fightingtigersMA - Kimio Nelson's National Champion Fighting Tigers Martial Arts "Training For Black Belt Excellen

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.

    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 also 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. In May 2008 I was inducted into the Martial Arts World Magazine Hall of Fame for my accomplishments and dedication to the Martial Arts.

     This year the dojo will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. 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. Taiji, my son, Tim Rodgers and Dave Colvin are some of my old students from back then who are still with me. 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, throwing stars, and boken. Our self defense incorporates elements of boxing, ground fighting and jujitsu as well as karate techniques.

    Our facility provides changing rooms 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. I've formed a new competition team for the 2008 season. So far we have attended 6 tournaments and won over 44 wins.

    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 our twenty years. I hope to carry on the success of the Fighting Tigers for twenty more.

Quick announcements

Congratulations to the team members who competed at the Erie Open held in Erie, Pa Saturday August 24th. The Tournament was hosted by Brian and Lester Jones and had competitors from the Tri-State area and Canada. This tournament was a qualifier for the NBL Super Grand World Championship to be held in Sacramento California in December. Winners were: Derek Knapp: 1^st in forms, Larry Ahn 1^st in sparring, 2^nd in forms, Cody Clark 2^nd in weapons, 2^nd in sparring, 3^rd in forms

Sorry but due to a set back in construction at the new dojo location, we probably won't be moving until October or November. We will remain at the present location until then. I'll keep you updated on how its going.

Team Members recently competed at the American Shotokan Karate Kung Fu Open held in Meadville, Pa Saturday August 2nd. The Tournament was hosted by Arnold Johnson and had competitors from the Tri-State area. Winners were: Derek Knapp: 1^st in forms, Jarrett Brown: 1^st in forms, Makenna Brown: 1^st in Forms, Noah Colvin: 1st in forms and 3rd in weapons, Jake Russ: 2^nd in forms, Dave Colvin: 3rd in weapons, 3rd in forms and 3^rd in fighting,
The next Tournament I would like to take the Karate Team to is the Erie Open in Cambridge Springs on Sept 27. Flyers are in the magazine rack. It takes about an hour and a half to get there. Anyone interested in going to any of the tournaments needs to let me know as soon as possible so I can start competition training. See link for full schedule: Upcoming Events and Notices
I have published a link to all the Shotokan katas at the bottom of this page. Both text and picture formats are available. You can click on any of the pics to enlarge and print it. I got all the info off various sites on the web. I'm trying to set up a link to my utube site that has several weapons and empty hand form videos as well as several other martial arts topics. As soon as I can set it up, students can obtain the password to get access.
Nelson Sensei was recently promoted to the Master Instructor Rank of 6^th degree Black Belt by Master John Barton 9^th Dan of Waterford, Pa. Nelson underwent testing on his knowledge of various aspects of Shotokan Karate, weapons and self defense. His personal achievments, his student’s abilities and number of years of training was also reviewed.
Personalized dojo car decals: I will be taking orders for personalized car decals this month. The decal will have a kicker of your choice and the School name. Your child’s name will be on the bottom if you want. It’s similar to decals for other sports. Cost per sticker will be $10. Fill out the order sheet on the wall if you are interested and see the message board for an example.
We’re moving: We will be moving the dojo to a new location hopefully in October or November to the building next to McDonalds where 5M feeds used to be. The new address is 1 Market St. It’s a little larger and better laid out for our purposes. It has over 2500 square feet of training area and high ceilings so no more weapons through the ceiling panels. It also has its own parking area and is structurally better than our present location. I may need help getting the new dojo ready (painting, building dressing rooms, etc)and on the moving day. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.
I've posted a new" How to Tie Your Belt" link for those of you who are having problems. Thanks to Colvin Sensei for being my model. As for any pic on my site, you can click on it to enlarge it. How to tie your belt
Quick Information Links:

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 Selecting a School FAQ

Tips on Finding A Good Martial Arts School

Parents Use the Martial Arts for Back-to-School Excellence

Why Would I Want to Put My Child in the Martial Arts

Quick Class Info links:

Class Rates and Hours Monthly Dojo News Katas Rank Requirements How to tie your belt

Pre-Karate Classes (age 5) Tiger Cubs (ages 6-9) Juniors Classes (ages 10-14) Adult Classes (ages 15+)

March 2008 Group Photos

Why Choose us:

We set ourselves apart from the rest of the local martial arts community for several reasons:

One is by offering 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 offer national champion level instruction at reasonable 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 offer reasonable rates for quality instruction. I don't intend to turn anyone away because they can't afford classes

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 3 specialized children's classes for various ages from our pre-karate class for 5 year olds, our Tiger Cub Program for 6-9 year olds, to our Juniors division for students 10 to 14 years.

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.

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.

View this link for factors when choosing a school: Selecting a School

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. Pre-Karate: 5 year olds, Tiger Cubs: 6-9 years, Juniors: 10-14 years.

See: Pre-Karate Classes 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