Ocala Karate and Fitness

Archive for the ‘Ocala Karate and Fitness News’ Category

Here we go rolling into the month of May and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s in store for our members here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  Not only are most of our members taking advantage of the Cardio Fitness class along with their Karate training, but several have jumped into the Ryukyu Kobudo Class as well.

Ryukyu Kobudo is the ancient form of Okinawan Weapons that can be traced back over 400 years.  The system is centered around the Kun, or Bo, which is roughly a 6 foot wooden staff.  I tell all of our students that Okinawan Kobudo is for the serious person that is really wanting to push themselves to their limit.  Not only does Kobudo build rock solid stances through leg and Core strength, but begins to really expand on the students understanding of body dynamics and power generation.

Tamayose Sensei is VERY Particular

And the DETAIL ! !  One of the reasons that Kobudo is much more difficult to learn is the fact that you are trying to utilize and make your body one with an object that is NOT a part of you.  It takes so much concentration on the small things that will eventually add up to something so amazing that only the Kobudo Practitioner is even aware exists!

Ocala Karate & Fitness is a Licensed and Recognized Tesshinkan School.  The Tesshinkan, is the Ryukyu Kobudo organization that was created by Sensei Tamayose Hidemi of Okinawa Japan.  In fact, we are one of only two, recognized Tesshinkan Schools currently in the United States.  (The other is located North of Ocala in Anthony Fl)

We are always looking to add members to our small group of Tesshinkan members, but need to remind all that are interested how serious our training is.  I remind everyone, every class, how important it is to give 110% every time you are on the floor.  Yes it is hard, and exhausting, but one day you will look back at all the time you put in on the floor, doing the drills and trying to get to where you can do the technique correctly.  We all want to look back and KNOW that we did our BEST, every minute we were on the floor.   Every Kihon, every Kata, and every Kumite drill.

There is no greater feeling than at the end of class, looking around and knowing that you just gave everything you had.  This is what makes a dojo special.  All walks of life, all trades, come together for one thing.  To be the BEST we can be at something special.

At the end of the day, it feels great! !

Well last weekend was an Awesome time up in Atlanta Ga.  April 16-18th was the annual Seibukan Winter Training Camp and what a great experience it was.  With close to 100 participants from all over the U.S., one can see the true value of holding these annual events.  Every year I attend, we as instructors, learn and benefit so much from these events, and it allows us to continue to grow and evolve in our Karate training.  This years main focus was on Renzoku Kumite and Ikkyo No Renshu.

Flowing from one technique to another

So much to practice !

Renzoku Kumite, or continuous attack, is a key element to Seibukan training.  These two man drills, as taught by Zempo Shimabukuro use multiple attacks, defenses, counter attacks, and counter defenses between training partners.

The main focus of the drill is to begin developing the ability for the student to transition from defense to offense in the moment that a continuous attack cannot be interrupted or eliminated.

By utilizing these two man set drills, the karateka learns to develop and sense or “flow” that enables an “instinctive” action without conscious thought.

Learning to change on the "fly"

These pre arranged sets for Renzoku Kumite are based on the traditional Okinawan Kata movements, or as the students advance, can be based literally on  ANY particular offensive or defensive sequences that the individual student has learned and feels comfortable doing.

One of the most important and misunderstood concepts behind Traditional Karate Kihon training, is that repetition builds muscle memory, and muscle memory builds reflexive response.  And reflexive response is the path to “Mu Shin”  or “No Mind” .  Much more on this subject to come.

On top of all the drills and Valuable Oral presentations by Sensei Dan Smith, 9th Dan and 1 of only 2 9th Dans ever presented to a foreigner on Okinawa, testing and a beautiful awards banquet and ceremony was conducted Saturday night.  A few Senior Seibukan Members were honored and entered the Seibukan Hall of Fame.

Smith Sensei and I after Black Belt Promotions

I would also like to take the time to thank my wonderful family for all the support that they have shown me over the last 10 years.  Without their blessings and support, none of these things would have ever happened, and Ocala Karate & Fitness would never have been possible.  They are my world.

This is my motivation!

I was talking some of my members the other night in class and they were all asking me different questions of how Karate has helped change me over the last several years.

Let’s see . . . how has Karate effected me over the last say . . .20 years?  This much I can tell you.  Everyone lists all the positive things that Karate can do for us.  The list always looks something like this:

-Learn Confidence

-Learn Balance

-Learn Self Defense

-Build Strength

-Learn to focus

-Build reflexive response time.

