You feel tired and grumpy everyday after work. Your doctor has been nagging you to start exercising. You tried jogging, lifting weights, even P90X with little to no results. Nothing seems to help you stay focused on your goal to live a healthier, happier life.
Bill Antonitis (right) with Sensei Ed DeCosta
Or maybe you are fit already, but you feel unfulfilled. Are you tired of slogging through boring, repetitive workouts? Are you annoyed by the people in the gym who spend more time texting than training? Maybe you’re just looking to try something new—a break from the usual!
You may have tried martial arts before. What turned you away from other schools? Macho meatheads looking to injure you? An instructor without a lineage who just made stuff up as he went along? Did you secretly question whether his “self-defense” techniques would work in a fight, or were you just learning the coolest new dance moves?
Albert Einstein once defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Also known as Uechi-Ryu, Shohei-ryu Karate is easily identified by circular blocks and focused strikes. Once referred to as “the crossroads between tai-chi and kung fu,” practitioners work to balance the conflicting energies of power and grace within mind and body. Through years of training students (karateka) begin to master the “half-hard, half-soft” style founded by Kanbun Uechi. Devoid of acrobatic moves, Uechi-Ryu/Shohei-Ryu karate relies on deflecting attacks and countering with efficient techniques. It is a practical method of self-defense that is still highly effective in the modern age.
My name is Bill Antonitis. I’m a 5th-degree black belt, certified in Okinawa, with 25 years of experience. I am also a professional educator in an award-winning school district. Many martial artists are talented, but not many karate instructors can use their talent to meet the needs of a wide variety of students. Over the years I have trained with world-class athletes as well as weekend warriors and hobbyists. I know I can tailor your martial arts experience to help you achieve all of your goals!
I met Bill Antonitis several years ago at Ed DeCosta’s Okinawan Karate School. You could tell he had been in the dojo for a while. After hearing that Bill started karate around age seven, I wanted to see what that translated to on the dojo floor. Once hojo undo exercises for class started, Bill’s dedication to the art was self-evident: his solid, powerful technique looked effortless. I instantly tried to replicate Bill’s technique and quickly realized that I had some learning to do.
Part of the learning process was being partnered with Bill on kata, bunkai, and kumite. Bill was both patient and willing to push me so that I could improve each technique. Bill consistently reminded me to forget mistakes and to keep a clear head. When not working with Bill, I would watch him critique other students to garner as much understanding as possible. Because he’s studied martial arts from such a young age, Bill knows the right feedback to give to other students at all levels. I’ve also has the opportunity to lead children’s classes with Bill. As a high school teacher, Bill is able to connect with kids of all ages, motivate them, and keep their attention.
Over the years, Bill and I have become friends. I appreciate Bill’s focus and respect for the arts; he is a part of why I enjoy training so much. Knowing that I have someone that will push and encourage me to push further makes training enjoyable regardless of what is going on outside the dojo or gym. I would recommend Bill to anyone interested in martial arts and overall fitness. Bill is both a calming influence and energizing motivator. These characteristics make for a rock-solid instructor that will help you understand the arts and elevate your game to the next level.
Curtis Winn
Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt)
Shohei-Ryu Karate
At Gracie Farmington valley, we blend the best of the old and the new to help you grow as a martial artist and in life. Training with us is fun and rewarding. We’re dedicated to helping you meet all your goals. Please don’t worry if you don’t want to compete: we never measure success by winning medals and trophies. Instead, we offer honest, traditional Shohei-ryu Karate as it is practiced in Okinawa and around the world. We’re not interested in tricks or gimmicks.
I have had the pleasure of training will Bill for over 8 years. We have tested for our 4th and 5th dans together and back in 2004 spent an entire week training together under Masters Takara, Nokahodo and Inada, which was the last time three Okinawan 10th dans came to the United States. We have watched and critiqued each other’s katas hundreds of times as well as spending countless classes testing the validity of each other’s defenses. So, it is with extreme resolve that I assert that anyone who is lucky enough to train with Bill can be confident that they are receiving the the purest form of traditional Okinawan karate. I know first hand Bill’s incredible proficiency in and dedication to the perfection of technique in Shohei-ryu/Uechi-ryu conditioning, kumite, and kata. I am sure his exceptional karate skill, although obviously strongly rooted in personal dedication and training, can be directly linked to his love of teaching and sharing our wonderfully powerful art with others. I have always enjoyed training with him because doing so makes my karate better. I wish you many years of good healthy training and want you to know that choosing Sensei Antonitis is a great start.
Michael L. Bacon
Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)
Shohei-Ryu Karate
They say it takes thirty days to break a bad habit or to form a good one. Here’s your chance for the latter. We’re so confident that you will fall in love with Shohei-Ryu Karate that we want to offer you 30 free days just to check us out! Why wait?
You may also e-mail, or, better yet, visit us right near Bradley Airport to watch a class today. We serve Simsbury, Tariffville, Farmington, Canton, Avon, Granby, Bloomfield, Windsor, West Hartford and beyond, so stop on by. You won’t be disappointed!
PS – Find out even more about the positive benefits of karate training at Gracie Farmington Valley here and how to find the right school here. If you have additional questions or concerns, contact us today. We look forward to training with you.
