The only firewalk event in eastern Ontario

Are you searching for a way to better yourself, be happier, more successful, to actually follow through on the things you most desire.

Fire preparation for a firewalk

It all starts with that first step, sadly, most people never take it.

Whether you're starting something new or you're about to walk on red-hot-burning-coals, you have to trust yourself and just go for it.

Firewalking has to be one of the fastest ways to get a personality check.

As you'll see, if ever you do happen to walk, paying attention to how you feel just before walking, it might reveal a pattern you've been following for quite some time.

You might start doubting yourself.

You may also stop and start analyzing too much.

You might wait until someone else goes first.

You might get across safely and then ask yourself: "Could I still do it if I went a second time" ?

Firewalking reveals any kind of negative or positive self-talk, learn to recognize it and move forward in spite of a negative one.

Which voice comes on when you tackle something new like a job interview, or that lady or man you really want to talk to on the 2nd floor where you work, asking for a raise, or training twice a week.

Learn to recognize which voice supports you and which one robs you of your motivation, creativity and energy.

Block out that voice that often times comes across as a friend but is in fact your enemy.

Learn how by attending our next event, March 2nd. You can register here.

See you there,

Sibok Martin

Massaging Reflex Points: An easy way to have more energy

Did you ever wonder why the Japanese arts always train bare feet and the Chinese arts wear shoes?

Pretty simple.

The Japanese trained inside on tatamis and the Chinese trained outside on rugged terrain. That's it!

I enjoy both.

Try to train at least once a week bare feet.

By doing so, you strengthen your foot and simultaneously massage the reflex points under your feet without having to ask your spouse for one. I agree getting one feels WAY better but if no one is around at least you know what to do.

Massaging the reflex points can be done without the use of your hands. Just one round of shadow punching and kicking bare feet gives your feet enough stimulation.

Stimulating these reflex points are good for:

• Improving circulation
• Increasing energy
• Eliminating or reducing pain
• Deep relaxation
• Detoxification
• Improved glandular function
• Stress relief
• Ability to sustain a high level of productive activity and an overall sense of well being.

Also when you finish your Station Training workout and you're ready to do your cool down using your Stretching and Flexibility tools it's the perfect time to stimulate those reflex points.

Whether you're doing Forward Bends, Upper Thigh Stretch or Inner Thigh Stretch, take some time to dig into those points with your fingers, palms and knuckles.
You can press into them, you can squeeze them or slap them. But do it!

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. The reflex points like Stretching needs to be part of your training routine to maintain optimal health and energy.

Remember, pressing into the reflex points is your way of doing a "systems check" or body inspection. If there is pain, stay on that point, you've found a weak spot.

Looking for something fun to do in Ottawa

Not one but two ways to challenge yourself.

The first is through our Fight for Fun tournament starting at 11:30 am. and the second is our Firewalk event later that night.

Talk about doing things different than the norm.

Instead of doing the same ol' thing this weekend, why not invite a friend or your family to attend and try something different.

The tournament gives you a chance to meet students from all 26 schools and lets you face your fear of entering in the cage or just competing in a ring with spectators watching you. This will take your confidence to a whole new level.

The Firewalk is filled with interesting drills to help you get out of your comfort zone. We're all sometimes too serious and need to let loose.

If the learning environment is positive, supportive and fun you'll absorb the material easily and should be ready to walk in no time.

Fire is a serious thing but if you walk on it in a playful, focused way you give it less power.
It's proven that people who exercise while smiling feel less pain, laughing has a healing ability and it is believed to increase your life span.

Walking on Fire should be a celebration of Empowerment and opening yourself to a world of new possibilities.

There is a feeling of unity after the firewalk and people seem to be connected on a higher level especially if you're doing this with a spouse or your kids.

Doing this as a family is strongly recommended.

We're just happy to share this experience and pass on what we believe is one of the most unique feelings ever felt.

Once you've walked you'll agree that it's hard to put in words how you feel after but after a few minutes it settles in:

"I've walked on fire", "If I can do this, I can do anything I set my mind to"

How will YOU feel?

Be there March 2nd. You can pre-register here:
http://www.firewalkcanada.com/

Sibok Martin

P.S. There will be special rebates for people who attend both events. Register on-line or give us a call at 613-569-0545.
See you there.

Increase circulation in the legs

Use it or Lose it.

The first thing to GO with old age are your legs.

When you think about it, the legs are being used less and less.

