Say it with Strength

Woke up this morning clear and focused knowing that there's one last thing I need to do.

We all understand the word "DEADLINE".

What's coming up in a couple of days just might be the most important one of the year.

If there was one deadline you couldn't miss this year it would be this one.

This last task involves a bit more than turning in a term paper or finishing an important project.

It's mapping out in detail what you're gonna do next year.

How you're going to eat?

How many personal best records you're going to shatter fitness wise?

Which new project you're going to tackle?

Which bad habits got to go?

Find out what some of your weaknesses are and welcome opportunities for growth.

How far out of your comfort zone will you go?

When your map is finally complete, remember to use your workout time to strengthen your goals.

What I mean is, use the powerful feelings of strength, intensity, focus, and commitment generated in one exercise to add fuel and desire to reach your goals.

Learn to state silently or out loud your goals while exercising.

They just seem to "stick on" permanently when using this technique.

When you say it with strength, the goals you've set aren't just ideas anymore, they become a part of you. They become imprinted on your nervous system, your muscles, your heart, your blood.

You'll tackle your goals with more tenacity and passion than you ever have.

I trust you'll put this technique to good use.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

P.S. Speaking of projects and goals, there are many new things coming up on the website in the new year as well as new products being released shortly, I'll point you in the right direction when they're ready.

4 Gold Medals & a Bronze

A couple of months ago 2 of my students from our Casselman Kung-Fu School competed in the Canadian Water Skiing Championships near Toronto.

Francis et Valerie

They've been students of mine for about 10 years now, being brothers and sisters they feed off each other for motivation and friendly competition.

There are many reasons I'm sharing their story.

One reason is we always ask the kids: "What's your dream? What do you want to be when you grow up?"

A couple of years ago I remember asking them that same question, and they had showed interest to excel in that sport.

That's what happens when you are crystal clear about what you want, are self-motivated, will not accept failure, and are unwilling to make any excuses.

For them this year that meant 4 gold medals for Valerie (the youngest contestant there) and a bronze medal for Francis.

I always admire kids, with their honesty, enthusiasm and their willingness to dream freely without ever thinking about what other people will say.

For some that special trait disappears when they become grown-ups, for others, that boldness, excitement and fearless energy stays with them when they surround themselves with the right people.

Their coach, Matt Rini is impressed by their coordination, strength, flexibility and balance, something that he attributes to their Kung-Fu Training which is something he wants them to continue and pursue.

I've mentioned to you on many occasions how your martial art training is more than just punches and kicks.

It will force you to improve in all areas of your life.

I mentioned Fearless Energy, that is exactly what everyone needs to succeed in the new year.

A secret weapon that will give you the edge to stand out in your workplace, attract the right mate, feel strong and vibrant, and give you the courage to do what you always dreamed of doing.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S One way to to spark that fearless energy is to attend one of our special firewalking sessions, you can find out all about that here.

Take your Fitness to another level

Most people on my list know I'm a bodyweight fanatic focused on mastering my mind and body.

Every once in a while I'll get an inquisitive question from one of my students like: "I know you're all about body weight but if you had to recommend a piece of equipment I can train with, which one would it be?"

It would have to reflect the same qualities as our Fitness System: Station Training

Simple, Fast, and Intense.

Some of you might be ready for this kind of training some of you might be almost there.

What I'm about to recommend ties in very well with the exercises you're already doing if you own our Basic or Intermediate Strength Training Kits.

This tool simply amplifies the degree of Intensity you must put into each Station. In order to progress you need to make incremental improvements and consistently beat personal past reps, weight or speed records.

Sometimes the best way to break out of a plateau is a) be sure you're not over-training, and b) you use specialized equipment so your muscles are forced to adapt and get stronger.

This piece of equipment is called the TRX.

There's always a more challenging way of doing any exercise. This is why there are 4 levels to our strength training kits (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert) that give you the natural progression of each exercise and the TRX is used in the more advanced levels.

Originally developed for the Marines, it offers the versatility, portability and simplicity I was looking for and also gave me the confidence of knowing the tried and true Marines gave it their stamp of approval.

You can find out more about it here.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

It's Louse Time! Discipline Equals Something

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self-starters, Welcome.

(if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time".

Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon. You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

During the past 2 weeks the weather has been affecting my high speed signal, stopping me from sending my daily tips as I usually do, my apologies, I'm already looking into several solutions.

Today's lesson is: Discipline Equals Something

That word "Discipline" is like music to my ears but I know for some it has a negative connotation.

From the Latin origin, "Disciplina" meaning "Instruction" and also from the root "Discere" meaning "To Learn".

Discipline means to follow a particular "Code of Conduct" or to adhere to a certain "Order".

No matter how tempting an extravagant pleasure may seem, The Code is there to keep you on track for the fitness goals you've set for example.

When talking about Self-Discipline what is YOUR code of conduct?

How do YOU maintain order in your life?

What kind of standards have you set for yourself?

Our body is constantly giving us feedback. Some things we do make us feel great, others we know even before engaging in them we'll feel like crap the day after.

How much Pain can you take before you realize some behaviors are bad for you?

Some people it's alot.

You don't need me to tell you: "You need to stay physically active and strong", "The quality of food you ingest is your source of fuel, no amount of exercise will outbeat a bad diet" and "How you FEEL reflects the quality of your life".

The Code we use for Fitness lies in this unique Fitness Kit. Check it out here

Master yourself,

Sibok Martin

Easy to learn Self-Defense

I've been getting alot of similar questions lately, questions like:

"What is the fastest way to learn to defend myself?" or
"My schedule doesn't allow me to train regularly, do you offer a crash course on personal protection".

Maybe even you might be asking yourself that same question.

The first thing that comes to mind when I get these questions is our Kubotan Training DVD

or Seminar like the one held recently in Richmond, Ontario by one of our senior instructors, Sifu Scott Hill.

The Kubotan is a pen sized stick that gives you tremendous confidence if you're ever caught in a dangerous situation. The kubotan isn't limited to having to have it on you to be able to use it.

The Kubotan

Everyday items found all around you at work, in your car, in your home or in your pocket can be used, it can also be done with your fingers or just the knowledge to know which target to hit if you're ever put in a situation that calls for you to defend yourself is invaluable.

