Ocala Karate and Fitness

Archive for September, 2009

People study and research self defense for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, your success in learning self defense is down to how well you implement a training plan. Simply reading a self defense book or watching a DVD will not improve your ability or skill. You would not read a book on exercise and expect to get fit without taking any action. Similarly with self defense, ensuring you do the proper training and have an action plan will lead to greater success.

So what steps can we take to ensure success ? Outlined below are some ideas for you to think about:

1) Know what you want to achieve.

The first step is to know exactly what it is you ultimately want to achieve and why. Are you training in Self Defense to gain confidence, improve your fitness or help deal with the fear of a violent confrontation ? Is you aim to lose weight, gain a black belt or simply to be better prepared ?

Get very clear on your reasons for studying and training in self defense.

2) Work towards what you want to achieve persistently.

Knowledge is nothing without action especially where self defense is concerned. Knowing how to perform the perfect chest press will not make you stronger without actually doing it. Reading the latest diet book will not make you thin unless you take action.

It is often said that martial arts and self defense is a journey which starts with a single step. It may take a single step to start, but you need to keep walking to complete that journey!

So think on how you can incorporate your self defense training into everyday life and what consistent action you will take to achieve your aims.

3) Measure your results.

You have decided on what you would like to achieve, you are taking persistent action towards that. How do you tell if what you are doing is accomplishing anything ?

Many people blindly follow a particular training method without knowing if they are getting the results they desire. This can lead to boredom, frustration and even burnout. Whatever your desired outcome, have a way of measuring the results you want. It is best to be able to write this down. For example, if your aim was to achieve a black belt you could measure this grading by grading. Writing down what you want to achieve and how you will measure it is a great way of staying focused on the outcome.

4) Change what does not work.

If you find that you are working towards what you want to achieve, but are not getting the results you want, change your approach. Martial arts and self defence is all about being adaptive to the situation and this applies to your training as well.

However, this does not mean giving up on a particular program or method at the first hurdle. Be aware that there are times when your training can plateau. Simply vary your approach while still making it measureable.

These ideas are especially useful if you are training using our Black Belt Self Defense Program. Our instructors and support staff are here to offer continued advice, support and encouragement throughout the program. For more information on the Black Belt Self Defense Program visit us

       During my trip last month to Okinawa Japan, I was honored to have been given the chance to train with two Okinawan Karate Masters that have just recently been featured on the cover of the last two issues of Classical Fighting Arts Magazine.  Zempo Shimabukuru Sensei 10th Dan in Shorin Ryu Karate (Left) and Tsuyoshi Uechi  8th Dan in Isshin Ryu Karate (Right).   Both of these Okinawan masters are truly amazing to watch first hand.  One being a master in Shorin Ryu Karate, the other a master in Isshin Ryu Karate.  Both men are over the age of 60, and physically seem to be that of about 35 years old.  Both were direct students of teachers that are now recognized on Okinawa as Karate Legends.  The skill and discipline that true Okinawan Masters have is not only inspiring, but has yet again demonstrated that the understanding the Okinawan’s have of Karate is on a  level that leaves most all western students looking like beginners.  Including myself.  It humbles me and motivates me at the same time, which I think is what all students need to continue pursuing perfection.   After all, the virtue of perfection is that it is always just beyond ones reach.  If perfection were ATTAINABLE then it would have no value.  There would be no reason to pursue it ! !   -”Miyamoto Musashi”    

     For more information on these two Okinawan masters, check back in a few weeks for background and history on both of these Masters.