Ocala Karate and Fitness

Archive for October, 2009

   Interested in doing something that will not only get you in shape, but have you feeling better about yourself.  Well at Ocala Karate & Fitness we have just what your looking for.  Our adult self defense course is some thing that can change not only the way you look and feel about yourself, but how you look and feel towards the world around you.  This adult self defense program is a class geared towards men and women who really want to not only make a change in their life, but want to establish themselves and feel confident as we sludge through day to day life.  It’s no secret what our world today has turned into.  Just thumb through the local, or state news media channels and see for yourself.  I don’t care which one you watch.  It seems like on a daily basis you hear about abductions, rapes, muggings, break ins, car jackings ect.  If you can imagine the crime its out there being done on some poor innocent victim every day.  This is why its important that we act now and get educated.  I mean think about it.  Everyone goes to school to learn how to get a job, and become a valuable contributing member in our society.  So answer this question for me.   Why do they teach us how to do everything we need to do to survive in our society EXCEPT how to protect ourselves and not become a statistic.  Other cultures do this on a day to day basis.  Can you believe in Japan, the police don’t even carry guns!  How crazy does that sound to us.  Well you know what the answer to that is.  They walk around with enough confidence in themselves that they won’t need one.  Imagine what would happen if everyone knew not just basic self defense, but REALLY knew how to protect themselves.  That weirdo in the grocery store parking lot that is following you to your car or up and down the isle while you shop might think a little differently if he thought  you were capable of crushing his windpipe or poking his eyes out!  That might sound crazy but its the truth.  And the best part about it would be that you wouldn’t even have to do it because you’ve already scared him.  You have intimidated the predator  and done nothing.   If only it was really that easy you say.  Well honestly it is.  People like this are usually very weak and insecure people.  They can tell by how people carry themselves and really read into body language.  How do you think they effectively pick out who they are going to target.  Because they watch, or “stalk”, and see whom they feel are vulnerable.  If we teach ourselves how NOT to look vulnerable and weak then we don’t become a statistic. 

     The nice thing about this class too is that it is not a “Karate” class.  We don’t wear traditional karate uniforms or anything like that.  We wear  comfortable work out cloths, since that’s what we’ll be doing, along with some training gear, and we start from square one.  We will learn everything we need to not only defend ourselves, but others too if the situation leads to it.  I’ll be posting more and more on this awesome new class that we’ll be offering at Ocala Karate & Fitness in the next month.  So if you need more information, don’t hesitate to call.  352-694-6304 or look us up on the web at www.ocalakaratefitness.com. 

                                                                                                                 More to come soon.

                                                                                                                           Robby Bray

    Well our Cardio Kickboxing classes are filling up fast now.  These super intense high calorie workouts are giving all of our members exactly what they are looking for.  50 minutes of fast paced hard core drills that are toning everyone up.  Everyone is talking about how good they feel and how happy they are to be back after summer.  From the opening 12 minutes of punching combinations to the last 40 minutes of cardio, the end result is putting a smile on every one’s face.  These fast paced workouts are exactly what everyone needs.  The key is to continuously keep the heart rate spiking up and down.  By actively engaging the large muscle groups and smaller muscle groups in the right sequence, our bodies naturally respond by elevating our metabolism.  This leads to a higher total calorie expenditure through out the rest of the day.  Even long after the work out is over, our bodies will continue to burn more calories than before.  This is due to the increase in lean muscle tissue.  Lean muscle tissue uses more calories.  So the more lean muscle tissue we can build, the more calories our bodies naturally burn.  Even at rest.  This is where these workouts really come into play.  Not only our we toning our bodies, but we’re training them to burn more calories just doing regular daily activities.  The end result is a leaner, toner, more defined body that will enable us to live longer and healthier lives.  Cardio fitness is one of the most important things we can do to protect our bodies from heart disease, diabetes, and so many other ailments that plague our bodies as we age.  So get on the floor with the rest of us on Mon, Wed, and Friday mornings, or Tuesday and Thursday evenings and start building your new body now.  All visitors are welcome to stop by and watch or even jump in and try a class.  So don’t wait any longer.  Come to class tomorrow and start getting all the benefits that are current members are already enjoying.  NO MORE EXCUSES.  It’s up to you to take charge in your life and start making a difference.  All you have to do now is show up.

