Iain Tyrie founded Shintai Karate in Luton in 2006, and it has now relocated to Southsea, Hampshire. The club is affiliated to the International Association of Shotokan Karate (IASK) under the guidance of Shihan Nicholas Adamou, a highly respected 10th Dan practitioner following the Shotokan style of Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa.
Shintai Karate is a welcoming club that encourages students from other associations and styles to come and train. They believe in enjoying karate without any politics, ego, or the belief that one way or style is better than another. Beginners are always welcome, and the club does not require introductory courses. Instead, lessons are tailored and differentiated to meet the specific needs of the individuals training.
Whether your goal is to improve fitness, flexibility, co-ordination, reduce stress, or learn self-defence skills, Shintai Karate offers a supportive and encouraging environment where you can achieve your goals. The club also values the importance of mental well-being and strives to instil self-confidence in their members.
In addition to Karate classes, starting January 2023, Shintai Karate will also offer classes in Tai Chi and Qigong. These classes will focus on exercises that improve balance, mobility, and overall health.
The club is run by Sensei Iain Tyrie, who holds a 7th Dan title. He began his training in the British Karate Association (BKA) under Sensei Mick Payne in 1974. After a break, during which he obtained a degree in Biological Sciences, he resumed training with the Shotokan Karate International (SKI) in 1981, under the guidance of Senseis Charlie Potter, Tiru Manium, Les McDonnell, and Simon McDonnell. He achieved his Shodan from Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa in 1989, training with various other prominent Senseis along the way.
Shintai Karate's classes are open to both adults and children aged six and above. All classes are pay-as-you-go and currently cost 5 per session for Karate on Saturday and Tai Chi on Sunday. Wednesday classes for adults cost 7, while children and students can attend for 5. An interesting aspect of this club is that parents accompanying children on Saturdays can train for free, emphasising the family-oriented nature of the classes.
Shintai Karate offers Karate classes on Saturday mornings at St. Swithun's church hall, Waverly Road, Southsea. The venue provides convenient parking accessed from Collingwood Road. Wednesday evening classes are held at Havelock Community Centre, Fawcett Road, Southsea, in the upstairs hall.
The Wednesday classes are suitable for individuals aged 16 and above, although younger students with prior experience can also join. Additionally, Tai Chi and Qigong classes take place on Sunday mornings at Havelock Community Centre.
If you are interested in joining Shintai Karate or have any inquiries, you can contact Sensei Iain Tyrie directly at 07941490181 or via email at iain@shintaikarate. Co. uk. For more information and updates on the club, you can visit their website and their YouTube channel, which showcases their training sessions.