Pressure points

I know this is something nobody wants to talk about during this: "Tis the season to be jolly, falalala..." time of the year but did you know during this time, the amount of assaults both physical and sexual, are higher than any other time of the year?

For men it might be mixing that which does not mix like oil and water: "Alcohol and Egos" in the case of the Bar scene.

For women it might be someone trying to take advantage of you when you've had too much to drink.

There's nothing wrong with being both jolly and prepared this holiday season. Give yourself the best gift of all, the gift of personal protection.

Here's that link again: Easy to Learn Self-Defense Tool

Protect Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Never too Young, Never too Old

Many people are limited by either one of those ideas: "Too young" or "too old".

Do you catch yourself telling yourself that?

When it comes to your physical fitness, the time is NOW.

This is something I wanted my kids to understand at a very young age.

Knowing that kids imitate their parents I make sure to be active whenever they are around me.

Never too young to start

My second eldest daughter (17 mths old) holds a one minute hang on the hanging bar. All of my kids were hanging from a hanging bar when they were about 15 mths old. My oldest daughter holds handstands and my son works with Kettlebells.

Handstand, get your kids started young

If you think you're too old to start training, think again.

If my little ones can do what they do, there are no excuses. It's a very rewarding habit.

You just need to start.

Start where you are and build from there.

Teach your kids the importance
of health and fitness

Research shows that we are genetically almost 99% identical to our cave man ancestors. So why is obesity reaching epidemic (should I say pandemic) levels?

We're ingesting some foods that were never meant to be eaten and a severe drop in physical activity. Our ancestors were always on the move, hunting, building, gathering wood and stone. If they sat around and did what most people today do in a day (which is not a lot) they wouldn't of survived.

Give yourself and your family the gift of fitness this holiday season, it really is the gift that keeps on giving.


Here's an easy way to ease into the fitness habit, it's a fitness kit that anyone can follow no matter where you are fitness wise.

Get yours here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Our last event of the year

I'd like to take this time to thank all the students who participated in our events this year, such as seminars, tournaments, and camps. These would not be possible without you.

Tonight is our annual Christmas Get-Together held in Montreal, it is sold out and students can look forward to good company, good conversation, a chance to share in the celebrations of a wonderful year passed as we watch video highlights of this year's events and get a sneak peek at what we have planned for next year.

This year was awesome but the breakthroughs we had this year will pale in comparison to what we have lined up next year.

It is the perfect time to be a student of FSD and we're going all out next year, as you might have realized, next year marks 30 years in Business, it's been an exciting ride but all of us at FSD headquarters are ready to take on another 30 years at the drop of a hat, there's so much still to do, so many people to help, new students to train and black belts to be given, we still feel like we've barely scratched the surface.

My gift to you

Keep your focus on mastering yourselves, aiming higher, and I assure you the best is yet to come, here's a gift from me to you, when you purchase any product at check out, enter: gift in the coupon code box and get an instant 10% discount on me.

Thank You for your Support,

Sifu Martin

The Pressure Cooker Technique

Yes I know, this time of year might feel like you're in a pressure cooker, with all the shopping and the madness that surrounds the holidays, but that's not what I mean.

What I'm talking about is a technique that guarantees you'll follow through on your new year resolutions and goals.

My father didn't call it that when he told me about it but it sure does feel like you're in a pressure cooker when you're using it.

It's purposely putting yourself in a position where you can't fail, can't give up or can't change your mind or else, you lose all of your self-pride and respect.

The idea is to put yourself in front of your peers, someone you respect or look up to (a role model, a close friend, someone influencial in your life) or someone who would love to see you fail (maybe secretly or has voiced it in the past) but it works better if it's someone you love and cherish whom you know also looks up to you (like your kids for example), someone you wouldn't want to let down.

You voice your plans to that person or group of people. You make your goals public.

When you do that you've just stepped into a Pressure Cooker.

Now all these people are looking at you and expecting to see you do, what you said you were going to do.

If you keep your goals to yourself and don't follow through on them nobody will ever know and your ego will stay intact.

Adding the Pressure Cooker element is a very powerful technique. I've used it many times in the past to get myself to act on a project, start a new one, or complete one.

It doesn't mean you're trying to impress or accomplish the goal you've set for somebody else. It just means you're using other people as leverage against yourself so you're held accountable.

The fear of letting them down, passing for a big talker, or seeing the disappointment in their eyes if you fail to follow through is enough to keep you focused and determined to accomplish what you said you were going to at all costs.

Another way to keep the pressure on yourself is to join a group of like minded individuals who share some of the same goals and aspirations as you do. A team that will never let you down.

I'm talking about the F.I.C (Fang Shen Do Inner Circle). Ready to step in the pressure cooker and beat procrastination forever? Follow this link.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Our Students are getting better and better

During the past few years we've been studying how our students are learning.

And let me tell you, it has changed dramatically.

In our schools we use a test to see which "system" is used to learn and process information.

We use this test to better teach our students depending on which system they use to learn.

I don't have time to go through each system in detail here today but I do have time to fill you in on which system seems to be the most popular recently.

The "D System".

More and more students finish the test with high scores in this area.

The "D System" stands for Digital. We're seeing a new breed of students. Autodidactic Students.

Digital minds rely on self-talk, self-analysis, self-motivation, basically self teaching themselves to absorb a technique or a principle.

No matter how good your instructor is, if you do not become good at teaching it to yourself, I'm sorry to say, you'll never get it.

When you use the D System you realize YOU are responsible for your development. No one else will do the push-ups, the repetitions, the stretching, the sparring, the sweating for you.

And the art won't save you either. BJJ, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, FSD, JKD, etc... No matter what t-shirt you wear there's work to be done.

Remember Martial Arts Training is a Journey.

More specifically, YOUR journey.

You only have one person to thank at the end of the day, at the end of the year or at the end of a decade or more practicing martial arts.

Yourself.

There's a saying that goes: "Self-taught Men make great Men" (Substitute men for women for all the strong women on my list!)

Think of the Wayne Gretzkys, the Benjamin Franklins, The Bruce Lees and the list is endless.

