Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios National Headquarters

Happy CHINESE NEW YEAR OF Z-OX!!! Regardless of the Chinese Animal Sign you were born under, we can all gain some WISDOM and ADVANTAGES from each and every one of the Chinese New Year Animals celebrated. Similar to all the techniques we learn from the Five (5) Shaolin Animals, we at ANYTIME can CHOOSE to be what we want to be - TENACIOUS like the Tiger... BALANCED like the Crane... SUPPLE like the Snake... QUICK like the Leopard... or MYSTICALLY BAD AZZ like the Dragon!!! This is YOUR YEAR... Should YOU CHOOSE it to be!!!

Many of the restrictions have been lifted! So, If you’ve taken the COVID year offnow's the time to start your 2021 with a renewed energy and focus on your health and happiness. As we continue to kick and punch our way out of "Cell Block COVID", there are some really GREAT THINGS people are looking forward to doing. #1 is the NEED for people to have FUN with people again!! ... #2 is the NEED for people to EXERCISE and rid their mind, body, and spirits of the all the built up COVID static! There have been a lot of CRAZY things that have happened over the past 2,000 years, and VERY IMPORTANT and VITAL REASONS WHY the Martial Arts has survived and thrived through them all - The INSPIRATION for one to realize their personal best and not be victimized or defeated by ANYTHING or ANYONE!!! Give us a call. it’s time.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone at Z-Ultimate! From Santa Claus!

Happy Thanksgiving from Z-Ultimate.

Thank you, to all Veterans past and present.

We need the help of every member of Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios and their families. The over three million U.S. fitness professionals help more than 73 million Americans get and stay healthy through exercise. The workers in the fitness industry play a central and essential role in promoting and maintaining mental, physical, and social health and well- being. We have our champions in Congress. Now we have to help them by telling YOUR members of Congress to support the Hea...lth and Fitness Recovery Act today! Please go to https://ihrsa.quorum.us/campaign/saveourjobs/ and add your name to list of members that see the benefits of the fitness industry. Thank You, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios

We need the help of every member of Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios and their families. The over three million U.S. fitness professionals help more than 73 million Americans get and stay healthy through exercise. The workers in the fitness industry play a central and essential role in promoting and maintaining mental, physical, and social health and well- being. We have our champions in Congress. Now we have to help them by telling YOUR members of Congress to support the Hea...lth and Fitness Recovery Act today! Please go to https://ihrsa.quorum.us/campaign/saveourjobs/ and add your name to list of members that see the benefits of the fitness industry. Thank You, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios

Announcing the launch of the Z-EMPOWERMENT SERIES! The chaotic COVID-19 restrictions and lock-downs have caused an alarming increase of people suffering from anxiety, depression, weight gain, alcohol abuse, and a variety of other unhealthy conditions to cope with all of these uncertain times. Z-EMPOWERMENT SERIES is NOT going to highlight or dwell on these unfortunate circumstances, but is going to PROMOTE a SAFE, FUN, and EMPOWERING SOLUTION to HELP PEOPLE regain their Sanity, Strength, and FREEDOM of living a Happier and Healthier Life!

With the Coronoavirus confining us to our homes with our families and learning a "new normal" - staying mentally and physically fit is more important than ever. If you don't have exercise equipment at home - or you're looking for a different kind of workout - one that's: ->Effective for all ages -> Makes exercise easy regardless of fitness level ->Increases balance and flexibility... ->Non-impact, so it's easy on your joints ->Self adjusting for all body types and physical limitations ->Doctor invented, designed and recommended... Please check out this video and learn more about ZPower Platform... https://youtu.be/SlsSloAkzQY To order yours today: http://shopzencombat.com/power-platform See more

Happy 4th of July!

For all those who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice to keep us free - we thank you...