… and the list goes on and on and on.  While all these benefits are without a doubt learned and developed through a GOOD Karate Program, the reality is this.  Okinawan Karate teaches each one of its students everything they need to know about THEMSELVES.

Hard work and sweat go a long way.

A top notch Okinawan Karate Program will help build all the above mentioned AND More! !  Through a very well structured system, Okinawan Karate starts with what we call the basics.  These basics are designed to slowly build strength, Speed, coordination, Balance, and here’s a big one.  Structured Focus.

What many perceive as just punching or kicking or jumping up and down the floor, is actually a simple way of showing each one of us EXACTLY what our strengths and weakness’s are.  These drills systematically show us what, and then HOW to improve these areas.  By revealing our weak areas, we then know exactly what we need to work on.

Yes these stances make strong legs!

Okinawan Kobudo Adds a Whole New Challenge!

This is why so many people start a Karate Program and eventually drop out.  Why?  Because it is very hard for each of us to realize how unbalanced we are.  And when we are showed this . . . its really hard for some people to swallow.  That is why the ones that stay, and WANT to improve themselves both physically and mentally experience all the rewards that they hear Karate can provide for them.

Case in point.  I have a handful of members now that on a routine basis tell all my new members that start out.  “Its okay.  Don’t get frustrated or disappointed you are not able to do a particular thing as well as the senior members.”  They say this because each of my seniors are now able to see just how far they have evolved since they started.

This is the part I enjoy most as a teacher.  To be able to see these  guys and gals really begin to glow in class.  You can almost physically see there Self Esteem begin to radiate from them.  And the best part about it is this.  There is no limitation to Okinawan Karate.  The MORE you train, the better you will get at whatever that particular exercise is teaching.

I’ll have more on this next time.

-Robby Bray

Fighting Fit Boot Camp will get you in shape FAST !

Ocala Karate & Fitness is proud  to announce that we will be launching our next Fighting Fit Boot Camp in May 2010.  That’s only a month and a half away, so anyone and everyone that is REALLY looking to lose weight, tone up, and just get FIT for the summer this is your ticket! !

Ocala Karate & Fitness, www.ocalashinbukan.com is Ocala’s ONLY Licensed and Certified Fighting fit Boot Camp Facility.  www.ocalabootcamp.com

This class is going to be a 6 week revolving program that will not only melt those inches away, but will also tone those hard to hit areas and have everyone looking their best for summer.  I think we’ve seen the last of our cold weather here, so the Spring is right around the corner.

For those of you familiar with Ocala Karate & Fitness’s Cardio Kickboxing class, the Fighting Fit Boot Camp will be similar, but much different.  This class is going to be centered around a combination of Cardio, plyometric, strength training, and running routines that will have you not only looking your best, but feeling your best.  The first week will have weigh ins, body comp tests, and include a nutritional guide to help all of our boot campers hit all their goals.  This unique camp utilizes many of the drills and combination’s that Professional fighters use to get themselves into the best physical condition possible.  Minus the hard core sparring drills of course.

So get in touch with us today to reserve your spot in the Ocala Karate & Fitness’s Fight Fit Boot Camp.  Remember, once Boot Camp starts you have to wait until the end of the 6 week cycle to join in.  Call us now for more information at 352-694-6304.

Healthy Is Happy

To Learn REAL Karate Takes PATIENCE ! !

 EVERYONE TESTING SHOULD BE PROUD ! ! !

  I’d just like to start this out by saying I have never been MORE Proud of a group of our members during testing.  You guys, and gals, did GREAT! !

  Okinawan Karate is something that takes SO much dedication that most people don’t realize how much time and focus it takes to learn everything required to advance to the next level.  Everyone had a great test and should wear there new belts with PRIDE. 

  Testing started and 6:00 and last about 45 minutes.  We had around 14 members testing, and once again, everyone did a fantastic job.  Remember, at the early stages of our training only limited knowledge is demonstrated.  So if you mess up a little or step with the wrong foot, it’s a big concern right now.  Later on in your training as you advance to intermediate and advanced levels, it becomes a different story.  At that point in your training the foot work and technique is much more critical and REQUIRED in order to advance.  Www.ocalashinbukan.com

   Afterwards, we had 4 of our members stay and test for their next rank in Ryukyu Kobudo.  For those of you not familiar with this, Kobudo is the use of ancient weapons.  Ryukyu Kobudo is an incredibly difficult art to learn and takes many, many years of hard work and dedication in order to properly utilize these Okinawan weapons with a basic level of proficiency.    However,the rewards and benefits that a regular student of Kobudo learns from this practice are PRICELESS.  