Being Self-Taught doesn't mean you never had any coaches or influencial people in your life, it just means you took responsability for your development, made lots of mistakes which gave you alot of experience, shaped your character, and confirms you are highly motivated and eager to learn.

This falls perfectly in line with one of Bruce Lee's famous quotes: "Absorb what is useful, Reject what is useless and add specifically what is your own."

Fang Shen Do is a living example of that philosophy.

Always evolving, always learning, and never stuck in the past.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

What and by When ?

I remember a time when writing goals just before the new year was all about the WHAT.

My lists were long and detailed.

I had a clear vision of where I was going. Or was I?

Without a deadline, without the question WHEN, you're just shooting in the dark.

We all understand deadlines when it comes to work but sometimes fail to apply the same principles to our goals.

You will attack goals and dreams with greater intensity, passion, and commitment when the clock is ticking.

When listing your goals this year just before the new year hits, make sure to add a date next to all of them.

If for some reason the goal you listed is not reached by the set time (might happen with larger goals, the ones that really challenge you) rest assured having a target is better than not having one at all.

Reset the date to when you think it'll be done and double your efforts.

If you wrote goals for this year (which I hope you did), only you know how you did this year.

What a feeling to cross off a new goal or better yet cross off a goal that's been reappearing year after year because it never got done and finally, just finally gets realized.

For me this year was loaded with old time goals like that, goals that finally materialized this year 5 years after they were originally conceived.

Your mind, like a magnet will eventually attract the right person, the right opportunity, or the resources to make your goals a reality.

We still don't fully understand the full power of our minds but I do know that the people who write and plan out their goals are far more successful and happy than the ones who leave it up to chance every year.

Get clear with what you want. There is a tool we use to do just that. It helps you organize your goals by creating a detailed map along with the action steps to get there.

It comes free when you purchase the FSD Training Guide. Our gift to you to get you started on the right track this coming new year.

Get clear here.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

You might want to include this to your diet this holiday season.

You already know how important omega-3s are to your health. But did you realize that vitamin D is Nature's most potent disease fighter? And it's the one vitamin that you're most likely to be missing.

I've mentioned beforer who I trust for important supplements and nutritional advice. He's one of the leading anti-aging specialists in the world and I've been following him for quite some time now.

One of those supplements is Cod Liver Oil but not the one your grand-mother used to give you when you were a child, this one comes in lemon flavour, it's so easy to take even my 3 year old son enjoys it.

You'll get the world's safest, most reliable cod liver oil from the icy-cold, pristine waters of the Norwegian Sea. It's completely free of mercury, PCBs, and dioxins - with a pleasant lemon/lime flavor and NO fishy aftertaste.

Supplementing with Cod liver oil:

• Supports a healthy heart and brain.
• Lowers your blood pressure.
• Wipes out arthritis pain.
• Relieves depression.
• Lowers triglycerides (blood fat).
• Raises HDL (good cholesterol).
• Boosts your memory and brainpower.
• Lowers risk of macular degeneration.
• Protects your blood vessels and nerves.
• Calms irregular heart rhythms, which can lead to sudden cardiac death.

And that's just for starters... Vitamin D is essential for hundreds of operations and biochemical reactions your body performs everyday. It may be the single most important organic nutrient for your overall health.

The vitamin D you find in Primal Force Cod Liver Oil can:

• Elevate your mood and boost your mental performance.
• Prevent many of today's most deadly chronic conditions.
• Prevent bone loss and improve bone density.
• Treat the symptoms of depression and schizophrenia.
• Enhance the function of your pancreas.
• Increase insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes.
• Help you lose weight.
• Make you sleep better.
• Give you more energy and stamina during the day.
• Significantly lower elevated blood pressure.
• Lower abnormally high blood sugar.
• Decrease bad cholesterol in your blood.
• Increase lymphocytic
• white blood cells responsible for immunity.

Without hesitation a put my seal of approval on this product and many others.

To get a few bottles for yourself or your family follow the link below.

Order Fish Oil

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

It's Louse Time! Put your Ear Muffs and Blinders On

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self-starters, Welcome.

(if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: Put your Ear Muffs and Blinders On.

Have you ever been in a situation where you wished you had ear muffs on?

You overhear a conversation that makes you want to puke, saps you of your productive energy, distracts you from your goal or sometimes, it's not what was said, it's what was not said. Just seeing someone's bad choices or odd behavior is enough to reach for the Blinders.

To think of all the things that are being recorded by our minds consciously or subconsciously through TV, at work, in school, on the net, in movies, makes me wonder how it affects our judgment, behavior, and choices in life.

My dad related a story of how one of his co-workers back in the day working for the army always used to wear ear muffs while working. My dad asked him why he was doing that.

He explained, So that he can be totally focused on the job at hand, his thoughts and his breath.

100% involved in his work. No Distractions. No Gossip. No Negative Influence. Just total focus.

Why are we so easily influenced?

What is refreshing about a soft drink? What's relaxing about a cigarette? What's so appealing about All You Can Eat Buffets? How is slacking off on the job productive for the company? Why trade total consciousness and awareness for total disconnect with alcohol and drugs? Why pop pills when there's a minor discomfort? Why shout divorce before trying to resolve differences?
What's up with TGIF? Why go through life not doing what you were born to do?

When you're ready to start a project, a goal, a career change, anything, put the ear muffs and blinders on, let your own intuition guide you and let no one influence your actions or decisions, only you know what's right for you.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Orleans School Celebrating 14 Year Anniversary

Last Tuesday was a special day. My older brother Sifu Stephane was celebrating his 14th year anniversary.

Sijo, our founder with Sifu Stephane Patenaude

My oh my, does time fly by.

So many Martial Art Schools have come and gone in Orleans like Bond's Jiu-Jitsu and Sunny Tang Kung-Fu to name a few.

The Patenaude name is synonymous with Longevity. A name you can trust, a school you can count on to be there through thick and thin.

It has always been my observation that so many other instructors and martial art school owners were like the fox in the "fox and the rabbit" story which goes something like this:

A Zen master out for a walk with one of his students points out a fox chasing a rabbit. "According to an ancient fable, the rabbit will get away from the fox." says the master. "Not so" replied the student. "The fox is faster, but the rabbit will elude him" insisted the master. "Why are you so certain?" asked the student. "Because the fox is running for his dinner while the rabbit is running for his life" replied the master.

