Adult Martial Arts Classes in Basingstoke
Beginner-friendly training to help you get fitter, feel stronger and learn practical skills
Adult Martial Arts for Beginners in Basingstoke
Get Fitter. Feel stronger. Learn something extraordinary.
Whether you want to improve your fitness, reduce stress after work, learn practical self-defence or finally achieve your Black Belt, our adult Martial Arts classes provide a welcoming environment where complete beginners and experienced Martial Artists thrive.
✓ Beginners welcome
✓ Train at your own pace
✓ Professional coaching
Our adult’s beginners Martial Arts classes are fun, they empower us and offer a great way to workout regardless of our shape, size, age or fitness levels. You don’t have to be in shape to start training. The training itself is designed to get you into shape, by working out with us, our coaches will help you personally to achieve your goals.
Whether you want to learn Martial Arts for self-protection, for fitness, for competition, for weight loss or simply for fun, we have an Adult’s Martial Arts Class in Basingstoke suitable for you to train in. If you are considering learning a longer range Martial Art like Karate, Kung Fu, Taekwondo or Kickboxing. A close-range Martial Art like Judo, Aikido, or Ju-Jitsu or a softer more relaxed Art such as Tai Chi or Taiji, then contact us to arrange a free taster class.
Why Adults join our beginners Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke
If you are looking for an Adult Martial Arts Class in Basingstoke and Deane, for you to train in, whether you are close by from Chineham, Popley, Old Basing, Lychpit or Daneshill or further out in Beggarwood, Hatch Warren, Manydown, Rooksdown, Sherborne St John or Tadley, our experienced and qualified coaches can help you to develop your skills and knowledge in a meaningful way.
Many adults come to us because they want to:
✔ Get fitter without the boredom of the gym
✔ Learn practical self-defence skills
✔ Reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing
✔ Meet like-minded people
✔ Regain confidence
✔ They did it as a child and gave up before they got their Black Belt.
✔ Work towards Black Belt goals
✔ Prove that it’s never too late to start something extraordinary
Ready to See if Shin Gi Tai Is Right for you?
Come and experience the confidence building benefits of Martial Arts in a safe, welcoming and beginner friendly environment. There’s absolutely no obligation to join, it’s simply an opportunity to discover whether we’re the right fit for you.
Find the Right Martial Arts Class for You
Every programme offers a different training experience. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defence, confidence, relaxation or working towards Black Belt, we will help you find the right place to begin.
KARATE · KUNG FU · JUDO
Adult Martial Arts
Our hybrid syllabus combines the striking and traditional forms of Karate and Kung Fu with Judo throws, grappling, partner work and practical self-defence.
Try Adult Martial Arts
STRIKING · FITNESS · CONDITIONING
Muay Thai
Dynamic full-body training using punches, kicks, knees and elbows, together with pad work, combinations, defensive movement and conditioning.
Explore Muay Thai
GRAPPLING · CONTROL · TECHNIQUE
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Learn takedowns, escapes, positional control and submission techniques while developing fitness, composure and practical problem-solving skills.
Explore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
WOMEN-ONLY TRAINING
Ladies-Only Kickboxing
Supportive and energetic women-only classes developing fitness, strength, striking skills, practical self-defence and greater physical confidence.
Explore Ladies Kickboxing
BALANCE · MOBILITY · WELLBEING
Tai Chi
Gentle, controlled movement that helps improve balance, mobility, coordination, posture, relaxation and mental focus.
Explore Tai Chi
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
We’ll Help You Choose
Tell us whether your priority is fitness, self-defence, confidence, relaxation or a new challenge and we will recommend the best first class.
Find My ClassWant to get fit and tone up?
Many of us start learning a Martial Art to get fit and to lose weight. One of the major factors in this is finding a training plan that you genuinely enjoy doing and then consistently doing it. Our Basingstoke Martial Arts club’s workouts offer variety, a challenge and a sense of accomplishment when done and they are fun to be in. Our classes will burn calories whilst building functional fitness and muscular strength. Your metabolism will be elevated and post training, still burning those calories because of the mixture of cardio, flexibility and strength training we do during classes. All you need to do then, is to combine your exercise with a nutritious healthy diet to be on the way to a healthier fitter lifestyle.
Relieve stress
Our lives in today’s society are often busy and pressured juggling family and work. We all need an outlet for our worries and stresses and to act as a timeout for ourselves.
Martial Arts training can provide this. Just a couple of classes a week can make a significant difference to your mental health. The physical activity will give your brain a clear focus whilst practicing your skills. You will learn how to train with a mind that is free of stress, anger, fear or ego. In Japanese Martial Arts, this is known as Mushin or ‘no-mind.’
Social Circle
Connect with a group of new friends who share a common interest.