You probably sat in your car, on the bus or on the subway today.

You might be sitting at your desk at work. You'll be sitting on the couch tonight. You'll sit to eat.

And, chances are, you've taken the elevator or escalator to get to where you needed to go today, right?

What's wrong with this picture?

EVERYTHING

Make sure your legs get adequate circulation and stimulation daily.

No one wants to be in a wheelchair or walker on purpose. Many people who are disabled would give everything they own to be able to walk, run, squat, jump and lunge.

Yet, you probably take your legs for granted. We all do.

We just need to be reminded, poked in the ribs a little.

So that's what I'm doing.

Poking you in the ribs.

Whenever you find yourself sitting too long, choosing to take the elevator instead of the stairs, or "vegetating" in front of the TV. Get up, train and maintain your legs.

One of the best ways to do that is to engage them in stretching. Nothing complicated, can be done in the comfort of your own home or office.

Check out our complete stretching system here:

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. All it takes is Awareness. Always put your legs FIRST, that way they'll never let you down when you really start needing them.

Finding a way to stick with your goals

You can admit it.

Are you following through on the resolutions you set for yourself early this year?

Or did you lose track of them and let them slip through your fingers?

That's why you need to constantly review your goals and list of priorities. Because if you let it, life will kick in and consume you, throwing a monkey wrench into the mix.

When you eventually start thinking back of what you wanted to accomplish this year, often several months have flown right by you, and you haven't made any considerable gains in your health related goals.

Those are the most important ones, without health everything else is useless.

Think back how you felt early January when you were writing your goals (considering you even wrote some). You were motivated, determined and focused. Ready to tackle the new year with zest.

What happened?

We all lose focus some times. But it's time to get it back.

Go through your list, and pick 3 things you're gonna focus on.

Maybe you lost focus because you had too many things on that list.

Simplify it.

Ask yourself the magic question: In 30 years from now, how will I benefit from accomplishing these goals.

How will performing daily deep breathing techniques help me.

How will daily stretching help me?
Find out here

And what about daily strength training as shown in our kits?
Find out here

Then, ask the same question if you don't do them.

Remember, everything you DO should be geared towards INCREASING your life span not DIMINISHING it.

Get your focus back,

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Keep your goals fresh in your mind by reading them when you wake up and when you retire at night. Keep them written on a board in your office or on a post-it. On the bathroom mirror, or in your wallet. Frame your main goals so everyone can see them. Adding that kind of pressure leads to consistency and maximum results.

Firewalking in the Ottawa Area

As you might already know, Tolly Burkan is the father of the firewalking movement.

When we decided to meet Tolly we never asked ourselves "Did we make the right decision". We almost made arrangements to do our training with Tolly's ex-wife, Peggy Dylan.

She is also partly responsible for helping spread firewalking to the public.

As with our martial arts training we wanted to go as close to the source as possible. Tolly possesses a wealth of knowledge and finds a way to get his message accross and make you feel right at home from the beginning to the end.

From its humble beginning 30 years ago, when he first realized that firewalking could be used as a technique for personal growth and he began teaching it to others, the firewalking movement has grown to the point that even the President of the United States has sought the experience.

In 2006, he was contacted by the U.S. military to discuss adding firewalking to Basic Training. He realized then, firewalking had attained a level of credibility that was as "mainstream" as apple pie. Executives and politicians firewalk, doctors and lawyers firewalk, professional athletes, and ministers of many different faiths, now firewalk.

In fact, movers and shakers from all over the globe can be counted among the ranks of modern-day firewalkers.

What can it do for you?

You can use it as a way to impress your subconscious, showing it you can do anything when you put your mind to it.

Zap fear that might be stopping you from trying or starting something new.

It also makes you realize how much potential you truly have and makes any challenge you might be experiencing seem so trivial.

So what are YOU waiting for?

Join us March 2nd for something unique and memorable. Sign on now. Register here: http://www.firewalkcanada.com/

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Nothing I can say can match the feeling after you've crossed the fire pit. This is something you'll need to experience for yourself. See you there.

Quit Smoking Fast

Learning from other people's mistakes can save time, money, energy, and most importantly your health.

Take smoking for example.

Isabelle (my spouse) asked me this question while driving up to St-Sauveur. How many people in India do you think die every month from a tobacco related illness?

Do you know?

I say 1000. She says more.

5000. More

25 000. More.

WHAAAT?!

Try 70 000.