Kids Class in Orleans, On

There is a very clear difference between instructors who teach as a hobby or past-time versus instructors who do this for a living.

Sifu Patrick teaching life skills

We do this for a living. Our focus is on teaching professional martial arts and helping each student reach their goals no matter what.

Weapon training at Orleans Martial Arts

When you have nothing else to fall back on, you can rest assured that the quality of our classes, the level of commitment from our instructors and the gratitude we have for our students is second to none.



The first thing we focus on is the school environment and it doesn't get any better than the Orleans School.

A 3000 square foot facility, large training rooms so you don't feel crowded and unable to move freely, a fully matted area for your safety, a place to learn every element of martial arts: Fang Shen Do Kung-Fu, Sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing), Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Weapons, and let's not forget a very charismatic, talented, and dedicated Chief Instructor.

This is no garage, backyard, dirty, crummy martial art school.

Everything in our schools is top of the line, from the equipment to the uniforms, the striking body shields to our safety equipment. It's all set up to make sure you have the best experience for yourself and your family, which is what people have come to expect from Patenaude's Martial Arts Schools.

I know, you might of walked into one of those disorganized, dirty, out in the boonies schools, and you weren't satisfied, visit one of our schools to see the obvious difference.

I've included a few pictures from the Anniversary Kid's Class and shots from our Black Belt Training Class.

Teaching kids balance and posture

All the key people were there, Sijo, Linda, myself, Sifu Patrick, Sifu Silvain, and Sifu Joel.

Filipino stick fighting

Thank You to all students of FSD, your support is very much appreciated and we're looking forward to keep on pushing you to reach for your personal best.

What's Your Story?

Let's face it, we all have one.

When you don't feel like doing something you tell yourself this great story not to do it. Things like: "I would if I had time", "If I wasn't so busy", "When I get more education, I'll start", "I would lose weight if it wasn't for my family genes", "But I'm too old" and the list goes on and on.

So I ask again, what's your story?

What have you been telling yourself that's stopping you from starting something you really want to do?

The story usually starts with a "Yeah, but..." or a "If I..."

Learn to recognize this destructive self-talk.

If it FEELS right act on it. Trust your Instincts.

One of the biggest issues I see and hear about is starting to train and get fit.

Most people go through so much procrastination that they never get started and never reap the rewards of living an active lifestyle and none more fullfilling than through Martial Arts Training.

When is NOW a good time to start?

If I read some of your minds right now, the story might be: "After the holidays" or "As soon as January hits I'm gonna start?"

Great Story.

The holiday season is the time of the year where there is the most abuse on our bodies.

What better way to defend against over indulging of food, alcohol, and lack of sleep when you're armed with martial knowledge.

How to breathe to clean your body of toxins, how to stretch to release stress and how to train your body so your metabolism is in high gear to burn all those extra calories you're going to consume.

It couldn't be easier to start. Follow the link below, find a location, sign up for your first month free and that's it, no stories, no excuses.

* Get started here

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

A Silent Killer

You've been given a vessel, take care of it.

Do not wait until it is completely deteriorated to start maintenance on it.

Your most prized asset: Your body.

And still millions will be diagnosed with heart disease, lung cancer, and diabetes this year.

All because of mal nutrition, smoking and lack of exercise.

A real shame when you consider body weight exercises are the simplest and easiest forms of exercise.

They can be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

1 minute of exercise is better than any vitamin.

Mastering your body is the most rewarding activity of all yet very few dedicate any substantial time to it compared to how much time spent watching countless hours of useless TV.

Obesity and Inactivity is a silent killer, the worse virus to ever plague our modern society.

Information abound, latest technologies all around us but unable to control the gem that's located between our ears.

Our fitness kits are easy to use, simple, fun and challenging no matter what level you're at.

Instead of buying useless gifts this holiday season, invest in something that will extend your family member's life, so you can enjoy more quality time together.

You can pick yours up here.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Fang Shen Do is a Living System

2 weeks ago I mentioned I'd have more pics of my dad and Bob Wall.

Here are a few more.

Bob Wall & Sijo J. Patenaude (Classic Enter the Dragon Pose)

 What does this mean to you?


I mean this is all good for us, FSD, my dad and the organization but my focus is always on the student.

What do the students of FSD gain from this?

For one, students get to see that we put our money where our mouth is.

Sijo J. Patenaude throwing the Biu Jee (Finger Jab)

We're always talking about things like: Learning is a journey, C.A.N.I (Constant And Never-Ending Improvement), For every hand there's always a faster one, Never rest on your Laurels, etc... It would be very easy for my dad to say: "I've been doing this for 35 + years, I can just lay back and sit on my success".

My dad being the Founder of FSD, it's crucial for him to lead by example. There is still and always will be, a burning desire to learn, improve and seek out new ideas to be incorporated in our system.


"Fang Shen Do is a Living System" my dad calls it. Not binded by any set ideas or rules.

Bob Wall discussing his 10 year relationship with Bruce Lee.

Meeting Bob is just another way to get feedback and insights from a man who trained with Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Gene LeBell, Joe Lewis and the list goes on.


That's what you get when you train in a school like ours, a guarantee you'll get the latest, most effective training money can buy in the areas of Self-Defense, Health/Fitness and Personal Development.


My dad's been really busy this past year spreading FSD and making key contacts.

But it's not enough.

We know we can do even better.

Knowing that our students are looking up to us for guidance, inspiration and training, it makes for extra flammable fuel driving our ambition.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

It's Louse Time! To Move is better than to Sit

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self- starters, Welcome.

(if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: To Move is better than to Sit

No matter how you feel, tired, sore, in pain, sluggish, depressed, moody, or stressed, it's always better in the end if you decided to move and exercise instead of opting for sitting and not doing anything.

Our morning training today was a challenge. It's getting colder and we both trained extra hard this week, instead of skipping our traditional friday workout, we still did it and let me tell you I'm happy we did.

