Ocala Karate and Fitness

Posts Tagged ‘Self Defense’

And we are officially over half way through 2010. Can you believe it? I sure can’t. This year is moving by sooo fast, but we couldn’t be happier with our members here at Ocala Karate & Fitness. www.ocalashinbukan.com We have been able to accomplish all of our goals so far this year and we are looking forward to the second half of 2010. This leads us to our topic of today. And that is ATTITUDE.
Attitude is the one element that really impacts and has serious influence over each of our lives. It has a tremendous effect over how we go through life day after day. It is key to determining how you are going to feel, day after day. Every morning when you get up, having the right attitude can change the whole day before you even get started.   Let me explain how Okinawan Karate can help.

First off.  Okinawan Karate is much more than a system of learning Self Defense.  Okinawan Karate is a way of LIFE.  Having said that, let me take it a step further.

All my members here at Ocala Karate & Fitness hear me say this over and over again in class.  Karate is a way of life.  This is due to the way that the Okinawans’  structured and cultivated this art.  You see, it all starts everyday when you walk through the door and enter the dojo.  “DOJO”  means “Place Of The Path To Enlightenment”  This should be everyone’s mindset upon entering the dojo.  This is where we make a BETTER you.

A Fresh Start

Upon entering the Dojo, and stepping out on the floor, you must focus on making yourself a little better than the last time you were here.  Every night you come in, focus should always be on making yourself a little better than before.  Not better than the person beside you, but better than YOU were.  Whether it be strength, balance, agility, is not important.  Just always, always strive to better yourself in one aspect.  If you continue to do this while training, it will have a positive effect on how you start approaching everything else in life.  You begin to take it from the moment you get up out of bed every morning.  Try to make your life a little better than it was yesterday.

Remember that the beautiful thing about life is that “EVERY” morning when we get up, we control our OWN destinies.  Every second of every day, we make decisions that effect what happens to us.  This is just ONE small example of how Okinawan Karate can change your life forever.  It creates a new “Positive” mindset on the dojo floor, which over time can be carried off the floor with you and into your life 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  The first of our Dojo kun says what?  “To strive for the Perfection of character”   Think this through carefully, and start putting it to use today.   Stop back by in a few days and I will expand further on this Subject.  Everyone have a safe holiday, and we look forward to seeing everyone next week.  

Gambatte

Robby Bray

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

I was talking some of my members the other night in class and they were all asking me different questions of how Karate has helped change me over the last several years.

Let’s see . . . how has Karate effected me over the last say . . .20 years?  This much I can tell you.  Everyone lists all the positive things that Karate can do for us.  The list always looks something like this:

-Learn Confidence

-Learn Balance

-Learn Self Defense

-Build Strength

-Learn to focus

-Build reflexive response time.

… and the list goes on and on and on.  While all these benefits are without a doubt learned and developed through a GOOD Karate Program, the reality is this.  Okinawan Karate teaches each one of its students everything they need to know about THEMSELVES.

Hard work and sweat go a long way.

A top notch Okinawan Karate Program will help build all the above mentioned AND More! !  Through a very well structured system, Okinawan Karate starts with what we call the basics.  These basics are designed to slowly build strength, Speed, coordination, Balance, and here’s a big one.  Structured Focus.

What many perceive as just punching or kicking or jumping up and down the floor, is actually a simple way of showing each one of us EXACTLY what our strengths and weakness’s are.  These drills systematically show us what, and then HOW to improve these areas.  By revealing our weak areas, we then know exactly what we need to work on.

Yes these stances make strong legs!

Okinawan Kobudo Adds a Whole New Challenge!

This is why so many people start a Karate Program and eventually drop out.  Why?  Because it is very hard for each of us to realize how unbalanced we are.  And when we are showed this . . . its really hard for some people to swallow.  That is why the ones that stay, and WANT to improve themselves both physically and mentally experience all the rewards that they hear Karate can provide for them.

Case in point.  I have a handful of members now that on a routine basis tell all my new members that start out.  “Its okay.  Don’t get frustrated or disappointed you are not able to do a particular thing as well as the senior members.”  They say this because each of my seniors are now able to see just how far they have evolved since they started.

This is the part I enjoy most as a teacher.  To be able to see these  guys and gals really begin to glow in class.  You can almost physically see there Self Esteem begin to radiate from them.  And the best part about it is this.  There is no limitation to Okinawan Karate.  The MORE you train, the better you will get at whatever that particular exercise is teaching.

I’ll have more on this next time.

-Robby Bray

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

  Hello everyone,

   I just wanted to go over some of our many different Programs that are available to everyone here at Ocala Karate & Fitness, along with just a few of the many benefits that are associated with each one.

   First off, with the Hollidays just around the corner everyone is going to have to start paying attention to what we are eating.  Unless your already actively exercising on a routine basis, this is something EVERYONE needs to pay close scrutiny too. 

Holliday Food

We’re soon to be getting bombarded by every diet plan on the market.  With the New Year around the corner, your going to begin hearing, and seeing on TV, radio, internet, or bookshop every diet plan on the planet.

   Now I know that your going to hear about all the success rates that these plans have, but what you have to ask yourself is this.  Do you really want to go on some extreme diet, even though they will all tell you that they are not, and half starve yourself not of only food, but of all the daily nutrients that your body really needs?

