Competition Squads
Shin Gi Tai has a proud competition record in both Karate and Kung Fu, with national champions, European medallists and members selected to compete for England. Competing is never compulsory, but for members who want to test their skills, it builds confidence, resilience and focus, and is a great way to set goals.
Our squads are open to children and adults, and our coaches help each competitor choose the right events and prepare properly for them, from their first local competition through to national and international championships.
About our competition squads
- Disciplines: Karate (kumite and kata) and Kung Fu, including Sanda, Light Sanda, semi-contact and forms
- Children’s training (10+): Kickboxing & Competition Training, Tuesday 5:30–6:15pm and Wednesday 5:45–7:00pm
- Adult training: Competition and Sparring, Monday 8:30–9:30pm
- Competing: optional, as many members train without ever competing
- Results: European and World Karate champions, many national Sanda and Light Sanda titles, and a European bronze medal
- Coaches: Head Coach Bryan Andrews, 7th degree black belt and BCCMA Coach Tutor, with Sifu Will, Ollie and Ed Andrews, all BCCMA Level 2 coaches and experienced fight coaches, plus qualified judges and referees
- Sparring kit: head guard, boxing gloves, foot and shin protectors and gumshield, all supplied by the academy for insurance reasons
Karate competition squad
Our Karate squad has been one of the most successful parts of the club since we started it in 2011. Members have competed for England at the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) European and World Championships, winning gold medals at both European and World level.
Members train both kumite (sparring) and kata (forms). Our coaches include past World, European and National champions, so they know what it takes to perform at the highest level, and how to pass that on.
Our competitors have won titles at events including the English Open Karate Championships, the Shikon International Open, the British Karate Open, the Berlin Open, the Welsh Open National Championships, the English Karate Council National Championships, and the European and World Karate Championships.
Kung Fu competition squad
As members of the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA), Sport England’s recognised National Governing Body for Chinese Martial Arts, our members can join the Shi Kon national Kung Fu squad and compete nationally and internationally.
Our Kung Fu competitors are especially strong in Sanda and Light Sanda, or Chinese kickboxing, which combines punches and kicks with throws and tests fighters at every range. The squad has won many national titles, several members have competed at European level, and one has won a European bronze medal. Members can also compete in semi-contact, push hands and forms.
Our coaching team includes national champions and qualified judges and referees, so competitors understand the rules as well as the skills.
Training for competition
Children aged 10 and over train in our Kickboxing & Competition Training sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which welcome both competitors and members who simply enjoy kickboxing and sparring. Adults train in our Competition and Sparring class on Monday evenings. See the full timetable.
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Experience a class, meet our professional coaching team and discover whether Shin Gi Tai is right for you. No previous experience is required. There’s absolutely no obligation to join, it’s simply an opportunity to discover whether we’re the right fit for you.
What our members think
Competition Squad Questions Answered
Thinking about competing? Here are the answers to the questions members and parents most often ask about our competition squads in Basingstoke.
Who can join your competition squads?
Competing is open to any member who wants to give it a try, from children through to adults. Coaches will help you decide when you are ready for your first event and which competitions suit you best.
Does my child have to compete?
No. Competing is entirely optional. Our training sessions include many members who never compete, and they train the same skills in the same classes as those who do.
When is competition training?
Children aged 10 and over can attend Kickboxing & Competition Training on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:15pm and Wednesdays from 5:45 to 7:00pm. Adults have Competition and Sparring training on Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30pm.
Please check our current Basingstoke timetable, as class times can occasionally change.
What competitions do your members enter?
Our members compete in Karate (kumite and kata) and in Kung Fu, including Sanda, Light Sanda, semi-contact, push hands and forms. Events range from local and regional competitions to national championships and international events.
What is Sanda and Light Sanda?
Sanda, also called Sanshou, is Chinese kickboxing. It combines punches and kicks with throws and takedowns. Light Sanda is a lighter-contact version, which makes it a good starting point for younger and newer competitors.
What have your competitors achieved?
Our Karate squad has produced European and World champions, with members selected to compete for England. In Kung Fu, our members have won many national titles in Sanda and Light Sanda, several have competed at European level, and one has won a European bronze medal.
Who coaches the competition squads?
Our squads are coached by Head Coach Bryan Andrews, a 7th degree black belt and British Council for Chinese Martial Arts Coach Tutor, with Sifu Will Andrews, Sifu Ollie Andrews and Sifu Ed Andrews, who are all BCCMA Level 2 coaches. Our team also includes qualified judges and referees, so competitors understand the rules as well as the skills.
Is competing safe?
Competitions are run under governing body rules, with referees, protective equipment and contact levels matched to age and experience. Coaches only enter members into events they are ready for.
What equipment is needed?
For sparring and competition, members need a head guard, boxing gloves, foot and shin protectors and a gumshield. For insurance reasons, sparring kit must be supplied by the academy.
How do I get started?
If you are already a member, speak to your coach about competition training. If you are new, book a free taster class or call 01256 364104. There is no obligation to join.
Interested in Competing?
Whether you want to win titles or simply test your skills, our coaches will help you take the next step. New members can start with a free taster class.
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