Most of the pain in my legs I felt all week is gone as well as in my shoulders. The morning sweat had a cleansing effect both on my body and mind, feeling clear and focused, determined and commited to my goals.

During my interview with Bob Wall I asked him what his secret to Longevity and Health was?

As you might already know Bob is in his 70s and showing no signs of stopping any day soon. The similarities between him and my dad are pretty identical in many respects and in the area of fitness it's no different.

Bob's fitness paradigm goes like this:

Resistance Training (self-induced or assisted)
Aerobics (sustained, high intensity workouts)
Flexibility (in all ranges of movement)

Coming from Bob, it confirms why Station Training is so effective. All of those 3 elements are combined into our strength training program. I've seen the same fast results time and again, it's simply the most efficient way of training to acquire greater strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination.

Get your strength training kit now and see what others have to say about it.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

The Last Component of Bob Wall's Success

Before finishing up where I left off yesterday about Bob Wall's 3rd factor contributing to his success, I'd like to thank every action oriented person who took advantage of my offer yesterday.

Joining the Fang Shen Do Inner Circle will keep you motivated and pleasantly challenged. It will keep you informed and up to date on the most recent nutrition guidelines, training routines, what works and most importantly what doesn't work when it comes to martial art conditioning, saving you the time and agony of finding these out on your own.

I literrally spend countless hours a week researching and updating my knowledge in all those areas so that you don't have to.

My offer still stands to the last few that are still undecided. 3 months worth of Inner Circle DVDs and Newsletters (a 120$ value) when you join the FIC today. They're loaded with unique drills and useful advice to give you an edge in your training, and helps keep health, fitness, and self-mastery at the forefront of your mind on a monthly basis.

On with the last key component of Bob's Success:

His Wife.

Celebrating this year, 40 years of marriage.

We all need our Rock. Some sort of support system that will make everything we aspire to do or become have meaning. In times of doubt, confusion, or when you just want to quit, having someone stand by you, to push you, to make you better, to challenge you, is all one needs to make it through.

With that said, choose your partners and friends wisely, their influence goes farther than you think.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

P.S. Push You? Make you Better? Challenge You? That's exactly what the FIC is all about. Become a member by signing up here.

Will to Succeed - Part 2

On last Friday's Louse Time I mentioned how, during my interview with Bob Wall, we got to talk about the Will to Succeed and what were the 3 major things he could attribute his success to.

The first one being his Fear of Failure. Most people can relate to this one, but I think an equal amount of people also share the opposite fear, the Fear of Success. Which I'll cover another time.

The second factor to his success is: His ability to Seek out Mentors.

It is of utmost importance to lead a Mentored Life. The mentor can be in the flesh, on the phone, through a book, or on a DVD.

Leading a mentored life means to be excited about learning.

"Learning is a Journey, not a Destination"

To always realize there is room for improvement, adjustment, modification, or reprogramming.

A coach pours into you years of experience and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

That's why we put together the FIC (Fang Shen Do Inner Circle), to allow students to get coached by myself and other top instructors whom are either: living too far from one of our schools, or who lives in another country. The FIC also allows you to have the most up to date training information, advanced workouts, unique equipment availability, and nutrition tips funneled directly to you each and every month.

You also get 3 mths worth of past issues free when you become a member of the FIC today.

What you'll find in these past issues:

• How to hold your leg over your head for as long as you want by learning this simple exercise
• Developing a strong neck to avoid injuries while grappling
• A Conditioning Sequence that doubles your strength, speed, endurance and skill which will leave you huffing and puffing in 60 seconds or less.
• Which foods pack on the best cancer fighting effects
• A fun drill to build tiger like finesse, flow and power
• The 2 herbs that contain 10 times the antioxidant levels, age defying nutrients found in blueberries
• and much more... register here

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

P.S. Tomorrow I'll cover the last and final point from Bob's 3 major factors to his success.
Stay tuned.

It's Louse Time! Will to Succeed

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self- starters, Welcome.

(if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: The Will to Succeed

Last Sunday during my interview with Bob Wall we got to talk about the 3 major things he could attribute his success to.

Bob Wall with the Great Bruce Lee

Without hesitation he fired out all 3 points. Bang, Bang, Bang, just like a three punch combo.

The very first one was his Fear of Failure. He was just a skinny kid and he had to put in double the effort in all areas compared to the other more gifted kids in school.

It was that determination that landed him a wrestling scholarship when he was 15 years old. His mother was his Tower of Power as he called her and didn't want to let her down. This was the major engine driving his ambition in his early teenage years.

Failure for him, ultimately, was not getting the respect he deserved. We all have the potential to accomplish great things if we just learn to believe in ourselves. One way to get this respect was to start training in Martial Arts. One quickly realizes how developing yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and strengthening your spirit raises your self-esteem, confidence and self-image to new heights.

This in turn gives you the confidence required to even entertain the idea of reaching for your goals that seem so out of reach at first.

Once you have confidence firmly in place you can get started on Bob's second point which I'll cover tomorrow.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. The very first level of confidence is Physical Confidence. Having trust in your body and what it is capable of. Build superior strength and endurance with our Strength Training System which we've been testing for the past 35 years to ensure maximum results, in the least time, while maintaining a steady progression to meet your fitness goals.

Interviewing a Legend

Every morning I ask myself the same questions.

"Are you using your mind to its full potential?"

This quote sums it up for me:

"The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get to the office." ~ Robert Frost

What is the office?

For some it really is an office or for others it's any activity that pulls you away from your real goals or aspirations.

A portion of my day revolves around Meditating or Actively Thinking and Planning.

One of our long time friends and equipment supplier always had this old sign close to his desk:

"Fail to Plan. Plan to Fail"

You always keep your major goals at the forefront of your mind and clearly map out how you are going to reach them. Like magic you will attract into your life what you need to make those goals happen. Once the opportunities present themselves you have to be ready to take action on them.


Through my father I had the opportunity to interview a martial art legend: Bob Wall

Bob Wall (Ohara)

Most people recognize him as Ohara in Enter the Dragon.

What a coincidence to be using "Louse Time" on Fridays from the same movie to actually talking to him and having him share stories of Bruce, Brandon, Chuck Norris, Gene Lebelle, Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Machados, and on and on he went for 3 hours. I'll be sharing some of those stories in upcoming blog posts in the coming weeks.

