The End of Year is Near

It's coming.

You know.

The End of Year.

Are you ready to tackle the fall, give a final push to get everything done on your resolution/action list you filled out in January?

Do you still have that list? I know it's easy to get distracted but you should seriously review it and reclaim that same determination you were feeling on January 1 st of this year.

Maybe you wanted to quit smoking or lose a certain amount of weight, reach a certain level of skill and rank if you're in the martial arts.

Or maybe change jobs, start a business, go back to school or spend more quality time with your family, make investments or go on a trip.

Did you follow through on what you wrote?

If you slacked off (no need to feel bad, many have) we want to give you a chance to redeem yourself and still finish the year strong by arming you with an experience you will never forget.

An experience that will give you the drive to knock off those last few items on your list.

You're invited to join us at the Pagoda, this Friday Oct. 21st at 6:30 pm for what will possibly be our last public firewalk of the year.

You can register here for the firewalk.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Cung Le Teaser Fight Camp 2011

As you might already know Cung uses Sanshou techniques to dominate his opponents.

Sanshou means "Free Hand" or traditionally, Sparring is called Sanda which means "Free Fighting". It's a mixture of various Kung-Fu styles rolled into one. Kinda like how the Soviets created their Sambo or how MMA has evolved in North America.

Naturally, Kung-Fu practitioners gravitate towards Cung because of the connection.

And we’re not any different.

We’ve been following Cung’s career for a long time and always appreciated how well he applied the principles of Kung-Fu in competitions.

That said, when the opportunity presented itself to train privately and have him come down as a guest of honour at our annual Fight Camp, we couldn’t pass it up.

With Cung’s help we’ll be training and preparing our fighters for national level competitions and getting them ready for the Canadian Olympic Team try-outs for Sanshou.

Click here to view a teaser video of our Fight camp with Cung Le in action.

Apart from Cung’s awesome skill, what impressed me the most about him is; he’s one of the most down to earth guys I’ve ever met. A true martial artist.

Friendship Always.

Sibok Martin

Cung Le Fight Camp 2011

Had a blast with Cung.

Here are some pictures from the event.

If you're thinking of getting involved in Sanshou and Martial Arts in one of our schools in the Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto Area follow this link to get started.

Sanshou is a dynamic sport and visually entertaining.

Similar to Kickboxing, Sanshou matches also include Throwing, Sweeping and Take Down techniques.

You can view one of our latest Sanshou Fight Nights here.

We'll be rooting for him in his upcoming match against Wanderlei Silva.

Cung Le isn't just a fighter. He holds very strong traditional values of honor, respect and dedication. It's rare to see this kind of balance in today's fighters.

We're looking forward to continuing our work with him in the future.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Martial Art Guru is Live!

Was it a crazy summer for you?

Did you manage to get anything done during the madness?

How's your training coming along?

Any breakthroughs?

Any new personal records being shattered?

Are you turning weaknesses into strengths?

During the summer we created something for you.

A new way to train.

Void of any excuses since it's available 24/7.

It's accessible to anyone, wherever you are in the world.

It's the next best thing to training with us personally.

And you can get involved in this virtual training platform for 40% off just because you're on my list.

It's called Martial Art Guru

Choose any area of interest: Kung-Fu, MMA or Fitness (new programs are being added weekly) and start your training.

You can use it to supplement your existing training (if you're already an FSD Member) that way you can review and brush up on techniques and principles at the click of a button.

Or if you're outside our network of schools but always wanted to train with us in the FSD System, now's your chance.

You can learn everything our students learn from the comfort of your own home.

Once you complete a program it stays in your library so you can review it anytime you wish.

Also, each program ends the same way as it would in our schools, with testing and ranking. So you know you're making progress.

Now, "living too far", "being in another country", or "don't have the money", are no longer an issue.

It's online and most programs cost you 20$ a month.

Here's what I would like you to do.

Go to Martial Art Guru and hit the Sign Up button, create your account (like 30 sec.) and start your training by choosing your area of interest.

Let me know how you like it. Use the site to deepen your knowledge of the martial arts and also use it to stay focused and motivated.

New programs are being added weekly and without a doubt, this will be very valuable to you.

When you check out simply punch in "FSD" in the coupon box to get an instant 40% rebate on any program (monthly or yearly).

