Welcome To My Website

   Welcome to the Fighting Tigers Martial Arts Home Page. This page will be updated monthly (sometimes daily) so please come back and visit often. I have included several bits of information about myself, the school, class information and brief paragraph on karate history. I hope you enjoy it. I have also included several informative links at the bottom of  the page for your review as well as a listing of current events and notices.

 My motto, “Training for Black Belt Excellence,” expresses the school's commitment to bringing out the best in each student stressing personal growth and achievement through positive reinforcement. We believe successful martial arts training brings not only the ability to defend ones self but also improved fitness, self-control, confidence, leadership skills, and a strong spirit of effort and commitment.

             Our mission is to provide the Warren Area with high quality instruction using traditional and modern teaching techniques while still keeping learning fun and safe. By doing this, we produce highly qualified Black Belt instructors to pass on the art. My goal is to keep a low drop out rate within my school after they achieve their Black Belts by stressing that the goal is not to achieve rank but to gain knowledge, learn how to teach and pass on the "way". My goal is not to produce many Black Belts but to produce highly qualified instructors in traditional karate. We set our goals and expectation levels high for this reason.

            My school also offers private and group classes in traditional karate,  self-defense, police defensive tactics and police ASP baton certification.  As a public service, we offer free informative programs and demos to local non-profit groups and organizations. We also offer free self defense seminars and child safety programs to schools and youth groups, women's batters groups and other organizations. 

 

About Nelson Sensei and history of the Fighting Tigers:

I  hold a 6th degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and ranking in four other martial arts styles. I have been training in the martial arts since 1973 under several nationally and world known Japanese and American instructors. I am a member of the US Ju-Jitsu Federation and have been a past PA State Representative for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and USA Karate Federation (USAKF). I am a three-time USAKF National Champion and All-American and was rated in the top ten nationally from 1990 to 2000 in both the AAU and USAKF. I am a national Head Referee for the National Black Belt League Annual World Games in the Japanese/Okinawan Traditional Forms Division and a past referee for both the AAU and USAKF. In May 2008 I was inducted into the Martial Arts World Magazine Hall of Fame and in April 2009 I was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Martial Artist of the Year for my accomplishments and dedication to the Martial Arts and the community. 

     I started the Fighting Tigers in the winter of 1988 in the basement of my house teaching some of my son’s friends and moved to the old YWCA when I outgrew my basement. I find myself now teaching the children of former students when they were children (not that I feel old or anything). 

We train in traditional Shotokan Karate but also incorporate traditional weapons training into our core lesson plans. Weapons include; bo, tonfa, sai, sword, eku, and boken. Our self defense incorporates elements of boxing, ground fighting and jujitsu as well as karate techniques

    

 

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    Our facility provides changing rooms and shower for our students, a seating area for visitors and a friendly clean safe environment to train in. My instructors and I offer high quality instruction with personal attention to the progress of each student using a combination of modern and traditional training programs to make learning consistent, safe, effective and fun. 

 

    I formed the school’s Competition Team in 1990. From 1990 to 2000, the Fighting Tigers Karate Team earned a total of 11 National titles, 19 Eastern US Regional and 24 Pennsylvania State Titles in fighting, weapons and forms competition as well as several hundred trophies at local tournaments in the tri-state area. The 2008 Team, pictured right, just recently concluded the tournament season winning 20 firsts, 19 seconds, 13 thirds and 4 fourth place finishes in forms, fighting, self defense and weapons competition. Shepherd Sensei also won his first Kata Grand Championship trophy this year beating out all the first place finishers at the Ohio Tournament..

                                            These are the members of  our 2009 Competition Team.

 

We’ve celebrated many successes over the years and I’ve seen many of my students develop into fine adults. I hope some of what they learned in class as far as respect, dedication, perseverance, self-control and leadership has carried into their daily lives. I would like to thank everyone, including my present students and parents, who have helped make the school a success over the past twenty years. I hope to carry on the success of the Fighting Tigers for twenty more.

 

