Guest Blog: "The Martial Art of Giving"

Karla Bravo is a fighter…. but you may not know it talking to her.  She is gentle, civic-minded and cultured.  But as Manager of the Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studio in Long Beach she is also trained and qualified to teach others the martial art of kempo.




Z-Ultimate is a national name that specializes in personalized martial arts instruction.  Founded in nearby Huntington Beach the board of masters has been training together for about 40 years.  Karen explains part of what makes their open-hand style so appealing is that anyone from age 3-103 can participate and benefit from the training.


Her own introduction to the martial arts began in the late 90′s.

“I got into kickboxing for weight loss 12 years ago when I moved to Orange County.”  It was then that she encountered Z-Utimate.  “I fell in love with all of it.  After a year I asked if I could help at a class and they said ‘yes!’”

When I went to meet Karla she was in the process of giving instruction in doing a form using a staff.  She said they teach technique with a variety of traditional weapon enhancements such as spears, nunchucks, staffs and swords.


I was impressed not only with her prowess, but her patience with her pupil as well as her ability to teach clearly and productively.  Frankly, I had a hankering to throw on a gi and jump into the action!


I asked Karla what she enjoys most about her work at the studio.  She didn’t have to think twice before answering that she loves to see people transform and their lives change… pretty heady stuff I thought, unable to think of words worthy of a response.  Karla noted that she had worked in a corporate environment which was a far cry from the perpetually positive and always uplifting atmosphere she works in now at Z-Ultimate.  But none of this feel-good stuff is meant to be selfish.  Time and again she stressed the importance of giving back to the larger community.


No surprise then she was thrilled to learn of Quiznos on Spring Street's offer to give the studio’s students special deals on food and beverage for the whole family.  There are 3 specials available through March 31st including a free sub sandwich when a student advances to the next belt level.



I asked if Z-Ultimate hosted any tournaments and my oh my do they!  Their competitions held at UCI’s Bren Events Center attract more than two thousand in-house competitors.  Tournaments are also held in Washington, Colorado and Kansas with a total of about ten competitions per year.



Her goals for the future involve growing the LB studio and finding a balance between running a business and teaching the art, between social responsibility and the bottom line.  To that end they have come up with a wonderful program to benefit local schools that have been heavy hit by the deepening budget cuts.  Call Karla for details, as well as to register for classes at 562-425-9878 and visit http://zultimatelb.com for more info.


And, of course, after training come into Quiznos and relax to enjoy a well-deserved toasty treat… at a discount, no less!  
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