Meet Christopher Allen
Founder of Tring Martial Arts Academy.
Shihan Christopher Allen
6th Dan Black Belt
Hello, I’m Christopher Allen, Founder of Tring Martial Arts Academy.
I began my martial arts journey in 1983 at the age of nine and have now spent more than four decades training, teaching and helping others achieve their goals through martial arts.
In 2005, I founded Tring Martial Arts Academy with a simple mission: to provide world-class martial arts instruction in a safe, professional and supportive environment where students of all ages can develop confidence, discipline, fitness and self-belief.
This is me back in 1983 off to my first ever martial arts class.
My name is Christopher Allen, and my lifelong love affair with martial arts ignited during my formative years when I was 9 years old shaping the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined.
Trained in various disciplines including Karate, Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Judo and Krav Maga, I experienced firsthand the profound impact that martial arts could have on one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Inspired by my own journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I felt compelled to create a space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds could come together to embark on their own martial arts journey—a space that would eventually become Tring Martial Arts Academy.
Beyond our focus on personal growth and development, Tring Martial Arts Academy is committed to giving back to the community and supporting charitable causes. Whether through fundraising events, school talks / assemblies, or community outreach programs, we seek to make a positive impact beyond our walls, embodying the spirit of martial arts as a force for good in the world.
Why I Teach
Martial arts changed my life. It gave me confidence, discipline, resilience and direction. Today, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing students achieve things they never thought possible, whether that’s a child gaining confidence, a teenager earning their Black Belt or an adult stepping onto the training floor for the first time.
My Qualifications
- 6th Dan Black Belt
- Over 40 years of martial arts training
- DBS Clear
- First Aid Trained
- Founder of Tring Martial Arts Academy
- Professional full-time martial arts instructor
- Hundreds of students graded to Black Belt level
- Instructor, examiner and mentor
- Regular seminar presenter and guest instructor
- Martial Arts School Mentor and Speaker
What Our Students Say
“Many years ago in one of my management classes I learned that the best leaders are those who develop many great people under their leadership. That is exactly how I would describe Shihan Christopher Allen and the culture he has created at Tring Martial Arts.
I joined about two years ago, and it has been such an empowering experience — especially as a 40+ Asian woman stepping into something completely new. It’s not just a martial arts school; it truly feels like a community where everyone is willing to help and support one another.
At one point I had to step away for a few months, and Shihan Christopher Allen reached out with a thoughtful and encouraging email — exactly the nudge I needed to return. That small gesture meant a lot”. Namrata Kapoor
My Promise To You
Whether you’re looking for martial arts classes for your child or considering training yourself, my promise is simple: every student who walks through our doors will be treated with respect, encouraged to achieve their potential and supported throughout their martial arts journey. Colour, creed, religion, gender or sexual orientation means nothing at Tring Martial Arts Academy, we are open to everyone!