Like Attracts Like

Him and my dad instantly connected when they met in Germany and this is a start to a long friendship and partnership for years to come.

One of my father's strengths is using his mind to attract like a magnet what he desires. That's why I'm urging you to take time every morning to do just that. Picture what you want no matter how outrageous it may seem, Don't wait because the time will never be just right, be passionate and believe in yourself.

What if you fail?

To quote Bob: "If you're not failing, you're not learning".

I'll be posting extensive pictures of him and my dad very shortly and will let you know how to get a hold of the interview as soon as it's available.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Never rest on your laurels

Yesterday we re-connected with Nick Hewitson, World Muay Thai Champion, with over 100 fights to his credit without ever suffering a loss.

Nick Hewitson & Sibok Martin

In past blogs I had mentioned we had met him while touring in Europe earlier this year.


A very nice man and very knowledgeable in his field. What he teaches is very authentic, brutal and challenging. I realize this is not for everybody. That's why a special program will be offered in our schools for those who want to step up to that level.



Most Muay Thai schools today offer a very watered down version of the art. To quote Nick: "Alot of people today just want to wear the nice shorts and pretend they're doing Muay Thai".

I found it inspiring that even after retiring from fighting professionally, he's still training, still tough, still in shape and still passionate about the art.

Naturally we gravitated towards him since he shares some of the same beliefs about training intensity, assholes on forums who talk a big game, belly masters and the like.

Sifu Patrick holding pads

You can never rest on your laurels and that goes for you too. Always challenge yourself and seek out new ways to push yourself past certain thresholds.

Without a doubt if it wasn't for the training we regularly subject ourselves to with our Station Training we wouldn't of been able to complete the drills he asked us to perform.

Since we train to end a confrontation in 30 seconds or less, a minor adjustment had to be done to last 4 minute +
rounds.

Once again it reinforces the element I've been talking about for a while now, Conditioning First, once that is in place you can make everything else happen.


Train in as many ways possible, change it up, make sure that you're doing full body workouts, train to exhaustion, switch intervals from 1 minute through 5 minutes, and train your will to never give up.

Those are the core elements of Station Training. Everything has been laid out for you in our Strength Training Kits.

Training the way we do leaves you ready to tackle any physical activity and gives you the ability to adapt to any sport or workout.

Be careful not to do "Too much, Too soon". Station Training is the perfect way to build your endurance in such a way that is progressive, at your own pace, and already tested for you.

Maybe you don't want to step in the ring with a Muay Thai fighter but you want to make damn sure you're in the best possible shape and that you're commited to stay strong, healthy and vibrant for as long as you can.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Asking the right questions

Every morning when I wake up I get a flash of inspiration, an idea or subject to cover during my e-mails.

Coincidence?

Not so.

Before I retire at night I ask myself the right questions and in the morning I have my answer.

My subconscious does the searching while I sleep. You too can use this technique to attract what it is you want.

You can use it to attract winning ideas, better health, more happiness, a solution to a problem, etc...

Also, asking the right questions in the morning upon arising will help start your day with a positive outlook rather than leaving it to chance. With the right outlook, the challenges you face daily will probably look more like opportunities instead of problems.

Through my dad's work with Tony Robbins, who is famous for asking the right morning questions, I've compiled some of the best ones for you to use.

1) What am I most happy about today?
2) What am I most excited about today?
3) What am I most proud of?
4) What am I most grateful for?

They are a wonderful tool in reshaping and developing a more positive attitude toward everything you do.

At night when you retire, just before falling asleep, ask yourself these 2 evening questions to seal the day and prepare for the next one:

1) What did I learn today?
2) How did I contribute today?

The evening questions are designed to recount the daily accomplishments that you might have otherwise forgotten about.

The quality of your questions will determine the quality of your life experience.

"If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one". ~Cavett Robert

Everything starts with Attitude.

You attract what you think about the most. Be careful.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

P.S. "When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long." ~Author Unknown

Speaking of questions I'm finalizing my list of questions for my celebrity guest interview this weekend, will let you know how you can get a hold of it once it's done.

What makes a REAL Champion

I was listening to Boxing Legend, Sugar Ray Leonard last night talking about what makes a real champion, it's not how many fights you've won, it's not how tough you think you are, it's the ability to take what you've learned in the ring and applying it outside the ring in your personal and professional life.

Sugar Ray Leonard

This is the key and it's in perfect sync with our philosophy about training in the martial arts.

LIFE is a combat, not what you see on TV.

Every fighter out grows wanting to prove himself in a ring, cage or pit.

The smart ones have already planned their exit strategy, and have lined up alternate ways of maintaining if not exceeding their standard of living after their fighting career is over.

This is what I want for all the students of FSD. That you realize you possess a powerful tool to make every area of your life better.

Just like you seek to improve every physical aspect of martial arts like speed, power, flexibility, flow, and endurance, the same energy needs to be invested in your personal development.

Refusing to be average, facing fears head on, visualizing first - acting second, developing self-confidence, transfering the intensity you have when striking bags and targets to tackle any problem, task, project, work related issues, or new venture you might be undertaking.

It is way more satisfying to me to see a student (whether in our schools or anywhere around the world who follows what we do because of the wonders of the internet) improve on a personal level through martial arts than to see a student let's say... apply a perfect cross body arm bar.

Whatever life throws at martial artists, they will adjust, re-direct, counter, and roll with it, all the while finding a way to learn from it.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Through a mutual friend of my father's, I've found another man who shares the same views about using martial arts as a means to improve every aspect of your life, he is very well known, his identity I will keep secret for now until the interview is complete, he was a very close friend of Bruce Lee. More details to follow....

P.P.S. "To follow through and revel in the smallest of successes, to realize the old you is nothing but a forgotten shadow, barely remembered apart from making fun of."

It's Louse Time! Feel your Life

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self- starters, Welcome. (if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: Feel your Life

How many times a day do you take the time to bring your attention inside of you instead of focusing and reacting to distractions on the outside?

Martial Arts offers a way to FEEL better by first teaching you the 3 elements of Control.