You DON'T have to be a Black Belt in the martial arts to learn how to defend yourself from the ground - with Z-Ultimate Bunkai, you learn how to defend yourself from a variety of angles and positions. In Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence #10, see how you can defend yourself even when on the ground and stuck between two cars!! https://youtu.be/ilSq0CznVEA

With all the popularity of mixed martial arts and grappling, people seem to forget that in a self defense situation, there is usually more than one attacker. In situations where there is just one attacker, that person usually has a friend or friends watching. In those situations, the LAST thing you want to do is STAY on the ground. While you're wrestling with one attacker, the friends can be kicking, stomping and other not-very-nice things. In a self defense situation, you wa...nt to be able to get back up on your feet and stay mobile. That's what you see and do in Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence #9. See how to use kicks from the ground to open distance between you and your attacker so you can stand up... https://youtu.be/78YDb1jkfC8

There's a difference between sparring in mixed martial arts, kickboxing, boxing and other martial arts vs. self defense. In sparring matches - or even a confrontation out in public - most of the time you KNOW it's coming. You see and detect the threat (or agree to the sparring match) and you can be PROACTIVE. In a self defense situation, it's REACTIVE. You didn't see or know it was coming. You're caught in whatever position you're in and you have to react from there.... Z-Ultimate Bunkai is a martial fitness program built off of self defense techniques that teach you how to defend yourself from different angles and situations, all while getting a full body workout. Check out Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence #8, where you learn how to protect yourself from weird angles - like bending over to get into your car... https://youtu.be/7L1TzYA3dTM

Z-Action Martial Arts shoes are on SALE! These stylish and lightweight sports trainer shoes are made from state of the art materials and the best technological innovations used in shoe design. The breathable lightweight upper and reinforced sidewall construction was designed to offer the highest level of training performance and now they are on SALE for a LIMITED TIME only! Purchase a new pair of Z-Action Trainers through the Zen Combat website and experience the ULTIMATE in sports training footwear! Visit us at: http://www.shopzencombat.com/zen-combat-shoes/

Even though we may not be able to be out and about as much as we would like - there IS going to be a time in the near future when we'll all be going back and forth to all our usually places, just like before... Whether that's going to work, traveling, running errands or just being out, we'll all be walking around at some point - and being able to defend yourself from being grabbed or controlled from behind could be a handy skill:) Check out Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence #...7 and add it do your daily workouts... https://youtu.be/ConM6JHVfB0

Hey it's another day, another Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence to help us all fight fat while we learn to fight back! This sequence shows you how to defend yourself against a front kick or knee. After you get the technique down, you can do a great workout, starting with Sequence 1 through 10, practicing left and right handed, starting with a low # of reps, adding more as you go! Here's Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence #6:... https://youtu.be/k50Z-VsBZuw

Z-Ultimate Bunkai is the program that teaches you to fight fat while learning to fight back! Have fun, get in shape and learn some cool self defense techniques at the same time... Check out the video of Bunaki Sequence #1 in action: https://youtu.be/5l8R9Z_4wXs

With all of us at varying stages of being told to "STAY HOME" - it can be a challenge to get your daily workout in - and even MORE of a challenge to get some variety in your workouts, right? Z-Ultimate Bunkai to the rescue!! Z-Ultimate Bunkai is a workout designed to "Fight Fat While You Learn to Fight Back". You'll get a great, total body workout AND learn self defense techniques at the same time.... Here's Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence #5, where you learn to defend yourself from being grabbed and/or pulled by the arm... Have fun! https://youtu.be/MDc7pWCSQNg

Happy Earth Day from Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios.

Wouldn't it be great if there was a workout you could do virtually at home that was fun, taught you how to protect yourself AND got you in great shape? Turns out - THERE IS!! Not only is our regular martial arts program 100% available online - we've also released Z-Ultimate Bunkai - the workout that teaches you how to fight fat while you learn to fight back.... Here's a video showing Z-Ultimate Bunkai Sequence #4 in action: https://youtu.be/PHHY1fkkRrQ You can learn more about Z-Ultimate Bunkai by visiting the website listed at the end of the video. Enjoy!

