Ocala Karate and Fitness

Posts Tagged ‘Black Belt’

So here they come. I just got all the pictures loaded from this weekends training session with Sensei Smith here at Ocala Karate & Fitness. www.ocalashinbukan.com Special thanks again to Sensei Smith for taking the time to come and share with us all that he did. Everyone had a great time and got the chance to learn about Okinawan karate and Seibukan history from an expert. Having been training is Seibukan karate for over 43 years, Sensei Dan Smith is one of the highest ranking men in Seibukan karate holding the rank of 9th dan or 9th degree black belt. Below are a few of the pictures taken during training. I will continue to post more pictured throughout the week. Thanks again to everyone who came and got to experience something truly special.

Training to get it right!

I would also like to add that all those that attended I think have a better understanding now of what Okinawan Karate can mean to an individual.  It is not only practicing self defense, but it is changing your entire out look on life in general.   Through all the drills and training, Okinawan Karate will start to not only change the way others view you, but begin to actually change the way you view yourself.  You see all these drills have a unique way of not only building stronger muscles, toning muscles, building cardio, and flexibility, but it also builds self esteem and confidence.  This is where the big changes begin to happen.  By building mental strength and confidence,  our members begin to carry themselves better.  They begin to change all the little things.  Walk with confidence.  Talk with confidence.  Move with direction and focus. And just as importantly, they begin to take pride in their art.  This is what Seibukan Karate also is about.  Making ourselves stronger from the “INSIDE” out.   I hope everyone is having as much fun in their training as I am.  I’m also excited to to say that here over the next 60 days we will be launching our Intermediate/advanced Karate Classes.

Can’t wait to see everyone on the floor tonight!

It's all about the PUNCH !

Gambatte    

Robby Bray

Well we’re closing in on the weekend here at Ocala Karate & Fitness and what a great week we had in class.  I’d like to start out by saying that I am really starting to see “real” progress in all of our classes.  Everyone’s hard work and time on the floor is starting to show.  No one outside of class realizes “Exactly” what it takes to do what we do here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com

The amount of energy, time, focus, and dedication to really absorb this stuff is tremendous.  I think that has a lot to do with all the overall benefits that practitioners here begin to feel.  After all, the Okinawans’ designed this art to produce healthier people, not only physically, but from a total aspect.

Staying Healthy

You see it was their intention to maintain a “Healthy” society in whole.  Not just to produce some healthy individuals.  By getting everyone involved and on a training regiment that promoted healthy bodies, minds, and attitudes, they would be a great society that would be respected by everyone else in the world.  That is what we train for here at Ocala Karate and Fitness.

Having said that, I would like to invite EVERYONE to attend our first “OFFICIAL” Seibukan Training Day on Saturday, June 26th 2010.  This training event will be hosted by Sensei Dan Smith, 9th Degree Black Belt in Seibukan Shorin Ryu Karate.

Seibukan Shorin Ryu Karate

This is a very special event and everyone should try to attend.  Sensei Smith is only 1 of 2 foreigners to EVER be promoted to the rank of 9th dan on Okinawa Japan.  He has trained with Zenpo Shimabukuro 10th dan and president of the Seibukan, for over 40 years, and actually started his training on Okinawan with Zenpo Sensei’s Father, Zenryo Shimabukuro, Founder of the Seibukan.

All participants will be able to have their passport books signed and stamped after training to document this special event.  This is just the first of many special guests that will become available for Members here at Ocala Karate & Fitness to experience.

Also, the website membership should become available by the end of the weekend, so be on watch for link to the website.  Another HUGE step forward here at the Dojo.  This website will be a very valuable tool to all that are serious in their training.

I would also like to thank everyone in our Ryukyu Kobudo Class for putting in the extra time and effort in our weapons class.  This class is incredibly difficult and takes “Patience”  You guys are doing great.  It makes me smile to see to the class growing.  Slowly, but slow is good.  Especially when the quality stays high.

"Looking For A REAL Challenge?"

Hope everyone had as good a week as I did, and look forward to seeing everyone tonight.

To reach the top . . . you have got to climb.

You know I get members asking me all the time how I make all this stuff that we do up here at Ocala Karate and Fitness look so easy. I really think that some believe it just came naturally to me. Well I think tonight that I’m going to spill the beans and let the cat out of the bag.
Okay, so I’m going to tell everyone my secret. Here it is in a nutshell, so read it all very close and try to unlock the secret that I’ve kept hidden for so many years. Here we go.
It all starts and is fueled by this one little element that each one of us is born with and ALL can use if we are capable of reaching it.

