Second Step to Mastery
Yesterday I talked about Mastery and it's different steps. Walking this path isn't always easy but it is by far the most rewarding. I believe everyone walks the path of mastery at some point in their life. It's just a matter of time. Through the years I've heard so many prospects say: "I used to be in shape back in the day or I used to fit in a size 4" , some are just fed up and want to finally change the situation they're in, others are on the path and using every little tool we have to offer them so they stay on it. You're either walking it now, have had or you're about to. Many things can pull you away from it, I think you already know what those things are. Can you think of a few? Getting side tracked is part of the game. Getting back on course is the ideal. Whenever you feel yourself drifting off the path, remember the second step to mastery. VISION There are many parts to understanding vision. One I'd like you to focus on is getting in the habit of seeing the end result of your behavior or habits you undertake. Ask yourself: "If I stick with __(fill in the blank)___ (whether it's good for you or bad), how will I feel, look, or be, 10, 20, 30 years from now? Some of the choices we make don't require Psychic ability to realize it leads nowhere. "End Vision" helps you get a glimpse into the future so that if you don't like what you see, you can get to work on changing it now while there's still time. If you're able to make that vision as real as possible (especially with destructive behavior you might be subjecting yourself to now) it can give you the motivation to stay on the path or get back on the path of mastery ASAP. We've all heard and seen movies of the future where they show an alternate, dark future if the hero doesn't make the right choices. Be one that makes the right choices. Start shaping the future you really want now and it starts with making regular, consistent strides in physical fitness. This program will get you on track, guaranteed. FSD's Physical Fitness ProgramMaster Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Fitness Training, Mastery, Physical Fitness
www.fangshendo.com
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Gimme some Tips
That's the subject line in one of the e-mails I got recently. My answer back was: "Are you ready to use them?" That's the problem. Everyone wants tips but who's ready to implement them? Do you just read my stuff or do you put it in practice? If you've been following me, you know you're supposed to be stretching after every workout to help the body process lactic acid and avoid post workout soreness. You also know about Intense 1 minute workout circuits we're crazy about, where you have to maintain perfect form and give maximum output for the duration of the exercise. I've also shared with you my own private Neigong Training I follow. Where it's core focus is on un-blocking meridians and strengthening your Chi reservoir. I've mentioned on many occasions how I disconnect and reach a level of "No Self", relaxed and flowing freely with weapon work. You already know about the 5-20-10 breathing pattern you should be doing every day for extra energy and lending a helping hand to eliminate toxins from your body. Cut smoking, sugar, and processed food. Follow this tip alone and you'll add several quality years to your life. In my earlier posts and tips you might of heard me talk about firewalking and how the experience changes you forever, revealing a power you have inside that's always been there, unlocking your full potential. I also call upon every man, woman and child to start a martial art program. The constant improvement and invigorating workouts gives you a direction and energy boost like no crappy energy drink ever could. You've heard me promote the words: "Master Yourself". To fail to improve yourself and build upon your successes, to purposely stay stuck in your comfort zone is a great tragedy, it kills the mind, body and spirit. I'm not just talking about this stuff I actually live and breathe it. Become a master implementor, hell, if you're just okay at it that's fine too. As long as you take some sort of action every day, small steps in the right direction, I'll be proud of you. Look at yourself honestly in the mirror and stop B-S-ing yourself. Change what needs to be changed and stick with what's working. Take the first step on the journey of mastery, it starts with taking responsibility. Sifu Martin P.S. Tomorrow I'll talk about the second step to Mastery. Nothing gets done without it. Labels: Breathing, Fang Shen Do, Firewalking, Flexibility training, Martial Arts, Mastery, Stretching, Weapon Training
www.fangshendo.com
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31st Birthday Sale
I've been receiving Happy Birthday messages in my inbox from people I would never expect. Wishes of health, prosperity and continued success. Anyway, if you sent in a message thank you for the thought. Everyone around me have been very generous and I wanted to extend that generosity to you. I'm grateful for the family I have and I consider you, whether a student or just simply a reader on my list to be a part of my extended kung-fu family. I know that any one of our products can change how you view fitness or martial arts and I know you're able to recognize a good opportunity when you see one. If you've been sitting on the fence on any of the products we have, I can tell you, what I'm about to offer should give you that last little nudge you need to finally start an effective training program, or learn to stretch and align your body with our Flexibility series, maybe it's finally learning how to move a weapon for greater speed, finesse and reaching the "mushin state" (present moment). It might even be learning the ancient art of Wudang, where one of their monks developed a type of Neigong (internal work) to unblock the meridians of your body and increase chi flow, leading to greater health and vitality. Whatever you goals are you'll find something of interest in our product section.At checkout, enter "31" in the coupon code box to get an instant 31% rebate on your purchase. I've never offered a rebate like this, this offer is good until tomorrow morning. At 10 am, I'm pulling the plug on it. Again, Thank You and get something of value before it's too late. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin P.S. This offer is only available on-line. Act now, go to our product section and save big bucks, on me. Labels: B-Day Offer, Gratitude, Sifu Martin
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Kill the Buddha
