Increase Striking Power

A common question I get asked all the time is: "How can I increase my striking power?"

It's a misconception among alot of people that you need big arms to hit really hard. Or that you need to bench press heavy weights and the idea that there's a corrolation between how heavy you press to your level of striking power.

When you think of it having power is based on your ability to move your body (Mass) through space with speed.

What are the major muscles groups and body parts responsible for generating power?

You guessed it, your abs and legs. (Did you?)

I don't care how big your arms, delts and chest are, if you have weak abs and weak legs you ain't gonna generate any power, yet how many times have you seen someone in the gym with big arms and pecs but small, out of proportion legs?

In Fang Shen Do we understand this concept, remember: you want to be powerful, meaning: having functional strength. Strength you can count on and use in every area of your life.

Your legs act as the main launch pad for all of your attacks, train them hard.
You need to push off the earth in order to generate momentum in your strikes and your biggest body part is your upper torso which is controlled by your abdominals.

Any striking action with hands or feet requires a twisting motion from your midsection. With that said, you better not neglect your core strengthening exercises also.

The Basic Strength Training Kit gets you in general overall shape and gets you ready for the next level, the Intermediate Strength Training Kit. It gets you on your way to developing your 2 best assets in your quest for developing power.

That's why our Intermediate Strength Training Kit is loaded with those exercises.
Get started today.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Keeping the fire lit

I get flooded with training inquiries, requests and advice on different subjects. I don't always have time to answer all of them but I'm gonna answer one today. Here goes:
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Hi Sifu,

As you know I am a huge fan of your writtings. Here is a subject I would like addressed. I would like your insight on how to maintain the desire needed to be successful in Fang Shen Do. In other words, when someone is feeling like their passion for Kung Fu is "dwindling" and a person begins to second guess their decision about pursuing FSD to it's fullest....How do you keep the fire lit?

K
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Sifu M: It depends what's at stake. What kind of mental pact have you done with yourself?

If you haven't associated anything of value to fight for in moments of lack of motivation, quitting will be painless and common in other areas of your life.

I see it as a pattern that could potentially repeat itself in the future. Finish what you start. Do you usually finish what you start or do you constantly bounce from one undertaking to another?

Make a pact with yourself. Set the stakes high. For me martial arts is a wonderful vehicle to work on so many areas of my life. I don't know of any other physical activity that covers all the bases like FSD does.

Let me share what I use to stay motivated in moments of weakness. Well first of all I'm very stubborn and quitting something before its completion would be a direct hit to my ego, or the self-image I have of myself. It is an image of tenacity, determination, and success.

Quitting would be a direct hit to those core values.

Age motivates me. I don't want to be and look like all the other 70 or 80 year olds when I get to that level. I don't like what I see and training is my way to stay young and vibrant for as long as possible. Quitting for me is an attack on the quality and length of my life.

Where else is there a team of people behind you, supporting you, encouraging you to set new limits for yourself, a team that believes in you and wants you to succeed?

Find out what motivates you, what would really make you stick with your training?

Is it your ability to move?

Is it having vibrant health free of disease?

Is it the satisfaction of knowing you've spent years mastering your body and mind?

Is it to keep on learning new skills?

Is it having an un-breakable spirit?

Is it seeing your kids graduate?

Just find that one reason and keep that image in your mind, let it carry you through the ups and downs of martial art development.

No one ever said mastering yourself was easy. Everything in life is a test. Will you pass or fail?

I say Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Progressive Strength Building

What a weekend!

We held our "Advanced Sifu Workouts" on Sunday.

It gave everyone a prequel to the Advanced Strength Training Kit which will be made available very shortly.

You will find it interesting to see how an exercise taught in the basic kit evolves and becomes progressively more challenging.

A quick example would be Pelvic Lifts leads to Back Bends.

Back Bends leads to Wall Walking.

Wall Walking Leads to Falling into Bridge.

Falling into Bridge leads to Kick-Overs.

If your workouts always stay the same you will hit a plateau. You need to alter the exercises.

Change the order. Increase repetitions. Increase time held in each position (set new records every workout), and make the exercise progressively harder. With our strength training kits it's built into the system.

There are millions of workout combinations and 5 different time intervals to choose from.

You might of heard the phrase: "Success is a moving target". Well the same goes for Fitness.

Fitness is a moving target.

