Ocala Karate and Fitness

Archive for December, 2009

Hello everybody,

We just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and hopefully everyone had a great Christmas.  We’re all excited here, and can’t wait to get 2010 started!  We have big plans for this year with some NEW awesome programs that we’re getting started next week including our Self Defense Black Belt Program. www.ocalaselfdefense.com

Ocala Karate & Fitness is pushing into 2010 and will be once again showing why we are Ocala’s Premier Karate & Martial Arts Fitness training facility.  Our Cardio  class will break out first on Monday morning at 9:30 with 15 NEW calorie smoking, muscle toning exercises.

Kicking off 2010

So if your needing to get some of those holiday pounds off, and really need something to KICK your body back into over drive, this fast paced cardio frenzy is your ticket.  By switching out these different station on a regular basis, your muscles are forced to stay ramped up and in a high calorie burning state to ensure that your getting the most out of your work out.

This is why we strive every day, every month of the year to provide all of our members with the maximum benefits from their work outs.  Combine this class with our Shorin Ryu Karate class or Self Defense class, and now your giving your body and mind the best form of work out available.  www.ocalakaratefitness.com.

The New Year will be bringing in a ton of new material and drills for our Ryukyu Kobudo class too.  With several of our members training with us for almost a Year now, the Okinawan weapons class will begin seeing a fresh new variety of drills and applications to help push their understanding and knowledge of the “Bo” or staff to a whole new level.

"Kihon" or Basics

So anyone looking for a NEW challenge in 2010, this class is just what you have been waiting for.  The technical, physical, and mental difficulty that the Okinawan’s weapons class pushes on its members, deepens and broadens not only their understanding of this Okinawan puzzle, but teaches each one of its members so many important life altering lessons about their own personal development.

So many lessons can be learned and realized about: balance, flexibility, patience, discipline, and self esteem.  All KEY traits and self learned gifts that can help each member as a person, not only be a “better” person, but a “Valuable”  member of Society.

Stop by today or call us at 352-694-6304 and schedule an appointment to see how we can help you or a loved one, get ALL they can out of themselves.

Remember: “Effort is Everything”

Robby and Jaime Bray

Now this is FUN ! !

This is what it’s all about.  Classes here at Ocala Karate & Fitness are not only exciting high energy classes, but so much fun at the same time.  I think you could ask any of our members here just how great of a time they have, and how do they actually learn, and all would tell you with big smile.  A LOT ! !

    And honestly, the big smile speaks more than anything else.  That’s why we’re growing, and growing, and growing.   As more people are finding out about us here and what we are doing www.ocalakaratefitness.com , our student base continues to grow every month.

   When we first started our youth class, ages 10-13, 2 months ago we only had 4 members in the class.  As of last night we now have 10, and 3 more are joining classes the first of the year.  Why I think we are doing so well here is because we are giving everyone exactly what they want.  1.  REAL KARATE.  Not after school day care, where the kids play games.  We are teaching them REAL life building skills which include but are not limited to: Balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, confidence, stamina, focus, and the list can go on and on. 

    Wrapping up the 2009, Ocala Karate and Fitness will be closed from the 17th until Jan 3rd.  We will be taking phone calls though and answering any questions anyone might have about 1 or all of the many programs that we have to offer here.  So don’t hesitate to call us at 352-694-6304 or email us so we can get you started the first week of the New Year. 

    Also new in 2010, Ocala Karate & Fitness is showing once again why we are Ocala’s Premier Martial Arts School by kicking the year off with our Self DefenseProgram.  This new program is a non traditional class that deals with only REAL Street Self Defense situations.  It’s easy to learn curriculum makes it a great class for beginners off the street that REALLY want to learn how to protect themselves.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com  So check out the website and see for yourself why we are expecting this class to fill up very quickly, and be one of our most popular programs. 

    So do the research over the Christmas break and start the Year of 2010 off right at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  We ARE Building a Better Tomorrow . . . Today.

     Well tonight was Ocala Karate & Fitness’s last Kids Karate Class and Our last Adults Karate and Okinawan Weapons class until Jan 3rd.  I would like to start off by saying  just how proud of everyone I am right now.  The accomplishments and personal achievements that our members have made this year is something to really take pride in. 