Looking forward to hearing your feedback.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

Black Belt Magazine Article

You can check out a cool article in Black Belt Magazine's September Issue named:

Ultimate Training North of The Border

It showcases our Training Camp. Here's a snippet of the article. You can read the whole article by visiting Black Belt Magazine's website or pick up a copy at your local magazine stand.

"The martial arts have a proven system for passing on knowledge from generation to generation with help from a teacher who takes you on a journey of self-discovery. Sometimes that journey is best experienced outside the typical dojo setting.

Back in 1995, my father Jacques Patenaude and I decided there was a better way to immerse our students and visitors in the martial arts lifestyle. We set out to build the training camp of training camps. Because there was nothing like what we envisioned anywhere in the world, we had to plan it from scratch.

The first challenge was to make training there an unforgettable experience.

That meant the location had to be unique. We didn’t want to rent space at the YMCA or a local hotel, and we didn’t want to work out at one of the 25 schools we’ve established throughout Canada. We wanted people to feel like Bruce Lee when he traveled to Han’s island in Enter the Dragon.

Our camp was built on 16 acres in Casselman, Ontario, Canada, 25 miles from Ottawa. Its nerve center is a 3,000-square-foot Japanese-style pagoda that’s designed to transport students back to an age when warrior monks in Asia learned the arts of self-defense.

But before we could claim to have one of the best training camps in the world, we needed someone to evaluate it. We needed a legend in the martial arts, a man who’d be willing to try some of the obstacles and complete some of the challenges we had in store for the participants.

Enter our friend and mentor, Bob Wall.".....

Remember Training Camp starts this Friday at 6:30 pm.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

Training Camp 2011 - Event of the Year

Training Camp !

It's the most anticipated event of the year. Some of our students eagerly await this weekend 12 months ahead of time.

I don't know which one is better getting to tell your fellow students I DID IT! or proving to yourself you had what it took to make it through the experience, crystallizing the feeling of personal accomplishment and bringing it to an all time high.

At the end of the camp most students can't believe all the things they've done over the course of 2 short days.

Here's a cool video of the camp

The energy you acquire from being a part of something like this is quite amazing.

You can use the camp to follow through on goals you've slacked off on, or during the many personal development drills we cover during the camp you can discover a new calling, change your career, find out if you're really doing what you love as far as your job goes and “Are you happy with the choices you've made in your life?”

The camp touches so many aspects of your life, not just the mental/internal but the physical as well.

The camp has a way to help you find that inner strength that resides in all of us, just when you think of giving up, something inside you says: "Not yet, just a little more"

What could YOU do with a little more discipline and a never give up kind of attitude?

I'm thinking a whole lot.

Perfect health.

Strong body and mind.

Walking the path of Mastery.

Never settling for second best.

Absolutely no fear of failure.

Living a life of meaning and fulfillment.

And that's just the beginning.

The event I'm talking about is starting this Friday at 6:30 pm.

If you're ready and motivated to acquire some of the things I've been telling you about, you can register for it here.

This event happens only once a year, do not miss out.

Here's a cool video of the camp

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

P.S Once you register you'll get an immediate e-mail with all the pertinent details of the camp.

Big Day Tomorrow

If you've been on the fence about attending our Fight Camp tomorrow with special guest, Cung Le you're running out of time.

If you want to go, make sure to contact your instructor so they can reserve you a spot.

For non-members, please contact an FSD school near you to make the arrangements.

Camp starts promptly at 11 am and ends at 3 pm (so you can be back in time for your father's day supper) at the Pagoda in Casselman.

It's going to be wild.

Make sure to be there, it's an opportunity you won't want to miss.

Reasons for attending the camp:

1) Cung Le (Duh!)
2) Insider Tips on how to take your Sanshou game to a whole other level.
3) The synergy of the group will be amazing which will accelerate your learning.
4) At the Pagoda (ideal training environment) with Ring and 2 Octagons set up for your enjoyment.
5) Sijo and all Sifus present as well as advanced students so you can ask questions and get one on one training.
6) What a great way to spend a Sunday. Spectators pay 20$ but if you want to bring your dad, it's F*R*E*E.

To Register for the Fight Camp

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Cung Le in Casselman, Ontario

We're pleased to announce a special guest appearance at our 2011 Fight Camp.

Last year we had world renowned Grappler, Gokor Chivichyan.

This year we have World Sanshou Champion and Strikeforce Middle Weight Champion, Cung Le to head the event.

As you might already know Cung uses Sanshou techniques to dominate his opponents.

