- Teaching Basingstoke since 1992
- 450+ members
- 11 world champions
- Qualified, DBS checked coaches
Find the right Martial Arts class
Whether you are looking for confidence-building classes for your child, a new personal challenge or a supportive way to improve your health and fitness, we will help you find the right place to begin.
Children’s Martial Arts
Age-specific classes building confidence, focus, resilience and practical Martial Arts skills for children from age four.
Adult Martial Arts
Build fitness, confidence and practical skills through our combined Karate, Kung Fu and Judo syllabus.
Muay Thai
Develop fitness, striking technique and confidence through structured, professionally coached and beginner friendly Muay Thai training.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Learn effective groundwork, control and submission skills in a welcoming and progressive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programme.
Ladies only Kickboxing
Supportive and enjoyable Kickboxing classes created exclusively for women of all experience and fitness levels.
Tai Chi
Improve balance, mobility, relaxation and wellbeing through gentle, professionally coached Yang Style Tai Chi classes.
An introduction to our Martial Arts classes
Why families choose Shin Gi Tai
- A family-run, full-time academy at Daneshill, with free parking and air-conditioned viewing areas for parents
- Classes grouped by age from 4 years old, so every child learns at the right pace
- Professionally qualified, DBS checked coaches, led by a head coach with over 45 years’ experience
- Basingstoke and Deane Sports Club of the Year (2010 and 2015), and the Safeguarding in Martial Arts kitemark since 2018
- Since 2010, our members include 11 world champions and over 170 national champions
Beginners are welcome at every level. Read more about us →
Our facilities
What our members think
My two children absolutely love their classes at Shin Gi Tai. The instructors are not only teaching my children self defence but they also focus on building their confidence.
After coming back to Martial Arts after 28 years, I was a little apprehensive. From the moment I joined the class I was made to feel welcome.
Everyone works at their level, making it accessible but also hard enough so you can improve your skills and challenge yourself.
Our Martial Arts coaches
Every coach holds a professional coaching qualification, is DBS checked and is trained in first aid and safeguarding.
Our head coach, Bryan Andrews, has over 45 years of Martial Arts experience, a 7th Dan in Karate and a Master’s degree in Advanced Sports Coaching.
Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke for every age
Choosing the right Martial Arts club matters. Good coaching changes confidence, fitness and how safe people feel, well beyond the training hall.
At our academy in Daneshill, close to Chineham, Lychpit and Old Basing, children can start from age 4 in classes grouped by age. Adults can choose from Karate, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, ladies only Kickboxing and Tai Chi, and parents and children can train together in our Family classes.
Complete beginners are always welcome. For most classes your first step is a free taster class, with no obligation to join. Tai Chi starts with a beginners course.
Shin Gi Tai Basingstoke: quick facts
- Where: Unit A, Daneshill Central, Armstrong Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8NU. Free parking outside.
- Since: 1992. Over 450 members train at our Basingstoke academy, and over 550 across Basingstoke and Winchester.
- Children: Rising Heroes (ages 4 to 6), Young Legends (6 to 9), Urban Warriors (10 to 13) and Cadets (14 to 17), plus Family Martial Arts on Sunday mornings and Children’s Kickboxing (11 to 16).
- Adults: Adult Martial Arts (Karate and Kung Fu, with throws and groundwork from Judo), Traditional Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Ladies Only Kickboxing and Tai Chi.
- Head coach: Bryan Andrews, over 45 years in Martial Arts, 7th Dan Karate, 7th degree Kung Fu and a Master’s degree in Advanced Sports Coaching Practice.
- Coaches: every coach is professionally qualified, DBS checked and first aid trained.
- Getting started: your first class is a free taster, no kit needed (Tai Chi starts with a beginners course). Call 01256 364 104 or book online.
Frequently asked questions
Are your classes suitable for complete beginners?
Most definitely. Most people who join Shin Gi Tai have never practised a Martial Art before.
Our coaches introduce the essential skills gradually, explain each technique clearly and help every member progress at a suitable pace. You do not need previous experience or a particular level of fitness.
Explore our children’s Martial Arts classes or adult Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke.
Which Martial Arts do you teach at your Basingstoke club?
We teach Karate, Kung Fu, Chinese Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Yang Style Tai Chi.
Our Karate and Kung Fu programmes use a broad hybrid syllabus that also incorporates suitable throwing, grappling and groundwork skills drawn from Judo and other Martial Arts.
Children can join age-specific Martial Arts programmes or children’s Chinese Kickboxing. Adults can choose from traditional Martial Arts, striking, grappling, practical self-defence and the slower, more mindful practice of Tai Chi.