    All the hard work and drills are really starting to pay off now.  I am watching our members in class do things now that 3 and 4 months ago were totally unobtainable.  This is when you know that we’re doing something right.  The combination of our Shorin Ryu Karate classes, accompanied by the Cardio Fitness classes is not only getting our members in shape, but strengthening all the areas that matter most.  In the last week I have had two separate members come up to me after class and say that they no longer have any back pain. 

    I’ve had another tell me that over the last 10 years they have had terrible chronic neck pain and limited range of motion.  Now, she says that for the first time in as long as she can remember her neck does not hurt or feels stiff when she turns.  This is what Okinawan Karate is all about.  It’s about not only strengthening our bodies, but building strong posture and alignment.  The motions and postures or stances that our Karate was built around was designed for this very purpose. 

To allow us as practitioners to live long and healthy lives.  By building strength around our spine and core, it develops or re-develops our bodies in ways that allows us to benefit the most.  And these are just the things our members are noticing over the SHORT term.  We have not even been open a year yet, so these our members that have only been training for less than 12 months.  Imagine what you would feel like if you practice for say 3 years.  Or 5 years.  Or better yet, an entire LIFETIME. 

    This is what Karate is really about.  Not only learning how to defend yourself against physical attacks, but to defend yourself against life itself.  The longer you train and practice, the more you realize you need to practice.  It is a very humbling but at the same time enlightening experience.  So start your NEW YEAR off right and give us a call at Ocala Karate & Fitness or check us out on the web at www.ocalakaratefitness.com  and see for yourself why everyone is saying that we are Ocala’s Premier martial arts studio.  

  Stop by and see for yourself what we can do to help you.

    Happy Holidays from all of us.

   Sincerely

  Robby and Jaime Bray

Stop by and see us!

Well here we are winding up the year 2009 and man are we still having fun. Monday nights Karate class, I think all the members will agree was a blast! We got to focus on doing several of our 2 man self defense drills that really start getting our students used to body movements. This is just one more reason why Ocala Karate & Fitness is Ocala’s Premier Martial Arts Training Facility. www.ocalaselfdefense.com
What we mean by body movement is the ability to recognize a particular motion, detect which direction it is going, and react by moving away or around that motion in a defensive posture. After all, that’s what Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate is all about.
Moving the target, (you) and disrupting a continous attack. The only way to get where we can recognize this action and react to it effectivlely, is to practice, practice, and practice. This too is the foundation on which Okinawan Karate was built upon.
By teaching our bodies, or more specifically our muscles to repond with out thought is what makes our Karate effective. The Okinawans figured this out a long, long time ago. By creating a reflexsive action, you can defend yourself with out thought.
This is just one of the many, many things we train to be able to perform here at Ocala Karate & Fitness. www.ocalakaratefitness.com

      We’re happy to see that 4 NEW members have enrolled this week and have taken advantage of our Christmas Special.  These new members have saved 160 bucks in total savings by enrolling this week.  Combine that with the FREE uniform, Free sparring gear set, Free carrying bag, Free T shirt, and Free boxing gloves, you can see why this is SUCH a great deal ! ! 

    Nothing makes us happier than to be able to get our new Members up and going with all their gear provided for them so they don’t have to keep spending more and more money every month.  One price includes all.  Your not going to find this deal anywhere else. 

   One more reason why Ocala Karte & Fitness is Ocala’s best Martial Arts Training Facility.  We are here to take care of our members.  So if your interested in enrolling hurry up and don’t miss out on this deal.  Because after Friday, it won’t be available again until December 2010.

     Don’t forget January is our launch date for our NEW Self Defense program too.  We can’t stress how excited we are about this class.  We are Ocala’s ONLY Licensed and Certified Self Defense Black Belt Program.  Spots on the floor our already begining to fill as we have spread the word around about this PURE Street Self Defense class that is going to give you the confidense and ability to feel safe no matter where you are. 

     Well we sure hope everyone has a Happy Holiday and lood forward to hearing from you soon.  Contact either Jaime or Robby Bray at 352-694-6304 for more information on anyone of our programs.

                                                                     Happy Holidays

                                                             Robby and Jaime Bray

Hello everyone,

With the end of the year approaching quickly, and the New Year right around the corner, Ocala Karate and Fitness is trying to make it a little easier for those that have been trying to decide to join our program this month or next month.  We’re happy to announce that anyone joining between December 9th and December 31st 2009, will have their membership and registration fee waived.