It is not a destination but a journey. A journey I hope you commit to for the rest of your life.

To help you stay commited and always striving to be stronger, healthier and faster our strength training kits are available to be put to good use now. Pick one up right here.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

It's Louse Time!

As many new subscribers join our list every week I want to explain what happens on Fridays.

If you've been on the list for a while jump right to the next paragraph. Friday is "Louse Time".
Where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday. It's a chance for you to have a sneak peek at my weekly tutelage.

Today's lesson is very important.

With it you can be happier, more fulfilled, and focused. You can also make better decisions. You can avoid waste in time and energy. You can really get what you want.

What do YOU want?

Today's lesson is "Know Yourself"

When you look at yourself in the mirror or you happen to be in a quiet place alone, you cannot lie to yourself.

Spend some quiet time alone daily.

Especially during the summer months there's no excuse to not go outside in the morning and sit under a tree or sit on the porch steps and meditate.

Turn your attention inward and ask yourself some important questions. Questions like: "Am I really doing what I was born to do?

At the center core, who are you?

Are you a doer? Are you a quitter? Are you a complainer? Are you determined? Do you look for excuses or solutions? Do you take responsibility or blame others? Do you see and feel yourself succeeding?

All good questions to ponder about tomorrow morning when you go outside to meditate.

For other ideas and meditation techniques you can get our meditation course right here.

Know Yourself,

Sifu Martin

By popular demand...

Yesterday I ran a sale for my birthday which has since triggered a flood of inquiries from readers asking if there is a way they can still take advantage of the huge savings (free shipping) and a free copy of last month's Inner Circle DVD we offered when purchasing a product.

So, in an effort to accommodate those who missed out, I've decided to keep the special offer until midnight tonight. After that we're taking down our free shipping offer and bonus Inner Circle DVD and newsletter (a 42 $ value).

The Inner Circle DVD is of great value.

If you're stagnating in your results and physical development, it offers unique insights about training you might not of thought about.

You get to see me Live doing all the drills I advise you to do.

I reveal some of my Nutritional choices to maintain optimal strength, recovery and energy.

It comes with a paper version you can read and study the workouts if there's no DVD player around.

The drills and exercises I show are usually reserved for the top instructors in our system.

You'll learn everything from weapon training and conditioning to mastering your own bodyweight to increasing flexibility the way I personally do it.

Get a sneak peek at the Inner Circle mentorship program while it's still availabale FREE when you purchase any one of our fine products.

Thank You for the support,

Sifu Martin

An Insider look into our Mentor Program

Free Shipping and a free copy of my Inner Circle DVD and newsletter (42$ value) for celebrating a Happy Birthday to...

ME!

Time really does fly by when you're doing what you love.

I know some people don't train or take their health very seriously which in turn actually feel worse and worse with every year that goes by.

For me, it's the total opposite.

Through staying commited to the martial arts and our physical training regimen I feel stronger, faster, more focused, and flexible than ever before.

Training the way we do will do the same for you I personnally guarantee it.

Go through our list of new products and get the results you are looking for.

As a gift for ordering something today I'll send you your choice (choose the month you want) of any previous monthly mentoring group DVD and newsletter that we call the Inner Circle.

This is where like minded people receive monthly specialized information on nutrition, special training workouts that you won't find anywhere, and martial arts skill training that I usuallly reserve for top instructors.

It's my gift to you for taking your first step (or ongoing steps) towards Mastery today.

Sifu Martin

Increase speed, agility, timing, and finesse

Do you know how to increase speed, agility, timing, and finesse in one training session?

If you're practicing martial arts, these qualities should be of utmost importance to you.

If you're lighter on your feet you can reach and attack your opponent much faster, doing this training will give you cat-like abilities and take your reaction speed to a whole other level.

Having finesse means that there's no wasted movements and every move you make is the most efficient one.

In this training I'm referring to, your timing has to be "bang-on" or else, technically you're dead!

You miss, you're dead?

Are you sure you still want to do this training?

I think you should.

If you train with that, do or die mentality, you will have an edge.

Just like this story my father told me about the master and student taking a stroll through the palace gardens.

They both spot a fox chasing after a rabbit.

The student turns over to the master and says: "The fox will catch the rabbit for sure"

The wise master replies: "Not so. The fox is running for dinner while the rabbit is running for his life".

Are you a fox or a rabbit?

