Full Split with No Warm-Ups

Back in 1989 my dad started what we called back then "Special Classes".



















These classes were reserved for advanced students and were a way to test a whole bunch of different concepts and techniques from a wide variety of martial arts systems to see if they worked.

The gamut of arts we experimented with was extensive and none of them were excluded.

There are many lessons I learned during these sessions and one that comes to mind is the one on "Having no mind".

Let me explain.

At one of these classes my father was explaining this concept and how adults will sometimes over analyze and question "why should I do this" or" why should I do that" either in their heads or to their partner.

And through this analysis, you've heard the statement: "Being caught in the paralysis of analysis" settles in.

This analysis brings self-doubt, hesitation, and fear.

At that moment, my dad put me on the spot.

I was only 11 years old at the time. Just a kid.

What my father went on to explain is when you're a child you don't question like adults do, you just DO.

No questions asked. No excuses. No negative self-talk. No procrastination.

He says: "Mart" (Everyone called me that before I was ever made a Sifu)

"Come up here"

I didn't know what the hell he was going to have me do and the class was packed with grown men staring at me.

"Do a full split to the floor, and Daniel and Christian will lift you by your feet from each side, straight in the air and hold your balance".

I had never done that before but that day I did.

My goal isn't to share this story with you so you can say: "Wow you're great!"

On the contrary, I just want you to know that you're great. You have the potential to do anything you set your mind to.

BELIEVE and it can be achieved.

Instead of finding all the reasons why you can't do something, Focus on doing the THING and with repetition you'll master the thing.

Reach the point of No Mind, have total confidence in yourself and just go for it.

Master Yourself,

Sibok M

P.S. Stretching is a great mind challenge. That's why I enjoy it so much. We've compiled some of the best stretching exercises you can do to reach total flexibility and finesse on DVD. Listen as I go through other important techniques I use to acquire, maintain, and not lose your flexibility.

It's a great resource that no martial artist or athlete should be without. Get it here.

In search of Excellence

Not a day goes by that I don't ask myself: "How can I make this better?" or "What can I learn from this?" or "What's the best advice I can give my readers?"

These questions always remind me I'm on the path of Mastery.

Not always an easy path to be on.

This path has many Plateaus but nevertheless, I've learned to enjoy Plateaus.

You've certainly reached, at some point in your training, a place where you feel like you're stagnating or just barely making improvements.

Depending on how you view this, the plateau might be a bad thing or a good one.

In a society based on instant gratification, reaching a plateau might be viewed as a sign that you're not training hard enough or maybe, what you're doing isn't working.

Not so.

For a student on the path of mastery, plateaus are welcomed and required.

I've talked before about drills you can do to "stretch the brain" and create new neural pathways as well as using keywords to enhance your performance giving you a slight edge over someone who's not using them.

But using these techniques and getting the results you're looking for won't happen over night.

Just repeating a mantra or affirmation, blindfolding yourself or playing Sudoku once isn't enough to cause the mind to, in a sense, re-wire itself to be more efficient.

Just like how getting Fat or losing it doesn't happen in a matter of days, they are habits you've maintained that eventually led to a result.

If you quit at the first sign of a plateau you'll never succeed at anything. There are many quick fixes available but none of them are of interest to the student that's on the the path of mastery.

You are willing to wait for your ligaments and muscles to thicken over time through diligent, specific strength training.

You realize like walking, you eventually became successful at it and you realize the challenge of moving your body in a new movement or technique is only a matter of time before your mind, body and nervous system work together to make those movements natural and effortless.

You also realize flexibility, is an "acquired taste", the first few times you try it, it ain't so fun but with persistency, flexibility will lead to greater speed and will actually get you in a very calm state.

The student on the path of mastery also learns to reap great joy from the mere act of doing, fully embracing the moment, not allowing the mind to wander where it's been and where it's going.

There's no rush. If you focus all of your attention on that climactic day where you actually GET what you were looking for, you just might realize like I have, that the journey is way better than the destination.

Enjoy the process, a plateau simply points out you need a bit more time to absorb what it is you're working on.

For you it might be Flexibility.

Maybe it's finally getting fit and following an effective Fitness Program.

Whatever it is you'll find something of interest here to start your journey.

Master Yourself,

Sifu Martin

Home Fitness Program

During the past few weeks I've been bumping into old acquaintances from high school. Some were jocks, captains of hockey teams, girls everyone had their eyes on.

And what have they become?

FAT.

Do you sometimes wonder what your old friends you haven't seen in a while are doing, what they look like as well as what they've accomplished?