70 000 people die every month. That's the size of some Canadian cities!

I always ask myself this same question when doing or starting
anything: "What's this gonna do for me if I keep it up for the next 30 years?"

Well that's one question you won't need to ask when wondering if smoking is any good for you.

You DIE.

And not peacefully.

Those few minutes of pleasure when smoking turn into months of pain and suffering when you're on that hospital bed.

How much evidence does one need to realize smoking is BAD for you?

Let's ask the same question about strength and flexibility training. Fast forward 30 years from now.

How will you be feeling? How many quality years will you add to your life?

If you're already training you know the answer to that question.

If you're not, the sooner you do (start), you'll realize it doesn't take 30 years to feel good, recharged, and in control of WHAT you let IN your body.

Your body is NOT a trash can.

If you owned a million dollar race horse would you feed it chips, fast food, and cigarettes. Would you keep it locked inside sitting on a couch watching TV?

Why is it okay to do that with our own body?

Decide NOW that it's not okay.

The first step is to start training with one of our strength training kits found right here:

Take better care of yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Realize what you're worth. You're capable of many a' great things when you sprinkle a little bit of discipline to your life.

Weapon training benefits

From my own experience, the weapon that helped me acquire the skill to move any other weapon is: the Stick.

Stick training quickly teaches you about body awareness, body positioning and body alignment.

It's true, with enough practice you'll really feel like the stick is an extension of your body.

Stick training gives you a strong foundation you can fall back on when you're learning another weapon.

Fundamentally all weapons move roughly the same way. Using the same angles of attack.

It will also teach you about rhythm.

With time, when you move the stick, you'll be moving to an internal beat. No one else can hear it but you. The weapon will naturally go where it's supposed to go without thinking.

In turn, you can transfer this principle in your hand to hand combat techniques.

If I'm doing a demo or any other practice it is never planned. I rely on the Chi. The Chi will tell me where to go.

I'll never do the same demo twice. Because each time I demonstrate the art of the stick I'm at a different place in my weapon training.

Kinda like how the seasons change.

YOU are constantly improving, evolving and learning.

My thoughts are different. My breath is different. My emotions are different at that precise moment.

All these things have an influence on the Chi.

Some of these things might sound far fetched but I cannot deny what I feel when I move the weapon.

You won't be able to do this over night. But you can start somewhere.
Get started with the Basic Level Stick Training DVD, it will put you on the path to weapon mastery.

Get it here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

The secret to always follow through

Whoever or wherever you are you fall in one of these categories.

You're either a PROCRASTINATOR. Nothing ever gets started and the time to start something like strength training and physical fitness never seems to be right.

You might be a STARTER. Most people are good at starting pretty much anything. Some are actually very good at it.

But as soon as it gets challenging, and you realize the secret to physical fitness for example is repetition, consistency and commitment, you "self-sabotage" by finding excuses.

You listen to your voice of reason in disguise (you know that voice that tries to sway you away from exercising: It goes something like: "You don't feel like it today", or "You're tired, you should rest".

You start missing one day then 3 and before you know it 3 months go by with an extra 10 pounds around your waist. That same voice comes on again: "Hey, you should start training again". Then the same pattern repeats itself.

What can we do to actually FINISH everything we start?

How can we become a part of this group, the master FINISHERS.

I'll explain to you how, only if you promise to put it to good use.

You become a great finisher by understanding what the Japanese call: "Shoshin"

Translated it means: Beginner's Mind.

One who approaches strength training and martial arts with a beginner's mind is fresh, enthusiastic, and open to the various possibilities that lie before you.

When you possess a beginner's mind you're not burdened with old habits or thoughts of how things could have been or should have been.

It's hard to get bored of your training when every time you do, you look at it with a new set of eyes. As if experiencing it for the first time with child like optimism.

That is the secret to becoming a great finisher. There's always something to learn if you look close enough. If you're always learning you'll always be growing.

Transfer this philosophy in everything you do and you too might become a great finisher.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Resting and Sleeping makes you stronger?

Sunday should be for resting, recharging and stepping away from what you usually do during the week so you can come back to it stronger and more committed.

If you want longevity in anything, you have to follow this law.

You can compare over-training to sitting too close to a fire. Soon you'll be blinded by the light and you'll need to step away from it for awhile until you can come back to it.

What I'm saying is you need time to relax, recover, sleep, clear your thoughts and make yourself miss your training. By not training, you strengthen your desire to train and makes you appreciate it even more when you do.