Train like the rabbit.

That training I was talking about is none other than Knife fighting.

You can learn more about the Basics to conquering the knife here, filled with drills on how to use the knife to acquire super speed, finesse and agility and valuable advice on how to survive a knife attack.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

New Fang Shen Do Products Released

Today will be a short one.

Why?

Because I'm looking outside and it will be another beautiful sunny day. I can't miss the opportunity to go hit my tires.

I'll use different weapons as well as my own natural weapons (elbows, knees, fist, shin, feet) to pummel them at maximum force until I've released every last ounce of stress, negative energy, and put in a great workout.

They've been staring at me all winter and this morning they're gonna get it.

If you haven't been to the new website yet I urge you to check it out, especially the new items in the products section.

They've just been released and you'll surely find something that interests you.

Aim Higher,

Sifu Martin

Increase Confidence, Respect and Discipline

Here are some more pics from our Fight for Fun Tournament back in February.

Students were offered a chance to compete in a safe and controlled environment.

With over 400 people in attendance some students were a bit "jittery" performing in front of that many people. Sometimes the best way to learn and grow is to take yourself out of your comfort zone.

Even the 5 & 6 year olds showed great maturity and confidence. To have that at such a young age will definitely give them an edge as their growing up.

If you're a parent looking to enroll your child in a confidence building program, look no further.

Our martial art programs for kids offer them the mentorship that is desperately needed today.

For more information on kids classes in Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa area as well as the Montreal Area browse our list of 25 locations to find one close to you.

Giving the kids a chance to also see older students train and compete gives them people to look up to. Setting the example for our young students is one of our top priorities.

Getting your body ready for Kung-fu Kickboxing (Sanshou in Chinese) consists of stretching, contractions, and isometric exercises which can be done anywhere, anytime.

In Fang Shen Do, we make a parallel between Sparring and Life.

You never know what to expect in both areas.

You must face the unknown and reach for your goals even when you sense fear.

You must know your strengths and weaknesses while being able to adapt to whatever comes at you.

In the end you always rely on your instincts.

If it FEELS right go for it!

Being part of a team offers tremendous support, especially when the team has a common goal: Self-Mastery.

With over 35 years of experience our team is strong and ready to help you get fit, flexible, focused and commited to reaching your goals.

Our next event is held in June,

See you there,

Sifu Martin

It's Louse Time! Learning and Succeeding

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

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.

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

So here goes.

Today we talked about Fang Shen Do. (What a surprise!)

It boils down to this: Fang Shen Do is about Learning and Succeeding

That is what we're all about.

Who doesn't want that?

Who's against that?

My father said it many times, in Life you're either growing or stagnating, climbing or sliding, living or dying.

In FSD you learn HOW to learn.

You first listen with your eyes. You listen with your ears and you listen with your body.

You then absorb and internalize what you learned through repetition and trial and error.

And finally, what you learned becomes second nature, a part of you. It becomes fully integrated.

Success is a moving target. If we take your training for example you can remember having a specific fitness goal that today seems like a joke because of your natural progression.

It might of been a certain number of push-ups or sit-ups, certain running time and distance, flexibility levels, performing specific feats of strength.

Where I'm getting at is remember to celebrate successes. You might be guilty of this as I am.

Often times you hit the goal you wanted to accomplish and then you immediately set another one, then another and so on.

My dad uses the example of a runner who spots a bench in the horizon (your goal), when he gets close to it to finally take a seat (celebrate) the bench disappears and re-appears in the horizon only to have the same thing repeat itself.

Avoid that mistake.

Celebrate and Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Family & Friends fitness

The easiest way to stick to an activity is to find or ask a friend to train with you.

If you've commited to waking up at a certain hour to do your training chances are knowing a friend is waiting for you outside will force you not to miss.

The power of a partner is quite amazing, here's a quick list of why you should find a training partner:

-you can push your limits

-you have a way to measure your progress (against your partner)

-you have friendly competition

-you can model your partner if they are better than you

-you are held accountable to them

-once you've mastered your own body weight you can start using theirs in certain exercises.

-you can work through plateaus together

-And if your training partner is a spouse or family member it strengthens your bond with each other.

Families and couples that train together stay together.

You feel like you have a common goal and you both realize there's no need to "let yourself go" after a certain age.

Some women let themselves go after having kids. Some men do the same after a certain age.