Quick Announcements

  • Congratulations to Larry Ahn and Jackie Shaw for their wins at the Erie Open on June 13th. Larry took a second in forms and a fourth in fighting. Jackie took a fourth in forms. The tournament was hosted by Brian Arrington and Les Jones of Erie and had competitors from Pa, Ny, Oh and Canada. It was an NBL qualifier for the World Championships to be held this December in Buffalo, Ny.
  • Thirteen members of Kimio Nelson’s Fighting Tigers Martial Arts, recently competed at the Champion of the Sword Martial Arts Tournament held in Albion, Pa Sunday May 17. The tournament was hosted by Master Mikki Bort and was dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. It was attended by competitors from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Canada. Winners were Michael Miranda- first in novice fighting, first in forms; Larry Ahn-  first place in intermediate forms, first in fighting; Cody Clark- first in intermediate forms, second in fighting and third in weapons; Grant Nystrom- first in novice forms; Dave Colvin-  second in Black Belt weapons, third in forms and fourth in fighting; Derek Knapp- second in intermediate forms and fourth in weapons; Noah Colvin- second in advanced forms and fourth in weapons; Jarrett Brown- second in intermediate forms and fourth in fighting; Jack Shaw- second in novice forms; Jake Russ- third in intermediate fighting and fifth in forms; Makenna Brown- third in intermediate forms;  Josh Chimenti- third in novice forms; Trystan Sandak- fourth in novice fighting. 09 Champion of the Sword
  • Special Summer college student special; 3 months for $50. All styles welcome.
  • Nelson Sensei was recently  inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame on April 4th as the 2009 Martial Artist of the Year. The Plaque and Certificate was presented by Grand Master James Thomas co-founder of the Hall of Fame. The USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame is one of the oldest Hall of Fames in the nation. It was originally started by Robert Trias and Thomas in 1976 as the Karate Hall of Fame to recognize the best in karate nationally but was later changed by Thomas to include all martial artists of different styles and systems.

  • For Sale: 30X30 inch red and blue puzzle mats for sale, Brand new;. $15 ea. or if 25 or more $10 ea., Wall mount heavy bag stands; $25, hot and cold office water dispenser; $40. See me if interested or call 723-2358.

  • Starting in April, Our club will be offering the Ultimate Karate Birthday Party for up to 10 children. We do all the work. You just bring the cake and ice-cream and sit back and watch the fun. We supply the pizza (and or wings), drinks, invitations, do all the set up and clean up and offer an exciting program that your child and friends will remember. This is an exciting and dynamic party that will make your child the center of attention.Special early bird specials available for early bookings. See link for info or call 723-2358 to register your party. The Ultimate Birthday Party
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  • Quick Information Links:(more below)
  • Can My Child or I Get Hurt In Martial Arts             Advice to Parents and Teachers on BullingBullies at RiskBulliesBulling: More Than Sticks and Stones    Can My Child or I Get Hurt In Martial Arts   Can the Martial Arts Help Children with ADD    Can The Martial Arts Help My Child Cope With Bullies    Learn CPR WebsiteCyber Bullying   Dealing with a bully   Dealing with and How not to become a bully   Dealing with bulliesLinks to prevent school Bullying    Parents Use the Martial Arts for Back-to-School Excellence   FAQ   Selecting a School   School Bullying    Selecting a School    The challenge of handling and preventing netbullying    Tips on Finding A Good Martial Arts School     Why Would I Want to Put My Child in the Martial Arts     
  • Quick Class Info links:

  Class Rates and Hours   Current Members   Juniors Classes(10-14)   How to tie your belt   Instructors   Juniors Classes   Monthly Dojo News   My Black Belts   Adult Classes(15+)    Rank Requirements   Tiger Cubs(5-9)

 2009 Group Photos

 

Come join your friends!!

 

 

 Why Choose us:

 

  • We set ourselves apart from the rest of the local martial arts community for several reasons:
  • We offer two free classes without any commitment to join. Come on in, try it out and if you like it, join for a month. Try all the different things we have to offer or just come in and watch.

  • We offer a variety of subjects and classes not offered by the others. View the monthly Dojo News link for the class schedule to see some of the subjects taught at our school and also the events and notices link for upcoming specialized classes. 
  • We set a high level of expectation for our students. We maintain a level of proficiency not equaled by other schools.
  • We offer world class champion level instruction at small-town rates without the hidden costs that other schools have. We have no testing fees, no high start up costs, no high cost equipment to buy. 
  •  We offer a flexible schedule Monday through Thursday to fit your needs.
  • We use modern and traditional training methods to ensure progress while maintaining a fun safe atmosphere in which to learn.
  • There are no high equipment fees. We are a traditional dojo and do not require the high cost equipment that others schools do. Average cost for all equipment required is $67 and there is no need to buy any equipment until after the first trial month.
  • We have no belt testing fees. Belt testing is included in the monthly fee and is based on the students ability, effort and commitment. This includes Black Belt ranks where other schools charge hundreds of dollars for each rank.
  • We have specialized children's classes for various ages from our Tiger Cub Program for 6-9  year olds,  to our Juniors division for students 10 to 14 years.

  • We have limited class sizes to ensure individualized instruction and that students don't get lost in the crowd.
  • We have no high start up costs, hidden fees or membership fees. Everything is included in the low monthly class fees.
  • My instructors attend regular on-going Instructor Training and Certification to ensure consistency though out the programs. Each Instructor is certified by me to teach the level they are assigned.