    I just wanted to say what a great class tonight was at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  Our Junior level class is a beginners level Karate Class that centers around the age group of 7-12 yrs of age.  Currently the class is about 15 students large and I just really want to commend them all on how far they have ALL come since summer.  Most of these little guys and gals started around June and July, and have come such a long way since day 1.  I think all the parents will agree as to how far this class has come in only 3 months time.  The balance and coordination skills that everyone in the class are starting to demonstrate to me every class now really brings a smile to my face.  I had several parents that enrolled their children in our program for the same reasons.  They either really needed help or work on their coordination, needed to get a little more exercise, or needed to build their self confidence and were just a little shy.  Well after tonight I think everyone is starting to see really big results on the floor.  These kids are bouncing around in sparring gear throwing kicks and punches, performing really complex drills, and following group exercises and routines to the tee.  The way these little guys and girls have grown and evolved over the last few months is absolutely positively great.  I couldn’t be prouder of my Junior class than I am right now.  And the best part of all is that it will only continue to get better and better.  This is because Okinawan Karate is designed to build these skills from the base up.  This means that the longer they train, they continue to build upon what they have already learned making them more and more proficient at what they are doing.  Not only that, it teaches them from this young early age that no matter how hard or difficult something is or seems to be, as long as they practice every day they will get better at it.  Karate teaches us not to be easily discouraged and if we really put our minds to something and practice at it with 100%, there is nothing that we can not accomplish.  I’ll see everyone next week in class. 

                                                                                                                        Gambatte

                                                                                                                                  Robby Bray

Hello everyone,

     First off I’d like to say thanks for all the continued support at Ocala Karate and Fitness.  Every one’s dedication to their own training and goal accomplishments have really made the studio soar over the last few months.  I could not be happier with the awesome group of members that are now training on our floor almost every night of the week.  Whether it’s in Okinawan Karate, Kobudo, or Cardio Fitness, the Ocala Shinbukan is quickly becoming “The place to Train.” 

     Many of our members and students ask me questions on a day to day basis.  One of the most asked questions however is this.  “What does Karate really mean?”  Now that’s a tricky question because the translation of the Kanji Characters that make up the word literally mean “Empty Hand.”  But just to say that is what Karate means is really just scrapping the surface.  Let me explain.

     Having trained for the last two decades, I have seen what Karate does and how it changes us individually.  I can remember starting out and feeling like a fish out of water.  Everything is new and exciting.  There is literally so much information to learn and we all just can’t wait to learn it.  We spend hours and hours training on the floor trying to get the techniques down.  Trying to remember how to say them and when to use them.  Then after several months of stretching and sweating, we get a whole new set of things to work on.  Only now, the things we were working on a few months ago that at the time seemed really difficult and confusing suddenly start to make a little sense.  Our balance and physical strength and endurance, both physically and mentally is getting better.  Everything is starting to evolve and take on a new feel.  Our eye hand coordination is getting better.  Our reflexes are getting faster.  We are beginning to move quicker and have greater control over our selves.  And this process continues month after month, year after year.  Every year you will look back and think, man did I used to do it like that, or I can remember when I had the hardest time with this particular thing.  These are the building blocks or basics that we as Karateka are always building upon.  Because this is what Karate means to me.  “Journey”  It’s a road that you follow and travel that really has no end.  You just get on it and go. It twists and turns and takes you in directions that you never could possibly imagine, or for the most part, even know was there. 