More and more people never even start a fitness and strength program let alone stick with one.

Avoid falling into that trap. Refuse to let your health and vitality dwindle away.

Hook up with a training partner today and start putting our Partner Conditioning program to the test, it's especially conceived for team training. The best drills and exrecises to do with a partner.

Master Yourself (and someone else),

Sifu Martin

Get fast now!

If you're a martial artist, what would you do without speed?

If you ask me : Not much!

Speed isn't just a PIECE of the puzzle. It's something bigger than that.

It's the cardboard mat you glue the pieces on when framing one.

If you need to understand the principles behind speed.

If you need to increase speed.

If you need to add speed training drills to your routine.

And if you want to get fast and you want it now, you'll find a detailed article on the subject of speed worth checking out right here. It's titled Speed: The Holy Grail of Martial Arts

Enjoy,

Sibok Martin

Breaking the Habit - Part 2

Following up on my e-mail yesterday, when I answered J, I didn't get a response until almost one month later.

I was impatiently waiting for a response from him until finally I saw his name in my inbox.

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Sifu,

It's been almost 3 weeks since my last puff and the cravings are starting to go away.

I've been using vase meditation as a way to relax myself during cravings and I've told my friends that I no longer want to associate myself with smoking and don't want to be around it. They haven't even given me a call.

So it seems the smoke was their main priority in our friendship, too bad. I'm also starting to notice that my energy is coming back as well as my confidence. I've proved that I can do anything now.

Thanks for your help, I mean I'm not completely through this yet but I feel that the hardest part has past. So thank you very much, it was your words that stuck in the back of my mind when I denied countless opportunities to have a smoke.

Now the next step is starting back into training again. I know I will have trouble with breathing at first but in time I'm sure I'll be back where I left off.

Cheers,

J
-----

Hi J,

I was waiting for your reply.

I knew you could do it. Like you said there will always be that little craving but if you're training hard and giving it all you got, you'll squeeze out whatever is left of it.

Do you know how many people can't do what you did?

I'm proud of you.

Hope to see you soon at a seminar or training session so I can congratulate you in person.

Again, keep me posted on your progression.

Right now you need to use this momentum to set some high fitness goals.

Here's a list (these are just examples, I don't want to scare you!)

500 Rowing Squats
1 mile run under 6 minutes
120 push-ups in 2 minutes
Hold Bridge for 3 minutes
Handstand 3 minutes

Replace the old craving with the best craving of all: MASTERY!

Sifu

----

This is why I love to do what I do. Helping people achieve their personal & fitness goals through our martial art system.

The whole purpose of this daily e-mail is to provide you with inspiration, training tips and to share stories that you might connect with. If you have any questions or testimonials about our training system send them my way.

Aim Higher,

Sifu Martin

Need to break a filthy habit?

A few weeks ago I got an interesting e-mail from an ex-student.

I'm sharing it because maybe there are others who are going through the same challenge. So here goes:

Sifu,

I used to go to Fang Shen Do Kung Fu, 3 times a week. I used to participate in seminars and extra training. I have not been back for over 3 years now.

Since then I took up smoking cigarettes and marijuana and have made friends with only people that do the same. I am realizing as the days go by that I was happier without the smoking lifestyle.

I was happier when I was fit, but I have made some really close friendships with some of these people. I have tried to break the habit more than twice now but because every time I'm around them, I see the smoking and crave it.

I really want to get back into Kung Fu but I need to break the habit first. Is there anything I can do in this situation to help myself back on the course of life I am searching for? As of today, I am one week sober from smoking but I feel like I'll crack any day now like I always do... Please help.

Thanks,

J
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Hi J,

Congratulations on your first week sober.

You are at a crossroad my friend.

You can't have both: Your smoking friends and Your health. You have to decide.

You have to associate so much pain to smoking that it will act as your main motivator when cravings hit.

I always tell this to my students or coaching clients.

Ask yourself:

What am I gonna look like in 30 years from now if I continue doing what I'm doing?

Offer to be a volunteer at a cancer ward, or visit the terminally ill (from smoking) wing.
Go take a stroll in the local cemetery.

Go in an old folks home and ask to interview one of the residents, one that has smoked for 30 + years, and just look at them and see if what you see adds to your craving or completely wipes it out?

One of my assistants' dad did smoke for that long and he's on his 5 th operation and he's only 63 years old.

