DeSimone’s Martial Arts opens behind B’ville Diner

By Ashley M. Casey

Staff Writer

As a child, Bob DeSimone was the “little guy” in his neighborhood.

“I got bullied and picked on,” said DeSimone, who grew up in Liverpool. “My father wanted me to learn not only to fight but to learn some self-discipline and confidence.”

DeSimone’s father signed him up for karate lessons at age 8. At age 13, DeSimone began to seriously pursue the martial arts, and 30 years later, he has opened his own karate studio in the village of Baldwinsville.

Located behind the B’ville Diner at 18 E. Genesee St., DeSimone’s Martial Arts had a soft opening earlier this month. DeSimone said he is aiming for an early spring grand opening.

“We want to be a part of the Baldwinsville community, not just a business here,” said DeSimone, a fifth-degree black belt.

DeSimone said he and his family moved to Baldwinsville, his wife’s hometown, three years ago and “fell in love with the community.”

“When I decided to do this,” he said of opening his karate studio, “I decided that this was where I wanted to do it.”

The goal in opening the studio was to share the values of martial arts with the community.

“Staying in shape is a really big part of being a well-balanced person,” DeSimone said.

Martial arts can improve a person’s strength, flexibility and coordination, but the benefits go beyond physical fitness. Karate and other martial arts teach self-defense, improve a person’s self-worth and hone concentration and focus.

“As an instructor, I really enjoy helping people grow physically and mentally and helping them change positively in their lives,” DeSimone said.

The karate studio has become a family endeavor; all three of DeSimone’s children spend time practicing in the studio with their dad. DeSimone said his two daughters are also interested in dance, and their older brother assists DeSimone with lessons.

“It’s their name above the door, too,” DeSimone said. “It’s a good thing for them to feel ownership. They’re part of it.”

DeSimone said he had to learn how to ask for help as he navigated the process of opening his own business. He sought business advice from a friend, but there has been a learning curve.

“My curriculum wasn’t a problem. I’ve had that in my heart for years,” he said. “The biggest obstacle was planning how to differentiate ourselves from other studios in the area.”

There are many good martial arts studios in the area, DeSimone said, and families need to make educated decisions about which style, which instructors and which environments are right for them.

No matter where students train, DeSimone said, the most important thing is that they are progressing in their training both physically and mentally. DeSimone said his studio adds another option for martial arts students to find their best fit.

“We’re here and we’re ready,” he said.

For more information, visit facebook.com/desimonekarate or call (315) 638-6388. DeSimone said the studio’s website will be up and running soon.