Welcome to Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy
Established in 1992
✔ Our Head Coach has 45 years of experience
✔ Our coaching team has over 250 years of experience
✔ Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts has produced more than 100 Black Belts
✔ Since 2010, we’ve produced over 170 National Champions and 11 World Champions
✔ Hampshire Sports Club of the Year
✔ Winchester Sports Coach of the Year
✔ Every Coach is professionally qualified
✔ We are a family run Martial Arts Academy built around supporting families
✔ All of our classes are beginner friendly
We have programs for all abilities and ages.
For more than 35 years, Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy has been dedicated to helping children, teens and adults learning Martial Arts with us to grow their confidence, self discipline and fitness through our award winning Martial Arts programmes.
We support our members by creating a welcoming and nurturing space where everyone has the opportunity to learn Martial Arts from a brand new beginner to someone with decades of experience.
From Our Kids Karate, Adults Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Ladies only classes and Tai Chi for health and wellbeing, our expert coaching helps beginners and experienced students achieve real results in a safe, welcoming and highly professional environment.
Our approach focuses on helping you develop your skills and achieve your personal goals, enhancing both your mental and physical growth through our proven Martial Arts curriculum. This includes a blend of Martial Arts training, education, and professional coaching.
Our Martial Arts club in Winchester is inclusive of all – regardless of age, race, gender, or ability. We believe that Martial Arts is for everyone and, where needed, we can make the right adjustments to suit the individual. Our experienced coaches are here to guide you in a stimulating, supportive, and open environment.
Take a look through our website to learn more about how we can assist you, and feel free to get in touch to book your free taster class.
What happens at a free taster class?
Your child will meet our coaches, join the appropriate age-group class and experience a normal lesson without any pressure. Parents are welcome to watch, see how our coaches work with the children and ask any questions they may have. It gives both you and your child the opportunity to decide whether Shin Gi Tai feels right before making any commitment.
Speak to a Coach.
Please enter your contact details below with the questions that you have for a coach about how we can help you. Please tell us which class you are interested in.
An Introduction to our Martial Arts Classes
43 years of Martial Arts Coaching excellence
Our highly skilled and passionate coaches are dedicated to helping you grow in confidence, fitness, and skill. They’re there to support you in reaching your goals in a friendly, engaging and welcoming environment.
Our Head Coach has been coaching now for over 43 years. His technical pedigree is excellent, a 7th Dan Black Belt in Karate and a 7th Degree Black Belt in Kung Fu. He is also a 3rd Dan in Shotokan Karate, he hold Black Belts in Judo and Yoshinkan Aikido. Tai Chi doesn’t have grades, but he’s a National Level Tai Chi teacher and is a tutor for the Sport England National Governing body for Tai Chi. With a Master’s Degree in Advanced Sports Coaches backed up by Coaching qualifications with a British Judo Association Level 5 qualification and a Level 3 qualification with The British Council for Chinese Martial Arts his focus has always been very straightforward. “To help my students to become better Martial Artists than me and to become better people.”
Since Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy started, over 100 of our members progressed through to Black Belt with the highest ranked currently being 5th Dan. We’re proud to have served generations of the same families.
As the Head Coach, Bryan is responsible for the ongoing professional development of our twenty member strong coaching team. Each member of our coaching team brings specialist skills to bear including strength and conditioning, nutrition, pedagogy, self defence and breathworks. Hosting monthly coach education classes means that we share knowledge and experience amongst all of our coaching team.
Experience matters, Standards matter. Built on tradition, driven by excellence. This is what Shin Gi Tai is built on.
Take a look around our website to see how we can help, and book your free taster class HERE!
Choosing the right Martial Arts school is important.
Benefits of Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy
Choosing the correct Martial Arts for you is important. The right training environment and approach to training has a huge impact on your long term successes. Mindset, fitness, Confidence and even Self Protection skills are all affected.
In Winchester at Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy, we can help you with Children’s Martial Arts, Ladies only Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Adult’s Martial Arts and Tai Chi. Take the first step and arrange a FREE taster class with us.
What happens at a free taster class?
Your child will meet our coaches, join the appropriate age-group class and experience a normal lesson without any pressure. Parents are welcome to watch, see how our coaches work with the children and ask any questions they may have. It gives both you and your child the opportunity to decide whether Shin Gi Tai feels right before making any commitment.
Our Programmes
Martial Arts classes for children
For over three decades Families have trusted Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts because standards and quality matter. At our Academy, our children’s Martial Arts classes go far beyond just learning self-defence – they help kids develop skills that will benefit them for life.
From building confidence, focus, and determination to fostering a strong sense of self-discipline and resilience, our classes help children grow both mentally and physically. Plus, they’ll pick up healthy habits that set them up for a lifetime of wellbeing.
Our age-specific children’s programmes are designed for ages 4–16, with separate classes adapted to each stage of physical, emotional and social development. Most importantly, these Martial Arts classes in Winchester aren’t just different – they’re exciting, fun, and designed to bring out the best in every child. With a learning pace tailored to each individual, the experience is not just rewarding but truly outstanding.