Today that's exactly what I'm doing.

I don't play video games but today my little brother had me play Rock Band on the Xbox. He has the whole set up with the guitar, the mic, and the drums.

We had a blast.

When I step away from my training I still like to improve a physically valuable skill. So he got me to play the drums, it was a great test of coordination and timing.

On another Sunday it might be swimming, snow-boarding, or hiking.

I think this a secret to sticking with your core activity for a life time. Training for over 20 years now, I still feel as excited about strength training today as I did the first time my dad showed me how to do it.

Here's the problem, most people don't have a core activity. An activity that will make everything you do better. There is such an activity. Nothing comes close to what you'll learn in our strength training kits. Try them out here.

Recharge yourself,

Sibok Martin

Talk less - do more

I have the chance to train with my dad every week. He truly is an inspiration.

He doesn't make any excuses. He knows what he has to do and he just does it. He can do pretty much what I do and I'm almost 30 years younger.

I know most of you are maybe not as lucky as I am to have a father that's in martial arts and started training you from a young age but find someone.

Someone you can think of when you're going through a difficult exercise or a challenging time in your life. You ask yourself what would your mentor do in this situation.


You know that scene in Enter the Dragon when Bruce Lee breaks his tea ceremony with the government agent and says: "It's Louse time", and the agent replies: "Yes of course"

It's a time where the instructor teaches an important lesson to the student.

I get one from my dad every week.

I'm working on making those lessons available through several Podcasts which you'll be able to download to your iPod, on your computer or your PSP ("Play Station Portable", just in case you don't know what I'm talking about).

Today was "Black Tongue".

One of the reasons people don't succeed in business or reach a high level of physical fitness is exactly that. They have a black tongue. Everything that comes out of their mouth is garbage.

They prefer to complain than to train.

Things like not doing what you said you would.

Being a king or queen of excuses.

Preferring to complain about what other people have instead of focusing on what you really want.

Concentrating on the problem instead of the solution.

Instead of doing the above, talk less - do more. Or make use of your tongue correctly. Use isometric breathing for tough exercises by putting your tongue behind your teeth as you exhale.

Connect your tongue to the palate of your mouth to activate blood and chi flow.

Use empowering keywords to not give up in a challenging exercise.

Say "Thank You" for the special people you have in your life.

Reaching a decent level of physical fitness is attainable. You just need to learn to become a self-starter. An action phrase I use all the time in moments of weakness, as quoted from W. Clement Stone is "Do it now".

You're sitting on the fence, you want to get started but you don't. Instead, take charge, no more garbage, "Do it now", here's where you need to go.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Functional exercises for weight Loss

Students often ask me how do you develop the strength to do 2 finger one-arm push-ups?

Sibok Martin performing 2 finger one arm push ups

Well I didn't just wake up one day and did them. It was a process. I gradually developed the strength and body awareness to be able to perform that feat of strength.

I remember growing up I was faster, more flexible and more disciplined than all the other kids.

Back in elementary school I won the Award of Excellence in recognition of attaining the highest achievement level in the Canada Fitness Award given by the Hon. Marcel Danis (minister of State) and then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Out of over 300 only 2 of us received the highest level in the whole school. I still have the diploma filed away for a souvenir.

When I was in 7th grade I set a Sit-Up record that is still unbroken to this day of 63 sit-ups in 1 minute. And I'm talking real Sit-Ups. From lying on the floor to touching your elbows to your knees and back down touching the floor and repeat.

That same year I skipped rope for the Heart and Stoke Foundation for 21 straight minutes. That's totally doable for anybody but remember I was only 12 years old at the time.

While other kids were playing with G.I. Joes I was leading the stretches in class and teaching kung-fu.

My father first showed me how to do 2 finger push-ups when I was 14 years old. Let's just say there weren't that many other kids in high school that could do them. As in, no one.

Why am I sharing all this?

To show there is no limit to what you can do with a little effort and the right information.

Everything I've ever been able to do physically I owe to what my dad showed me. The training philosophy I was raised with. Our system works and I'm living proof of that.

What we teach in all of our schools is what I do and have done. If you have kids and you want to see them excel in sports and have that edge I strongly recommend you enroll them in a program like ours.

If YOU just want to get stronger and more flexible without wasting your time, invest in our strength training kits. You might of heard the saying: "Don't try to re-invent the wheel".

