On Sunday, October 26. 2015, I had the honor of presenting Bobby Cruz Sr with an honorary Black Belt. This is the first ever honorary Black Belt I have ever given and possibly the last. Since 1987 Bobby has been an inspiration in my life and my spiritual leader. I started going to Iglesia Casa De Albanza Church in 1987. I've been a Christian for over 30 years yet I have never met or listen to anyone with the Biblical knowledge that Apostle Bobby Cruz has. Yes, this is the same Bobby Cruz that with Richie Ray are known as “The Kings of Salsa” music. Cruz is a man that has had great success in different area’s of his life. He has had great success in the music industry, as an evangelist, pastor, teacher, but most of all a great family man that has raised Godly children to adulthood. Today, his son Bobby Cruz Jr., is the pastor of my church and a close friend. His daughter Cindy is the praise and worship leader of the church.
One of the main reasons for honoring Bobby with a black belt is that he is truly a man's man. As America loses it’s manliness Cruz is an incredible example of an Alpha Male. My father who was an amazing role model to me and taught me how to be a real man would always tell me how much he admired Bobby. He would tell me to look at his posture, confidence and presence that he showed why preaching and on stage. He would also tell me that Cruz was a man’s man. He would say that even though he was a Pastor he was a powerful man and a tough guy. Bobby Cruz stays fit and is in amazing shape at 78 years old. A true black belt needs to lead by example and be fit for life. Yet, in today’s day and age most black belts that are half of Bobby’s age are out of shape and past their prime. Cruz today at 78 is still touring the world and his concerts are selling out stadiums. This is the black belt spirit.
Bobby has all the the characteristics that a black belt should have. Courage, leadership principles, self confidence, integrity, indomitable spirt, loyalty, self discipline and determination.
In 1974 at the hight of their fame Bobby Cruz and Richie Ray the same year that they were declared The Kings of Salsa they converted to Christianity and began making lifestyle changes. He gave up fame and riches to follow Jesus. He went from living in luxury to living in a tent with his family. That takes courage, determination and indomitable spirt which are the characteristics of a true black belt.
My admiration for Bobby Cruz and his youthfulness lead me to is feature him in my book “Anta’s Ageless Warrior Fitness.” Yet, on Sunday, October 26, I wanted to take it a step further and award him with an honorary black belt.
Anta's Ageless Warrior Fitness: New Book, from “Charlie Brown to Superman” Grandfather, Gets Baby Boomers Fit, Muscly and Boasting Unshakable Longevity
Julio Anta’s ‘Anta's Ageless Warrior Fitness’ fuses his remarkable personal story of health and success with a proven blueprint any over-forty can use to get fitter, look younger and remain healthier for longer than they ever thought possible. The author started life as a weak boy, changing his outlook on life after discovering secret methods to getting into bodybuilder shape and looking younger than just about any other fifty-seven year-old on the planet. By following his proven plan, anyone else can now do the same.
For Immediate Release
Miami, FL – While it’s now impossible to believe, Julio Anta was once a weak and sick young boy, too weedy to play with the tough guys and destined for a life as a pushover. However, those now crossing him are in for a surprise; he is three times as tough as them at fifty-seven years-old!
Approaching his forties, Anta was well aware he was losing muscle tone fast and was committed to a life of health, happiness and longevity by finally getting fit. Finding no books on fitness for those aged forty and over, Anta set out to develop his own methodology and launch his own business to share it with the world. ‘Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense’ has since become a staple on the Florida fitness scene, pushing Anta into the national media spotlight and creating demand for a series of highly-acclaimed DVDs.
His debut book, ‘Anta's Ageless Warrior Fitness’, could be his most powerful resource yet. Aimed specifically at those aged forty and above, Anta weaves his own personal story of fitness in middle-age with a tried-and-tested blueprint anyone can use to foster the longevity they crave.