But to do so takes a great deal of courage and discipline. It takes pride and the desire to do something positive about not only yourself, but to those around you as well.
To make not a change in just the way you walk or carry yourself. But to make a change in the way you approach things.   The way you look at things, and go about daily life. Most people don’t realize how good positive, and confident people make OTHER people feel.  All these and more can be accomplished through Okinawan Karate.
All the secrets are right there in front of you the entire journey. Waiting for you to discover them one by one. And make no mistake, that there is no greater feeling than to discover one if these little treasures all by yourself. You see, Karate teaches us more about ourselves than anything else. It is the key to all your hidden strengths, ideas, and  talents.
It is also however, the key to all your hidden or unrecognized weaknesses. So how does Karate produce these truly amazing attributes and mental discipline.   It does so in a way that limits the amount people that will ever be able to see and experience these truly amazing things.
So many people come to me, and really want to find the secret. And it really is frustrating for me to have to sit back and watch them slowly fade away. So why is it only 1 in every 5000 will make it to Black Belt?
The secret to it all is called Dorrokyu. This is a Japanese word that does not really translate exactly to English, but the closest meaning we have to it is this.   Effort ! !
That’s the secret ladies and gentleman. If you want to experience a level of understanding that cannot be fully expressed in words,  you simply have to Want It!  To Believe in yourself. You have got to make an effort to reach it. Not just showing up a few times a month. Not just trying to remember a few punches or kicks. Or to count to 10 in Japanese.  Don’t get me wrong.  All that stuff is fun too, but . .
You have to walk out on the floor every night and push yourself a little harder than the night before. Think about why your foot needs to be right there. I promise you it does not need to be there because that’s where Sensei told me to put mine. It’s there for a reason. A purpose. And every time you push yourself to figure out why,  you will suddenly find yourself trying to understand a few more things that you never noticed before.
This is what Okinawan Karate teaches us. Look at what you don’t see, and try to see it. Then try to figure out why you never saw it before. And  Dorrokyu is the key that fits the lock. We all have it with us. We all CAN  utilize what makes us the dominant species on our planet.   But unfortunately, only a small group of people have the spirit to use it. And the ones that do, will hopefully read this one day and smile. Because they too will at that time have found “The Way”. And for those of you that didn’t know this, Dojo means   Place of The Way.
Hope to see everyone in class tomorrow. And for those of you that have not started remember, the hardest step forward is always the first.
Robby Bray

Hello everyone,

We just wanted to say how Awesome 2010 has been so far for everyone here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com All of the programs are filling up fast as everyone is starting to hear about all the exciting classes that we have to offer.  From traditional Shorin Ryu Karate to the Cardio Kickboxing / Circuit  class, or even our NEW SELF DEFENSE Program that offers classes in REAL Self Defense twice per week after the Cardio Kickboxing Class.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com

Self Defense Black Belt Program

So if your looking for a high energy, high calorie workout, AND the added benefit of learning how to defend yourself in real life situations, look no further.  This is the class for you.

Ocala Karate & Fitness is also a authorized wholesaler for Prograde Nutrition.  Prograde nutrition manufactures and sells some of  the highest quality of nutritional supplements available on the market.  From Pre and Post workout protein shakes, to Krill Oil and antioxidants, Prograde has the answer.  www.ocalakaratefitness.getprograde.com

This month marks the end of our first year in business here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  We would like to say thanks to all of our members that have made all this possible.  This is why we push ourselves to the limit to give to Ocala the ABSOLUTE BEST Martial Arts and Fitness training facility open to the public.

The reason we are able to do this is because of 2 things:

1. We listen to YOU!   We listen to what everyone wants and then we MAKE it happen.  It’s that simple.
2. Our current Members dedication to their personal goals and achievements.  We help YOU get to where YOU want to be.

Anyone can do this!

So whether its losing weight, toning up, getting fit, increasing Self Esteem, Focus, or Self Defense, we are continuing every week to make ALL of our programs the Absolute BEST available in Ocala.  Stop by or give us a call at

352-694-6304 and let us SHOW you first hand, just how amazing our classes really are.

See you on the floor.

Robby an Jaime Bray

 Hello Everybody,

  I just wanted to say how excited we are here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com  Next week marks our FIRST official Year in business and man are we growing.  Ocala Karate & Fitness is Ocala’s Premier martial arts school.  If you don’t believe it just stop by anytime and see for yourself. 