Although a Martial Arts class isn’t a ‘team’ sport, we are a supportive community where teamwork is encouraged and evident with our members who welcome new joiners into the class. You will also find that working out with a friend will help both of you to progress faster as you help one another with your training. As a family club, we know that many of the friendships that started on the mats have extended to the outside world.
What our members think
Brilliant classes. The instructors are just the best, so friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. They are also very patient, repeating techniques where needed to help the understanding. We wouldn’t train anywhere else.
State of the art training facilities
You will have the advantages of our purposely designed and dedicated professional Martial Arts training centre with a waiting area and café.
Our training area covers an area 18m x 14m, which gives us the largest Kwoon (Name for a training facility in Chinese Martial Arts, it can also mean the place for peace and harmony) or Dojo (which means the same in Japanese Martial Arts) in Hampshire. We use specialist Martial Arts flooring to provide a safer more hygienic environment to training in.
Our Adult’s Martial Arts Classes in Basingstoke aren’t the kind of class where you’ll march up and down the hall hitting air. You will be able to take advantage of using our full range of equipment in your training. This will help to develop correct skilful techniques, speed and power regardless of whether you are working at long or close range.
Our equipment includes:
Unlike community hall clubs, you’ll train in one of Hampshire’s largest dedicated Martial Arts facilities using professional equipment designed to help you develop safely and effectively.
Our academy includes:
• Specialist Martial Arts flooring
• Heavy bags and striking equipment
• Focus mitts and Thai pads
• Grappling equipment
• Functional fitness equipment
• Comfortable viewing and café area
Our experienced and qualified coaches will help you to develop your skills and knowledge.
Regardless of whether you are a beginner to Martial Arts or an experienced Martial Artist already, you are welcome to train with us.
Will I be able to learn a Martial Art?
Before joining us, we are often asked by potential new members “Can I learn a Martial Art.” Yes you can.
Our adult’s beginners Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke are suitable for anyone from the age of 15 years old. (We also offer Children’s Martial Arts classes) The classes teach a wide range of different skills which the participants are able to pragmatically apply to suit their own body rather than having to force their body to do something it’s not physically able to do. Whilst practicing effective and practical Martial Arts skills, we also learn their associated underlying principles and theory. This helps our long-term development as a Martial Artist in order to learn some of the more advanced skills.
Non physical skills that we learn
We don’t just teach you the physical skills to defend yourself, we also teach you the soft skills necessary for self-protection including how to spot potential danger, having a hunter’s mindset rather than a victims mindset, using what’s available to you and weapons safety. Plus common-sense strategies to keep safe along with an understanding of how your voice and attitude both affect your safety.
We also provide regular specialist ladies only self-defence courses using both male and female coaches. These provide focused, clear and concise principles for women to follow to help them to stay safe. ‘Prevention is far better than cure’ is certainly true for self defence. Although safety in our area is generally good, self protection in Hampshire is still important, these courses help you to learn the soft skills necessary to look after yourself. Self protection often overlooks emotional and mental self defence whereby we actively consider our own personal health and what we can do to foster it and guard it. Mindfulness is a key part of how we train this and develop our own bodies, knowledge and mind.
What Martial Arts can we teach you?
Within our School of Martial Arts, we teach Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Tai Chi We have a dedicated Ladies only Kickboxing class (Chinese Kickboxing or Kung Fu.)
Our qualified professional coaches are highly experienced in these Martial Arts and have been teaching in Basingstoke and further afield for many years.
Technical skills are necessary for coaches to help you get the best from your Martial Arts classes. However, all coaches have to be highly qualified as teachers of the Martial Arts. This means that they understand how to help you get the best from your training.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Martial Arts in Basingstoke
Thinking about starting Martial Arts? Here are answers to some of the questions adults commonly ask before attending their first class at Shin Gi Tai. We have a more comprehensive range of FAQs here; https://basingstokekarate.com/martial-arts-faqs-basingstoke/
Am I too old to start Martial Arts?
Definitely not. Adults regularly begin Martial Arts in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. You do not need to have started as a child to make meaningful progress.
Our coaches will help you train at a pace appropriate to your current fitness, mobility and experience. Our Basingstoke Tai Chi classes can be particularly suitable if you are looking for gentler, lower-impact exercise.
Do I need to get fit before I start?
No. Improving your fitness is one of the reasons to begin training.
You will not be expected to perform at the same level as experienced members. Your strength, stamina, flexibility and coordination can improve naturally as you attend classes regularly.
Can complete beginners join?
Absolutely. Most of our members started with little or no previous Martial Arts experience.
Our classes teach the foundations clearly before progressing to more advanced skills. The coaches will explain the techniques, help you work safely and give you time to develop at a pace suitable for you.
You can experience the academy and training by arranging a free Martial Arts taster class .
Which Martial Art is best for me?
The best choice depends on your goals, your preferred style of training and the type of class you are most likely to enjoy consistently.
- Karate and Kung Fu : A broad Martial Arts education combining striking, traditional forms, partner work, practical self-defence and a structured pathway towards Black Belt.