That’s right !  Between now and the end of the year, we are waiving the 40 dollar registration/membership fee.  Now I know that’s not a whole lot of money, but during the Holidays 40 bucks can make a difference.  AND all new members will still get their Karate Uniform’s Sparring gear, Gear Bag, and T Shirt Free by enrolling in our Black Belt Program.

This program is just what the doctor has ordered for anyone and everyone trying to get fit, lose weight, and get themselves back to where they used to be.

Getting Fit has never been easier

This program is really a win, win situation, so don’t waist time and miss this awesome deal.  Check us out on line at www.ocalakaratefitness.com and see why everyone is saying that Ocala Karate & Fitness is Ocala’s #1 choice in Martial Arts.

It features classes in Shorin Ryu Karate, Ryukyu Kobudo,(Okinawan Weapons) and our Calorie ripping Cardio Kickboxing Circuit Fitness Class.  This membership will not only have you ready for DUAL Certifications, a BLACK BELT in Shorin Ryu Karate and a BLACK BELT in Okinawan Weapons, but will also have you in the absolute best shape of your life.  Both physically and mentally.  You’ll have strength, balance, flexibility, and be Cardio fit.  This is what separates our programs at Ocala Karate & Fitness from everyone else.

Don’t forget to ask about our NEW SELF-DEFENSE BLACK BELT PROGRAM that is launching in January.  This class is just one more reason why we are Ocala’s leader in the martial arts.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com

So don’t make the same mistake by saying you’ll get around to it.  Make the decision now, and come on down and get registered.  Even if you don’t start until after the New Year, register so you can take advantage of this smoking end of the year deal.

Everyone have a safe Holiday and we look forward to seeing you soon !

Merry Christmas

Robby & Jaime Bray

Well here we are wrapping up our first year at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalakaratefitness.com Jaime and I just want to start out by thanking our members for ALL their continued support and effort that each and every one has put into our programs this year here at Ocala Karate and Fitness.  Nothing makes us happier than to see our members making huge achievements in their programs.

When I say achievements, I am referring not only to losing weight, getting stronger and more toned, or developing better balance, but being able to do things that 4-6 months ago they could not.  These are the HUGE advancements in our programs that really makes us smile.

Even though I tell our members, especially new ones, not to get disappointed if they are having trouble with certain things, I can tell after time it starts to wear on them.  But the truth is, this is each member’s unique learning curve that EVERY one of them has to go through.  Then Suddenly without warning that night comes.  Out of the blue as class starts and that particular member has got it going on!

It's hard to get it right ! !

What I mean by that is this:  Suddenly these people are moving up and down the floor with authority and purpose!  Each step is fluid with proper balance, and strength.  It’s like somebody flips the switch and all the lights come on.  There faces light up with self confidence and pride as they can feel they are doing something a little differently now.

These are the times that make it all worth while.  All the hard work and dedication.  The frustrating moments trying to get your foot in that spot, or to remember to pull the load hand back.  These are the times that make it all worth while.

To understand this feeling is something that you have to experience first hand.  That’s when you realize as a student of Karate you are making one HUGE step closer.

I had one of my 10 year old’s mother call me this morning and told me something that made me write this article tonight.  She said before he started, which was about 4 months ago, he was really quite, shy, and unsure of himself.  But suddenly over the last few months his self confidence and attitude towards things have changed 100%.

She told me that if she had known a year ago the difference and over all impact that this would have on him she would have started him then.  (Of course I wasn’t open a year ago so it must have been fate right?)  But this is just one story of many that I have heard through out the year.  It just really motivated me to write this article tonight on this subject.

So if you or your loved ones really need a self confidence booster, don’t wait around wasting any more time.  Life is much, much to short to be walking through it unhappy or insecure with your self.  And the really great thing about this is that self confidence is only ONE of the many, many things that we as students can learn from Karate.

This is because the most important thing that Okinawan Karate teaches us as individuals is how to TRULY get to know and understand OURSELVES ! !  Once you really understand who YOU are and WHAT you are, life is pretty easy.

So check us out online at www.ocalakaratefitness.com and don’t miss our NEW Self Defense class we are starting January 4th 2010.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com

Thanks again and keep up the hard work.

Robby and Jaime Bray

Getting a Jump on the Holiday

     Here we go again, closing out another year.  I don’t know about everyone else, but 2009 flew by pretty fast.  But as we head towards the Holidays and all the huge meals, treats, and parties that are associated with this time of the year, we all need to start flipping the switch now.