More Than Just Martial Arts classes.
Parents choose Shin Gi Tai because of the lasting impact on their children:
- Increased confidence in themselves and self-belief
- Improved focus and behaviour
- Greater discipline and respect
- Stronger fitness and healthier habits
- A positive, structured environment away from screens
- The resilience to keep going when things are difficult
Our classes are designed to help children grow not just as martial artists—but as confident, capable individuals.
What our members think
Adults Martial Arts
Adults take up Martial Arts for all sorts of reasons – to improve their health and fitness, for fun, to meet new people, to try something new, for self-defence, or simply to take on a new challenge.
The great news is that whatever your reason, we’re here to help you reach your goals. You’ll build fitness, learn new skills, and get in great shape in a fun, dynamic, and exciting way.
It’s never too late to start! We tailor training to suit your age, fitness level, and abilities, helping you progress at your own pace. With the right support and guidance, you might even achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Our classes provide a positive, welcoming space where you can stay physically and mentally strong, relieving the everyday stresses of life. We combine traditional Martial Arts values with the latest sports science, so you’ll feel healthier, perform better, and train alongside a friendly, supportive community.
Whether your goal is to get fit, relieve stress, learn self-defence, or try something new, our adult classes provide a powerful and rewarding training experience.
You’ll build strength, improve fitness, and develop real skills in a supportive, motivating environment, regardless of your starting point.
What our members think
About Our Martial Arts Academy
Transforming lives and helping you lead a healthy, safe and happy lifestyle…
Our goal is to transform lives, helping you and your family lead a healthy, safe, and happy lifestyle. Training in Martial Arts—whether it’s Karate, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Judo, or Tai Chi—is a lifelong journey that empowers you to take control of your life, both inside and outside the training hall.
Being a Martial Artist is about far more than just kicking and punching. It’s a way of life that builds confidence, discipline, and valuable life skills.
Training with us means experiencing the many benefits of Martial Arts first-hand. With regular practice, you’ll become fitter, more flexible, and healthier, while also feeling more confident and in control. You’ll develop the mental resilience to handle life’s daily stresses with greater ease.
If you’re searching for ‘Martial Arts near me’ in Winchester or the surrounding areas, why not give us a try? Come and experience it for yourself!
What our members think
What happens at a free taster class?
Your child will meet our coaches, join the appropriate age-group class and experience a normal lesson without any pressure. Parents are welcome to watch, see how our coaches work with the children and ask any questions they may have. It gives both you and your child the opportunity to decide whether Shin Gi Tai feels right before making any commitment.
Our Facilities
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
FAQs asked by parents
Are your classes suitable for a beginner in Martial Arts?
Definitely. Most of our members start learning a Martial Arts as a a complete beginner. Our structured syllabus is designed to support progression from beginner to Black Belt and beyond. With our supportive coaching and friendly members, you’ll pick up your new skills rapidly.
What Martial Arts do you teach at your Winchester club?
Our Children’s and Adult’s syllabus were designed with self protection in mind and cover long and mid range skills plus close quarter grappling with techniques drawn from Karate, Kung Fu and Judo. Adult’s can also learn Muay Thai from Thailand, Our Ladies Only classes learn Chinese Kickboxing and for those wanting to look at a more relaxed form of exercise Yang Style Tai Chi.
What ages do you teach?
Children can start from age four, with separate programmes for ages 4–6, 7–10 and 11–16.
We also offer adult classes in Muay Thai, Adult’s Martial Arts, Ladies only Kickboxing and Tai Chi suitable for older adults
Can I try a class before deciding whether to join?
Yes you can take a free taster class to help you to understand what we teach and what the classes are like. Once you have booked a taster class, one of our team will contact you to answer any questions that you may have and to run through some brief medical questions.
What should I wear and bring to my first class?
Please wear loose and comfortable clothes with no zips. Bring a drink to have during the class, although we have a water fountain and also a coffee machine. Please take any jewellery or watches off before the class, if a ring or earring won’t come out, we can give you some tape to cover it up. We have safety mats to use and ask that you take shoes and socks off to come onto the mats.
How often should I train?
Our memberships are structured around two classes each week because consistent practice helps members learn more effectively, build confidence and make meaningful progress.
What qualifications do your Martial Arts coaches have?
Our professional and highly experienced coaches bring a wealth of knowledge to every class, helping you get the very best from your Martial Arts training while ensuring your experience is personalised to suit your goals and ability level.
With recognised coaching qualifications from National Governing Bodies and leading universities, you can feel confident that you are receiving safe, enjoyable, and high-quality Martial Arts instruction at every session. All coaches have minimum of a Sport England recognised National Governing Body Level 2 coaching qualification, Our Head Coach has a Level 7 Coaching qualification from Sheffield Hallam University.
Every coach and member of staff is first aid trained, has a current DBS, is Safeguarding trained and attends weekly training at our club.