Now - more than any other time in history - it feels like it's uber-important to know how to protect and defend yourself and your family... Even though the majority of people are restricted to sheltering-in-place, we can STILL get stronger and learn how to protect ourselves, with nothing more than some floor space and a smartphone. That's why we're sharing Z-Ultimate Bunkai - a program designed to help you fight fat while you learn to fight back - for FREE online.... You'll learn how to protect yourself, get in better shape and have fun doing it, too. Here's a video from Z-Ultimate Bunkai Action Sequence #3 - where you see how to defend yourself from a push or a grab. Have fun! https://youtu.be/60GPLzQHVYs

In case you missed the first, "roll" - here's the Bunkai "Sneak Peek" video, courtesy of our YouTube channel... https://youtu.be/d6dRywuNKjE

Here's Action Sequence #2 from the workout that helps you fight fat while you learn to fight back - Z-Ultimate Bunkai! (BTW, it's a lot of fun, too!!) Check it out: https://youtu.be/kW_SdCmot9c

With all this uncertainty, now more than ever you need to know how to protect yourself - especially when you're making a toilet paper run:) Here's a sneak peak at a FUN martial arts home-based workout program that's coming NEXT WEEK from Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios - ABSOLUTELY FREE for you, your family and friends... Share it forward!!... https://vimeo.com/showcase/bunkai

Order your pair of Z-Action Martial Arts shoes TODAY! These stylish and lightweight sports trainer shoes are made from state of the art materials and the best technological innovations used in shoe design. The breathable lightweight upper and reinforced sidewall construction was designed to offer the highest level of training performance. Purchase a new pair of Z-Action Trainers today and experience the ULTIMATE in sports training footwear!... Visit us at: http://www.shopzencombat.com/zen-combat-shoes/ See more

Happy President's Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

Get ready for Tournament Time! Show your STUDIO PRIDE at the upcoming Tournament with an exclusive STUDIO Patch, designed to show the unique spirit of your team at the event! Express your creativeness and submit a design to your Chief Instructor for the final decision. But don’t wait long, the Tournament schedule has been released and your event is coming up soon!... Tournament schedule: Colorado, April 25th Southern California, May 30th Washington State, September 26th San Francisco Bay Area, TBA

Update for China Tour 2020 Concerning Outbreak of Coronavirus in China. As some of you are aware, the Coronavirus, at present, has created a worldwide freeze on travel to and from China. We of Z would like to assure the students and families who are signed up for China Tour 2020, and those still contemplating joining us, that your health and safety are our top priority. Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios National Headquarters is in close contact with our medical community here ...as well as our U.S. and China travel guide partners to keep us updated with the latest information on this situation. We will notify and update our students and current China Tour members as we receive information. We feel confident that the People’s Republic of China, the U.S and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will develop an effective cure to this disease well before our scheduled departure in June. However, we would also like to assure you that if there is any question about the safety of our tour we will not move forward and a full refund of the tour will be issued. Grandmaster Taylor

Experience a once in a lifetime walk upon the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is fascinating in its enormity and overwhelming majesty as it twists throughout the mountainous landscape and fades into the horizon. Many Z-Ultimate students who have traveled to China with us have commented that walking on the Great Wall of China is one of life’s most memorable experiences. ... He who does not travel to the Great Wall of China is not a true man" Mao Zedong If you would like to experience a once in a lifetime walk upon the Great Wall of China and visit other historical sites of the Middle Kingdom, please join us in June on Z-Ultimate’s China Tour 2020. For more information or to register, you can visit our website at: https://www.zultimatechinatour.com

Z-Ultimate members from our previous tour stop for a photo in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside the Forbidden City before exploring China’s most famous palace complex. During our China Trip 2020, the Forbidden City will be celebrating its 600th Anniversary. New sections of the city, including the Qianlong Gardens, will be open to the public for the first time. The Qianlong Gardens, constructed in the 1770s, include elaborate rock gardens, four courtyards and more t...han two dozen pavilions and structures. Whether you are a new, or a returning China tour member, there will be new and exciting sites to explore. If you would like to visit the Forbidden City and the other historical sites of the Middle Kingdom you can join us in June on the Z-Ultimate China Tour 2020. Please visit https://www.zultimatechinatour.com for more information or to register.