What do I mean by flipping the switch?  What I mean by that is everyone that is worried about putting on all the extra weight of the holidays has two choices right now.

1.  Don’t eat anything! !  Run and hide.  Stay away from all your favorite parties.  Now that doesn’t sound like any fun does it?  Okay. I’m kidding.   Option 1. should read: Use extreme caution when you eat, what you eat, and how much you eat at these special events.

2.  Get down to Ocala Karate & Fitness and register for our Cardio Kickboxing class!  www.ocalakaratefitness.com 

  This exciting fast paced workout is just what you need to keep those extra pounds off.  Ocala Karate & Fitness’s Cardio Kickboxing/Circuit Fitness class has been a huge hit this year.  If you want to:

• Increase your metabolism
• Lose weight
• Tone up those flabby areas
• Increase your energy level
• Stay in control of your body
• Stay younger
• Keep your heart healthy

These are just a few of the benefits that our active members are getting from Ocala Karate & Fitness’s Cardio Kickboxing class.  So if your asking yourself: I know I need to do this, but can I do this class? 

The answer is YES !  This class has been designed to accommodate all fitness levels.  Beginners and advanced.

    If you are asking yourself: I’m not very athletic, I wonder if I can do those drills?

The answer is: YES !  These drills are not complicated and only takes a few time of doing the drills before they feel like second nature.

  If your asking yourself:  I wonder if I can do the whole class?

 The answer is YES !    That’s what makes this class so great.  Every drill is designed for each person to push themselves at their own pace.  Where one person might be able to do 20 reps in a minute the next might be able to do 40, or only 10.  The main thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter.  All that matters is that YOU are out on the FLOOR pushing YOURSELF, and getting stronger.

   On top of that the routine changes up every 3 weeks, so no one gets bored or tired of the same ol same ol, grind that we have all felt at one time by going to the big box gyms.  So don’t waste anymore time!  Pick up the phone and call Jaime or Robby for more information on this, or one of our many other classes we have available at Ocala Karate & Fitness. 

   Remember: It’s up to you to take the first step to a healthier fitter you. 

Kicking those calories

                                                         Hope to see you on the floor

                                                           Robby & Jaime Bray

 Don’t Forget about our NEW SELF DEFENSE CLASSESS !

                                     www.ocalaselfdefense.com

Recently I have been talking about how good Prograde Nutritions products are and I really just can’t quit talking about them.  Here at Ocala Karate & Fitness, we have been using Progrades products for about 6 months now and I can’t stress how good they all are.  Today I want to talk about the Cravers.

ProGrade Cravers

The people at Prograde have hit a home run with this little guy.  The Cravers are an awesome little hold me over or get me through snack bar that comes in several flavors.

My favorite is the peanut butter bar.  These mouth watering little treats have less than 200 calories per bar,  have 0 trans fat, and have NO PRESERVATIVES.

They satisfy you with 100% organic Dark chocolate and as I said before come in Peanut Butter (my choice) almond, and spirulina.

Check it out for yourself.

The Facts don't lie.

I was personally eating one of the cravers between my Karate classes to help get me through the evening until I got home to eat dinner.  I noticed the difference almost instantly when I got my cravers in and started eating them for that little pick me up and get me through the night snack.

I will caution you to be careful though.  They are so good you’ll catch yourself wanting more and more of them.  Check them out online at http://www.ocalakaratefitness.getprograde.com and set your account up online.

It’s fast, easy, and you can even set up an auto shipment every month so you don’t have to worry about running out.  And the best part about the auto shipment is that there is NO FREIGHT ! ! No shipping fees at all if you do this.  Now how can you beat that deal.

The Prograde team even offers discounts on package deals by combining different items.  I personally get the Superman Package.  VGF 25 multi vitamen, EFA Icon, Prograde Longevity, Prograde Lean meal supplement, and my favorite of all the Prograde Workout recovery shake.

I save over 60 dollars by ordering it this way in the Superman package.  One thing I will tell you is I have never felt better since starting on the Prograde Products.  Check them out for yourself and I promise you will feel a difference.

Don’t forgot about our New Self Defense Black Belt Program that is starting January 5th, 2010 at 7:00.  This is going to be the class that no one wants to miss out on.  Check out the teaser video at http://www.ocalaselfdefense.com and see for yourself why spots are already filling up!