Tell yourself you only want to breathe in fresh air.

Treat your body like a million dollar machine, because it is.

As for your friends, I know it sucks but you have to ask yourself or write down each person's name and list what that friend brings to you, how do they help you, what do they contribute to your life?

Is it just companionship and a few chuckles?

Remember often times friends love to see you down and out like they are, you're part of the pack, so don't expect any help from them. I have a hard time with that word FRIENDS. The only friend I trust, the only friend I can always count on is MYSELF.

First of all see the image of yourself not smoking, keep that image in your mind.

Then also see images of yourself training. Feel it. Change the craving of smoking to a craving of training.

When you have a craving go sprint. Or Do your isometric breathing (remember Lin Sil Die Dar Hard) exhale, maximum resistance, contraction. As you exhale visualize the poison coming out of your mouth and cleaning your insides. Tell yourself: "I am the master".

When you quit smoking did you know it takes over 7 years for your body to completely heal itself and clean itself out? Something to think about.

Tell your friends you'll be on Hiatus for awhile, That you have some issues you have to work out.
Give me a report every week.

Sifu
---
I'll finish the rest tomorrow. If I can help just one person get back on the right track, I'll have done my job.

Until then,

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

It's Louse Time!

Friday is now officially "Louse Time".

Many of you wrote in to let me know you liked that idea. So I'm going to do that from now on.

It will help you get a sneak peek at the kind of guidance I've been getting since I'm a little kid.

The lessons my father taught me have laid the foundation for what I have today and I'm just getting warmed up.

Some people question my father's expertise. I think he did a pretty good job with me.

How many people can look their father in the eyes and tell him: I Love You Dad or I appreciate you and Thank You for everything you've done for me.

Most people I know don't have a good father-son relationship. They either don't talk to each other or they hate each other. Same thing with siblings.

There is no family unity.

For us that's the total opposite. To have unity and respect as a family in today's world is quite a feat by itself. Even greater the challenge to build a business together, but we have.

I don't smoke. I don't do drugs. I'm in top physical shape. I own 6 businesses. I'm a father of three. My passion is helping people through martial arts and physical conditioning, and I set a strong example for my own kids to take care of their body and to have confidence in themselves.

This is what training in Fang Shen Do can do for you.

So is my Dad certified? I can bet my life on it.

If I can do just half of what my dad did for me with my kids I'll be very happy.

Every Friday will be Louse Time, and if you're a father like me I hope you can influence your kids to achieve great things, to teach them life lessons that will stay with them so they can eventually pass them down to their own children.

Remember that YOU are a role-model for someone.

If you're not become one.

If not to someone else, hold yourself up to the highest standards.

Intentio Superus,

Sifu Martin

Guaranteed consistency in your training

Do you like pain?

For me, not really.

Although I do have a high threshold for pain I want to avoid as much of it as possible in my life.

But it is through pain that I get my inspiration.

It is our natural tendency to move away from pain.

By knowing this I use it to keep me motivated.

Here's how to do it.

Using mental images, I associate so much pain to not training or stretching that it eliminates any procrastination from coming to consciousness.

Is this what happens to you inside when you don't stretch and move regularly?

Is your body slowing "seizing up" from the inside because of lack of movement and exercise?

When I visualize this happening inside my body let's just say it gets me off my butt pretty quickly and it should for you too.

Your body like water needs to flow or else that stagnation leads to disease and toxin build-up.

What better way to get the body moving than through dynamic stretching.

Stretches designed for martial artists by martial artists.

In our flexibility training series we've compiled over 80 different stretches to get you limber, energized and on your way to mastering your body.

To have your body do, what you ask it to do at will.

This is the exact training program I've been following for over 20 years, I know it works. You have my personal guarantee.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Stay commited to your fitness goals

We all know the importance of movement and independence.

Or do we?

Until we have it taken away from us, that is.

I was reading an article about this trainer that works with older clients (70+) and how some of them break down in tears when they start their training program. Saying how they wished they had started when they were younger.

They weren't crying because they can't DO the training (you can start at any age) , they're crying because of all that time lost.

What kind of results could they have gotten if they had just STARTED. Imagine you were them. How much stronger would you be? Would you have the same health issues? Would you be more aware and in control of your body?

That feeling of regret is a heavy burden to carry around.

I don't want any part in that.