What you get when you buy the strength training kit is no hype, no B-S, just functional exercises you can use for weight loss, endurance, and flexibility.

You'll find them right here.

Aim Higher,

Sibok Martin

St-Valentine's Day Workout

We all need to be reminded sometimes.

Like some of the tips I give you.

Some of the stuff I talk about you've heard before , or read in a book, some of it you might of even done consistently for a while but mysteriously, you stopped.

Hearing it again helps us understand it better, and puts us back on track.

Maybe you just forgot about it and you need someone to joggle your memory.

That's what St-Valentine's is for me.

Just a reminder.

I know what I have to do in my relationship to keep it fresh, fun, and exciting.

Some people might go "all out" on this day and be a super-lover and during the rest of the year they're a crappy one.

The same is true for your strength training. You should know what you have to do to keep it fresh, fun, and exciting. You also know that if you train one day out of the year and do nothing for the rest of it, you ain't gonna get stronger, leaner and healthier.

When you're giving all that love today remember who else needs some tender love and care.

Your body.

Show it you care by making it sweat. Taking the time to push it, stretch it, and strengthen it.

Something else you'll fall in love with is our strength training kits. They're simple to use, you can customize them to your fitness level, you can track your progression, and you get a total body workout in less than 15 minutes. Try them and you'll see what I mean. Get them here.

Love yourself (without being narcissistic),

Sibok Martin

Stay in "First Date" shape

Does this sound familiar. Have you or someone you know, ever been guilty of this?

You've been in a relationship for 10 years and both of you are complacent and comfortable.

You slowly let yourself go.

You stop exercising and taking care of your body.

You stop making yourself look good for your partner. You don't brush your teeth as much and you don't really care if you have bad breath.

Your hair is often un-done and you don't try as hard to "court"your spouse. You stop being creative to surprise each other with a weekend get away or a romantic night together.

Before you know it you split.

You're sad at first and as time goes by you realize it's definitely over. There's no chance of getting back together, you tell yourself you'll start dating again.

So what's the first thing you do?

You say: "I gotta lose 25 pounds, get rid of my belly". You go get a haircut. You go to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned. You start training. Suddenly you're motivated and you make physical fitness and feeling good your # 1 priority.

What I always find funny is why couldn't you focus on maintaining yourself when you still had the love of your life. Because at one point that person was the love of your life right?"

But you let them slip away. You got too comfortable.

Instead of trying to "court" one thousand people only once, focus on "courting" that one person one thousand times.

Tomorrow's St-Valentine's Day.

Don't let you or a loved one slip away from you. Make looking and feeling good about each other your # 1 priority.

Keep your body in "FIRST DATE" shape. Here's the link to how you can do that now.

Keep that fire alive,

Maintain Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S Starting to train and being health conscious AFTER you've broken up can easily be avoided. Get fit and stay fit.

Begin with a major adrenaline rush

I seem to be stuck on the subject of deep breathing recently. It's just so important. It's the foundation to anything you'll ever do in the martial arts or fitness training in general.

I've covered many different ways to use breathing to your advantage in past e-mails.

This one way is especially important. It's Isometric Breathing.

Breathing this way will forge your character, build true strength, emotional intensity, and mental toughness.

I've done lots of it since the age of 6 and I like to believe it had everything to do with my physical development.

A quick example would be to stand feet shoulder width apart, and clench your fists.

Inhale through the nose twice (short and sharp), then proceed to exhale through the mouth, with your tongue behind your teeth, making a hissing sound as you punch out slowly while resisting your own movement.

Imagine someone trying to stop you from punching or kinda like punching against a spring.
Time the full extension of your punch with the end of your exhale and aim the height and center of your nose.

Inhale twice again, relax, start punching with the other hand. Do this 20 times to start. Remember apply maximum resistance, everything depends on how emotionally involved you get.

Also when exhaling, contract every muscle in your body especially your abdomen.
I'm telling you, you're gonna feel major alertness, intensity, and an adrenaline rush after doing this.

This is one more strategy you can use when you feel a bit sluggish and lazy before starting your strength training. It will definitely set the mood for a great workout. Want to know which workout you can do to yield the best results?

Get them here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S If you never do what I ask you to do then reading this is worthless. Once you incorporate this simple isometric exercise before your training routine you'll be all set and ready to roll.

Get a competitive edge

This little tip is straight out of the advanced strength training kit coming out soon but can be applied to any exercise in the basic and intermediate training kits.