Synopsis:
This book is Julio Anta's journey to being fit and looking young at 57. Learn how how Julio Anta went from being like Charlie Brown to Superman and how this grandfather has improved in his 50's. Julio Anta believes in leading by example. As you will see by his youthful looks and physique not only does he talks the talk but walks the walk. *Discover your Fountain of Youth *Age defying fitness, health and longevity *How to look, feel, and function 20 to 30 years younger *How to raise your testosterone and growth hormone levels for longevity *Discover the secretes to longevity and fitness of celebrities and athletes *Learn how local ageless warriors stay fit *Learn how to train around injuries *Healthy eating for longevity *Anti-Aging and longevity supplements.
“The problem is that most anti-aging advice is given by professionals in white coats who are anything but muscular and often suffering from the rapid loss of muscle tone they are trying to prevent,” explains Anta. “My book will keep you slim while bulking up your muscle; a combination rarely seen in the middle age and senior markets.”
Continuing, “My story proves that you can get into awesome physical shape at any age, and I provide a plan for doing so that I have spent two decades testing on thousands of clients. Other fitness plans for older adults are unproven and unpredictable, but this is the real deal. In fact. I’ve hand-picked a selection of my clients to contribute their experiences and prove that you really can bulk up and get super fit at any age. Who doesn’t want to live longer?!”
Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews. For example, Eric Guttmann comments, “I have personally known Julio for a couple of years and can tell you that this man walks his talk. His big take-away from researching training for people over 50 was that if you train geriatric style you will feel like a geriatric case. However, if you train like an ageless warrior then you will feel, look, and perform as an ageless warrior regardless of your age. I am very happy to call Julio my friend and fellow on the path to ageless living.”
Julio Anta is certified in fitness as a instructor in Kettlebells Instructor, MMA Fighter Fit, Indian Club Specialist, ISSA Fitness (Personal trainer), Fitness Kickboxing, Battling Ropes, Elite Combat Fitness, Action Strength and IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist. He was a competitive bodybuilder in the 80’s.
He is a member and certified instructor of the Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association. He also holds rank in Paul Vunak's Jeet Kune Do, DOM (Descendants of the Masters) as a certified Jeet Kune Do Instructor, Law Enforcement instructor and Edge Weapon instructor. He is a Hung Gar Kung Fu Master under the late Grand Master William J. Chung of New York. He was Grand Master Chung’s personal representative in the South East United States.
Anta is a video author of “Anta’s Shaolin Physical Conditioning” and “Anta’s Art of Fighting without Fighting Anti-Bullying.” He is also a certified Krav Maga instructor, Muay Thai Kickboxing instructor under the Tran Muay Thai Association, Haganah F.I.G.H.T. Israeli Self Defense instructor. He was inducted in the WMAU Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also inducted in the United States Martial Arts Union Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Florida Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2003.
Julio Anta and his martial arts and fitness classes have been featured on local, national and international TV shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Univision, Telemundo, America TeVe, Pax TV, TBN, Telefutura, Galavision, Fusion, Mega TV, CV Network, Azteca America, UPN and numerous other stations. They have also been featured on numerous magazines and newspapers.
I just found this article that I wrote many years ago for John Graden. It was also in one of his books. John Graden took the martial arts industry to another level when he developed NAPMA. Before NAPMA you could only learn how to run a martial arts school through information from the billing companies. The story is 100% true. Since then we have grown and succeeded incredibly.
Since that was writen our success has multiplied. I was a speaker in the last 3 NAPMA World Conference and I became NAPMA's NSSN Florida representative. I have been in 100's of newspapers and magazine articles. I have written for numerous local newspapers and magazines. I have written and been interviewed in numerous national magazines. I have been on the cover of 4 magazines including MAPRO NAPMA's magazine. We have been featured in over 150 TV shows. In 2013 we were featured in 19 TV shows. I'm a publish author "Anta's Ageless Warrior Fitness" and have 2 videos out "Anta's Art of Fighting Without Fighting Anti-Bullying" and Anta's Shaolin Physical Conditioning."
Reading this article brings back memories of our humble beginnings and how much we have grown since then. It also reminds me of how John Graden help change my life and the martial arts industry.
I hope that you enjoy my article and story.
