Sponsored by
Get fit with a modern martial art
The instructors at Tring Martial Arts have been providing quality fitness and martial art training in Tring since July 2005 and have seen the club grow considerably, teaching more students and holding extra classes.
Tring Martial Arts (TMA) provides martial art training in a number of styles. Primarily the modern martial art of kickboxing is taught, with around 50 students studying this style. In addition to kickboxing, tai chi chuan and krav maga (the self defence style of the Israeli military) are also taught.
TMA was founded by its chief instructor Chris Allen, who holds the rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt in kickboxing and 1st Dan Black Belt in judo.
Chris has 22 years experience in the martial arts and is a qualified weapons instructor, competition referee and judge. He has also competed at national and European levels for four years. In 2005 he took bronze in the European Championships.
Chris set up the school with the assistance and support of his own instructor, Master Richard Farmer of Streetwise in Hemel Hempstead, in 2005. TMA has grown from a one-hour class per week to 12 hours per week.
Chris explained: "By having the opportunity to teach more than just two or three classes per week we're genuinely able to cater for each person's individual goals. For instance, we have around 50 students who train in the style of kickboxing with a view to one day attaining a black belt.
"On the other hand, we have people train with us purely for the fitness element of our style," he added. "Recently Muscle and Fitness magazine voted kickboxing as one of the best exercises for burning calories with an average burn of between 600 to 800 calories per session."
"I was amazed at how fast we have grown," he said. "We now have around 70 students and cater for all ages from children as young as five-years-old to our most senior member at 57-years-old. It has always been very important to me to provide an environment whereby people of all ages, abilities and walks of life can come together, to achieve their goals without fear of prejudice or bullying."
He added: "I receive many enquiries each week and the main concerns raised, especially from people new to martial arts, is the image of the 'Dungeon Dojo' - lots of sweaty men kicking and hitting each other. This description couldn't be further from the truth. TMA strives to provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere to beginners and experienced martial artists alike through mixed classes, a structured curriculum, a safe environment and a well appointed training facility. In addition to this all the instructors at TMA have CRB clearance, first aid training and are fully insured."
Tanya Adams, who was recently made senior instructor at TMA, is responsible for teaching the children's syllabus and acts as their child protection officer. She said: "I joined TMA when they opened in July 2005. I wanted to meet people in the area and attempt to increase my fitness. As a rule I normally don't enjoy exercise – however, I thoroughly enjoy this.
"Kickboxing nights are my favourite nights of the week. Since joining I have lost over two stones in weight and discovered muscles I never knew I had. It is a great atmosphere, Chris is fantastic and it is a great group of people. We go out for drinks together and generally have a blast.
She added: "I am totally committed to Tring Martial Arts and think joining is one of the most positive things I have ever done. Without hesitation I would encourage new people to join us - it is fun, a great workout and quite cool to be a brown belt and senior instructor."
Tanya teaches the Kickbox Kids class which is a term-based class for five to 10-year-old children. "I get a lot out of teaching the KBK class," she said. "As a mother myself I recognise the great benefits that martial art training can teach a child, such as discipline, self respect and respect for others, humility, self confidence, concentration and fitness."
Another member of TMA's teaching staff is Dominic Veal who recently made the step up from assistant instructor to hold the position of instructor. His main focus is their competition squad and for organising squad training and competition entries.
"Dominic is a formidable opponent in the ring and competes at local and national level. As we continue to expand, I hope that Dominic will become an integral part of the club, teaching on behalf of TMA in his own right in the future," said Chris.
Speaking on his life before Tring Martial Arts Chris added: "I began my martial arts career when I was nine-years-old, attending judo classes in my home town in Cornwall. After reaching 1st Dan in judo, I tried many different styles including ju jitsu, tai kwon do and kickboxing. In April 2005, under the tuition of Master Farmer, I achieved the rank of Black Belt 1st Dan in kickboxing.
"Once I moved from Cornwall to Hertfordshire for employment, I led a very sedate lifestyle, too much food and drink and little exercise. I started kickboxing at the age of 22, as I had tried going to gyms and running, but solitary exercise never held my attention for too long. I find working out in a group to be the most encouraging and rewarding. I would recommend it to everyone."
Tring Martial Arts meets at the Ridgeway Scout Hall, Grove Road in Tring on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6pm and Sundays from 11am. They offer three beginners' classes, two intermediate, one advanced, two sparring classes and many courses on self defence, weapons and tai chi.
For more information visit www.TringMartialArts.com or call Chris on 07793 381322.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Champions Red Bull set to unveil Mark Webber’s new RB8
- Aylesbury murder trial latest: ‘Family row night before killing’
- Slipping and a sliding in the Bourg Walk boogie
- Aylesbury murder trial latest: Police criticised over ‘unfair’ interviews with ‘loving’ husband
- Aylesbury murder trial latest: ‘Blood found on husband’s shoes’
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Aylesbury
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South