What ages can train in Martial Arts?
Children can begin training from four years old. Our main children’s programmes are divided into four age groups:
- Rising Heroes: ages 4–6
- Young Legends: ages 6–9
- Urban Warriors: ages 10–13
- Cadets: ages 14–17
We also provide Chinese Kickboxing for children aged 11–16, alongside adult classes suitable for different ages, abilities and fitness levels.
See all children’s Martial Arts programmes or explore our adult classes.
Can I come and try a class before I have to decide whether to join?
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation taster class so that you or your child can experience the teaching, meet our coaches and discover what training at Shin Gi Tai is really like.
Parents are welcome to watch their child’s lesson from our viewing area. You can see how the class is taught, ask questions and decide whether the programme feels right before making any commitment.
What should I bring to my first class and what should I wear?
Wear comfortable sports clothing that allows you to move freely. Please avoid clothing with metal zips, buckles or anything that could catch while training.
Bring a drink and remove watches and jewellery before stepping onto the mats. If an item of jewellery cannot be removed, speak to one of our coaches so it can be covered safely.
Training on our specialist Martial Arts flooring normally takes place barefoot, so shoes and socks are removed before entering the training area.
How often should I train?
Our memberships are structured around attending at least two classes each week. Consistent practice helps members remember what they have learned, improve their technique and make meaningful progress.
For children, twice-weekly training also helps establish a positive routine, build friendships and develop confidence. Adults benefit from more consistent improvements in fitness, flexibility and Martial Arts ability.
Some programmes also provide opportunities for additional training.
What professional qualifications do your Martial Arts coaches have?
Our coaches combine extensive Martial Arts experience with recognised professional coaching qualifications from organisations including the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts, the British Judo Association, UK Coaching and Sheffield Hallam University.
Our Head Coach holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Sports Coaching Practice at Level 7, together with senior grades and coaching qualifications across several Martial Arts.
Members of our coaching team are DBS checked, first aid trained, insured and trained in safeguarding. They also participate in regular technical training and continuing professional development.
Where are you and is there parking?
Our full-time Martial Arts academy is located at:
Unit A, Daneshill Central
Armstrong Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 8NU
Parking is available directly in front of the academy and along the left-hand side of the building before the Baylynx yard. Additional on-street parking is available nearby.
We are close to Basingstoke’s ring road and within easy reach of Chineham, Lychpit, Old Basing, Popley, Rooksdown and the town centre.
Find Shin Gi Tai Basingstoke on Google Maps. Our What3words location is stars.thanks.mash.
Do you have any ladies only classes?
Yes. Shin Gi Tai has provided ladies only Martial Arts training in Basingstoke for many years.
Our Ladies Only Kickboxing classes provide a welcoming environment where women can improve their fitness, learn practical skills and grow in confidence. Complete beginners are welcome, and everyone can work at an intensity appropriate for their current fitness level.
Can parents and children train together?
Yes. Shin Gi Tai is a family-run Martial Arts academy, and many parents, children, siblings and grandparents train with us.
Children benefit from a positive, structured environment where they can develop confidence, discipline, resilience and friendships. Adults can improve their health, learn new skills and become part of a welcoming community.
Alongside our separate age-specific programmes, our Family Martial Arts class provides an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy training together. Family members aged 10 and over can also train together in our Traditional Karate class.
Can training be adapted for additional needs or injuries?
Wherever it is safe and appropriate, our coaches adapt activities for different abilities, confidence levels, physical limitations and learning needs.
Members progress from their own individual starting point rather than being compared with other people. You do not need to be fit, flexible or naturally athletic before starting.
Every person and every condition is different, so we recommend speaking to a coach before attending. This allows us to understand what support or adjustments may be helpful.
What facilities does your Basingstoke academy have?
We train at a dedicated, full-time Martial Arts academy in Daneshill rather than a temporarily hired community hall.
Our centre has extensive specialist Martial Arts flooring, separate training areas, changing facilities and a wide selection of professional equipment for striking, grappling, fitness, coordination and age-appropriate children’s activities.
Parents and visitors can use our free coffee machine and comfortable air-conditioned viewing areas while classes take place.
From our blog
How to choose a Martial Arts club in Basingstoke
Choosing a Martial Arts club means looking beyond location, belts and monthly fees. The questions Basingstoke parents should ask about coaching, safeguarding, facilities and progression, so your child learns well and wants to keep coming back.
How children develop through Martial Arts in Basingstoke
Children learn at different rates, and progress is rarely a straight line. How our Basingstoke Martial Arts classes build movement skills, attention and confidence through the right level of challenge, varied activities and professional coaching.
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.