I want you to be as committed as I am to making fitness & flexibility a life long commitment.

For some maybe it's different, you STARTED when you were younger and slowly you lost the fitness and health habit over the years to a point where you did less and less, to not doing anything for years and years.

Out of the people who did train seriously at one point will tell you those were some of the best days of their lives.

So why did they stop?

Everyone has a reason. A story to justify why they stopped training. It's not important.

Everyone falls off the horse at some point, you just need to get back on the saddle.

Will you look back and think of what YOU could have done and accomplished with your body but didn't and secretly wished you did?

I hope not.

Join me and thousands of others who are reaping the major benefits of short intense workouts as outlined in our strength training kits. Pick yours up today.

No regrets,

Sibok Martin

Simple Meditation techniques

Can meditation help in today's hectic world?

I believe in does.

Meditation techniques have been practiced for thousands of years, tracing it back to India and southeast Asia.

Although less popular here in North America, every year it's gaining more and more momentum.

The major factor explaining this rise in popularity is dealing with stress.

Stress doesn't affect you the same if you're meditating daily.

Many studies show meditators benefit from a decrease in Cortisol production (a stress hormone) thus making it easier to deal with stress when it occurs, lower blood pressure, less anxiety and nervousness, more confidence, and also helps with chronic pain and insomnia.

If not for the major health benefits, you can also meditate for getting what you want.

I've talked about this before: "You become what you focus on".

It's a great goal setting tool. Using specific meditation techniques and doing them how we teach, will help attract what it is you want.

You can also use meditation for reflection.

Taking some time to feel your breath and to be thankful for what you have in your life.

You can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes daily to do this.

Considering the amount of time people (maybe even you) spend in front of the TV, 30 minutes of "alone time" is by far a better investment of your time and energy.

If you want to take up meditation you won't have to shave your head, sit in a lotus position, wear a white robe and eat only white rice.

To learn more about meditation and to take up the practice, click here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Getting in shape this summer

Soon all this snow will be gone and you'll be able to resume your outdoor training.

Did I hear you right: "You don't train outdoors?"

If you DO keep it up, if you don't you have to start doing that.

Lots of elements outside make your training more challenging.

Uneven terrain, slippery grass, heat, gravel, and the sun.

Doing Squats on an incline or decline or un-even terrain gives your legs a different workout. Different muscles kick in to stabilize you so you might feel a different kind of soreness a few days later.

Practicing all your footwork drills on slippery grass or wet asphalt leads to increases in stability, balance, and recovery. It also helps you test what works best when kicking. You'll quickly realize low kicks are safer and stronger.

Training directly in the sun is a great way to get your vitamin D (a vitamin deficiency in many people today, when you think of it most people are always indoors at work, inside the car while driving or wearing sunblock that makes it impossible for your body to synthesize it)

Training in the sun also makes you adapt to it's reflection in your eyes if you're doing a sparring drill or shadow work.

You can also incorporate lifting and throwing various objects without fear of hurting someone or damaging the floor where you train.

Long distance line drills.

Sometimes the space is limited indoors, by going outside you can sprint for longer distances and kick your endurance into high gear.

Practicing long weapons like the Bo staff.

Bo staff training teaches you to use both your hands in unison to generate maximum power or to perform flawless transitions when flowing from one position to another.

Definitely one of my favorite weapons since I'm about 7 years old, training it alone outside will relax you, help with concentration, paying attention to your body and the weapon's momentum.

Some students say that my Bo Staff DVD is one of my best ones yet. Maybe YOU can be the judge of that. Get yours here.

Master Yourself

Sibok Martin

Adopting Bruce Lee's Louse Time Strategy

Remember I talked about Bruce Lee and the movie Enter the Dragon in past newsletters.

That part where the student disturbs Bruce Lee's tea ceremony with the government official.

Bruce Lee says: "It's Louse Time" and proceeds to teach life and martial art lessons to the student.

I mentioned before, how every Friday is MY louse time with my dad.

I might make every Friday, Louse time. Where I communicate to you what I learn on a weekly basis from my Sifu.

Let me know by e-mail if that would be of any value to you.

Today was: Concentrated Action

You might be struggling and overwhelmed by the amount of things you have to do in one day.

Chances are your attention is scattered all over the place. Trying to do to many things at once.

By having concentrated action, you break down your work day into a mini work day.