     So to me the word “Karate” means Journey.  Because that is exactly what it is.  A life long journey that goes places unless you are on the road you never would have or will ever get to.  It’s a road of tremendous rewards and accomplishments.  And the truly amazing part of it is . . . unlike all other roads, this one has no end.  No finish line.  So always remember it’s not a race.  If you try and travel it too fast, you might miss a few things along the way by taking a short cut.  So just sit back, buckle your seat belt, and enjoy the ride.  It’s the best trip I ever started. 

                                                                            Gambatte

                                                                               Robby Bray

        I just wanted to say how great everything here is going at the dojo.  We couldn’t ask for a better group of people that have come in looking to make real changes in themselves and already seeing it happening.  Nothing makes us smile wider, than to see our members progressing through their training the way everyone is right now.  I was looking around in class last night and watching how far everyone has come in such a small amount of time.  This is what being an instructor is all about.  Seeing every one’s hard work and time on the floor training beginning to show itself.  Our classes are very fast paced and filled with energy.  These are the classes that really allows our members to absorb their material and see how it applies to real life situations.  Whether it be self defense, or just basics.  The way everyone is starting to move with speed and direction now shows me that balance, and coordination is being developed within the class.  Combine that with the strength and accuracy our members are demonstrating with their techniques is the perfect combination for true physical, and mental strengthening here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  I know in the beginning it can really be confusing and overwhelming for most, but this is just a small taste of the many, many rewards that are already being earned. 

     With all the new drills and classes that we are now moving into, I only see brighter days ahead for everyone.  Between the Karate, and Kobudo, (Okinawan Weapons) our members are finishing the year out with their heads held high.  A feeling of accomplishment that can only be understood by those that have gone before, and taken the same path.  It is great to see our new advancements this month: Daniel, Josh, Codie, Luke, and James take their new belts and proudly move forward.  All the sweat and hard work is paying off everyone, so keep it up.  Remember that this is all being done for no one but yourselves.  The hard work that you put in IS and WILL continue to be rewarded with all the skills that you continue to build upon.  So continue to push yourselves, and when given the chance, help your fellow members.  If you see someone looking discouraged or confused, reach out to them and let them know that not too long ago you too were standing right where they are.  Walking the same path, and just as you had, they too have someone to lend a helping hand.  Pat them on the back or shoulder and let them know what a good job they are doing.  One of the most rewarding things in any martial art is to know that you helped someone get better.  Always Remember: It’s not about who gets there first.  Its about who gets there with the most.   Think about that carefully.

     Hello everyone,

     I just wanted to congratulate everyone on a really great testing Friday night.  Everyone who tested, did really well.  All the hard work and training on the floor is really starting to pay off and it shows.  Karate gradings ranged from green belt to yellow belt and lasted about 1 hour.  The Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate test was then followed up with a Ryukyu Kobudo Test, where promotions to Orange and Yellow were awarded.  Once again, very good job everyone.  The time and dedication that this stuff takes is something to be very proud of.  We will have another testing next month (November 2009) and the exact date will be announced later this month.  There were many members that just weren’t quite ready, or didn’t have enough class hours in to make this months testing, so we look forward to seeing you all next month. 

     As everyone that tests finds out, these exams really start getting difficult the further you advance.  Cardio fittness will become a major component of your training to be able to last through the entire exam as time goes on.  If you are not actively attending our Cardio kickboxing class, you should really consider getting into these classes too to help get your body prepared.  These classes last one hour and held in mornings and evenings.  The class is composed of body weight drills and exercises that will shed weight and get you fit. 

       For those of you that really want to lose weight and take it the next level, Ocala Karate & Fitness will be Ocala’s First Licensed “Fighting Fit ” Boot camp facility in Marion County.  These Classes should be available by the first of the year and we are really excited about the content and drills that these camps offer that make them different from the other “Conventioanl Boot Camps”  Utilizing more Martial Arts training methods, this camp will ”Kick” start your metabolism and get you shedding weight almost immeadiatly, so if you need more information on our Cardio fitness programs don’t ”Weight” to call.  Spots are limited and the class will fill up quickly.