In most cases they've most certainly regressed.

I ask myself WHY? Why did they let themselves go. Why didn't they put Health, Fitness and Flexibility as their number 1 priority?

A part of me just wants to grab them by the head and start shaking while I tell them exactly where that road is leading if they keep neglecting themselves.

As we say in French: "C'est la vie".

Most people are complacent and are too comfortable to even listen to some advice about training. Most often than not if I do mention something about the extra poundage, they agree, they know they should do something, they know the consequences, but still they don't do anything?

Let's be different than the norm me and you.

Instead of having people we haven't seen in a while silently wonder : "What the hell happened to him", or "I almost didn't recognize her", maybe even "Did you see that ASS".

Be committed to looking and feeling your best. Follow our Home physical training system that will leave you feeling like you were 18 again.

Get your strength training kit here cause you never know who you're gonna meet on the street.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. Do not be a shadow of what you were or what you can become.

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

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.

Flexibility is your no.1 assett

Your level of Flexibility is directly related to your level of health.

Sifu Patrick Marcil performing a Side Kick hold

How flexible are you?

Can you touch your toes (with legs locked) ?

Can you touch your head to your knees?

Can you touch your knee to your chest?

Can you hook your hands behind your back (one from the top, one from the bottom) ?

Your body is not supposed to be stiff and in pain, it should be loose and pain-free. The first thing people do when they stretch is complain. It's almost as if they've given up even before they actually started.

Are you that person?

Hopefully you're not.

A 52 point car inspection is what stretching is for the body. You make sure everything is in working order, aligned and balanced. Stretching makes you aware of any weakness you might have in any area of your body.

What you'll especially enjoy (as I do) when you know exactly how to increase your joint mobility is the mental development that comes with it. There's so many things going on internally it would be too long for me to list here.

Pictures and video is worth a thousand words. Why don't I just show you what I mean.

Pick up the video here and if it doesn't double your flexibility like I say it will, just return it for a prompt refund.

Say goodbye to stiffness,

Sibok Martin

Invest your time wisely

You become what you focus on.

First, pay attention to what you're thinking about during the first and last 30 minutes of your day.

Are those thoughts positive or negative?

Personally, I always express Gratitude. In the morning you should say thank you for having the opportunity to better yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. You're happy to be alive.

At night, you silently list all the things you appreciate in your life. Your health, your family, your training, etc...

When you do this, it gives you a lot of will power and it makes you feel like you can accomplish anything.

Then, breakdown what you do in a day into what we call "Actions".

Do most of your actions serve you or rob you of more health, happiness, energy and vitality?

Let's take a look at a couple different actions during the day:

• Smoking in the morning (serve or rob)

• Donuts and XL triple / triple for breakfast (serve or rob)

• 10 minutes of deep breathing and Station Training in the morning (serve or rob)

• Stretching and Isometric Exercises before Lunch (serve or rob)

• Big mac and Fries (serve or rob)

• Watching TV or Playing video games (serve or rob)

Some actions give you fuel and some siphon it from you. The quality of your life and the results you get are directly related to the choices you make.

You don't have to make the right choice 100% of the time. I mean, we all have our cheat days but stick to your plan 95 % of the time.

Without question picking up our strength training kit is one of the best investments you can make. The return on your investment far outweighs the cost of one.

Strength, Flexibility, Focus, Character, and Endurance can be yours for about 0.2 cents a day!

It shouldn't be hard to make that choice. You'll find it right here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

Year of the Rat

The Rat

First in the cycle of 12 animal signs, Rat Year is a time of hard work, renewal and activity. That means it's a good time to start something new. Heck, even the cosmos are on your side.

Are you still on the fence about starting your fitness training program?

Not enough time?

Missing workouts? Already?

If you could only stick with what you started you would get results right?

Of course you would.

I've never seen a more complete strength training and flexibility program anywhere.

The station training kits have something to offer to the beginner or the seasoned athlete.

If you're already a student, getting a kit will give you an edge over everyone else. That extra time spent in your home perfecting your technique and increasing your endurance will pay you back 10 folds in increased speed, flexibility and power.

It's hard to get side tracked when you have those cards staring at you when you wake up in the morning.

Pick yours up here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

P.S. The rat sign is synonymous with being energetic, adaptive, and exudes leadership. The greatest leadership of all is one we have over ourselves. Your body needs leadership, tell it what to do and it will do it.

Laughter makes you Tougher?

We all need to laugh more and smile more.

