' that is Iai to the 'life giving' Niten of Musashi.

All aspects of the Kenjutsu Syllabus are geared to developing the skills and understanding of the Katana as practical weapon its strengths, weaknesses and tactics.

Kobudo Training

Study the Ancient Okinawan Weapon Arts, Nunchaku, Bo, Sai, Tonfa and Kama. We teach a foundation level for each weapon with more advanced training for those with deeper interest in a specific weapon.

Corporate Self Protection & Threat Awareness Courses

These bespoke courses are tailored to suit the needs of everyone who has dealings with the general public, as part of your job, voluntary work or just ensuring you have the knowledge to keep safe in day to day situations.

Shin-Gi-Tai Club Reviews

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Shin-Gi-Tai Club News

Shin-Gi-Tai Club Awards 2012

We expect the commitment of the club to be matched by the commitment of the students and believe that it is important that this commitment be recognised. Every year a number of awards are made in recognition of achievements in personal development, commitment to training and Giri.

The nominations for the various awards are made by the club members to the Senior Students and Grading Committee within that discipline.

5 Year Awards

Five years is a long time and Shin-Gi-Tai Karate Club is proud to recognise those individuals who have demonstrated their commitment and are pleased to announce the following students have earned their 5 Year Award.

For a list of the current and past recipients of the Shin-Gi-Tai Karate Club Five-Year Award please click here.

Outstanding Novice

Everyone has to start somewhere and its no secret Karate can be a challenge. The Outstanding Novice Award is made to those who have shown significant development and commitment to their training.

For a list of the current and past recipients of the Shin-Gi-Tai Karate Club Outstanding Novice of the Year Award please click here.

Karateka of the Year

This is a very special award given only to those students that have truly excelled in their studies, much coveted but rarely awarded.

For a list of the current and past recipients of the Shin-Gi-Tai Karate Club Karateka of the Year Award please click here.

Giri Award

Giri or 'Duty' to the club is highly valued by the Club and students that have gone 'above and beyond' to assist the club either as an assistant instructor, assistance with marketing, mentoring other students or being generally and consistently helpful. The award is given in recognition of such individuals and their unstinting support of the Club.

For a list of the current and past recipients of the Shin-Gi-Tai Karate Club Giri Award please click here.

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Shin-Gi-Tai Events

Club & Other Seminars

We host a number of guest instructors to help students develop all round understanding of the martial arts, among those who have visiting Shin-Gi-Tai are;

	Professor Rick Clark		Sensei George Bishop
	Sensei Simon Oliver		Sensei Jim Neeter
	Sensei David Arnold

We also host the annual European Seminar for the International Seito Karate Kenkyukai (ISKK) in October each year.

Club Workshops

These are set up to address specific needs and have covered, Kata and Bunkai, Weapons and Knife Defences.

The evolution of the Shin Gi Tai Kenjutsu Syllabus has hilighted a need for quarterly Syllbus Workshops to assist students with preparation for their gradings

We also hold periodic Sempai workshops to help teach students how to perform the function of Sempai in our clubs.

Club Demos

We regularly perform demonstrations for local schools, some via the Maidstone Council and others directly at schools. Some examples of these are;

• St Mary's Primary school, Laddingford
• Sandling Primary School, Sandling
• St John's Primary School, Grove Green
• West Malling C of E Primary School, West Malling
• St Peter & Paul Primary School, Leybourne

The Shin Gi Tai Children's Karate, Adult Karate, Kenjutsu and Kobudo Clubs are run and operated by Shin-Gi-Tai Martial Arts Association, a Division of the MMA Consultancy providing Children's Karate, Adult Karate, Kenjutsu Kobudo Training and Corporate Threat Awareness & Self Protection Courses in Kent. The locations served by the Shin Gi Tai Karate Club include: West Malling, Maidstone, Laddingford and Vinters Park