In the evening, the Summer Palace overflows with striking colors complementing the beauty of its Pavilions, Bridges & architectural landscapes. With cool breezes blowing off the man-made Kumming Lake, the extravagant palace was the favorite retreat of the Emperor during warm months. If you would like to visit the Summer Palace & many more historical site of the Middle Kingdom, join us during the Z-Ultimate China Tour 2020 by going to https://www.zultimatechinatour.com to register or for more information.

The Temple of Heaven was the venue for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvest by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The entire complex represents the largest and most symbolic existing masterpiece among China's ancient buildings. If you would like to visit the Temple of Heaven & many more historical site of the Middle Kingdom, join us during the Z-Ultimate China Tour 2020 by going to https://www.zultimatechinatour.com to register or for more information.

Z-Action Martial Arts Shoes are on SALE for a LIMITED time ONLY. 20% OFF through January 31st! Order your pair of Z-Action Martial Arts shoes TODAY! These stylish and lightweight sports trainer shoes are made from state of the art materials and the best technological innovations used in shoe design. The breathable lightweight upper and reinforced sidewall construction was designed to offer the highest level of training performance.... Purchase a new pair of Z-Action Trainers today and experience the ULTIMATE in sports training footwear! Visit us at: http://www.shopzencombat.com/zen-combat-shoes/ See more

Happy New Year!

In a land of tradition, a place of mystery.the Forbidden City. After entering through the Meridian Gate we gazed upon the enormity of the outer courtyard and the splendid beauty of the Palace, at its center the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the Emperor was seated on the Dragon Throne. For almost 500 years, the Imperial Palace was the stronghold for 24 Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Since access was restricted to the imperial family and those invited by the Emperor..., it became know as the Forbidden City. Inspiring both awe and fear this immense Palace consisted of 9,999 rooms, taking the space of 178 acres. The entire Palace complex required 1 million workers and took approximately 14 years to complete. During the Return to China 2020 trip, the Forbidden City will be celebrating the 600th Anniversary of the original completion and the conclusion of a 250 million dollar 19 year restoration. If you would like to join us on the China Tour 2020 go to https://www.zultimatechinatour.com for information.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and yours from all of us at Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios...

Where was this photo taken? Students that participated in the China Tours should know! This stunning courtyard is located in front of our hotel within Wudang Mountain. Sitting outside this picturesque and relaxing location is the perfect place to watch Tai Chi Masters practicing with their trainees at sunset.... If you would like to join us on the China Tour 2020 go to https://www.zultimatechinatour.com for information.

Exciting announcement for all Southern California Tournament competitors! Mark your calendar for May 30th 2020 as Cal. State Fullerton hosts the Z-Ultimate Southern California Grand Championship Martial Arts Tournament in the Titan Gymnasium. It’s going to be an EXCITING and ACTION PACKED day full of FUN and COMPETITIVE SPIRIT!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Z-Ultimate family. We're thankful for being a part of your lives and sharing the journey as martial artists together. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend...

Thank you to all our Veterans. We are "The Land of the Free Because of the Brave"...

The Colorado Rocky Mountain Tournament of Champions will be held tomorrow at the University of Denver. Stop in and cheer on your favorite karate champion. Trophies will be given at all age levels for Sparring, Forms and Weapons events. See you there!

The Angel of the Winds Arena at the Edward Hansen Conference Center, was the venue for the Seattle Washington Grand Championship Tournament. Students and Instructors competed in Sparring, Kata and Weapons divisions to win their individual event trophy and collect points for their studio, in the hope of winning the Z-Ultimate Studio trophy! After the points were tallied, the Redmond studio retained the prize for the next six months. Congratulations to Master Bryan Buckhorn, Team Redmond and students for winning the Z-Ultimate Studio Trophy.