All it takes is a little "Effort"

    Through Kobudo, the student learns more about themselves and their body than anything else.  Once one understands themselves, and how to make their own body generate these incredible levels of power, their Karate is then amplified.  It’s a feeling that only someone practicing this art is capable of understanding.  Before I started studying Kobudo, I had no idea that I could get so in tune with the way my body works “together” to generate power.  Learning to make many muscle groups work together, without exerting too much energy is the key. 

  For more information on Ryukyo Kobudo and the Ocala Tesshinkan, feel free to contact me anytime. 

    Lastly, I just want to say thanks to everyone in our Self Defense Program for really turning this class into what it is becoming.  For those of you that have not seen it yet check out the video.  This Class is AWESOME ! ! www.ocalaselfdefense.com 

  Hope everyone is doing well as we cruze into March and 2010.  Ocala Karate & Fitness is plowing into 2010 with more programs and more excitement than any other Martial Arts school in the area.  We just celebrated our 1 year anniversery and couldn’t be happier with our members.  Not only are they all benefiting from all the cardio and muscle toning drills that we do, but they are also having the must fun they have had in a long time.  And if you don’t believe me, just ask them.

    Our New Self Defense class is not only showing everyone that anyone can do this class, . . . but . . . that anyone can learn how to really protect themself.  And I don’t just mean learn a few fancy tricks and then send you out into the world.  Oh no.  This program is designed to keep bringing you back for more so that you not only CAN defend yourself, but turn yourself into something that you will be proud of.

  If you have been sitting on the side line, the time has never been better to jump in.  This class is one of a kind, and we have no doubt that in the next year, will be one of the most highly talked about programs in Ocala.  Teaching True Self Defense from an easy to learn, tested and proven curriculum, this course is a HOME RUN for everyone.  So don’t wait any longer.  If REAL Self Defense is something that you have always wanted, call us now and save yourself a spot on this class.  The only thing you have to lose is time.  Ocala Karate & Fitness.  Raising the BAR one more notch.  CALL NOW ! !

  Well we are having an awesome Feb up here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com  All of our members are training so hard and its such a good thing to see positive things happening for them.   I am seeing members every night now making such huge gains in their training.  Whether it be balance, strength, stamina, cardio conditioning, or just basic understanding of concepts, our members are really making some big steps.  And I couldn’t be happier. 

  All of our classes are filling up with smiling faces and it just really makes Jaime and I happy to see how much fun everyone is having at our school.  This is what teaching these classes are all about.  Seeing the rewards and advances that everyone is starting to make.  It doesn’t matter whether you are in Karate, Cardio, Weapons, or Self Defense; the positive things that are happening are happening everywhere. 

  We really want to thank ALL of our members too for speaking so highly of us through out the community.  Everywhere Jaime and I go now, everyone tells us that all they hear are good things about Ocala Karate & Fitness. 

  Next month our Karate members will get a chance to raise their heads up high and advance to their next rank.  March 12thwill be our next testing for advancement.  It looks like we are going to have a full testing to, with around 20 members testing.  For our members that attend on a regular basis, it takes about 3-4 months to advance between belts.  Having said that, its a really big deal when our members are ready.  Good luck to everyone that is testing.  I know you will do well.

   A special congrats to our Self Defense members too as we push into week 9 of the Self Defense class.  Everyone has done exceptionally well, and are going to really be amazed with themselves over the next 4 weeks as we begin to really crank that class up.  It’s going to be nice when they get to look back on their first week and remember how they struggled just to react to someone assaulting them, to now, the programed response system that has already been wired into them.  That’s what makes this class so unique.  It is highly effective, highly efficient, and very easy to learn.  WWW.ocalaselfdefense.com 

      Stop by and see for yourself why Ocala Karate & Fitness is quickly becoming Ocala’s go to place for all your Karate Fitness, and Self Defense needs.

  Well here we are finishing up week #8 of 2010 at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com   This year has already started out on a pace that I think all of our members can verify is nothing short from to be expected.   Our classes this year are out of the gate and running.  We want to say thanks to every0ne of our members that come out to class 2-3 nights per week and give us exactly what we give them.  100% ! !   Anything less than 100% at Ocala Karate & Fitness just is not accepted. 

