Ocala Karate and Fitness

Posts Tagged ‘Ocala’

I’d just like to start off by saying that I really hope everyone is enjoying themselves as much as I am.  Ocala Karate & Fitness www.ocalashinbukan.com has turned out to be one of the best experiences in my life.  Rolling into the second half of our second year open, I can’t express with words what the dojo has accomplished and the plans that I have in place for where we are all going.   I am really excited about the fact that starting in September, we will be opening a Intermediate/advanced Adult Karate class.  This is really going to be fun now.  Ocala Karate & Fitness is just now getting its first wave of graduating beginner students into the intermediate level stage of their training.

These classes are going to not only be faster paced, but the difficulty level skill wise is going to jump substantially.  Remember me saying at one time that Ocala Karate & Fitness continues to push its members everyday, every month, and every year.  Well this is where a “BIG” push comes into play.  And all of these graduating members are ready.  Their basic fundamentals, which are the building blocks to “Karate” are all strong.

Also due to the overwhelming number of new members that has allowed us to grow so fast, we will be opening up another children class, and juniors class.  All of this will be happening over the next 60 days so be sure to stay tuned for updates on times and schedule.

Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan "Philosophy of the heart"

Another SPECIAL thanks to our Ryukyu Kobudo members.  You guys are doing AWESOME !  By now most of you will agree that the Kobudo class is probably the most difficult and challenging class of all at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  Having said that, I would like to remind everyone that membership into the Kobudo class (Ocala Tesshinkan) is by invitation only.  In order to qualify for membership the following must now be met prior to invitation.

1. Must hold at least Orange Belt Level and be at least 13 years of age.

2.  Must demonstrate the ability to “REALLY” push yourself and excel.

3.  Must attend at least 6 Ryukyu Kobudo classes per month.

4.  Must demonstrate exceptional control and Attitude.

When an Ocala Karate & Fitness member meets all these prerequisites, membership into the Ocala Tesshinkan will be reviewed.  Acceptance into the organization will lead to a path that most Martial Artists NEVER get to experience.  I truly encourage all of our members to try and make it into the Ocala Tesshinkan.

Have a great weekend and we’ll see everyone next week.

Gambatte

Robby Bray

    Well its all finished!  All the stress and anxiety over last Friday’s testing is over and done with.  And I’d like to say what an excellent job all our members that tested did on Friday Night.  Everyone came out and gave 110 percent in Friday nights testing at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com

 From Ocala Karate & Fitness

We had around 23 members Test on Friday night for ranks ranging from Yellow, Orange and Green Belts in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate.  Ocala Karate & Fitness is Ocala’s only Licensed and Certified “Seibukan” school.  We offer Ocala a chance to train in Traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate.

From Ocala Karate & Fitness

 Okinawan Shorin Ryu was designed to be practiced over an entire lifetime.  The skills and lessons learned from Karate will continue to benefit our members through out the course of their life.  Not only does Okinawan Karate teach us how to defend ourselves from physical confrontations, but it also teaches problem solving and Self Motivation that can be applied to just about all aspects of life. 

    And it NEVER too late to start.  We have members that start at the age of 7, and some that start at the age of 53.  So if Karate is something that you have always wanted to try, but just never got around to it, it’s NEVER too late to start.  Our curriculum is set up to produce the ABSOLUTE BEST ! !  The only thing that is REQUIRED, is 110 Percent EFFORT !  Without constantly pushing yourself to do better- To be better- To be stronger- To be faster, you will never truly blossom into what you “Could” be.  And by teaching our members to do this very thing, it begins to spill over into life itself.  It changes the way we look at our daily lives.  If you don’t get up every morning and be the absolute best you can be, why bother doing anything.  If your not going to do it the best that you can, why do it only half as well as you could.  That’s the way you have to look at your Karate training.  Be the ABSOLUTE BEST you can be, and everything else will fall into place.  Just keep training hard everyone and one day you too will see what I am always talking about. 