Do you really want to have to watch everything to the point that you can’t eat ANY Carbs, or ANY Protein, or ANY fat ! !  I don’t know about you but that sounds like a ton of work, and not very much fun either.

 The truth is this.  Exercising 3x per week for a min of 20 mins per session will provide better results than any of these diets.  Now this does require you to eat sensibly though.  But I when I say sensible, I mean to use common sense.  Try to cut down on your calorie intake.  Try to stay away from fried and fatty foods. 

   Or better yet, if you try to use a diet and combine it with exercise you will see results even quicker.  But the key here is you have to exercise.  Exercise not only burns more calorie’s, but it it makes you stronger.  It makes your heart healthier and will allow you to live longer.  It will help your joints, and range of motion.

You will notice big changes in almost every attribute with your body.  As you get stronger, you will feel better about yourself.  And this is no trick.  This is no fancy diet plan that “Researchers have developed”  This is something that we have always know.  The human body was designed to work.  When it does not, it literally begins to  fall apart.

Staying Healthy

  So we have to make up our minds now.  Do we want to spend our final days confined to a body that seems to be broken and only continues to get worse every year, or do we want to do something about it while we can?   And we’re only talking about 20 mins per day.  The amount of time it takes you to drive across town in traffic.

   Our future as a country and culture depends on us to make this change.  Through technology we have been granted things that our grandparents thought would never be available.  But the flip side to that is how much easier it has made our life style.  Too easy. 

  Our lifestyle has become so easy that it is now having negative effects on us.  So make the choice now ! !  Quit looking at those people that you call or stigmatize as health nuts as being crazy.  They have made the choice to live healthier and longer than all the others. 

Staying Fit

We all know now what smoking does to us.  It Kills ! ! Because of this people have dropped the habit, and it seems less and less people are smoking.  Well guess what.  Eating a horrible diet with no EXERCISE is killing us too ! !  It’s no different.  And do you know what the really crazy thing is?  It is way, way more difficult to stop smoking than it is to get into an exercise routine. 

  If people can quit smoking everyday, then EVERYONE can start exercising.  So make the choice now and live to see your grandchildren. Wait, don’t just plan on seeing your grandchildren.  Plan on enjoying them ! !

                                           More to come on this subject soon.

                                                                          Yours in health

                                                                           Robby & Jaime Bray

     Well its official now.  Ocala Karate & Fitness will be kicking off the new year in 2010 with 2 new programs.  Both of these programs are guaranteed winners.  We’re excited to officially launch the Fighting Fit Boot Camp fitness program, and the Self Defense Black Belt Program.  Both of these programs are stand alone classes at Ocala Karate & Fitness, and will benefit a wide variety of members.

     Both programs are a fast paced action packed hour of explosive high calorie training.  Which ever one best fits you is up for you to decide.

Fighting Fit Boot Camp Logo

    Fighting Fit Boot Camp   This program is designed to get you back in shape quick.  By utilizing some of the best fat burning, muscle toning drills available, this program will help you lose weight and get back in shape fast.  Our program has two Licenced instructors, Jaime and Robby Bray, that will be leading the boot camp classes. Call Jaime for more information at 694-6304, or check out the national website at http://fightingfitbootcamp.com/

     Self Defense Black Belt Program  This program is geared towards anyone wanting to learn practical street self defense.  Intended for for every day people, this program will give you not only self confidence, but a fighting chance against a dangerous situation if it should ever occur.  Focusing techniques that really work against a wide variety of situations, this class is really something that you can not afford NOT to take.  Designed to work for Women and Men, this program will have you up on your feet and able to “Really” defend yourself in only a few months time.  Ocala Karate & Fitness is the ONLY Licensed Self Defense Black Belt Program in Marion County and 1 of only 3 in the state of Florida.  So call now to schedule an appointment and see for first hand why Ocala Karate & Fitness is becoming Ocala’s Premiere Self Defense Fitness Center. 

  http://selfdefenseblackbelt.com/

Self Defense Black Belt Program

     Well tonight was the official start of Ocala Karate & Fitness’s Youth Karate Class.  This class has been designed specifically for young Karate students between the ages of 11 and 14 years of age. 

     I would like to tell everyone JUST HOW WELL THEY ALL DID !  Everyone ramped up and made this class awesome.  Between the more advanced techniques that were covered, and the extra time spent on their stances and body weight transitioning, the guys and gals are really going to be good.

     The primary focus in this new class is: 1.  To continue moving forward with harder more complex drills focusing on their balance.  2.  To ramp up the pace of the class creating much more of  a cardio workout.  This helps them to stay fitter during their teenage years when they are growing.  3.  Introduce them to more Self Defense type drills and applications building their confidence and awareness.  4.  Developing more CORE strength, which is such an important part to everyone, but seems to slip to the way side in most sports today.  5.  And most importantly, to help them all transform into HEALTHY, more AGILE, and FIT adults.

     Also I would like to mention that anyone interested in our morning Cardio Kickboxing/Circuit Fitness class, you really need to call now and reserve a spot.  With 12 people now attending, the available spots are filling up for this AWSOME, fast paced, Calorie Smoking class.  New drills will be coming in on Friday too as we rotate a new set of exercises in, so everyone rest up over the next day and get ready !

        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.