IT's ALMOST HERE! The Pacific Northwest Regional Seattle Grand Championship Tournament coming up Saturday, October 5th, 2019! The Tournament will be held in the Angel of the Winds Arena at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Sign up online at: http://zultimate.com/karate-tournaments/seattle/

We of Z are honored to share this news article on Z-Ultimate Black Belt, Chef Dan Witherspoon, of Colorado. Chef Dan, who worked closely with Master Clark to develop a cookbook originally for Z-Ultimate Martial Artists, recently won multiple awards for his book at the CIPA EVVYs prestigious 25th annual event. Please read below and join us in celebrating Chef Dan’s success! This week, Denver Chef Dan Witherspoon received two awards for his masterful cookbook: Mix Match Make Ta...ke, High Energy Food for High Energy People which was initially designed to enhance the nutrition of Z-Ultimate students and Instructors with it’s original title Eat like Z. The CIPA awards Chef Dan received are: First Place - Health/Medicine Nonfiction and First Place - Cooking/Entertaining Nonfiction. The CIPA EVVYs is one of the longest-running book award competitions on the Indie publishing scene, running for nearly 26 years. The annual contest is sponsored by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA), along with the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (ELF). The CIPA EVVYs receive entries from all over the world, including England, Belgium, South Africa, Russia and Dubai. "I am very honored that the Mix Match Make Take cookbook was recognized for the contributions it provides to its readers, not only for culinary tips, but also for the information provided to help us all eat better to gain or maintain a healthy lifestyle," Chef Dan said. "I have personal experience and knowledge about the importance of a healthy diet."

In celebration of our 20th Year Anniversary of us traveling to China and training with the Monks, Grandmaster Taylor is including a FREE ONE HOUR PRIVATE LESSON for all students that register on or before Saturday, August 10th, 2019. Click on the link to see all the incredible cities and sites we will be visiting. www.zultimate.com/chinatour... After you book your trip click on the link below to use your Z Member Portal to schedule a convenient time for your private lesson. http://bit.ly/GMTLESSONS

On the 50th anniversary of the first Apollo moonwalk, our students were Over the Moon with excitement after their own personal milestone, a promotion to Brown and Black Belt. Congratulations everyone!

On Saturday, Chad K, Quang H and Sensei Johnna had an INCREDABLE private class with Grandmaster Taylor. Chad will be testing for Black Belt this weekend and was able to review and refine the techniques for his ULTIMATE goal, while recent graduates of the Instructor’s University, Quang and Johnna sought the Grandmaster’s insight into refining their teaching skills. Good luck Chad on your Black Belt test and it looks like two amazing Instructors will be added to the San Diego r...egion! Are you interested in taking a Private Lesson with Grandmaster Taylor? Due to the limited availability, Private Lessons will be scheduled and reserved on a first come, first served basis. Sign up at http://bit.ly/GMTLESSONS Use your Z Member Portal user name and password to schedule lessons with Grandmaster Taylor. If you do not remember your Z Member Portal information or if you never created one please email [email protected] and they would be happy to assist you. The fee for a One Hour Private Lesson is only $200, and a portion of that will be donated to Master Ryan and his family. Thank you, for your support.

Happy 4th of July from our families to yours... Happy Birthday, 'Merica!

Frank J and his daughters had an AWSOME private class with Grandmaster Taylor today. The Grandmaster was able to modify the finer points of their Sparring technique and help them advance to a new level in their training. Are you interested in taking a Private Lesson with Grandmaster Taylor? Due to the limited availability, Private Lessons will be scheduled and reserved on a first come, first served basis. Sign up at http://bit.ly/GMTLESSONS... Use your Z Member Portal user name and password to schedule lessons with Grandmaster Taylor. If you do not remember your Z Member Portal information or if you never created one please email [email protected] and they would be happy to assist you. The fee for a One Hour Private Lesson is only $200, and a portion of that will be donated to Master Ryan and his family. Thank you, for your support.