It's Oxygen Deprivation.

When doing any exercise, whether it's mountain jumps, back stretch # 2 or sprints. Hold your breath for as long as possible while still performing your exercise at maximum output.

You'll quickly realize how strength training this way will take you to the next level.

This is why some athletes train at high altitude and then compete at lower elevations when possible.

Some athletes sleep in an oxygen deprivation tent to increase the capacity of their lungs.
Their increased lung capacity enables them to absorb oxygen faster while competing and provide them with a competitive edge.

Surfers carry rocks and sprint under water using the same principle.

When trying this training method for the first time you might feel a little dizzy and uncomfortable but knowing that you're making your body (and lungs) more efficient at using oxygen the next time around, is a good trade-off.

You're depriving yourself momentarily to make big gains in stamina and energy later.

One thing you shouldn't deprive your muscles of is getting the right strength training information found in both the basic and intermediate training kits.

You can find it here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S The only thing you shouldn't deprive yourself of is valuable information. Get your hands on it ASAP.

10 secrets you need to know

When you're a martial artist you always look for ways to improve yourself. There is no limit that cannot be broken. I think some of the toughest people on earth are martial artists.

And I'm not just talking physically. If you are one, my congratulations to you, but remember that just joining a school and putting on the schools' uniform doesn't make you one instantly.

True martial artists will develop themselves in ALL aspects of their life, leaving no stone unturned until every area has been covered.

If you're not one you seriously need to consider it. No other activity will teach you the life skills and character development that comes with training in Fang Shen Do.

We take martial art training very seriously and want to help you get yours started.

In our book you'll learn the 10 secrets to build a rock-solid martial art foundation. It's simple and concise, a first step in the right direction. You'll find it here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S Within these pages holds the recipe to lay the ground-work required to get you started. It's important to create strong roots, once those are in place, you won't ever lose your focus.

Like breathing through a straw?

That last comment on my last e-mail really hit home for me when I originally read about that statistic years ago. I hope it did for you too.

In case you missed it, here it is again: By the time you get to be 70 years old your lungs will have shrunk by 50%?

I say: "Not If I have anything to say about it". I know it is inevitable but I can surely post-pone that from happening that quickly.

Imagine breathing through a straw?

That really motivates me to do my deep breathing exercises. It does seem to be so basic and simple but it's invaluable. You just need to do it.

Apart from the deep breathing pattern I've been talking about, I also recommend you train once a week (for starters) with your mouth piece in.

It forces you to breathe through your nose and not from the mouth. It has the same effect as to strength training with a weight vest on, once you remove it and perform the same exercise it makes it easier to perform that same exercise.

The mouth piece causes that same pressure on your lungs and once you train without it you'll feel an increase in your stamina and the control you have over your breath.

I do cover a lot of variations to increasing stamina and lung capacity as well as changing up the way you train in our intermediate strength training kit.

If you're ready for it pick it up here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S There are many other ways to increase lung capacity and strength, you can wait as I slowly release them here and there or grab your intermediate strength training kit now and start benefiting from them today.

Are your lungs shrinking?

I'm getting interesting questions from some of you. Although my schedule doesn't allow me to respond to all the e-mails I get, you can try your luck and I might cover it in one of my daily tips.

You should not do your deep breathing before going to bed. Unless, you want to pull an all-nighter. You'll just have too much energy and won't be able to go to sleep.

I usually perform the deep breathing pattern when I wake up in the morning. It just gives me the energy I need to get my engine running.

I also do my deep breathing at other low points in the day. For some it might be right after lunch or when driving back from work.

As you probably know I used to commute to Montreal 3 times a week for 8 years until I dropped it to 2 times a week. For me to go and come back, door to door, with traffic it takes me about 3 1/2 hours.

As soon as I feel a bit drowsy I get to it immediately. 5 seconds inhale, 20 seconds hold, 10 seconds exhale. It works for me 90 % of the time. The other 10 % I need to stop on the side of the road.

Since I usually drive back at night I can allow myself to do things without no one seeing me. Things like sprints, shadow punching, rowing squats, isometric exercises, and car lifts.

You might be wondering about that last one, I'll explain that some other time. If you ever see a guy on the side of the road doing the above that's probably me.

Deep breathing helps with digestion, circulation, energy, fat loss, focus, eliminating toxins in the body, and increasing lung capacity.

Did you know that by the time you get to be 70 years old your lungs will have shrunk by 50%?