 Check back in a few days and we’ll have pictures from testing posted for all to see.  Our Student of the Month Page will come online next month too.  And for those of you that have not registered for the Online curriculum don’t wait any longer.  There is so much useful information and video’s available to our website members to make training here at Ocala Karate & Fitness the absolute BEST martial arts studio in Ocala.  Once again, congratulations to everyone on a great test, and a SPECIAL congrats to our 2 members that tested in Kobudo directly after the Karate test.  You guys did great, and keep up the hard work. 

 Can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow night in class.  Get rested up, cause we have a lot to cover.

     Robby Bray

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

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

  Well here we are finishing up week #8 of 2010 at Ocala Karate & Fitness.  www.ocalashinbukan.com   This year has already started out on a pace that I think all of our members can verify is nothing short from to be expected.   Our classes this year are out of the gate and running.  We want to say thanks to every0ne of our members that come out to class 2-3 nights per week and give us exactly what we give them.  100% ! !   Anything less than 100% at Ocala Karate & Fitness just is not accepted. 

  We are here to give Ocala its absolute BEST in Okinawan Shorin Karate and Self Defense.  Our programs are structured and designed for beginner students and build them up with all the basic skills needed to allow for the progression to an advanced level.  We never rush our members for advancement or pre-mature rank recognition.  At Ocala Karate & Fitness all rank is earned.  Not purchased.  By strictly enforcing these principles, our members become some of the best trained martial artist in our area.

Real Training, for REAL Self Defense

If traditional Karate is not your main interest, jump into our Self Defense class that is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00.  This non traditional Self Defense classes teaches everything that ANYONE really wanting to learn “Real” Self Defense will need.  This class is fully Certified and Licensed, and is quickly becoming Ocala Karate & Fitness’s most popular class.  Not only will you build Self Confidence and Self Esteem from this class, but you will also get fit and shape at the same time. 

 Ever wonder why those UFC guys look so fit?  Well its really no secret.  If you get on the floor and train with us a 2-3 times per week, you too can get into shape FAST and enjoy some of the benefits that those pro fighters are enjoying.  Remember, Ocala Karate and Fitness has so many different Programs to choose from, that we CAN and WILL get you not only in the best physical shape of your life, but mentally as well.  All it takes is for YOU to make the choice to CHANGE the way you are living now.  Once you make the choice, you will never look back again.

  Ocala Karate & Fitness is open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00.   We are here  to help make a difference in Ocala, and look forward to hearing from you soon.  Make the call now, so we can get you started.  352-694-6304.  Or check us out online at www.ocalaselfdefense.com 

                                                                             Quit walking the fence and make your choice NOW.  You won’t be sorry.

                                                                                                        Robby Bray

Here we are halfway through Feb and this year is already lighting up fast !!  With the addition of our NEW Self Defense class, we have already added 10 new members to our program.  Here at Ocala Karate & Fitness, www.ocalashinbukan.com we not only have one of the highest quality programs around, but one of the most exciting new programs available.  At  Ocala Karate & Fitness you can not only take advantage of getting in shape and getting back to they way you used to feel, but also build the Self Confidence and peace of mind that so many of us now a days lack.

Ocala Karate & Fitness

With all the choices that we have now made available to everyone, there are no more excuses as to why you “can’t” be the person you remember being.

With our Shorin Ryu Karate, Cardio Kickboxing and Circuit Classes, Ryukyu Kobudo, and Self Defense Classes we have a perfect fit for you.  Our Karate Classes teach children from the ages of 7-9 , 10-13, and 13 and up.  With focus on stretching, proper balance, proper form, and mind set, these classes will not only get you on the right track, but have you feeling the best you have ever felt.

Then you can take to the next level and jump into the Cardio kickboxing or Self Defense Class, and not only burn some xtra calories, but learn how to make yourself safe and not become a victim.

Let’s face it.  All you have to do is turn the news onto the local channel and see how our world is changing around us.  While everything used to be so easy and safe, now it is a totally different world.  Violence is all around us, and the only way to better prepare ourselves for it, is to simply “BE Prepared”.

