What does Shin Gi Tai Mean?

Photo of Tai Chi Class

 

Shi Ti Gi

Shin represents mind, heart and good spirit – When we train we should always be aware of what we are doing and need to consider our approach to the techniques we learn. Perhaps more importantly learn and practise well the strategies in our own mind to prevent us ever having to use our martial arts skills outside of the training hall. Shin can also mean spirit and this is the ‘fighting’ spirit that we show, we never give up and always try our hardest.

Gi represents skill, knowledge and experience – We must work hard and strive to perfect our techniques in order to be able to perform them effectively. Many of us find certain techniques difficult, and with these we must work extra hard to become good at them. With each skill we learn, we refine it to work for us as an individual.

Tai represents the body and physical effort  – We must be able to take every movement we make and make it part of the whole body in order to maximise its effectiveness. It also means that our bodies must be healthy enough to practise and to be able to adapt quickly, if necessary, to a changing situation.

On our logo there are four waves coming off the circle, these represent Shin – Gi – Tai and the fourth is the concept of each of these coming together into one, Mind, Skill and Body in harmony which is one of the highest ideals in any Martial Arts practice.

The waves are illustrated as a circle because as we progress as a Martial Artist practitioner or coach, we strive to continuously re-develop our knowledge and skills to reach the dream of perfection. This is the never ending journey for the Martial Artist that takes a lifetime to get close to reaching.

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Our role as a club

We transform the lives of individuals through Martial Arts by helping them to become physically, emotionally and socially stronger in a safe and supportive community.

format_quoteI trained with Shin Gi Tai Karate myself up until 2016, so when my daughter wanted to start martial arts there was nowhere else I would have chosen. She’s now been training with Shin Gi Tai for two years and absolutely loves it. The difference in her confidence and sociability has been amazing to see. The classes teach far more than just karate — they help children learn important values like responsibility, respect, discipline and perseverance. She attends twice a week and is completely focused on improving, working through her belts and becoming the best version of herself. The instructors led by Bryan are brilliant with the children, supportive while still encouraging them to push themselves and grow. I couldn’t recommend Shin Gi Tai highly enough for anyone looking to help their child build confidence, fitness and life skills in a positive environment.format_quote
format_quoteOur boys have been coming to Shin Gi Tai (SGT) since just before the first lockdown. They were very anxious at the start, they only had a short period of in‑person training before everything moved online. Despite that, SGT kept them engaged throughout lockdown and helped them grow in both skill and confidence. I’ll always remember how they looked forward to every virtual session, fully dressed in their gi and ready for their sensei. A few years on, the transformation in them has been remarkable. They now train several times a week, take part in competition training, and attend the Junior Leadership Academy. They’ve progressed through their belts, and while our eldest has been a junior coach for some time, our youngest is now training to join the junior coaching team too. We’ve seen changes in their confidence, behaviour, discipline, resilience, and overall character, everything you’d hope for when choosing a martial arts school. SGT truly builds a community where children support each other, and they live the slogan 'we rise when we lift each other' every single day. For us, this is an investment in our children’s mental and physical development, and we’re proud to be lifelong members. Both the Basingstoke and Winchester sites are excellent, and I highly recommend them to any parent considering classes for their child.format_quote
Venus
format_quoteWhen I see my boys enjoying a class and actually having fun. That to me is what it’s all about. Kate and Bryan achieved that yesterday and I am very grateful. More please.format_quote
Neil
format_quoteAwesome classes in both Karate and Muay Thai on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. I love all aspects of the classes.format_quote
Joshua
format_quoteAn enjoyable class as always, The instructor has a good teaching methodformat_quote
Sean
format_quoteI attended the beginners Yoga course last night and wanted to let you know that it was amazing, a wonderful yoga teacher and class structure, she made everyone feel at ease and led the class at everyone's own pace.format_quote
Stuart
format_quoteEven after a long day at college, my daughter doesn't want to go but does anyway. When she comes out beaming after a great class and all the stress of the day gone, we are both pleased we found your classes.format_quote
Sara
format_quoteMy son came out telling me about the new skills he'd learnt. He continued talking about his class during dinner and today was practising karate whilst waiting to leave the house! Thank you for igniting a fire in his belly. He's grown in confidence, massively which has supported his willingness to try other sports, openly discuss his feelings and be a little bit bolder!format_quote
Quinn Hamer
format_quoteMy son (name redacted) has anxiety issues and the leaders do a fantastic job of reassuring him and manage to get him in the class! Which is no easy feat. He loves the classes when he’s there. He gets plenty of exercise and is very excited when he learns something new. I am so pleased with this club.format_quote
JH
format_quoteLove the combination of fitness and technical work and the friendly environment. Thank you for making a non-sporty old woman welcome, joining SGT is having a big impact on my physical and mental health (in a good way, obviously)format_quote
Emma Ogden
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