Control over your breath.

Control over negative thoughts.

Control over your body through stretching, conditioning, muscle control exercises, and sensitivity drills which leads to a better flow of energy.

These 3 areas of development force you to turn inwards and listen.

Most students, when they start cannot take 5 deep breaths in a row, holding each breath 30 seconds, without being out of breath, distracted or dizzy. Controlling the breath is the first thing we get students to practice in our schools and with good reason, it makes the other 2 easier to master.

With practice, you realize the importance of each breath that comes into you, how lucky you are to be here and the way breathing deeply slows everything down, especially your mind to a state of total calmness and free of worry.

The last element ties in with really Feeling your Life. While Stretching or doing any kind of martial art related exercise, if one doesn't FEEL there is no chance for advancement.

By constantly turning your attention inside and being aware of your breath you really capture every moment that would of otherwise been lost, ignored or forgotten.

There are many things in this world competing for your attention, to pull you away from your center, do not let them.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Kung-Fu Halloween Pictures

Kids at our Nepean Kung-Fu School on Merivale headed by my little brother Sifu Silvain dressed up for the occasion to train their Kung-Fu Skills while being dressed as their favorite character.

Seeing the big smiles on their faces proves the event was a hit with the kids.

Halloween is a special time to let kids dream and allow them to be whatever they want to be.

It's very important for their self-confidence and a perfect time to make them realize they really can become whatever they set their minds to.

Adults often lose that belief or desire to pursue their true calling in life.

Maintain child like optimism, be curious, follow your heart, take a chance and let no one steal your dream.


Happy Trick or Treating,

Sibok Martin

Never be a victim again

I couldn't help but to share this testimonial with you. It pretty much sums up everything I've been talking to you about and how training in a system like FSD which is focused on the student's personal development first and foremost will lead to more than just learning how to punch and kick like so many other martial art schools.

Caution reading this will make you get off your butt and take some serious action. If you've been hesitating and putting it off, you know what to do, Start training in one of schools NOW.
---

"I thought I was just going to learn how to defend myself! How wrong was I."

Where do I begin?

My life has done a complete 360 since joining Patenaude's Kung-Fu School.

It took me some time to muster up the courage to start the training because of big emotional baggages holding me back. I've been a single parent since 1997. I was in a bad relationship. Intimidated, insulted and threatened. My partner at the time tried to strangle me when I was only 5 mths pregnant. This abuse destroyed my confidence and self-esteem.

After having dealt with that situation and winning custody of my daughter I decided I was going to make a change and NEVER be a victim ever again. I flipped through the yellow pages and the ad that struck me the most was Patenaude's Kung-Fu School. I called, joined and started a journey of self-discovery and personal development that I wasn't expecting.

Physically I was a mess. I could only do 3 girl push-ups (on my knees) and struggled to do 10 sit-ups. Now I can do 72 real push-ups in 2 minutes and 95 Sit-Ups in 2 minutes and those numbers are constantly going up. My flexibility was non existent. While standing and reaching for my toes, I couldn't get past my knees, now I can lay my palms flat on the floor with locked legs.

The school taught me how to face every day challenges and find the good in any situation.
I had the opportunity to put those lessons to work when the unimaginable happened.

In 2004, I got diagnosed with a tumor in my Duodenum which I completely recovered from and suffered a detached retina in 2006, a genetic condition that runs in my family which I also recovered from and today enjoy the benefits of partner sparring drills without any fear.

It took a while for my emotional scars to disappear. Whenever a student or instructor would demonstrate a choke defense and used me as an example, flashbacks would immediately emerge and reveal just how fragile I still was. Today those associations are a thing of the past.
I feel confident in any hold or self-defense scenario and swear I will never let anyone take advantage of me or invade my private space ever again.

The biggest surprise was how my training affected my work. I was always very negative, shy and unable to voice my opinions. If there were more than 4 people in a room I would immediately close my shell and disconnected from the conversation.

That was before joining Fang Shen Do's Leadership and Masters Training.

Sophie Bisson

Today I enjoy being my company's project manager and in charge of support for our sales team which comprises over 80 people. I've enjoyed multiple salary increases and bonuses. I've been doing big presentations in front of groups and my peers can't help but notice how I've changed. Most hardly recognize me when they compare the new me to the old me.

My new passion is teaching and helping other people reach for their goals. Creating strong bonds with students and helping them work on their individual challenges.

I never finished what I started before. Now I'm proud to say I'm a black belt, reaching for excellence in all areas of my life and nothing can stop my determination, passion and commitment.

I will continue to enjoy my training along with my daughter who also trains with me.

Thank You to Sijo, all the Sifus for their support and making a positive difference in my life."

Thank You

Sophie Bisson
Administrative Assistant
Montreal, Qc
---

Thank You Sophie. There are many lessons to be learned from this e-mail. It should send a resounding message to you, "Take action, make no excuses, and the limitations you might face are entirely self-imposed, charge ahead and let nothing stand in your way".

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

The best feeling in the world

Yesterday I was thinking about what alot of people fail to do after a workout.

The single most important thing that can keep you motivated forever...FOREVER!

And most people don't do it.

This one thing will block out any procrastination, lazyness, negative thoughts, and your ability to control your heart rate and catch your breath almost effortlessly.

What you do AFTER your workout sets the stage for every subsequent workout.

I'm talking about a "Meditative Cool Down".

Immediately following your training, kneel or sit down and close your eyes.

Feel the vibration of your heart through your chest, at that moment you realize, just like breathing, how we don't pay enough attention to the heart and lungs.

When you bring all of your attention on your heart you realize the importance of your life, how your heart has been beating all of your life without a break, feeding all of your organs.

In that moment if anything was bothering you or stressing you out before starting your training, you find out it has quickly disappeared. Listen to your heartbeat, you feel alive and grateful to be able to be here and experience it.

This is just one element of the Meditative Cool Down, apply this one thing and during the hardest of times in your workouts you'll be looking forward to reaching the end of it so you can sit or kneel and just listen to best beat in the world, your heart.

For a more detailed list of other meditative cool down techniques and meditation principles be sure to check this link.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Demoralize him from attacking again.