So stop by or check us out online at www.ocalaselfdefense.com and see exactly how we can help you not only be a “better” you, but a Safer and more confident you as well.

  Just wanted to let everyone know how well everything is going for us here at ocala karate & fitness in 2010.  We continue to grow every month and our classes are really starting to fill up now.  I think that in today’s time this speaks loudly as to what all Ocala Karate & Fitness has to offer to its members.

  We consider ourselves to be Ocala’s leader in the Martial Arts  for several reasons:

1. We offer More for the dollar than any other school in Ocala.  Here at Ocala Karate & Fitness our members have access to not only Okinawan Karate, but many other classes including:

• Cardio Kickboxing
• Real ” Street Self Defense”
• Okinawan Weapons

 Our members have the ability to train in such a wide variety of classes that ALL focus on Fitness, balance, discipline, cardio, self confidence, and so many more positive benefits.  Ocala Karate & Fitness www.ocalashinbukan.com  is doing its best to give Ocala a true doorway into not only a healthier life, but a positive get away from life.  3-4 classes per week where once you enter the door you can leave the rest of the world outside. 

    This is why we have been able to grow and put into place all the great programs that we now have to offer.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com  Ocala Karate & Fitness provides a training atmosphere that everyone can enjoy doing what ever program they have enrolled in, and have fun too.  All of our classes are fast paced, exciting workouts that allow our members to push themselves and each other in the same direction.  And that is to a better YOU. 

  Our classes are Monday thru Thurs and begin at 5:00.  So whether you are looking to get in shape, get better control over yourself, or build more self confidence, we have the solution for you. 

Stop by and see us!

 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

We just finished up another week here at Ocala Karate & Fitness and want to congratulate our 8 NEW MEMBERS that joined our program this last week.  Our goal with this class is to have all of our members seeing positive results for their hard work in the shortest amount of time possible.  And at the rate these men and women are going that’s not going to be a problem at all.  Our newest members range in age from 15 to 53, and have hit this class wide open.  www.ocalashinbukan.com. 

  Some are doing it to finally get back in shape so they feel better about themselves and to lose some weight, while some are in the off season from soccer and wish to stay fit and in shape, and possibly even have an edge over everyone else when the season starts back up.  The drills and exercises in this class are beneficial not only to over all health, but also build: coordination, flexibility, balance, muscle tone and explosiveness, and last but not least, over better CARDIO FITNESS.

  Our lessons are Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:00 and Mon Wed Fri mornings at 9:30.  Both instructors,Robby and Jaime Bray, are licensed and Certified Fighting Fit instructors, so you know you will be getting some of the best exercise drills available.   Rotating theses drills is a huge factor in any program, and Ocala karate & fitness rotates these drills out with NEW FRESH drills every 3-4 weeks so the workout never gets boring. 

  Ocala Karate & Fitness is constantly elevating our level of customer service too, because we know better than anyone that by bringing YOU the best workout possible is what makes us different from everyone else.  This is what helps make us the “BEST” Martial Arts school in Ocala. 

   Ocala is growing every year, and as it does, an unfortunate side effect is the fact that crime will continue to grow as well.  And having realized this, Ocala Karate & Fitness offers our Street Self Defense Class right after the Cardio Kickboxing class.  Many of our members have already taken advantage of this by joining the class and rolling from Cardio right into this fast paced “REALITY” based Self Defense Class. 

This Self Defense class will not only teach you how to properly handle yourself in a bad situation, but also get your body used to doing what it will NEED to do in a bad situation.  Just one more reason why Ocala Karate & Fitness is Ocala’s Premier Martial Arts Fitness Center.  We are doing everything we can to not only get you in the best Physical shape possible, but the SAFEST state possible too.

   Give us a call at 352-694-6304 and come see how we can make you “better” than you ever thought possible.  www.ocalaselfdefense.com 

                                                                                                                            See everyone next week

                                                                                                                    Have a Great Weekend

                                                                                                             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