Sanshou means "Free Hand" or traditionally, Sparring is called Sanda which means "Free Fighting". It's a mixture of various Kung-Fu styles rolled into one. Kinda like how the Soviets created their Sambo or how MMA has evolved in North America.

The main focus is to stay standing up. Punching, Kicking, Clinching, Throwing, Take Downs and Sweeps make up the sport. It's very exciting to watch compared to other types of events.

And Cung Le has made a name for himself doing it.

It's a chance you won't want to miss. If you're a member I urge you to register as quickly as possible through the link below. This event is also open to the public but you must act quickly (priority is given to our existing members) by registering below.

The Camp will be held on Sunday, June 19th at our Private Training Pagoda in Casselman (25 minutes from Ottawa, 1 hr 15 minutes from Montreal). The event will run from 11 am to 3 pm.

Register for Fight Camp 2011

See you there,

Sibok Martin

Fight Night in Casselman, Ontario

Once again we're pleased to bring you Fang Shen Do's Fight Night.

It's happening this Saturday in Casselman at the JR Brisson Complex at 6:30 pm.

We have 17 explosive match-ups lined up for you. Come cheer on a fellow class mate or simply come in to enjoy the show.

This is the perfect way for us to give our up and coming fighters the experience they need to gain the confidence and courage to step into the cage at a higher level.

In a couple of years from now, most of our professional fighters will look back at these events as the starting point for their careers. Help encourage them by being part of the crowd and cheering them on.

At our last event we had close to 600 people in a very intimate setting, the view is great from anywhere, and you really feel like you're part of the show.

Yes, the fighters give it all they got, but it's done in a spirit of mutual respect with a common goal for self-improvement.

Men and women participate in this rite of passage which leaves them ecstatic, stronger and more determined than ever to improve themselves once they're back in the the dojo.

Tickets are only 30$. You can purchase them by following the link below.

Buy Tickets

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

Poh from Kung Fu Panda Trailer

Members of the Black Mantas infiltrated our training Dojo for a direct attack against Poh.

Will he survive the attack?

Watch the video to find out. Kung-Fu Panda Video

If he does survive, they'll surely come back with a bigger group of ninjas.

We'll see.

Have a good laugh on me.

Sibok Martin

Kung-Fu Panda in Casselman, Ontario, Canada

In case you didn't see this yet I just finished editing our 2011 Training Day and Kung-Fu Olympics video.

It's filled with inspiration and motivation to reach for personal excellence through the practice of Martial Arts.

Watch it now and tell me what you think.

Training Day Video

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

Martial Art Training

When should you start Martial Art Training?

In most cases the answer is: I should of started 20 years ago.

Realistically?

Right Now.

There's definitely no "right time" to get started.

But I do know the longer you wait, you miss out on a slew of health benefits that, as you get older, you would of wished you had acquired.

It's funny how everyone plans for their retirement and you might fall into this category as well; Investments, RRSPs, travel, etc... but you fail to plan the most important part of your life:

Your Health.

Yes! You should plan your health.

How are you going to stay Strong, Healthy and Vibrant well into old age?

Some people make that realization a little too late in their life.

If you happen to sit close to a group of seniors on a Sunday morning for breakfast you'll understand what I mean.

It's unfortunate to hear some of the stories about heart attacks, high blood pressure, digestive problems, sickness and disease, but some, if not most of their health issues could of have been avoided or solved with some simple adjustments in their lifestyle if only precautionary measures would have been put in place earlier in their life.

Why wait to the point where it's too late? Or decide to do something about your health after you have a heart attack? or stop smoking when you're diagnosed with cancer?

Any which way you slice it, Health is numero uno.

Just look around you. In your family and relatives. People in general.

You already know what happens when health is completely ignored or given little attention.

I don't know about you but I don't need to add myself to that statistic.

Be pro-active.

Make Fitness a priority.

Tomorrow I'll cover why you should choose Martial Arts over any other form of exercise.

Stay tuned.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

P.S. For those who are ready to get started here's what you can do for optimal personal fitness.

New Fitness Workouts: The Dumb Plan

Lots of magazines these days are touting the "Easy, No will power required, no sweat, no exercise" Health Regimes.

Really?

Add "Eat anything" and flop on the couch too while you're at it.

I don't know about you but reading that kind of crap makes me feel sorry for the man or woman who wants to get in shape and ends up following a stupid plan like the one outlined above.

What's alarming to me is that some people do believe it.