Which tool can you use to build super arm conditioning, close quarter striking power and clean, crisp fluidity?

Wooden Dummy Training

My very first Blog was on Wooden Dummy training and for good reason, it was one of my first great obsessions.

When I first started learning it I couldn't stop and proceeded to learn all 117 movements in one day.

You might be intimidated by that number, 117 movements, but I can assure you I've developed a very fast and unique way of learning the techniques over night.

Because the method I reveal to you is the very same method I used when I was just a little boy.

If you're training in FSD right now and learning the wooden dummy techniques are just around the corner, I would recommend you get a head start and pick up our 3 disc set and quickly master this tool and use what you learn from it and apply it to your close quarter entries, nerve destruction techniques, closing and trapping skills.

If you do not own a Wooden Dummy or if the school you train at doesn't have one, the techniques can still be applied in the air, against a heavy bag or on a partner's arms.

By clashing your arms strategically onto your opponent's arms (ex; radial nerve, biceps, etc...) it quickly demoralizes him from attacking again.

Since your hands and arms are your main striking tools it's a good idea to make them as strong and tough as you can get them.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Arms are like guards to a castle (your body), they are there to protect and shield you from harm, make sure the guards, like your arms are tough as steel.

Learn how here.

I didn't know there were so many of you

Woah!

Sho Kosugi

I didn't expect to have so many mutual fans of Sho Kosugi.

Since my last e-mail yesterday I've been receiving lots of encouraging replies to it.

Many of you shared the same feelings about the movies I mentioned.

It's funny how those movies were made on a shoe string budget and still became classics compared to the movies these days with million dollar budgets, special effects, big name actors and most of them are forgotten a week later with no impact whatsoever.

Why is that?

Are there too many movies? Are people WATCHING too many movies? Bad directors? Who knows.

I do know one thing, the movies I mentioned helped me model what I was seeing. They actually got me motivated to train, practice, and sharpen my skills. Just like kids imitate what they see I picked up on their mannerisms and tried to move like they moved.

You also have a unique opportunity to model what we do through our DVDs.

It's a great medium to be exposed to top notch instruction and to see the essence and movement the way they're supposed to be done.

Becoming skilled and efficient starts with Modeling. Anyone of the DVDs we have in the product section will do the trick.

Get started today: Product Section

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Bruce Lee and Sho Kosugi Memories

I've been writing about the importance of weapons training for a while now.

I remember a phase I had between 6 and 13 years old where weapons was all I would think about.

From Bruce Lee's Game of Death scene with Dan Inosanto, the dungeon scene in Enter the Dragon to all the Sho Kosugi movies.

I'm sure alot of you can relate to me and how movies seem so real and magical when you're a kid.

I had it all, the (self-made) ninja suit, the katana, the Tanto, the glow in the dark throwing stars, smoke bombs, the Chuks, you name it.

We'd also reproduce scenes like the "mirror scene" in Enter the Dragon and used my mother's lipstick to reproduce the claw marks on Bruce's body and face from the final fight scene with Han.

Just talking about this brings many more fond memories to mind and makes me want to go out and rent those old movies and do a Bruce/Kosugi movie marathon.

The one thing I remember the most is the special FEELING I had when I held a weapon in my hands back then and today that feeling hasn't changed.

One combination of weapons I especially like is the Stick and Dagger.

Stick and Dagger

It serves as a reminder of it's efficiency in past combat and teaches your body about working as one harmonious unit.

Both weapons make the best of team mates and guarantee that if one fails the other one is right there behind the other watching over its back.

It falls right in line with our hand to hand principles of overwhelming an opponent with an on-slaught of attacks which are transferred over from weapon training.

Click here to give this combination of weapons a try, you'll be glad you did.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

It's Louse Time! Be afraid only of standing still

If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self- starters, Welcome.
(if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below)

Every day I communicate to you the best ways to train and the kind of mindset it takes to get results either in your physical fitness or martial art training.

Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon.

You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course".

Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week.

Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday.

Today's lesson is: "Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still" ~ Chinese Proverb.

It boils down to: "Are you making consistent incremental improvements in all areas of your life?"

Some improvements are made without you even realizing it, considering you've been working diligently towards a goal you have.

If I were to film you early on in your martial art training and show it to you six months later, you might not realize you improved but the evidence on film would tell you otherwise.

If you're pushing yourself, you're improving.

The same holds true for pictures. That's why taking "before and after" pictures are crucial to track your progression.

And last, a personal journal. Reviewing past logs in your journal shows where you were, how you were thinking, what was important to you at that moment, personal stats, body measurements, and the mini successes you've had along the way.

Most often than not you won't identify with the old you. Although entertaining and nostalgic you could never go back to being that person again. You are indeed growing slowly even if you don't realize it.

I wish I could film all my students individually and show them where they started from and then 2-3 years later compare past and present footage, most wouldn't believe the transformation.

We tend to have short term memories, take the time to track your progression through video, pictures and a log book. You never know, the map you create might help your son or daughter find their path in life one day, or might just make yours clearer along the way.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

An equalizer, no matter your size or strength

During one of my last seminars there was alot of whining and screaming.

Sounds of people in pain.

Kubotan, small but big pain

Shrieks of "Stop, Stop, Stop!" echoing through the room.

It was like music to my ears.

We were in,
none other than, a Kubotan Seminar.

We've all heard the expression "Size doesn't matter" and it couldn't be more true with this small, innocent looking weapon.

Since it is so small it penetrates through the skin, muscle tissue and ligaments to get instant compliance from a would be attacker.

Voted # 1 weapon for it's versatility, easy concealment, simplicity, "strike anywhere" effectiveness, it's legality, easy attachment to car keys for quick access and most of all a sense of confidence in situations where you might feel intimidated.

Whenever you're in large crowds or walking after hours at night in an empty parking lot or deserted street knowing you have this little devil on you is very comforting.

It's the easiest weapon to learn and we've laid out the best strategies you can use to take control over an opponent on this exclusive DVD: Kubotan - "The Tiny Tool That Can Turn Anyone Into The World's Deadliest Streetfighter!"

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Choose your training partners wisely, they might not be back for the second training session! Remember it's real and it works, train safely.