Welcome to
Snow Herons Martial Arts
At Snow Herons Martial Arts (SHMA), we believe martial arts is a lifelong journey of learning, development and personal growth. Our aim is to provide students with the opportunity to develop practical martial arts skills while also gaining the confidence, character and life skills that can benefit them at home, at school, in the workplace and throughout everyday life.
Our club is founded on the traditional values of Tang Soo Do:
Courtesy • Integrity • Perseverance • Self-Control • Indomitable Spirit
These values are an important part of our training and help guide the way our students learn, train and interact with one another. Through their martial arts journey, students are encouraged to develop confidence, discipline, respect, humility, resilience, self-esteem, leadership and responsibility.
We welcome students of all ages, abilities and levels of experience. Our Dojang is a place where students can train in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment, make friendships, enjoy being part of a group, support one another and share in each other's achievements.
Students come to martial arts for many different reasons. Some want to learn self-defence or improve their fitness, some enjoy the challenge of learning new skills, some want to compete or work towards Black Belt, and others simply enjoy coming to class, training with friends and being part of the SHMA community.
Every student's journey is different. Although our students train together, our instructors recognise differences in age, ability, experience, learning needs and personal goals. We encourage each student to progress at an appropriate pace, challenge themselves and recognise their own individual development and achievements.
Our Aims
Through martial arts training, we aim to help students: Learn, understand and apply practical and effective self-defence skills. Improve physical fitness, coordination, flexibility, functional body strength and overall physical wellbeing. Build confidence, resilience, on-task focus, self-discipline, self-belief and self-esteem, helping students recognise their own progress, abilities and achievements. Promote positive emotional wellbeing and enjoyment, giving students opportunities to have fun, make friends, develop positive relationships and experience a sense of belonging within their martial arts community. Understand and practise the traditional values of Tang Soo Do, recognising how courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit can extend beyond the Dojang into everyday life. Set achievable and meaningful goals and work towards them through commitment, perseverance and consistent effort. Develop leadership, responsibility and respect for others, learning to support, encourage and positively influence those around them. Become positive role models within their families, schools, workplaces and communities.
Above all, Snow Herons Martial Arts is about more than learning techniques or achieving the next belt. It is about learning, challenging yourself, enjoying your training and developing alongside others who share your martial arts journey.
Our Students take pride in their progress and achievements, and developthe skills, confidence and character to become the best martial artist— and person — they can be.
Martial Arts Beyond The Dojang
The benefits of martial arts extend far beyond the Dojang. The commitment, discipline, resilience, and leadership developed through Tang Soo Do help our students succeed not only in training but also at school, in higher education, in the workplace, and throughout everyday life. Many of our students complete the Physical Recreation and Volunteering sections of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) with Snow Herons Martial Arts. We provide opportunities to improve physical fitness while also giving students the chance to volunteer, mentor members, and develop valuable leadership and communication skills.
For many families, working towards the known Black Belt rank represents much more than achieving a martial arts grade. It is a long-term commitment that demonstrates perseverance, on task focus, self-discipline, resilience, goal setting, and the determination to overcome challenges over a number of years. These are qualities that schools, colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers, and employers increasingly value.
As students progress, they will also have opportunities to assist in classes, support beginners, and take on greater responsibilities within the club. These experiences build confidence, teamwork, reliability, and the ability to lead by example. A Black Belt is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a deeper understanding of martial arts. It reflects technical ability, strong character, personal responsibility, and a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. We are proud to help our students grow into confident, respectful, and capable individuals who make a positive contribution to their families, their communities, and the wider world.
Testimonials
Our daughter has being going for over 6 years now. It’s been tough at times , as you don’t earn belts just for turning up. All the children and adults are trained, supported , and encouraged to work hard , but when they achieve their next belt you know it’s hard earned and well respected. It’s also a safe environment with strict protocols. This has provided our daughter many life skills and it’s been a big positive in her life and Master Carmichael is an exceptional role model and she is clearly dedicated to her students and to Karate. As well as learning important self defence skills, it teaches them respect, leadership and that hard work pays off. If you looking for a club that will both strengthen and challenge you , I cannot recommend it enough. Peter 2026
Amazing instructor involving children with whole soul into martial art with very good fun. Kris' 2025
“Under the expert tutelage and brilliant guidance from Master Carmichael, my children thoroughly enjoyed learning karate and the importance of discipline. It was character building and positively impacted their confidence and self-esteem. The skills acquired were manifold - hard work, concentration and focus, teamwork, strength and conditioning, respect and good manners, resiliency, leadership, self-defence and there was also lots of fun, laughter and great times, too”. Jon' 2024
Snow herons offers a fantastic program providing structure, discipline and developing strength. Can't recommend it enough. Nic' 2025
I have been going to SHMA for a number of years and have been taught by Master Carmichael. I cannot praise her or the school enough. She has an excellent approach to teaching and achieves the right balance between setting high standards of commitment and expectations as well as showing empathy and understanding for each student. I would highly recommend for adults and children. Demetri 2025
My daughter has been attending Snow Herons for 8 years under the superb guidance of Master Carmichael. She has grown in confidence, improved her strength and fitness and thrived in a friendly, committed martial arts community. Would highly recommend. Danielle 2025