  We offer more variety in our programs and have more to offer than anyone else in town.  We teach AUTHENTIC Okinawan Karate and Kobudo, but also offer if not the best, one of the best Cardio Fitness classes available.  New this year, Ocala Karate & Fitness has introduced its Self Defense Black Belt Program and what a class this has turned out to be.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com

  This class has really turned into a popular class as it hits on “real Life” self defense skills and situations that could really make the difference between a bad situation, and a really, really bad situation.  We’ve been going for 1 month now, and everyone in this class needs to really buckle their seatbelt, because next week we really start turning it on!

Ocala karate & Fitness Self Defense Program

  Our Juniors class now has hit about 12 members and is growing at a rapid pace too.  This class is for ages 11-13 and is really a fun class.  These junior guys and girls are not only benefiting from all the core principles that Okinawan Karate and teach, but also are beginning to learn some real Self Defense skills that will always be available to them if ever needed. 

    These are some of the life building skills and benefits that can only learned at first class martial arts training facility.  At Ocala Karate & Fitness we specialize in doing just that.  Teaching Karate and Fitness.  We are NOT an after school pick up or daycare center.  We take pride in doing what we do best, and that is teaching Okinawan Karate to those who truly wish to learn some of these amazing Life Changing exercises.

  So whether your looking to learn yourself, or to put someone you care about in class, call us today at 352-694-6304 and find out for yourself just how we can help you create something special. 

                                                                                                      Until next week

                                                                                     Robby and Jaime Bray

Here we go everybody.

We’re wrapping up week #3 in the Self Defense class here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com.   We’re happy to see that 4 more people joined the class this week and we all had a real good workout Tuesday night.  Tomorrow nights class is going to have everyone leaving with a smile too.  We are going to be working on some really fun drills that are not only really neat to practice, but will begin to develop our members timing and distance.

These are some of the most critical things any Self Defense class must get across to its members.  We have to know how to move, which way to move, and what to do AFTER we move.  And Ocala Karate and Fitness’s Self Defense Black Belt Program delivers exactly that.

Now I know that many of you might not think that you can do this stuff, but trust me when I say that its not hard to learn.  All of these drills have been designed for exactly that!  This is not a course for mixed martial arts or professional fighters.  This program has been designed for everyday 8-5 professionals that are looking to better themselves in many different ways.

Anyone can do this!

This Program is also a really good program to get your sons or daughters involved in before they go off to college.  At least they and you will be able to move away with the peace of mind that they have been professionally trained to defend themselves if need be.  Now what more could you ask for out of a Self Defense program?  www.ocalaselfdefense.com.  How about getting in shape too.

That’s right !  Not only will this Program have you feeling confident about yourself, but it will have you looking your best too.  That’s because all the drills we do in class are really HUGE calorie hogs.  So that means not only are you learning how to defend yourself, but your also getting in shape at the same time.  And if that’s not enough.  All of our Self Defense members have access to ALL the Cardio Classes as well.

So don’t keep putting this off.  Give yourself the ease of mind that you deserve.  Come down to Ocala Karate & Fitness and let us help you get into the best form of your life.

This place is awesome! !

Ocala Karate & Fitness   352-694-6304

  Holy smokes is all I can say right now.  Our Fighting Fit Cardio Circuit Kickboxing class is totally off the wire ! !  Tonight’s class was packed!  And with 4 new members joining Thursday we might have to cap the class off for the first time since opening!  This 50 minute fat smoker has everyone around town talking about Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com  www.ocalakaratefitness.com

Getting Fit has never been easier

   Not only is everyone getting an AWESOME workout, but they are having a great time.  With the really good selection of music we have chosen to go along with the different workout routines, it makes the class so much more fun than your ordinary walk or run on the treadmill.  Plus, your toning and strengthening so many different muscles throughout your entire body.  You will notice things tightening up and getting definition within the first 30 days. 

  And then for the real die hards.   If that’s not enough stick around for the Self Defense class after that and not only learn REAL life saving skills, but get another workout on top of the Cardio.  Ever wonder why all those MMA guys are so ripped.  Show up for the Self Defense Black Belt Program only available here at Ocala Karate & Fitness and find out for yourself. 

  The drills and sets that we do in that class not only condition our bodies to where if we were ever to find ourselves in a really bad situation, not only would we mentally know what to do.  But we could physically back it up as well !!  www.ocalaselfdefense.com

   Just one more reason Ocala Karate & Fitness is proving to Ocala that we are one of the best Martial Arts and Fitness centers in the area.  If you want to some and find out for yourself, just contact us at 352-694-6304 and schedule your FREE class.  That’s right.  We’re so confident that you will make the right choice and join one of our many programs, that we will let you try any of them for free.  www.ocalashinbukan.com 

   Keep checking our posts for actual testimonials from our members and soon to be added video clips of the classes in action and hear how happy our members are that they made the choice to get involved and start building a better tomorrow for themselves. 