Even if it did work and you got rid of all your unwanted body fat by doing nothing, what would you look like on the inside?

Following what we'll call from now on the "Dumb Plan", you would have the ILLUSION of Health.

Choosing to exercise and lose weight and gain muscle the old fashion way does much more than burn fat and make you look good.

It strengthens your organs.

It fully oxygenates the blood stream.

It lowers blood pressure.

It improves your mood by releasing feel good endorphins.

It makes you focus.

It creates new neural pathways.

It improves memory.

It raises your energy level.

It improves blood flow throughout your body.

It improves body awareness and motor skills.

And the list goes on and on.

Why would you want to get fit and healthy any other way than the traditional way?

Training has always been for me to maximize my potential. To make sure my body and mind, my machine is functioning like it was intended. Being lean and fit is only a by-product of this endeavor. I choose to stay and walk on the path of Self-Mastery.

Will you join me?

Sibok Martin

P.S. Bypass the garbage being touted around these days when it comes to your health and fitness. Do what I do, I follow this system. Check it out here.

Stretching Misconception

There's a common misconception about stretching.

And I'm not sure if you fall into this category.

Do you engage in stretching to increase flexibility or just simply to feel good?

Flexibility should only be a by-product of stretching.

You should first and foremost stretch to feel good.

And that starts by taking it one step at a time.

Do too much of it and the pain you'll feel the next day might be enough to discourage you from continuing and sticking with your program.

One of the golden rules of stretching is: No comparing to others.

That goes for you too. No comparing to yourself.

What you did the day before or last week as far as flexibility goes doesn't count today.

Listen to your body.

Stretching regularly will increase your flexibility and will become easier as time goes by but your primary goal when stretching is about feeling good.

If you simply focus on this one piece of advice I guarantee you'll engage in stretching more regularly.

"I stretch because I feel good when doing it"

Not to kick higher. Not to help your body squeeze out toxins that are lurking in your muscles. Not to avoid injuries. Not to cool down after an intense workout.

But to "FEEL GOOD"

There's something special that happens every time you stretch.

You create a deeper connection with yourself. It's quiet time well deserved and mandatory in my book.

Just you and the stretch in a meditative state.

It's good for the soul.

Have you stretched today?

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

P.S. Want to know the best stretches you can do to feel good? Here's a link to a valuable resource you should own: FSD's Flexibility Series. Stretching is a skill, have you mastered it?

New Fan Page

Facebook has made it easier than ever for us to stay connected with you.

We've created a new Facebook Fan Page for Fang Shen Do.

http://www.facebook.com/trymartialarts

This is the best way to view our most recent videos and demos.

Get up to date info on events and seminars.

Ask questions and share your successes.

Get access to all the Sifus, myself and Sijo (our founder).

Behind the scenes pictures.

Early notifications about New products and DVDs.

Contests, Prizes and more....

Join our FSD Community.

Go to http://www.facebook.com/trymartialarts and hit the "Like" button to join.

So we can all help each other stay on the path of Self-Mastery.

Sibok M

European Tour

Just finished editing a new video.

Martial Arts really is a universal language and no matter where you are in the world it can help bring people together in a very unique way.

We're on the verge of starting a couple important projects that will help people from all over the world to train in Fang Shen Do.

And touring the way we did in France is only the tip of the iceberg.

I want you to use the video as a tool to get and stay motivated.

Stay on the path of self-mastery.

European Tour Video

Sibok M

Good for Granny?

Imagine what it can do for you?

Check out this e-mail I got from Gregory.

------------------------------------------
Dear Fang Shen Do:

I ordered and received, the Neigong dvd, I watch and practice with it often...and check this out.

My Mother...also an 82 year old Grandmother, also likes watching and practicing some of the movements. I travel and work overseas and always take the dvd with me.

Last night my mom asked where I got the dvd and how could she get one for herself. She is active, drives and says some of the movements help her flexibiltiy more than 'the doctor's stuff,' and she claims she can feel new energy going through her when she does the first 3 movements...and wants to continue on her own, when I leave.

Thank-You very much for helping out my mom...and me...we appreciate it.

Merci,

Gregory
-------------------------------------------

How cool is that?

If an 82 year old can reap the rewards of training in an internal art like Neigong, imagine what a 20, 30 , 40 or 50 year old can accomplish with this science.

I have been recommending Neigong training for quite some time now and the health benefits as well as internal strength you can acquire from the practice of it are very impressive and surprising.

