Ocala Karate and Fitness

Posts Tagged ‘Dojo’

      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.”

        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.