In addition to hosting the Masters Seminars to help raise financial support for Master Ryan Lloyd, Grandmaster Taylor has generously offered the opportunity for Z-Ultimate students of any rank and age to schedule and take a ONE HOUR PRIVATE LESSON with him personally!! This is the very FIRST TIME an incredible opportunity like this has ever been offered, so lesson times and availability are extremely limited. The fee for a One Hour Private Lesson is only $200, and a porti...on of that will be donated to Master Ryan and his family. Below is a link that will allow you to schedule your Private Lesson time with Grandmaster Taylor. Due to the limited availability, Private Lessons will be scheduled and reserved on a first come, first served basis. Sign up at http://bit.ly/GMTLESSONS Use your Z Member Portal user name and password to schedule lessons with Grandmaster Taylor. If you do not remember your Z Member Portal information or if you never created one please email [email protected] and they would be happy to assist you. Thank you, for your support.

Happy Father's Day from Z-Ultimate

JUST ANNOUNCED! The Z-Ultimate China Tour 2020. Coming next June 22- July 4, 2020. We will be releasing the Itinerary and registration page next week on our new China Tour 2020 website! STAY TUNED!

The Instructor Men’s Sparring event was an action packed match under the lights. The 1st through 3rd Degree Black Belts put on a powerful show of fighting skill as past Division Winners came out to defend their titles. The competition was close with each Instructor exchanging points, but it was the battle for 1st and 2nd place between Elias Thil and Everett Delfeil that determined the Champion. The winners of the Instructors Division Sparring 1st-3rd Degree Black Belt were:... 1st Place Elias Thil HB2 2nd Place Everett Delfel Long Beach Special thanks to: G&E Photography Stan Brucato and Master Brian Hyman for taking AMAZING photographs of the event!

This Memorial Day, please join us in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our way of life... From all of us with Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios - Thank you.

There was thrilling energy throughout the Women's Instructor Sparring Division, as four recent champions battled it out in the center ring at the 2019 Spring Grand Championship Martial Arts Tournament. After the action packed performance by some of our top women Instructors, trophies were awarded to: 1st Place- Hannah Bachrach - Lakewood... 2nd Place- Kimberly Drury-Beverly Hills 3rd Place- Elsie Nash - Norwalk 4th Place - Courtney Holland - Chino Hills Special thanks to: Gary Tucker (G&E Photography) Stan Brucato Master Brian Hyman for the great photographs!

Sensei Sarina Ascencio from Westwood took first place in the Instructors Division Kata at the 2019 Grand Championship Martial Arts Tournament with her expertly demonstrated Snake Form. And the winners are: 1st Place - Sarina Ascencio - Westwood 2nd Place Hannah Bachrach - Lakewood... 3rd Place - Carolina Rivera - Orange/Villa Park 4th Place Daniel Timberlake Long Beach A special Thank you to: Stanley Brucato Stanimalsports.com Gary Tucker G&E Photography Master Brian Hyman for capturing the action.

WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU’LL GET OUT OF IT!! We of Z continuously strive to emphasize to our students the full health and fitness aspects of training in the Martial Arts. As a result of our ongoing effort, Master Will Clark has teamed up with Master Chef Daniel Witherspoon, in a unique collaboration between Martial Artist and Epicurean, to create this one-of-a-kind cookbook of High Energy Food for High Energy People. ... For more information or to order your own copy go to: https://www.theseasonedchef.com/cookbooks/mix-match

Happy Mother's Day from everyone at Z-Ultimate!

Instructors expertly displayed their fluent style in the Instructor Weapons Division, during the Z-Ultimate 2019 Spring Grand Championship Tournament, held at the UCI Bren Events Center. Weapons ranging from the dynamic sword to a graceful fan were performed Under the Lights during the noon events. With their skillful demonstrations in Weapons of Budo, the following Instructors captured top awards at the event.... 1st Place - Daniel Timberlake Long Beach 2nd Place Bryce Chrisakis - Valencia 3rd Place - Hannah Bachrach - Lakewood 4th Place Cass Acosta Oak Park Special thanks to: G&E Photography & Stan Brucato for capturing the moment.