Ocala karate & Fitness Self Defense Program

Until next time.

Robby & Jaime Bray

Certified and Licensed Self Defense Black Belt Intructor

Certified and Licensed Fighting Fit Boot Camp Instructor

   Just wanted to let everyone know just how much fun our Youth/Teen Karate class is.  This class has really been a blast since we started it up a few weeks ago.  These guys and gals are really having fun and learning a TON of Karate and Self defense.  This age group of 11-14 is working really hard on everything from their basic punches, kicks, blocks, and strikes, to their forms and stances. 

   And lets not forget about their self defense skills and sparring.

Mixing up the combinations

    They will all agree that here at Ocala Karate & Fitness   www.ocalakaratefitness.com  there is so much information to learn that classes are never dull, and never turn into the same old routine.  That’s why we are growing at the pace that we are.  The highest quality Okinawan Karate that you can learn in Ocala, coupled withone of the nicest training facilities around.  Add these two things with a very convenient location on 36th ave by the Publix shopping center and its a super combination. 

   The best part of this mix is that we have so many other programs in motion that you can also choose from.  We have the cardio fitness programs in the mornings and evenings for anyone wanting to shed a few pounds, or just a serious martial artist that wants to be in the best shape of their life upon reaching their black belt.

  We have the Self Defense Black Belt Program that is launching in January.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com  This class will be teaching Street smart self defense in a simple and easy to learn format that is designed NOT for MMA Fighters, but NORMAL everyday people.  This class is going to be such a huge hit here in town that we’re only offering the special Intro price to the first 20 people that register for it.  After that the special intro deal will no longer be available.  So if your walking the fence you REALLY need to stop by and reserve your spot.

   Ocala Karate & Fitness is here to better serve you and all the needs of the local community.  I have personally lived here my whole life, and have watched the area grow.  I only wish growing up that I would have had a Martial Arts school that is offering what we now have made available to everyone.  So stop by anytime and get some information or just watch for yourself and see what we can do to help you.

Score !Learning how to move

Learning how to move

   Well Thanksgiving has come and gone, so now its time to undo the damage right?  All that turkey, ham, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.  And let’s not forget about the pumpkin and pecan pie. 

 Man that stuff is good.  It’s really a  great thing that we only have to survive Thanksgiving and Christmas once a year isn’t it? Well, it’s not too late to get on your game plan now. 

Ocala Karate & Fitness is Ocala’s premier Martial Arts Fitness center.  Not only are we Ocala’s leader in Traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate, but we are quickly becoming one of the area’s fastest growing fitness centers. 

And in an economy like the one we’re in now, that speaks a ton for itself.  With other Martial Art schools going out of business, Ocala Karate & Fitness’s member count grows every month.  The reason we are so successful is not only our customer service, but all the unique programs that we are offering.

Starting the first of the year, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Ocala Karate & Fitness is launching another one of its “Premier” programs.  The Self Defense Black Belt Program.

This program is going to be a big hit to local community, offering not only True Street Self Defense, but a fitness program in itself.  This class has been created to allow “EVERY DAY” people to come in and learn Real Self Defense at a very rapid pace.  As a matter of fact, an average person attending two nights per week, should be able to begin defending themselves in as little as 2-3 months. 

That’s what makes this program so unique.  It was not designed for fighters.  It was designed for every day 9-5 people.  While from a distance it might appear to be MMA, it is far from it.  Rather than being MIXED martial arts, it is Integrated Martial Arts.

What does that mean?  That simply means that if it works and is very simple to use, its in there.  Not all the fancy stuff that takes years and years of dedicated practice to pull off.  This is the stuff that people can learn and pick up very quick.

How effective is it though?  These combinations of various techniques will not only have you confident in yourself, but will have others confident in you too.  So stop by Ocala Karate & Fitness and ask us about our NEW “SELF DEFENSE BLACK BELT PROGRAM” and all the amazing benefits that come along with it.  Remember, there’s a New Year just around corner.  Let us help start it off by building a New YOU ! !

Ocala Karate & Fitness is a Licensed Teaching Facility

     Check out our Self Defense Black Belt Program site online at http://www.ocalaselfdefense.com/ or our main site at

 www.ocalakaratefitness.com                                                                                                                                            

                                                See you on the floor ! !

                                               Robby and Jaime Bray  Licenesed and Certified SDBBP Instructor