There was plenty of that last night at the St-Denis Theater in Montreal. We went to see Rachid Badoury's "One Man Show", it was hilarious. The guy's got talent. At one point I was laughing so hard my abs hurt. I couldn't catch my breath.

When walking out of there I felt pretty relaxed and stress-free. Oh, the power of smiling and laughter.

This is another secret, my friend.

As you probably know, laughing & smiling causes a series of reactions in the brain and body, things like releasing natural tranquilizers, pain relievers and "feel good" endorphins.

When you think about it this could be a powerful ally when you're strength training.

This could help you get through a tough strength training workout or a sparring session. Make it a point to at least smile when you feel some pain or when you're nervous, you'll notice the difference and change in how you feel.

You'll also associate happy feelings with strength training which is a pretty good thing. You want to stay consistent if you're gonna get any results at all.

Smile before, during and after your strength training. The same concept is used when Stretching, the more positive associations you can make the better.

Ready to get smiling? Grab your strength training kit here or your flexibility course right here.

And watch how using this simple concept will make your strength training more enjoyable and pain free.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin

How Feeling good leads to results

Here we are getting ready to eat at this steakhouse and as soon as I sit down, the seat sinks about 12 inches.

There was something wrong with my seat. I think it was broken or something, it just didn't feel good being so low. So we asked to change places.

A couple comes in and they sit where we were sitting. The guy sits in my spot, he's all smiles. He doesn't think anything of it. He actually seems to enjoy the feel of the seat. He seems happy as can be.

It's funny how one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Which is exactly why you need variety when training. You're all different, you feel differently, your threshold for pain is different, your goals are different.

When you're strength training and especially stretching, you should be very aware of how something FEELS. You must develop body awareness.

At first, do what feels good. That might not be much when you're starting. Almost everything is gonna feel tough. You're gonna feel more pain than pleasure. But that's ok. It's part of the process.

You must first train your mind. And starting with Stretching is actually a very wise choice. By stretching you're gonna get to know yourself pretty quickly. Pay attention to your thoughts.

If there are other people in the room you might catch yourself comparing yourself to others.

Or you might quit very easily as soon as you feel some pain.

You might even start complaining about how "you can't do this" or "this is too hard for me."

The goal is to stick with it. Everything will get easier gradually. You didn't become good at eating or walking by doing it once a month, did ya? It takes repetition.

Stretching is also a good time to think of goals, to breathe, to visualize and strengthen your mind. Stretching should become something you can't live without. It's your way of naturally re-aligning yourself, to release stiffness and stress, as well as increasing flexibility.

Flexibility isn't just physical it's actually very mental. To have mental flexibility means that you BELIEVE you can touch your forehead to your knees or do a full split to the floor. You have to first visualize, then it'll manifest itself over time.

If the first thing you say to yourself when you see someone do a split is: "I'll never be able to do that" then you're right it'll never happen.

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe he can achieve.

Do you believe?

Double your flexibility now, you too can reach a level of flexibility that leaves you feeling loose and relaxed, helps avoid injuries, and makes everything you do smoother, faster and more efficient.

Aim Higher (litterally),

Sibok Martin

Is Your Body Begging For A Tune-Up?

Your body, like a car needs servicing.


You can't expect to own a car and never bring it in for an oil & filter change, tire rotation, or a brake inspection.

So why do some people never take time to service their body once in a while, it would love you for it.

Your body would thank you with better circulation, maximize organ function, less joint pain, more speed, more power, less injuries, character development, agility as well as more energy.

Think of what your mind and body have to endure every single day to make sure you function properly. And it never asks anything in return.

We only realize how lucky we are to have this amazing body when we're sick or in pain. Then we seek help from doctors and specialists to help us with our problem.

Take even better care of yourself when you are feeling great. One way to say thank you to your body is by Stretching.

Stretching is like doing your own "systems check for viruses", kinda like the one you do on a computer.

What are you checking?

Pain and Stiffness.

There are a set of things every human being should be able to do. We're all made the same so that means we should be able to perform and hold many of the same positions.

For example touching your toes. If you can't touch your toes you either have too much abdominal mass (polite way of saying excess flab) or tight lower back muscles.

With each test you get to know yourself and some of your weaknesses. That way you can devise a plan to improve in those affected areas.

Going at it alone can be a little tricky, let us guide you with our Flexibility DVD. It takes all the thinking out of the equation.

Learn the common stretches and holds that everyone should be able to perform as well as the tactics and strategies we use to break through barriers and bring your flexibility level to new heights.

Go ahead, STRETCH and click on the link above!

Sibok Martin