Z-Ultimate students displayed their STUDIO PRIDE Sunday at the 2019 Spring Grand Championship Martial Arts Tournament on the beautiful campus of UC Irvine. The Bren Events Center was alive with ENERGY and EXCITEMENT as competitors of all rank levels, children through adults, demonstrated their skill in Forms, Sparring, and Weapons competitions. The event was dedicated to Master Ryan Lloyd, one of our most beloved Master Instructors, with a tribute demonstration performed by ...more than 35 Z-Ultimate Instructors. Master Dave Lloyd was presented a sword on Master Ryan’s behalf - signed by Grandmaster Taylor, the Board of Masters, and each Instructor who paid tribute to him during the demonstration. We would like to CONGRATULATE the competitors who took home the more than 600 trophies handed out at the event and THANK ALL OF YOU who participated in making it a great tournament!! We have lots of photos to look through so stay tuned as we continue to share all the EXCITING ACTION from the day!

As an extra incentive for you and your family to join us, we are including a FREE TOURNAMENT PATCH to those of you that get registered online today, TOURNAMENT TUESDAY!! http://zultimate.com/karate-tournaments/southern-california/

Happy Earth Day! Earthrise was the first photograph ever taken of the Earth from space. It is a picture of the Earth’s appearance over the Lunar horizon, taken by the Apollo 8 mission, on Christmas Eve in 1968. It was called the most influential environmental photograph ever taken and ultimately inspired the Earth Day movement that has been celebrated since 1970. ... In more than 193 countries worldwide this day is celebrated each year, on April 22nd, in support of environmental protection. See more

Our prayers are with Ryan and the Lloyd Family this Easter.

We of Z have recently learned that our beloved young Master Ryan Lloyd had suffered a stroke yesterday and is being treated in one of Orange County's best critical care units. Master Lloyd is a HUGE part of the Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios family, and has inspired countless students and instructors over the years with his GENUINE LOVE of teaching the Martial Arts and jaw dropping abilities - He is truly one of the best BEST Martial Artists on the planet!! Master Dennis Br...ookman has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support Master Ryan's lovely wife Lauren and their young son William. We of Z are asking for any and all help you can provide, paying forward the love and financial support any young family would need during these very trying times. GoFundMe campaign link for Master Ryan Lloyd: gf.me/u/r8tw4y On behalf of the entire Z-Ultimate Family, WE THANK YOU for your thoughts, prayers, and generous donations. We would further appreciate it if you would be so kind as to share this link with your extended family and friends. Donations of any amount are helpful, so THANK YOU again for your generous support.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT JOB EVERYONE! The HQ Brown and Black Belt Test held Sunday PROVED we have a well-prepared and physically conditioned group of students - GREAT JOB SENSEI!!! I personally was very impressed with the Teens - They were strong, focused, and no doubt, YEARS ahead of their peers at school!! Even those with physical limitations did a great job and FINISHED STRONG after an intense day of testing!!!... With over 80 students participating, we cranked up the "heat and steam" through an hour of basics in the main dojo causing all the windows and mirrors to fog!! Realizing just how good of shape every one seemed to be, we took them to the park and literally "RAN" them through all of their material - From one side of the park to the other!! Throughout the B&B Test we addressed the importance of being MINDFUL and to understand the WHY we of Z do what we do. From the importance of a FRONT POSITION and how it can shape your frame of mind and physical presence in the dojo, to the importance of CLASSICAL, PRACTICAL, and TACTICAL detailed training. The encouragement was to put MINDFUL INTENT and PURPOSE to everything you do - Both in the Martial Arts and Everyday LIFE!! I am sure the students that tested returned with a real Value of Experience - From physical soreness, to the PRIDE of doing a GREAT JOB while realizing more of their strengths than weaknesses. It was incredible group of students and EVERY ONE OF THEM were very well prepared and conditioned for this test - CELEBRATE their accomplishments, because it proves to be a true reflection of their Bad Azz Sensei!!! INCREDIBLE JOB EVERYONE!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!