In 2002 as a speaker at the NAPMA World Conference with my wife Elena, John Graden and Ryan Hickey
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. My road to success in the Martial Arts began when out of curiosity I pulled a copy of Martial Arts Professional out of my Kung Fu instructor’s trash can. As he sorted through his mail I noticed an interesting photo of a lady doing Cardio Karate with resistance bands on the cover of a magazine. I asked him “Sifu what is that?” His reply was sh#$ and threw it into the trash can. I was closing the school that night and pulled the magazine out. As I opened the pages of this magazine I was amazed to read that there were Martial Artists making a living, teaching Martial Arts. I was always told that no one could make a living teaching Martial Arts.
I read of a new fitness craze Cardio Karate, way before Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo videos hit the infomercials. Wow this was the link between my two loves Fitness & the Martial Arts. I called NAPMA and asked them to send me Martial Arts Professional. At that moment I thought, maybe my childhood dream could come true. I remember that as an 8 year old in the ‘60s I told my Dad that when I grew up, I wanted to be a Black Belt and a Bodybuilder. Now I am a personal trainer, a former competitive bodybuilder, and a Black Belt. Yet for 10 years I worked as a Correction’s Officer in a state maximum security prison. Thanks to John Graden and NAPMA I had a vision and began believing that I could fulfill my childhood dream of living from fitness and the Martial Arts.
I began teaching Kung Fu and Fitness Kickboxing at an open pavilion at a Country Club, charging a minimal tuition fee. After 6 months and approximately 20 students, I came up with an idea. I told my wife, why don’t we become NAPMA members and in 3 or 4 months we’ll cancel. We can get some ideas, we have nothing to lose. The more NAPMA packages that we got, the better our classes got and the greater the growth of our school. Within a few months of joining NAPMA my wife and I went to the NAPMA World Conference. This was a Martial Arts instructor Disney World. My wife and I both got certified in NAPMA’s Fitness Kickboxing by the originator Jim Graden. We began marketing our school and letting go of our traditional baggage. By now I was hooked and waited for my NAPMA package like a kid waiting for Christmas. My membership in NAPMA became the best investment that I ever made. By now I read every book that John Graden ever wrote. How to Open and Operate a Successful Martial Arts School, Black Belt Management, and The Ultimate Martial Arts Q & A Book.
I consider myself a NAPMA raised and fed school owner. As a baby in the Martial Arts industry NAPMA was truly a blessing. Instead of having to learn from experience I would call NAPMA. They would connect me with one of the experts on the subject. They would give me their advice and I was able to conquer the challenge.
I remember going to a seminar in Orlando, FL and my wife encouraging me to ask Rob Colasanti, then vice-president, to help me solve an embarrassing problem. I finally got the courage to tell Rob my dilemma. Rob made me feel good and told me that we all have made mistakes. He felt that I could turn this problem around. The story goes like this. In the prime of the Tae Bo craze a lady came up to me after my class enquiring about my Fitness Kickboxing class. I had learned enough already to ask her how she had heard of my class. She told me that she had seen me on a Spanish TV show. So I said great, do you watch the show? She said well I work for that show. So I proceed to put my foot even deeper in my mouth, by asking her what she did on the show. She told me she was the host. This TV show had just filmed at my school, but I was interviewed by a field reporter. I had seen the show one time right before my segment aired and I did not recognize her. She asked me for the price of my classes and I was so embarrassed that I gave them to her and she left. This was one of my most embarrassing moments. How could I ever forget this or outlive it? What amazed me the most was that the vice-president of the world’s largest Martial Arts Professional organization had the time and compassion to help me with this minor yet embarrassing moment? Rob told me to send her a certified letter addressed to her via the TV station and tell her that I would give her complimentary classes. A few weeks later she left a message in my voicemail and she began taking kickboxing classes. This was over 4 years ago and Rob still remembers the moment.
Before reading John Graden’s Black Belt Management book I had never heard of a press release. After 5 years of teaching, 4 in an open pavilion and 1 year in a storefront, my school has been featured in 10 TV shows, in Miami’s largest newspaper, The Miami Herald, numerous times including 3 front page articles. When a famous Master came to do a seminar in a neighboring city, I was interviewed by the Miami Herald. When 2 local schools had a disagreement in a local city council meeting, I was also asked for my opinion. John Graden wrote in his books that he became the martial arts expert in his community. When the next Karate Kid movie came to St. Petersburg he was taken by a movie critic to review the movie as the Martial Arts expert. I can thank John Graden for giving me the knowledge to become the Martial Arts expert of my community. My school has been featured in Black Belt Magazine, Inside Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do Times, The Karate Voice and Martial Arts Professional. I also write for my community newspaper, The Doral Tribune and the Planet Magazine.
