Riki Gi Tan means "Power, Technique, Discipline". It is a traditional Karate style formed from a blend of Shotokan and Goju-Ryu Karate. Riki Gi Tan uses Kata, principles and technique from both these parent styles. From Goju-Ryu comes the circular, flowing blocks and Kata such as Saifa, Seiunchin and Sepai. Taken from Shotokan are powerful blocks, strikes and Kata including the Heian, Bassai, Empi and Kanku series. Many of Riki Gi Tans strikes, blocks and kicks are used in both Shotokan and Goju-Ryu. Riki Gi Tan began in 1999, founded by Sensei Alan Bess, and aims to teach traditional technique with an emphasis on power, technique and discipline.

Sensei Alan Bess started teaching karate in 1994 for a Shotokan, Goju-Ryu based club. In 1998 his instructor went to the U.K at which time Sensei Alan moved on to a Shotokan club were he was offered another teaching position. This prompted him to teach for himself, and Riki Gi Tan Karate was formed. It is important to Sensei Alan that we maintain a high level of Karate and discipline but at the same time make sure that everyone enjoys themselves.

We give our students opportunities to compete in tournaments. Tournaments are a regular event for anyone who is interested. Ranging from local to international for those who qualify. All of our students that compete do very well so much so that we have World Title holders as well as national titles and state titles. Tournaments are about putting what you learn in class into practice and this is something that our students do very well. This gives them confidence and pride in what they are learning. We also do Koshiki fighting for anyone that is interested.

The grading system we use is a fairly extensive one having to pass 10 levels to achieve a black belt. How quickly you grade is up to you and how much work you put into your training. If you hold a grade in another style, it will be considered and you will be graded according to your ability. We hold a grading 3 times a year and most people will attend each grading for the first 4 or 5 levels. Within a couple of weeks of becoming a member you will receive A Grading Manual, which has what you are required to do for each level in it.

This is a copy of our grading Certificate. Each time you grade you will receive one of these along with the relevant colour belt at the end of the grading. Once earning the rank of Black Belt you will receive an A3 framed certificate and a Black Belt embroidered with your name and club. You will receive this at the end of your grading. We also have an end of year awards night, which is at a end of year break-up BBQ at the home of Sensei Alan and his wife, Lee. Each instructor nominates students for a range of awards for which they will receive a trophy or certificate.

Grading Certificate