- Muay Thai : Energetic striking training using punches, kicks, knees, elbows, pad work and conditioning.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu : Grappling, positional control, takedowns, escapes and submission techniques, with an emphasis on leverage and problem-solving.
- Ladies-Only Kickboxing : Fitness, striking and practical skills taught in a friendly and supportive women-only environment.
- Tai Chi : Lower-impact training focused on controlled movement, posture, balance, relaxation and mental focus.
If you are still unsure, tell us what you would like to achieve and we will recommend the most suitable class.
Which Martial Art is best for fitness?
Muay Thai and Ladies-Only Kickboxing offer energetic striking-based workouts.
Karate and Kung Fu combine technical training, movement, pad work and conditioning, while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu provides a physically demanding grappling workout.
Tai Chi develops balance, posture, coordination and controlled movement at a gentler pace.
The best option is ultimately the class you enjoy enough to attend consistently.
Which Martial Art is best for self-defence?
Our Karate and Kung Fu training provides a broad combination of striking, close-quarter skills, partner work and practical self-protection principles.
Muay Thai develops effective striking and movement, while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu concentrates on grappling, escapes and positional control.
Effective self-protection should also include awareness, avoidance, confident communication and sensible decision-making. You can learn more in our self-protection resources .
Will I have to fight or spar?
No. You will begin with technical exercises, pad work and controlled partner drills.
Depending on the programme, more experienced members may progress to carefully managed sparring or rolling. This is introduced gradually, with the emphasis on developing skill and control rather than trying to hurt or overpower a training partner.
We teach members to work with their training partners, not against them.
Is Martial Arts training safe?
All physical activities involve some risk, but safety is central to the way our classes are taught.
Training is progressive and controlled. Members learn how to practise responsibly, communicate with their partners and work within their experience and physical capabilities.
Our dedicated Basingstoke Martial Arts facilities include specialist Martial Arts flooring and professional training equipment.
I have an old injury. Can I still train?
In many cases, yes. Plenty of adults arrive with an old knee, back, shoulder or other injury that needs to be considered.
Please tell us about any relevant injury or medical condition before your taster class. Our coaches can discuss appropriate adaptations and help you select the most suitable programme.
The Martial Art should fit your body, rather than forcing your body to fit the Martial Art.
If you are uncertain whether exercise is medically suitable for you, please seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before participating.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely, such as a T-shirt with tracksuit bottoms or leggings.
Most of our classes train barefoot on specialist mats. You will not need to purchase a uniform or equipment before attending your free taster class .
Can I attend my first class on my own?
Absolutely. Most new members attend their first class by themselves, although you are welcome to bring a friend if you would feel more comfortable.
You will be introduced to the coaches and paired appropriately during partner exercises. Our members remember what it was like to be new and will help you feel welcome.
How is Martial Arts different from joining a gym?
Martial Arts allows you to improve your fitness while learning practical skills and working towards clear goals. Every class is coached, varied and social, which can make it easier to remain motivated.
You are not simply completing another workout. You are developing an ability, becoming part of a community and learning something that can continue challenging you for years.
It also makes “skipping leg day” considerably more difficult.
How often should I train to get results?
For most adults, training twice a week provides a good balance between progress, recovery and other commitments.
Regular attendance helps you remember what you have learned and steadily improve your fitness, coordination and technique. Your coaches can advise you if you later want to train more frequently.
You can see the available classes on our Basingstoke Martial Arts timetable .
Where are the adult Martial Arts classes held?
All our Basingstoke classes take place at our full-time, professionally equipped Martial Arts academy:
Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy
Unit A, Daneshill Central
Armstrong Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 8NU
The academy has a spacious, fully matted training area, professional Martial Arts equipment and a comfortable café and viewing area.
You can find more information and photographs on our Basingstoke Martial Arts facilities page .
Is parking available at the academy?
Yes. Free parking is available at our Daneshill academy and on the surrounding roads, making it convenient to attend daytime and evening classes.
More information about the location is available on our facilities page .
What days and times do the adult classes run?
We provide adult classes on several days throughout the week, including Karate, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Ladies-Only Kickboxing and Tai Chi.
As class times can occasionally change, please check our current Basingstoke class timetable for the latest days and times.
Can I try a class before joining?
Yes. You can book a free taster class, meet our coaches and experience the training before deciding whether Shin Gi Tai is right for you.
There is no pressure to join afterwards. The session gives you an opportunity to experience the class, see our Basingstoke academy and ask any questions you may have.
What our members think
Your individual and group approach helps people speak up about their needs without feeling uncomfortable about speaking to the whole group. It helps build confidence and trust in oneself.
Find out more about Adult Martial Arts in Basingstoke
Whether you have questions about the classes, your needs or whether Martial Arts is the right fit, we’re here to help. Complete the form below and one of our coaches will be in touch