I assure you it's very easy to learn and everyone, and I mean everyone is able to put it to the test so you can get great results of your own.

One of the most popular martial arts in the world: "Tai Chi", owes its existence to Neigong Training. Only when you've created a strong foundation can you expect to expand your skill and understanding of the internal arts.

In the west, the mentality is to train the outside of your body and using how good you look as the precursor to good health and almost completely ignoring internal health.

Without healthy organs, strong ligaments and unblocked meridians you're definitely missing out.

Explore the internal art of Neigong and see where it leads you.

Get access to this information by clicking this link.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

Know What Works

It's interesting to see so many people looking for the magic workout and what will get them to lose fat and ultimately get them the body they've always wanted.

When you know what works and most importantly, what doesn't work, it makes having and keeping a lean, strong body a piece of cake.

It should literally take you about 15 to 20 minutes to complete a workout.

We call this a "Feel Good Workout".

This kind of training is for someone who wants to get in shape and feel energized after working out, not drained and feeling nauseous.

It's the kind of workout that makes you sweat, release feel good endorphins, and leaves you energized to tackle your day.

Working out doesn't always have to be strenuous. It can be fast and brisk with major positive effects in your mood and overall feeling.

Conversely, our Fang Shen Do Fitness Program can also be adapted to fighters and seasoned athletes alike who want to challenge themselves and reach a very high level of strength and endurance while honing some important body mechanics that lead to better performance in your chosen sport.

No matter what your reasons are for wanting to get in shape and stay that way, you'll find our Fitness Program to be unique and highly effective, considering our successful 35 year track record.

The best part is...

It's so simple.

My own kids train this way and even though they are 3, 5 and 7 they've managed to rack up some pretty impressive stats during the past couple of years. I'll post them in the coming days.

There's definitely no need to try to re-invent the wheel and we can all be spared of conflicting information found on the internet or on most fitness forums.

Do something that works. Be happy with the results.

Get started now.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

1 Day Left

Only 1 day left for our "Discover What You Were Born To Do" Conference Call.

Man does it help when you know exactly what your purpose is.

No wandering or having to endure a job that you hate.

Imagine how much joy you will feel when you wake up each morning knowing exactly what you're supposed to do and enjoying every minute of your day.

The call is tomorrow at 12 noon (ET). When you register you'll receive a call in number and pin. If you miss it, no worries. If you're registered you'll be e-mailed a download link to access the call so you can listen to it whenever you please.

If you're disappointed when you think back on 2010 maybe getting on this call and finding out what you were born to do might help make 2011 your happiest and most fulfilling year yet.

Talk to you tomorrow. Register here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

Watch this!

I just completed a really cool video of last Saturday's fights.

Everyone gave it their all and I have to say, some of you really impressed me considering these were your first matches.

Keep up your training, you're doing great.

Enjoy. Watch it here.

If you're interested in learning more about our MMA/Sanshou Program, visit this page for more information.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

Catch the Action

It's finally here.

Tomorrow is our first 2011 Fight Night of the year and we are nearing full capacity.

Finding or thinking of doing something fun and different every weekend can be a challenge.

Break the old routine by joining us tomorrow night for some exciting fights.

The event is taking place at the JR Brisson Complex in Casselman.

Doors open at 6 pm. And tickets are only 30$ to get in.

Click here to reserve a ticket.

Join in on the excitement and maybe, just maybe, it might push you to start your martial art training as well. And if you're already a member it'll motivate you to train even harder on Monday.

See you there,

Sibok M

Quick Reminder

Hope your week was fruitful and you asked yourself the questions I recommended on Tuesday.

You know, the ones you ask yourself at the end of each week.

Did you see that post or e-mail?

The questions to yourself go like this:

"Am I living the way I want?"

With each week that passes by, did I enjoy my life experience?

Was this what I wanted to do with my life?

On Tuesday I announced a special Conference Call with my dad and myself on the subject of:

"Finding What You Were Born to Do"

It's happening on Wednesday January 26th at 12 pm. We only have 50 spots available. Once you figure out "what you were born to do" everything else is a piece of cake.

To register go here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

P.S Attending this seminar in person would cost you 79$, plus the trouble of driving or commuting in some way to the event. There's an old saying: "Use technology not your body", this is the perfect example. Entry in this nifty little seminar is only 20.11$. Ready to make 2011 your best year yet? Sign up here.