      For those of you that really want to lose weight and take it the next level,Ocala Karate & Fitness will be Ocala’s First Licensed “Fighting Fit ” Boot camp facility in Marion County.  These Classes should be available by the first of the year and we are really excited about the content and drills that these camps offer that make them different from the other “Conventional Boot Camps”  Utilizing more Martial Arts training methods, this camp will ”Kick” start your metabolism and get you shedding weight almost immediately, so if you need more information on our Cardio fitness programs don’t ”Weight” to call.  Spots are limited and the class will fill up quickly. 

      Also starting the first of the year, Ocala Karate & Fitness will be Ocala’s first Licensed Self Defense Black Belt Certification training facility in Ocala.  This program is going to get anyone interested in learning “Real Self Defense” in an easy practical teaching method.  This program is geared towards men and women and will not only have you confident and walking tall, but get you in shape too.  Imagine being able to lose weight, increase flexibility AND be able to defend yourself !   That’s what this program is geared towards.  So once again, Ocala Karate & Fitness is leading the way into the future for our community by giving the local community what they want and need. 

   For more information on any of our programs call 352-694-6304 or visit our website at www.ocalashinbukan.com.

 

 

There are all sorts of crummy supplements on the market you don’t need. Some of the stuff is flat out junk. Some of the stuff is good, but the actual product and brand is lousy.

 

And then, there are some products that are just flat out awesome for you.

 

Bottom line: The health benefits associated with a quality Krill Oil supplement are just too powerful to ignore. I don’t know if I can be any more blunt about it.

 

Besides the fact Krill Oil doesn’t cause “fish burps” like fish oil capsules do, its just one of the best sources of Essential Fatty Acids.

 

Krill Oil can also:

 

Help protect your heart

 

Improve your memory

 

Strengthen your immune system

 

Minimize the damage caused by free radicals

 

Reduce joint pain and PMS symptoms

 

Aid the fat loss process

 

I’m telling you, it really is one heck of a powerful supplement. And the only brand I recommend is the brand I trust completely – Prograde Nutrition.

 

Their EFA Icon http://ocalakaratefitness.getprograde.com/icon) is the best Krill Oil product on the market, as far as I’m concerned.

 

Yours in health,

Robby Bray

 

PS – Again, there are all sorts of lousy supplements on the market. But a solid Krill Oil product is NOT one of them. It’s an extremely powerful nutritional product with extraordinary benefits. For the best quality Krill Oil get Prograde Nutrition’s EFA Icon http://ocalakaratefitness.getprograde.com/icon)

Fat loss isn’t rocket science. I know we love to make our problems seem much bigger than they really are, but when you really look at them they’re typically easy to solve. And that’s often the case with fat loss.

To prove it to you here are five super simple fat loss tips you can easily follow:

1) Stop guzzling liquid sugar. Yes, I mean soft drinks and juices and bottles of iced tea loaded with high fructose corn syrup. For the most part, a 12 oz can of cola is 150 calories of pure sugar. Have a couple of those a day…

2) I’ve written it a gazillion times and I will continue to – eat breakfast! If you want to make fat loss easy then make sure you start your metabolism off on the right foot.

3) Eat more fruit. Aim for at least 5 servings a day.

4) Eat more veggies. Again, aim for at least 5 servings a day.

5) Stop eating so many processed foods. If it comes in a box from your grocery store it’s most likely processed. The fresher the foods the better.

* Bonus tip*

You can make tips 3 and 4 a breeze by using a whole foods based multi. Personally, I love Prograde Nutrition’s VGF 25+ (hyperlink to http://yourstore.getprograde.com/vgfmen OR http://yourstore.getprograde.com/vgfwomen) because it is made from 25 WHOLE veggies, greens and fruits.

Yours in health,

Robby Bray

PS – You know I take my nutrition seriously. And it’s why I ONLY recommend Prograde Nutrition’s Whole Foods based multi. They have both a men’s  http://Ocalakaratefitness.getprograde.com/vgfmen) and women’s (http://Ocalakaratefitness.getprograde.com/vgfwomen) formula.