When I began to negotiate the lease for my storefront school, I reread Chapter 6 of How to Open and Operate a Martial Arts School. As I negotiated, I would call NAPMA’s regional director John Exum and the NAPMA office for advice. The realtor told me that he knew that I would succeed since I was an expert in negotiating a lease. The truth of the matter is that I had never negotiated a lease before. Thanks to John Graden’s book and NAPMA I became an expert. I now have many instructors and other businesses ask me for help on negotiating a lease. My school is being labeled the Starbucks of the Martial Arts industry and even other instructors have come to see my school. This is truly a NAPMA school.
I was privileged to give the first Spanish Seminar at the NAPMA World Conference in 2001, Mr. Graden’s 7 Laws of Success Without Selling Out. I also introduced Pilates to the Martial Arts community in 2002 and have continued to be a lecturer at the NAPMA World Conference. I am no longer a Correction’s Officer teaching Martial Arts. Today I’m a Martial Arts Professional changing the life of my students and molding our future leaders. Thanks to John Graden and NAPMA. John Graden is not only a dream maker, an industry leader, but a true role model and motivator. I still have on my refrigerator a card that he sent me after one of my lectures at the NAPMA World Conference. The front of the card said “A Personal Message from John Graden”. Inside the card he wrote, “Hola Amigo (Hello My Friend), your star is rising and will continue to soar! Thanks for another great set of classes at NAPMA, Gracias (Thanks)! John Graden, as I continue to soar I will never forget who lit the flame, John Graden. Gracias Amigo!
Anta's Ageless Warrior Fitness will be on sale soon. It is currently being printed and will soon be available as a paperback book and an e-book. Anta’s Ageless Warrior Fitness is the Complete Book of Fitness, Strength and Longevity for Seniors.
This book is Julio Anta’s martial arts and fitness instructor from Miami, Florida, journey to being fit and looking young at 57. Learn how how Julio Anta went from being like Charlie Brown to Superman and how he has improved in his 50’s. Julio Anta a grandfather believes in leading by example. As you will see by his youthful looks and physique not only does he talks the talk but walks the walk.
Discover your Fountain of Youth
* Age defying fitness, health and longevity * How to look, feel, and function 20 to 30 years younger * How to raise your testosterone and growth hormone levels for longevity * Discover the secretes to longevity and fitness of celebrities and athlete * Learn how local ageless warriors stay fit * Learn how to train around injuries * Healthy eating for longevity * Anti-Aging and longevity supplements
“If You Train Like a 50 Year Old, You’ll Look Like a 50 Year Old, If you Train Like an Ageless Warrior you’ll Look Like an Ageless Warrior” Julio Anta
Learn the secretes of Centenarians. Read about famous Ageless Warriors such as:
*Fitness Guru Jack Lalanne *Jiu Jitsu Master Helio Gracie
*Salsa Singer and Pastor Bobby Cruz *Pioneer of Strength and Fitness Sig Klien
Learn the Secretes of how to "Defy the Odds, Look Better Today than Yesterday"
Every town has some Ageless Warriors. You don’t have to be a celebrity to look and feel great. Learn the secretes and fitness routine of these Ageless Warrior:
*Julio C. Anta his father *Elena Anta his wife
*Hector Arcia his cousin *Eric Guttman a Navy Officer,
*Pablo Zamora Kung Fu Master *Jennifer Evans and Kerry Pedlow from California
*Frank Dimeo from Sarasota FL *Mike Catala Muay Thai student
There is no set way to train like an Ageless Warrior. Ageless Warriors train in different ways. This book will help you discover your Ageless Warrior workout. You’ll be introduced to
Julio Anta is a fit and fearless 57 year old grandfather. His goal is to change your life with over 40 years of fitness and martial arts experience. He is the owner of Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense. Anta is certified in numerous martial arts and fitness modalities. He believes in being a student life. He was also a U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, Law Enforcement Officer and former competitive bodybuilder.
