Introduction
Tigers Shotokan Karate was founded in 1996 by Vando and Concetta De-Bellis a husband and wife team who have many years of experience teaching karate and have trained with top International competitors and top English and Japanese Instructors. The club runs under the umbrella of Shi Kon and is affiliated to the British Sports Council recognised English Karate Governing Body EKGB.

Karate is taught in a friendly and enthusiastic environment and children's classes are designed to meet their needs and are children friendly.

Tigers Shotokan Karate has grown from strength to strength with all class Instructors having to train regularly with the Chief Instructor insuring that a high standard is maintained throughout the clubs. There's a great cross section of members: school children; teenagers; graduates; nurses; accountants; builders; engineers and management consultants. There's something great, uplifting and humbling to step aside from work and try to master mind and body - for yourself. When you do it gives you that extra vitality when next day you go to work, or school to be able to do more there too. This is not exclusive to Karate, but what I'm trying to say is it's more stretching than just doing the gym and the rewards accordingly much greater.

The club has an enviable following and it's annual tournament was even reviewed in Traditional Karate magazines May '99 issue.

THE BENEFITS FROM KARATE

Karate provides it's practitioners not only with ability to protect themselves in the event of an attack but gives self control, determination, mental alertness, self confidence to mention but a few of the benefits that it can bring. Karate enhances the male physique as with a women's figure. It enhances your cardiovascular capacity whilst stimulating the mind continuously, unlike repetitious exercise routines which can be boring. It excises all parts of your body keeping it young and subtle. If you work hard you'll leave your training session tired but full of life and mental energy - you'll leave with a buzz.

GRADINGS

Gradings are held regularly and are overseen by the Chief Instructor to maintain a consistent standard. Students are advised by their Club Instructor as to when they should attempt the next grading examination. See the grades listing for grading levels.

LICENCE

As soon as you start training with Tigers Shotokan Karate you will need to fill in a licence application form, this is necessary because we need your personal details, knowledge of any medical conditions and a contact number and address in the event of an emergency. Your licence is your passport registering you with English Karate Governing Body, it registers your grades and all other details concerning your training. A person to person insurance, capital, permanent and temporary disablement benefit are included in the licence fee.

Tigers Shotokan Karate always endeavour to act in a responsible manner and strive to create a safe learning environment for any student registered with them.

COSTS

The club is driven by passion not monetary ambitions, we aim to keep prices low. Kids classes are �3.00 a session, adults �4.00 a session, your annual licence/membership (including insurance) is �23.00 and gradings cost �13.00.

Why not come along and give it a try, see the Join Us section.

Dojo Kun
Morals of the dojo (training place)
Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto!
One! To strive for the perfection of character!
Hitotsu! Makoto no michi o mamoru koto!
One! To defend the paths of truth!
Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin yashinau koto!
One! To foster the the spirit of effort
Hitotsu! Reigi o omonzuru koto!
One! To honour the principals of etiquette!
Hitotsu! Kekki no yu o imashimuru koto!
One! To guard against impetuous courage!

"I promise to uphold the true spirit of Karate-Do and never to use the skills I am taught against any persons, except for the defence of myself, family or friends in the instances of extreme danger or unprovoked attack, or in support of law and order."