Ocala Karate and Fitness

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Seibukan Shorin Ryu Karate

What a Great day we all had training this Saturday with Sensei Dan Smith here at Ocala Karate and Fitness. Www.ocalashinbukan.com. I think all the lucky ones that attended would agree with me on how truly exciting it is to listen and learn from a real Karate Legend.
Our training day started out with a basic introduction to Seibukan karate. Seibukan karate is a lineage of Chotoku Kyan’s Shorin Ryu Karate. A devastating form of Okinawan Karate that can be traced back to over 700 years ago to its roots.
The day started out with some quick basic stretching, and then we jumped in to it. With most the focus being on the Seibukan punch. The punch was something that Kyan Sensei held great value in. He had a saying that the punch should always be gaurded like a treasure. And that was a part of his legacy that is still being taught today in Seibukan Karate.
So having said this, that is what we did for the first hour and a half of training. We punched. We punched, and we punched some more. Smith Sensei was very careful and focused as he walked around and fine tuned everyone on the floor. And by the end of the first phase of training, I witnessed an amazing change in everyone on the floor. Yes, they were all covered in sweat and very fatigued, but I saw something else happening to them. They were all changing. Their punches were now starting to take on a whole new look, and the power in them was noticeably increasing.   By the end of the training session, all the fortunate members that got the chance for Sensei Smith to personally critique and shape, had moved a mile in their Karate Training.

This is why I really push for our members to take the opportunity to attend these workshops so they can take full advantage of all the tools that are available here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  We are striving to bring Ocala the Absolute BEST in Okinawan Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo.  And it doesn’t get any better than Sensei Dan Smith.  With over 43 years of Direct Training with Zenpo Shimabukuro, Sensei Smith is one of, if not “THE MOST”, knowledgeable men on Okinawan Karate.  To get the chance to train with him directly, is one of those once in a lifetime chances.  And through Ocala Karate & Fitness, our serious members will get to do this several times through out the year.  If you missed out last Saturday, Smith Sensei will be doing another Seminar soon, so stay on the lookout for more information.

We will be posting pictures up here shortly on the event.  Once again, congratulations to all those that attended and really make an effort to start applying all that you learned from the Seminar into your daily class training.

Beginning TODAY !!

Keep up the great work.

Robby Bray

Hello everyone. First off I just want to mention how excited both Jaime and I are about how supportive all of our members are here at Ocala Karate & Fitness.

Real Training, for REAL Self Defense

When Jaime and I decided to open the studio last January, we were really nervous with the economy being what it was, and people cutting back on activities. Well the old saying of always follow your heart and you will always succeed could not have been more true.
Here we are now with one of the fastest growing martial arts studio’s in town. I’ve watched with sadness, so many schools shut down and go out of business over the last year and I just really want to say thanks again for all of our members continued support in our programs.
Last night in our Self Defense, I was really starting to see our members progress. Last nights drills were a ton of FUN to watch, because the drills are now starting to set in. THAT is what our training is all about! Being better than we were last week. And the really cool part is, members are not only losing weight, getting stronger,faster, and well balanced. They are having fun while they are doing it.
THAT is what leads to success. I’d just like to say how proud I am of everyone giving 110% in our programs.
A very wise man once told me “It’s a whole lot easier to find something easier to do.”
Remember that and you guys and gals will always end up on TOP.
Thanks for reading and until next time.
Robby Bray
“Doryoku No Seishin O Yashinau Koto”
(To Foster The Spirit Of Effort)

     We’re finishing up another week and couldn’t be happier with all that happened.  First off, our New Karate Youth Class ages 11-14 was a smash hit.  This class is so much fun and the students are doing so well that all I can do is smile.  It made such an impact that the Ocala Star banner printed the opening of this class on Thursday November 10. 

     Secondly, the Cardio Kickboxing class is really running strong now too.  Everyone is getting ready for the hollidays by getting involved in our Cardio class BEFORE all the food for the hollidays hits everyone right where it counts.  This class is a total body workout, so if your looking to tone up and stay fit, or lose some of those unwanted pounds this class is for you. 

    With a perfect balance of core, legs, and arm exercises, this class will melt the pounds off.  And what makes it even better is that the class is really fun.  The drills change up so fast that the 50 minutes of scorching calories is over before you realize it.  So stop by and check the class out first hand or watch a video clip on the website. 

For everyone enjoying the class right now, hang on to your hats because tomorrow will by the last class with these drills that we’ve been doing for the last couple of weeks now.  Starting Monday we’ll have 17 brand new exercises hitting the circuit, so get ready.  This is what this class is all about.  Changing up the routine to keep it as exciting and fast paced as possible.  No one wants to do the same old drill over and over again.  That’s why this class is so much fun, and so effective at keeping its members coming back for more.  So call now and reserve a spot and see for yourself the benefits of becoming a member at Ocala Karate & Fitness. 

Kicking Those Calories

      Something I really want to stress to everyone that is involved in any martial art, but especially Okinawan Karate, is the importance of the basics.  The basics, or Kihon, is something that seems to get over looked in almost all western forms of martial arts today.  Whether it be the fast paced life style that we have grown accustomed to in this busy world that we live in, or just that we have really grown impatient as a society.

     With technology advances moving at the rate that they are, we as a society have really grown to be impatient.  When you think about how long it takes any of us at home to find information on line, its really no wonder.  We have access to just about everything  now at any time we want. 

     This is where Traditional Okinwan Karate can really benefit children, teenagers, and even adults.  The reason for this is that there is no fast way or ancient secret to learning Karate.  Only dedicated diligent study of the basics can produce the desired results that so many people come to Ocala Karate & Fitness in search of.  So many times I hear people say: How do yo move like that?  How did you get so fast?  How can you remember all that?  My answer is: It’s easy. 

      They always say Oh yeah, maybe for you.  But they can’t understand that years ago, I was just like them.  All I had to do was practice.  Really practice.  Not just wander in the dojo, put my Gi on and walk through the motions watching the clock and running out the door right when class was over.  No, I had to really practice.  I had to think everything through. I had to wait, and learn all the stuff that some might see as boring, or dull.  But what most don’t realize is that stuff that so many people think to be boring and dull is so very important to training your body and mind to see and come to realize all the key points and fundamentals in  karate.  

Yes these stances make strong legs!

     This is what develops those muscles.  This is what develops the balance and coordination.  It does not happen in a week, a month, even a year.   It’s something that we have to bring into our daily life and embrace it as a life long practice.  Do you notice changes in a month? Of course.  Do you notice huge changes in a year?  Absolutely.  If you don’t believe it, be sure to video yourself in class the first month you start and then after about a year.  You won’t believe the difference.

      This is what we’re about at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  We are about producing life long members.  We want to touch people’s lives and offer them such improvements in overall health and fitness.  Both mentally and physically.  All I have to do is watch my Sensei when they come to Ocala, or when I travel to Okinawa and I see what I hope I will have at 63 or 65 years old.  I hope I can move faster and look stronger than a healthy 35 year old when I’m that age.

Building Balance

Long days of training around the world

    These are only a few items off the long list of benefits that can be achieved by practicing Okinawan Karate.  So when ever anyone asks me what the secret is to learning Karate.  I simply answer this with a direct quote that one of my Sensei once told me.  He said the Secret to Okinawan Karate is in the EFFORT.  “EFFORT IS EVERYTHING.”