That should motivate you to get trainin' now!

Here's the link to get started here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S Sometimes you just need a bit of creativity and variety in your strength training program to keep you motivated. That's exactly what our strength training kits provide.

How did the breathing go?

Wow! I'm getting a lot of positive feedback from my tip on deep breathing on Monday. I asked you to try this breathing pattern 10 times in a row, a day.

Today's Thursday how are you feeling? Most specifically how do you feel after having done the breathing pattern? Pretty darn good right.

Make sure that when you inhale you do so slowly and gradually, stretching the breath as long as possible, in this case 5 seconds. If you can't do this, do 3 seconds or 2.

If you can't inhale long and deep for 5 seconds you seriously need to start practicing more.
Also, when inhaling, expand your belly fully, this way you enjoy the full benefits of deep abdominal breathing just like a little baby would.

When holding your breath for 20 seconds visualize a domino effect, kinda like that scene in the movie V for Vendetta, seeing how one domino creates a wave of movement affecting one then the other.

You see and feel the oxygen start from the abdomen move up your chest to the top of your head and out through your arms. While other dominoes run down your legs all the way to the soles of your feet.

Last, when exhaling push out the air slowly through pursed lips and squeeze your abdomen to push all the residual air out. Think of the air as water being squeezed out of a sponge. Stretch the exhale for 10 seconds.

With training you can bring those numbers up to 20-60-20 and beyond.

When you understand how to breathe you can easily merge that ability to increase your stretching ability.

When you're ready you can find our flexibility course right here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S Let me know how you're doing and feeling with the breathing exercise. You might be dizzy at first since your body is not accustomed to receiving such large doses of oxygen. Don't worry your body will come to crave it.

Getting fit again after cancer

It's e-mails like these that really inspire me to do what I do:

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Dear Sifu Martin,

First, I would like to tell you how much I love my training with you guys. I only train once a week, and I missed a lot of training days due to my health.

But what I'll tell you right now is that, in only that little amount of time of training I saw so much improvement in myself.

As you know I have been through cancer treatments last year and that is really hard to over come, especially to get fit again. 3 months after my treatments for cancer I tried to pass the PREP test for Policing, but was not able to make it...at all.

Now, about 1 month ago I miss the obstacle part only by .16sec.

This is really great for me to see how much I improved and that tells me that the next time I go, for sure I'll pass it. With your training and my devotion to follow my dream in becoming part of the Ottawa Police Recruit, I know that I'll make it.

Again, thank you for your time and I'll be seeing you all soon.

Sylvie C.
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S.M: Wow Sylvie, it's people like you that give others strength and hope to reach for your fitness goals no matter what the odds. I'm honored and proud of you and may you get your wish.

The way we train is a special thing, see what it can do for you here.

Until next time.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S Set your mind on something and never, ever give up. If you want to share a special story about training with our program like Sylvie send it my way.

Mastery equals more Joy

Yet again I'm happy to report what I was saying Sunday about how training the way we do makes us better in any sport or physical endeavor we undertake.

Ironically, Sunday we went for some skiing and snowboarding after 3 years of missing the chance to go because of past pregnancies. Without hesitation my balance, flow and body alignment came together.

Having stepped on a board 5 times in my life most people are surprised when I can catch air, do 360s and ride front side and goofy with ease. I might of lost some people on that last phrase.

What I'm saying is I just feel and look pretty comfortable on my board.

This is what martial art training has done for me. You have the ability to try anything for the first time and feel pretty decent at it.

Because we drill body awareness, stability, core strength, flexibility, reflexes, instinct, and confidence you have an edge over anybody who doesn't train in the Martial Arts.

It is my secret weapon (and yours I hope) to get you to enjoy any physical activity and dramatically shorten your learning curve and just focus on enjoying being active.

Only after a few months and years you realize how important the training you under took is so valuable. What concerns me is the people who never start martial art training.

You can get live martial art training here, you just need to choose a location and sign up for a free 30 day pass here or start slowly in the comfort of your own home with our strength training kits here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S You too can be in total control of your body. It's a skill you can learn and is easily mastered. It's a pretty empowering feeling.

Get energized on Monday

What you do on Mondays and the health related choices you make today sets the stage for the rest of the week.

If you skip breakfast, load up on coffee and donuts and fail to get a strength training routine in, it probably means the rest of the week won't be much different.

As you know, we are creatures of habits. You just need to decide which ones you keep and which ones you discard.

