SHIN Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy was the big winner at the Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards 2015.

A total of six awards, including Club of the Year, Senior Men and Senior Ladies, went to the Viables-based club, making it a fantastic night for owner Bryan Andrews.

“I’m really pleased and proud,” he said. “It’s been an amazing night for the club. We had two tables full of members nominated for awards, which is just great.”

2014 was a fantastic year for Shin Gi Tai, which has 450 members aged between four and 90. It became the first sports club in the country to hold two Clubmark accreditations, while members continued to shine in national and international competition.

In addition, the club continued working in local schools and the community, assisting members of low income families by offering scholarships, promoted special needs judo across Hampshire and provided the army with mixed martial arts and judo training.

In addition to karate, the club, which was established 25 years ago, runs classes in numerous other disciplines, including kung-fu, judo and tai chi, allowing it to appeal to a massive range of people.

Andrews added: “It’s the second time we have won the Club of the Year Award and it’s something to really cherish.

“There’s a real family atmosphere at the club and in some cases we have three generations of the same family taking part in sessions.

“The thing that sets us apart is the passion that all of our coaches teach with. We have got some top quality instructors and they make sure that everyone is really confident going into competitions and gradings.”

There was also personal recognition for Andrews, who won the Professional Coach Award for a second time.

He guided students to four medals at the World Championships, with a further 25 picked up at European level. 2014 also saw him appointed coach of the national kata squad, begin running tai chi sessions for over-55s and focus on special needs martial arts.

Andrews said: “I was really surprised to win Professional Coach of the Year because there were some really top coaches up for the award. I thought some of the others had a better chance than me, so it was a pleasant surprise to win.”

Andrews was also delighted to see his young charges win the Junior Team Award. Twelve members of the club represented England at the Junior European Karate Championships, winning 25 medals, including three golds.

“I am especially pleased that we won the Junior Team Award,” Andrews added. “Winning 25 medals at the European Championships was a massive achievement for that group and it’s great to see them get recognition.”

Shin Gi Tai might have stolen the show, but martial arts in general seem to be thriving in north Hampshire, with several clubs having representation.

Andrews added: “It’s great to see that martial arts are so buoyant in this area. The beauty of it is that we share our success with each other.”