Whether your goal is improving fitness, building confidence, learning self-defence, or progressing through the belt system, expert coaching makes all the difference. Skilled and experienced instructors are essential for teaching strong Martial Arts foundations, correct technique, and the discipline needed for long-term success.
Where are you and is there parking?
We are based in Winnal in Winchester and welcome students from across Hampshire and surrounding areas further afield who looking for high quality martial arts training for children, teens and adults in a full time professional Martial Arts facility. We have a dedicated parent viewing area. The whole of the building has air conditioning and heating.
We have lots of parking, directly outside our building and just before our building in front of County Glass.
Do you offer Ladies only classes
As a club we’ve been running Ladies only classes now for over 15 years. Our Ladies Only Kickboxing are a welcoming and supportive environment designed to help women build confidence, fitness and practical self-defence skills within a supportive and friendly community. Many of our coaches started in our Ladies only classes and are leading coaches in their own right and are responsible for leading programs within Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy.
Are Martial Arts suitable for my family?
At Shin Gi Tai, being a family-focused Martial Arts club in Winchester is at the heart of everything we do. We believe Martial Arts is about far more than just punches, kicks, and fitness. It’s about becoming part of a supportive community of people who share similar goals, values, and ambitions.
We are a family run Martial Arts club with parents and children still training together several times every week. We are passionate that Martial Arts can be practiced by everyone. Our coaches are experts in adapting the Martial Art to suit the person learning their Martial Art.
For children in Winchester, our Martial Arts classes provide a safe and positive environment where they can develop important social skills, build confidence, improve discipline, and create lasting friendships. Training helps children learn respect, teamwork, and how to support others, while becoming part of a strong and encouraging community.
For adults, our Martial Arts classes in Winchester offer much more than just fitness training. They provide a welcoming social network where members can improve their health, relieve stress, learn self-defence, and train alongside like-minded people. It becomes a place to build friendships, celebrate achievements, and enjoy personal progress with the support of a positive community around you.
Whether you are looking for children’s Martial Arts classes in Winchester or adult Martial Arts training, joining a Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Club will make you feel supported, valued, and motivated, making all the difference to your experience.
Can training be adapted for additional needs, injuries or different fitness levels?
Martial Arts in our club are practiced in an inclusive manner. Irrespective of age, race, gender, religion or disability, members are welcomed. We are firm advocates that everyone should be able to practice a Martial Art if it’s taught correctly.
We regularly adapt coaching for different abilities, confidence levels and individual needs. Suitability depends on the person and the programme, so we recommend speaking to a coach before booking your taster class.
If you’re looking for a full contact / fight club type of club, we’re not the right club for you, because it’s not what we teach. If you’re looking for a premium experience learning traditional Japanese and Chinese Martial Arts, then we’re a good fit for you to join.
What venue do you train at?
You’ll be able to take full advantage of our purpose-built, dedicated Martial Arts training centre in Winchester, designed to provide a professional, safe, and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities. Our facility includes a comfortable waiting area where parents and visitors can relax and watch classes in air-conditioned comfort.
Our main training area features 152 specialist Martial Arts flooring mats across our training space. This purpose-designed Martial Arts training space means that our members can train more safely, reducing impact while providing a professional and clean surface specifically built for and only used for Martial Arts practice.
Our waiting area has comfortable seating, sofas and a coffee machine for parents or other family members to enjoy. We like family member to watch our Martial Arts classes which helps them to understand what we are teaching and why we are, so that they can discuss it with the participant.
All members training with us also benefit from access to a wide range of high-quality equipment designed to enhance every aspect of their development. From improving core Martial Arts techniques to building strength, fitness, flexibility, and overall well-being, our facility provides everything needed to support progress both inside and outside the dojo.
What happens at a free taster class?
Your child will meet our coaches, join the appropriate age-group class and experience a normal lesson without any pressure. Parents are welcome to watch, see how our coaches work with the children and ask any questions they may have. It gives both you and your child the opportunity to decide whether Shin Gi Tai feels right before making any commitment.
Speak to a Coach.
Please enter your contact details below with the questions that you have for a coach about how we can help you. Please tell us which class you are interested in.
From our Blog
Why progress in Martial Arts is about more than medals and black belts
By Bryan Andrews | Head Coach, Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy, Winchester When people think about success in Martial Arts, they often picture a medal, a trophy or a black belt. These are visible achievements. They photograph well, they give us a clear moment to...
How Shin Gi Tai supports schools, charities and the Winchester community
Beyond the dojo: how Shin Gi Tai supports schools, charities and the Winchester community A Martial Arts Club does its most visible work on the mats. That is where children learn to listen, adults work hard after a long day and families share the challenge of...
Why qualified Martial Arts coaches matter in Winchester
Choosing a Martial Arts class for yourself or your child is about more than choosing between Karate, Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo, Kickboxing or Judo. It is also about choosing the person who will teach, challenge and support you every week. A good coach...