  We are here to give Ocala its absolute BEST in Okinawan Shorin Karate and Self Defense.  Our programs are structured and designed for beginner students and build them up with all the basic skills needed to allow for the progression to an advanced level.  We never rush our members for advancement or pre-mature rank recognition.  At Ocala Karate & Fitness all rank is earned.  Not purchased.  By strictly enforcing these principles, our members become some of the best trained martial artist in our area.

Real Training, for REAL Self Defense

If traditional Karate is not your main interest, jump into our Self Defense class that is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00.  This non traditional Self Defense classes teaches everything that ANYONE really wanting to learn “Real” Self Defense will need.  This class is fully Certified and Licensed, and is quickly becoming Ocala Karate & Fitness’s most popular class.  Not only will you build Self Confidence and Self Esteem from this class, but you will also get fit and shape at the same time. 

 Ever wonder why those UFC guys look so fit?  Well its really no secret.  If you get on the floor and train with us a 2-3 times per week, you too can get into shape FAST and enjoy some of the benefits that those pro fighters are enjoying.  Remember, Ocala Karate and Fitness has so many different Programs to choose from, that we CAN and WILL get you not only in the best physical shape of your life, but mentally as well.  All it takes is for YOU to make the choice to CHANGE the way you are living now.  Once you make the choice, you will never look back again.

  Ocala Karate & Fitness is open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00.   We are here  to help make a difference in Ocala, and look forward to hearing from you soon.  Make the call now, so we can get you started.  352-694-6304.  Or check us out online at www.ocalaselfdefense.com 

                                                                             Quit walking the fence and make your choice NOW.  You won’t be sorry.

                                                                                                        Robby Bray

Here we are halfway through Feb and this year is already lighting up fast !!  With the addition of our NEW Self Defense class, we have already added 10 new members to our program.  Here at Ocala Karate & Fitness, www.ocalashinbukan.com we not only have one of the highest quality programs around, but one of the most exciting new programs available.  At  Ocala Karate & Fitness you can not only take advantage of getting in shape and getting back to they way you used to feel, but also build the Self Confidence and peace of mind that so many of us now a days lack.

Ocala Karate & Fitness

With all the choices that we have now made available to everyone, there are no more excuses as to why you “can’t” be the person you remember being.

With our Shorin Ryu Karate, Cardio Kickboxing and Circuit Classes, Ryukyu Kobudo, and Self Defense Classes we have a perfect fit for you.  Our Karate Classes teach children from the ages of 7-9 , 10-13, and 13 and up.  With focus on stretching, proper balance, proper form, and mind set, these classes will not only get you on the right track, but have you feeling the best you have ever felt.

Then you can take to the next level and jump into the Cardio kickboxing or Self Defense Class, and not only burn some xtra calories, but learn how to make yourself safe and not become a victim.

Let’s face it.  All you have to do is turn the news onto the local channel and see how our world is changing around us.  While everything used to be so easy and safe, now it is a totally different world.  Violence is all around us, and the only way to better prepare ourselves for it, is to simply “BE Prepared”.

So stop by or check us out online at www.ocalaselfdefense.com and see exactly how we can help you not only be a “better” you, but a Safer and more confident you as well.

  Just wanted to let everyone know how well everything is going for us here at ocala karate & fitness in 2010.  We continue to grow every month and our classes are really starting to fill up now.  I think that in today’s time this speaks loudly as to what all Ocala Karate & Fitness has to offer to its members.

  We consider ourselves to be Ocala’s leader in the Martial Arts  for several reasons:

1. We offer More for the dollar than any other school in Ocala.  Here at Ocala Karate & Fitness our members have access to not only Okinawan Karate, but many other classes including:

• Cardio Kickboxing
• Real ” Street Self Defense”
• Okinawan Weapons

 Our members have the ability to train in such a wide variety of classes that ALL focus on Fitness, balance, discipline, cardio, self confidence, and so many more positive benefits.  Ocala Karate & Fitness www.ocalashinbukan.com  is doing its best to give Ocala a true doorway into not only a healthier life, but a positive get away from life.  3-4 classes per week where once you enter the door you can leave the rest of the world outside. 

    This is why we have been able to grow and put into place all the great programs that we now have to offer.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com  Ocala Karate & Fitness provides a training atmosphere that everyone can enjoy doing what ever program they have enrolled in, and have fun too.  All of our classes are fast paced, exciting workouts that allow our members to push themselves and each other in the same direction.  And that is to a better YOU. 

  Our classes are Monday thru Thurs and begin at 5:00.  So whether you are looking to get in shape, get better control over yourself, or build more self confidence, we have the solution for you. 

Stop by and see us!