                                                                                                                  Check us out today.

                                                                                                              Robby and Jaime Bray

  Alright.  We’re half way through January 2010 here at Ocala Karate & Fitness and we’re full speed ahead.  Our programs are on fire right now with all the NEW and exciting material that we’re covering.  www.ocalashinbukan.com.  From our Cardio Kickboxing/circuit training fitness, to our brand NEW Self Defense Black Belt Program, Ocala Karate & Fitness has really raised the bar and demonstrating first hand why we are Ocala’s Premier Martial Arts Karate School. 

   Not only do we offer more variety, but all of our classes right now are lead and taught by either Robby or Jaime Bray.  I don’t think any other martial arts school in Ocala can say that all the classes offered are taught by the owners of the school.  Jaime teaches the morning Cardio Kickboxing classes that are held Mon, Wed, and Fri mornings at 9:30, and Robby teaches the evening Karate, Cardio, Weapons, and Self Defense Classes. 

   Just one more reason to make Ocala Karate & Fitness your choice for Martial Arts, Self Defense, or Fitness training.  Here at Ocala Karate & Fitness www.ocalaselfdefense.com we value our customers and treat everyone just like family.  We show up to class everyday trying to make today a better day than yesterday. 

Stop by and see us!

Together with our emphasis on proper mindset, focus, and attitude, we will see to it that our members not only get the absolute best workout, but get to work out in the BEST atmosphere and class settings available. 

    Ocala Karate & Fitness is celebrating its 1 year anniversary next month and would like to thank all of our members for making this possible.  Not only has it been one of the best years of our lives, but we’ve gotten to meet and make many, many new friends this year.

   Launching our new Self Defense Class has been an instant smash hit as we move into the end of January.  This fast paced, skill conditioning class is designed to have everyday people up and moving around with confidence and skill, but will sharpen any one’s skills who are in Law Enforcement, Security, or anything else of that nature. 

  All it takes is one class, www.ocalaselfdefense.comand you will see first hand all the benefits and skills that can be not only learned, but incorporated into your everyday life.  These are skills that not only will make you feel safer, but have everyone around you feeling safer too.  Ocala Karate & Fitness is Ocala’s ONLY licensed and Certified Self Defense Black Belt Program, so don’t waste anymore time wondering  just how much you could benefit from this class.  MAKE the choice, call us at 352-694-6304 and schedule your FREE class to try out. 

  That ’s how confident we are in our services.  What do you have to lose?  Absolutely nothing! ! 

                                                                       Stop by today and see how Ocala Karate & Fitness can change your life forever.

                                                                                             Sincerely

                                                                                                  Robby and Jaime Bray

Self Defense Black Belt Program

 We’re rolling into week #2 in Ocala Karate & Fitness’s Self Defense Program and everyone in class is going to notice the pace pick up a bit.  Now I know it’s only week 2 in our Self Defense Class, but everyone attending is going to notice the steady progression every week of this class.  We are beginning at the ground level with very basic fundamental drills that will take our Self Defense members from not knowing how to throw the first punch or kick in a self defense situation to being able to strike an opponent with the right power and authority needed to end a violent situation.

     This week’s class is going to build off of the basic punching combinations learned last week, by adding two new ones into the series.  As the class moves on, these combinations too will help build striking speed and power in our members.  Also this week we will be adding defensive measures against different choking attacks.  Like the striking drills, these drills will also begin basic and then build into more complex and more intense drills that will increase our members strength and confidence over the course of the program.

  The other great thing about this class is that it is a complete THREE year program.  Now you might ask yourself just what exactly does all that mean and how does that benefit our students?  For starters:  This is not a limited or set program, so just when you start to understand what is going on, the class won’t end.  This will allow our Self defense members to continue becoming more comfortable, more confident, and more capable of defending themselves from just about ANY situation that he/she might find themselves in.

      The other thing this means is that our Self defense members get to advance physically as well.  This means that by staying in the program they will be getting more exercise and becoming more fit.  The drills will continue to increase over time and in intensity to help our Self Defense defense members tone up and lose weight at the same time too.  It’s only common sense to realize that ultimately, being able to defend yourself also means you have to be in better shape.  One more reason why this program is becoming as popular here in Ocala as it has. 

  Ocala Karate & Fitness’s Self Defense Program is held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00.  For more information on this amazing new progam, check us out at www.ocalaselfdefense.com or www.ocalakaratefitness.com .  Or just stop by in person and see for yourself why every week we continue to position ourselves as Ocala’s Premier Martial Arts School.

                                                                                                 Hope to see you soon

                                                                                                      Robby and Jaime Bray

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