 

  

Karate and Children

 

  With the popularity of martial art movies, comics and toys, martial arts have seen a tremendous increase in enrollment. Karate has a lot to offer children. Self-confidence, leadership, fitness, coordination and discipline. The mental concentration involved in karate can help students succeed in school. It provides a physical outlet for children who may have aggressive tendencies. The rules and attitude of the dojo and instructor will carry on into their lives out of the dojo. While other sports concentrate on winning, karate emphasizes the building of character and self-confidence. Parents who wish to enroll their child in a karate school face a difficult task in choosing a good instructor. When selecting a school, first observe a class with your child. Watch how the instructor relates to the children.  Will the teaching style be compatible with your child? Look for the overall level of proficiency of the students. Do the children of one rank look about the same or is there a disparity of skills within the same rank. Is the goal of the instructor to make money? Is there hidden costs not mentioned in the interview? Is the head instructor present during your child's class? Many factors are involved in

choosing the right school and making it a positive experience for your child. Children who study karate seriously will gain skills that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives. More importantly from the child's viewpoint, Karate should be fun!

 

 Please view the following links for info on the various children's classes. Tiger Cubs: 5-9 years, Juniors: 10-14 years. 

See:  Tiger Cubs   Juniors Classes

 Early karate beginnings

Karate is an ancient martial art whose origins date back over 1000 years. The art known as karate (empty hand) was once known as Okinawan-te (Okinawan hand).  Its roots can be traced back to China when a monk named Dharma developed a system of exercise at the Shao Lin monastery. The Shao Lin style was developed to build strength and endurance. Many of the monks were sickly and weak from their lifestyle.

      The Shao Lin style migrated to Okinawa, an Island located between China and Japan. Around 200 years ago, Japan invaded Okinawa and forbade the use of weapons to prevent an armed uprising. The local inhabitants combined the Shao Lin style with their own fighting methods. They called the new style karate in recognition of its Chinese origins. "Kara" means Chinese and "te" meant hand in Chinese calligraphy. Karate originally meant Chinese hand but was later changed to empty hand because of Japanese calligraphy and Gichin Funakoshi the founder of Shotokan Karate.  See link for expanded history of Shotokan Karate. Karate History

 

Free Karate Demo Team and Training programs

available for your event or organization:  

Do you or your group or organization want a special Seminar, demonstration and informative program?We are available for Blue and Gold Dinners, PTO events, Pack Meetings, etc. No cost to schools and profit-free organizations. We offer free self-defense and anti-abduction training programs to schools and students as a public service. For more information or free brochure, contact Kimio Nelson at 723-BELT (2358) or at kimionelson@verizon.net.  See the below link for pictures of our 2007 demo at Beaty playground.     Karate Demo Pics  

 

Upcoming Tournaments/Seminars

 

Date to Tournament/Seminar Location Format
2/28 AAU Samurai Tournament Rochester, Ny Trad
3/6 3/8 Arnold Martial Arts Festival Columbus, Oh Trad
3/15 AAU Open Tournament Rochester, Ny Trad
3/28 Laurel State Championships White Oaks, Pa Open
3/29 USA Karate Championships Highland Springs, Va Trad
4/10 4/12 UAS-NKF Jr. Olympics/Karate Open Las Vegas, Nv Trad
4/11 AAU Niagra District Tournament Rochester, Ny Trad
5/1 Kumite Classic Pittsburgh, Pa Trad
5/3 USA-NKF Regional Championship Mason, Oh Trad
5/9 5/10 AAU District Championship Albany, Ny Trad
5/16 Crescent Moon Classic Buffalo, Ny
5/17 Championship of the Sword Edinboro, Pa Open
6/18 6/20 AAU Nationals Ft. Lauderdale. Fl Trad
7/14 7/19 USA-NKF Nationals Ft. Lauderdale. Fl Trad
7/17 7/21 Super Summer Seminar Seminar
8/1 Erie Open Erie, Pa Trad
9/1 SMAC International Batavia, Ny Trad

   

 

 

Photos: 

 

Contact Information:

Kimio Nelson, Master Instructor
School Address:  338 Pa. Ave. West, Warren, Pa 16365 (above Fresh Cup)
Mailing Address:7 Mead Blvd, Clarendon, Pa 16313
Telephone: 814-723-BELT (2358)
E-Mail: kimionelson@verizon.net 

 

 

Katas of the Shotokan System:  Bassai dai  Bassai Sho  Chinte  Empi  Gankaku  Gojushiho Dai  Gojushiho Sho  Hangetsu  Heian Godan  Heian Nidan  Heian Sandan  Heian Shodan  Heian Yodan  Jiin  Jion  Jutte  Kanku Dai  Kanku Sho  Meikyo  Nijushiho  Sochin  Taikiyoko Shodan  Tekki Nidan  Tekki Sandan  Tekki Shodan  Unsu  Wankan  Shotokan Kata Text Format  Kata Bunkai/Application  Kata Names

 

 

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