You can order the book or E-book as soon as it's available within a few days at AntaMartialArts.com Store or call Anta's Fitness and Self Defense at 305 599-3649. You can also request for the author to sign the book free of charge.
Julio Anta Bio
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Julio Anta owns Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense one of South Florida’s most successful and recognized martial arts/fitness centers. Anta is a martial arts and fitness instructor. He is an international competitive bodybuilder. Julio is the 2017 South Florida Bodybuilding Champion 60 + overall winner and lightweight winner. He was the runner up in the 2019 North American Bodybuilding Championships 60 + Lightweight Division and the runner up in the Florida State Bodybuilding Championships 60+. He started competing in 1983 placing 3rd in the Mr. Jr. Florida and Mr. Miami. He was born in 1957 and began studying martial arts at 14 years old. He began bodybuilding shortly after in his late teens. Anta was also a Corrections Officer for 10 years and a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He is the author of "Anta's Ageless Warrior Fitness" Book. Anta created "Anta's Art of Fighting without Fighting Anti-Bullying" program and DVD. He also created "Awakened the Warrior Within" Life Skills Program. Below are some of his credentials, certifications and awards:
Certifications
-Kung Fu Master
-Judokickbox Red/Black Belt 2nd Dan (2nd degree black belt)
-Contemporary Jeet Kune Do Instructor
-Contemporary Jeet Kune Do Law Enforcement and Edge Weapon Instructor
-Tran's Muay Thai Association certified instructor Level 3 Kru
-Krav Maga Association certified full instructor
-Krav Maga Association Israeli Counter Terrorism
-Krav Maga Association Active Shooter Response Instructor
-Krav Maga Association Israeli Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Instructor
-Krav Maga Association Israeli Combat Shooting Instructor
-NRA Pistol Instructor
-Haganah F.I.G.H.T. Instructor
-CORE Krav Maga Instructor
-Krav Maga Martial Arts instructor
-Gracie Jiu Jitsu blue belt at Valenti Brothers Jiu Jitsu
-Burn with Kearns MMA Fighter Fit Level 3 Instructor
-Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association Action Strength Instructor
-HKC HardStyle Kettlebell Certification
-CICS Certified Indian Club Specialist
-Elite Combat Fitness Instructor
-Elite Kettlebell Instructor
-Kettlebell Concepts Instructor
-IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist
-Battling Ropes Instructor
-ICSDA SABER Edge Weapon Combatives Instructor
-Fitness Kickboxing Instructor
-Kardio Karate Instructor
-Pilates Instructor
-ISSA Fitness Instructor
-Martial Arts for Peace Bully Busters
-National Security Agency Child Safety
-American Council of Martial Arts Cooper Institute
Awards/Organizations
-2019 North American Bodybuilding Championships runner-up 60+ Lightweight
-2019 Florida State Bodybuilding Championships runner-up 60+
-2017 South Florida Bodybuilding Championships 60+ Overall Winner & Lightweight Winner
-ICSDA (International Combat Self Defense Association) Advisory Board
-2011 PMA Best Martial arts School in Doral
-2010 Century Gold Award
-2010 Dr Rolando Espinosa K-8 School Award
-2009 Best of Doral Martial Arts Award
-2009 Century Mark of Excellence Award
-2006 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Kung Fu Master
-2006 World Martial Arts Union Hall of Fame Life Achievements
-2006 Miami Dade County Certificate of Appriciation
-2006 Captain of the runners up in the South Florida Dragon Boat Festival 250 Meter Kung Fu Cup
-2005 EFC Black Belt Schools “Outstanding Martial Arts School”
-2005 EFC Black Belt Schools “Hero Award”
-2005 Proclamation “Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense Day” City of Doral
-2004 Miami Dade County “Martial Arts Excellence Award”
-2003 Florida Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year”
-2003-2004 Co-holders of the World Simultaneous Kicking Record
-1998 Florida PBA Certificate of Appreciation
-1983 2nd runner up Jr. Florida Bodybuilding Championships
-1983 2nd runner up Miami Bodybuilding Championship