Muscle Flexing should be part of your daily habits as well as deep breathing. Use the 5-20-10 rule. Inhale during 5 seconds, hold your breath for 20 seconds and exhale completely during 10 seconds.

Just incorporating this simple breathing exercise will leave you feeling awake and re-charged. I suggest doing this 10 times in a row daily. You'll automatically feel centered and focused.

It's easy, it requires no special skill and nobody knows you're doing it. If you can't follow the count at first that's fine just work up to that for starters.

Consider that your first basic test.

Once you can breathe this way you're ready to start strength training the way we show in our kits.

Get yours right here.

Energize Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S Implement on Monday the good habits of strength training, breathing and stretching and before you know it you'll be feeling the positive results of leading a healthy lifestyle.

Get Pretty Strong, Pretty Fast

I always enjoy watching someone's face the first time they complete one of our strength training routines.

Some change color, some moan, some sit down, some are enjoying themselves, and for some it's like a light comes on telling them: "Hey, I should of started this a long time ago".

The next phase I enjoy is 30 days later. Where there's a complete shift. The face is the right color, the eyes are focused and determined, they run to the next exercise, and the general attitude is "I can do better next time".

We instill in you the right training methodology that helps you excel in any other sport or fitness medium there after.

Basic Station Training Kit

Intermediate Station Training Kit

Choose between:

the Basic 

or

the Intermediate 

Kits




Be it volleyball, soccer, hockey, tennis, running, weight training, getting ready for the military, police officer, anything.

Think of it as a guarantee you'll be ready to take on any physical task that is asked of you.
No matter which physical activity you want to engage in make sure you're efficient performing the exercises in our strength training kits.

You'll be one step ahead of the competition.

Get yours right here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S Depending on your fitness level choose between basic or intermediate to get you started.

Do you consider yourself fit?

The day you do is the day you start stagnating and not pushing yourself as much.

You want to stay away from complacency, it destroys motivation.

Strength training is a journey not a destination.

I don't consider myself fit. Nor will I ever be. By thinking this way you keep your internal flame permanently ON.

Follow this advice and you're on your way to some major long lasting results.
I did say long-lasting. It's easy to get results in 3 mths.

Maintaining it, is another story.

Reminds me of this little saying my dad told me once:

• "You fight like hell to get it.

• You fight like hell to maintain it,

• Then you fight like hell not to lose it."

Will you lose it once you get it?

You have to make sure to transfer this philosophy in every area of your life.

In any area, I don't care which one, if you become satisfied you eventually lose something. Your wife, your job, your health, your confidence, your self-esteem, or respect.

Appreciate what you set out to get. Once you "get", take care of it like you would a fruit plant. Keep it alive and feed off the fruits it will harvest for many years to come.

You won't have to fight like hell to get our strength training kits. All you have to do is click here.

Maintain Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S With the right knowledge, maintaining your physical fitness is both fun and gratifying.

We're really serious about this

If you're not already training what are you waiting for?

When is NOW a good time to start?

What needs to happen for you to start strength training?

Let me tell you, there's no secret pill or flashy gadget that's going to save you when it comes to your fitness.

It just needs to get done.

And it doesn't have to be complicated either. I have to admit I read a lot about the subject and review many different strength building courses and articles.

With our strength training kits it's just so simple and easy to use compared to what's out there. There are no thick manuals to read or a dozen audio CDs to listen to. When you receive our stuff it's like: "Drop the cards, put on the music and just start".

Some fitness industry experts turn everything in such a complex science it totally turns off the common person who just wants to get fit and lose that stubborn fat around the waistline.

What's also impressive is you feel it right away. That gentle burn that has your muscles saying: "Hey, you've been neglecting me a-hole, make sure I'm strong so I don't feel like this next time". Every subsequent workout after that you build trust in your body and in your abilities. It becomes something you're proud of.

You tell yourself: "This week I'll be able to do my Leg-Ins non-stop. Then it'll be Squat kicks. Shortly after I'll do Single Leg Squats. After I'll be able to do Handstands."

You're laying strength building blocks for yourself and using each one as a stepping stone to reach higher levels of strength and fitness.

If you stay consistent there's only one direction you're going: UP.

If you don't start, then you're just on idle, waiting but nothing ever comes. You deserve to be fit and strong. Let us show you the way.

Click here to claim your strength training kit.

Challenge Yourself,

Sibok Martin