That means for example: if you are to make phone calls you focus exclusively on that. No e-mail, no cell phone, no internet. Just total focus on that task at hand.

One hour of checking e-mails, one hour of training and stretching, one hour of...

You'll be surprised at what you can accomplish in one day using this principle.

This is why our strength training philosophy is so effective. There's no time to think and there's no distractions.

If you work your abs you're working your abs non-stop.

If it's your legs, it's your legs.

You're doing so with full commitment and intensity.

It's something to be felt, that's for sure.

Pick up our strength training system here and you'll understand what I mean.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Bruce Lee said something else during his "Louse Time" with that student. He said: "Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory". Be careful what you focus on.

You might be putting the most mundane tasks first when you start your day. Start your day by focusing on your most important goals, goals that will improve your life. Everything else comes second.

Our new kung-fu website

There we go again.

Taking what we have and improving it. Never being satisfied or complacent. I think there's a great lesson to be learned here.

You must become a student of this philosophy and mind set, it is:

Constant and Never Ending Improvement or what the Japanese call: Kaizen.

Adopt this mentality in everything you do.

In your physical training, your relationships, at work or in your business, with your family and in the martial arts.






Learn from mistakes, make corrections, Ask yourself: "How can I do this better?", Aim for the stars and chances are you'll hit the moon or lower your expectations and aim for a bird, you'll surely hit a measly post.

AIM HIGH!

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing"- Albert Schweitzer

It's one thing to say something and it's another to actually do it.

Look at every area of your life and find something you can improve on.

Becoming too comfortable in any one area leads to stagnation, over-confidence, lack of creativity, loss of drive, and lets not forget "Boredom".

As my dad would say: "Life is either an exhilaration or a burden"

Making everything you do an exhilaration guarantees you'll feel happy and excited, it will leave you feeling strong, active and alive.

One key to exhilaration is learning. Be a life long learner.

Take our book for example. It's filled with 10 foundational elements to laying down a strong martial art foundation. Pick up a copy today.

Aim Higher,

Sibok Martin

When in doubt, TRAIN some more

I'm glad so many of you enjoyed yesterday's e-mail.

I wonder if I got some of you going?

Just to clarify, physical training and personal development isn't something I ask myself if I SHOULD do.

I know a lot people struggle with that.

The doubt that sets in or your mind questioning if what you're doing is really good for you.

Or starting Gung-Ho then losing steam a few months down the road.

Martial arts and strength training are at the center core of everything I do. That's what I start with when I wake up.

It gets me ready for the day that's in front of me.

It really is a habit. Just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower. It's essential to maintain optimal health and vitality.

Staying committed to martial arts and physical training also gives a very strong direction to your life. You have PURPOSE because every day you focus on mastering the most important element:

YOU

Stay committed to your goals, both physical and internal. In moments of lazyness - TRAIN.

In moments of doubt - TRAIN some more.

If you need help knowing what to do and how to do it, you'll want to check out our strength training kits available right here.

Enjoy the journey,

Sibok Martin

What's happening to me?

Today I got up, got dressed and dropped on the floor for some push-ups.

I couldn't do more than 5!

So I decided to do some squats instead. My total Max Reps = 10.

I felt drowsy and lethargic. So I walked downstairs to the kitchen.

I poured myself a cup of coffee and listened to the news before I chowed down a boston cream and a big bowl of Fruit Loops.

I had a whole bunch of orders to complete but I said it can wait to tomorrow, no one's in a rush.

I really started asking myself if training was really good for me. If I really needed it.

I think it would be best if I just took a break from it all.

Helping people acquire more speed, power and confidence just doesn't get me all excited anymore.

Seeing someone lose 30 pounds because of our training methods and double their flexibility isn't enough to convince me that we're the real deal.

Maybe because of those same 5 guys criticizing us on different martial art forums, we should close all of our schools and take up Banjo lessons.

Or maybe even....

APRIL FOOL'S!!!!

There's no need to worry, we stand behind our training and products 100%.

My goal is to help you achieve any goals you feel are worth while.

Whether it's strength training, flexibility, weapon training, body mastery, focus, or confidence. Me and our team are ready to do everything it takes to make sure you acquire those.

For a list of all products click here.

All of our products are on sale with free shipping before we launch our new website.

Watch for it in the coming days.

Quit?

NEVER !

Sibok Martin