There's a Zen saying that goes: "If you meet the Buddha, Kill the Buddha." Its lesson is profound. The meaning is very interesting and one shouldn't stay stuck on the actual, litteral sense of the phrase. If you've read or studied any zen teachings you've already learned to see through the essence of things and to keep an open mind so you can dig deep within yourself for its true meaning and ultimately, learn the lesson.  Simply put, it means to: "Find out for Yourself" Do not accept anything by mere tradition. Do not accept anything just because it accords with your beliefs. Do not accept anything because it agrees with your opinions or because it is socially acceptable. Do not accept anything because it comes from the mouth of a respected person. Rather, observe closely and if it is to the benefit of all, accept and abide by it. It also means to: "Find the Answer by Yourself" An instructor or coach can only do so much for you. In the end YOU'RE responsible for making, for example, your martial arts skill pay great dividends in the form of superior strength and health, flexibility, speed, combative flow and endurance through practice and trial and error. Your ability to self-teach and discover for yourself what works for you depending on your body size, range preference, type of character, confidence level, and the speed at which you absorb and integrate what you learn is different for everyone but it's a necessary process. Learning this crucial element and principle: "Finding by Yourself", immediately upon starting your martial art program will give you an edge which will cause you to progress faster, it will deepen your understanding of a technique and it will help you avoid trying to blame someone for any unexpected short-comings. Like my father always told me: "Beware to point the finger at someone, because when you do there are 3 of them pointing straight back at you" Martial Art training is a great group experience. You might even create good friendships. You can definitely borrow from the synergy of the team. Your instructor surely teaches you with the best of intentions. But remember, it is YOUR journey. This is just one of the secrets you should be aware of when starting your martial art training. You'll find 10 more secrets to building a strong martial art foundation when you order the first volume to mastering the martial arts. You'll find that here. Aim Higher, Sifu Martin P.S. Here's more info about the Bob Wall Seminars. When you reserve your spot and register, add the location in the special instructions box in the shopping cart so we can get you on the list at the right location. Here are the dates and times: May 9 th Montreal 2:00 pm
May 13 th Kanata 7:00 pm
May 14 th Gatineau 7:00 pm
May 15 th Laval 7:00 pm
May 16 th Ottawa 11:30 am
May 18 th Toronto 7:00 pm
Register here:
FSD Members
Non-Members
Labels: 10 Secrets Book, Bob Wall, Buddha, Fang Shen Do, Zen
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It's about Effin' time!
It's true. It's about time MMA got the attention it deserves. It's now part of the mainstream. Everyone knows about it, even people you wouldn't expect. Everyone finally gets the point of using what works and mixing the arts. I can say from experience it wasn't always that way. Back in the day (20 years ago) when my father used to offer special private training to his advanced students and giving them a chance to taste a variety of arts and concepts, my dad would get angry phone calls from rivaling schools and instructors condemning him from borrowing from their art or instructor. You can imagine what his answer to them was. I'm sure Bruce Lee ran into the same kind of issues when he was developing his JKD. I particularly like this quote from him: "To use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it". Nobody "owns" a technique. Today Bruce Lee is a legend and even dubbed "Godfather of MMA". What if martial art forums and internet in general would have been around in those early days, you think people would have tried to bash him, destroy his reputation and ask the stupidest question of them all: "Are you certified to merge all these arts?" I think so. Today it's a different story, at no other time in history have masters and schools been so open to share their knowledge with one another. My father always says: "What you keep for yourself diminishes and what you share multiplies". One day we'll rid ourselves of the schools and their students that would rather argue about styles rather than actually train. Until that day comes, we're doing our part to share our knowledge and our contacts with you. Bruce Lee's long time friend and student Bob Wall, will be hosting a series of seminars throughout the FSD organization during the month of May. To register for this event you can visit the appropriate link below. For FSD members . For Non-members. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Bob Wall, Bruce Lee, Fang Shen Do, Jeet Kune Do, JKD, MMA, Seminars
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Talk is Cheap
Hope you had a great weekend, the weather was pristine here in Casselman. Spent all day with my family, my immediate family and kung-fu family yesterday. It was refreshing to play our national sport: Hockey The family that plays and trains together, stick together. I surely couldn't of done what I did this weekend without the help of my kung-fu training. The endurance, the speed, the never give up attitude, and coordination. Just my break-falls and rolls alone saved me from injury. It's always when I play other sports that I realize how kung-fu helped lay a strong sport foundation and if you're like me you've surely come to the same conclusion. I've said it before, everyone should have at least 3 years of martial art training. Above all else, martial arts should teach you about taking action. Thinking, talking, or writing about something is a start but in the end it's all about the DOING. Something the UFC guys didn't do Saturday night if you happened to watch a few of the matches. Maybe YOU also want to start something, you think about it, you've told someone close to you you were going start it but you DIDN'T. Kinda like Fitness. Is it something you just talk or think about or do you commit some time each day to get stronger in that area? Talk really is cheap. Action is king. It reminds me of the saying: "I can't hear what you're saying, your actions speak louder than your words" When will it be the right time to get in shape? Never. The time will never be just right. The more you wait, the more you won't feel like it, you'll say: "maybe tomorrow", the mind will always find ways to distract you away from taking action. The easiest way I've found to get in the fitness habit is to stick to 1 minute exercises. You can exercise for one minute right? An interesting thing happens after a minute, your body craves ... more. Your body craves oxygen. If you've been living a pretty inactive lifestyle and suddenly start, your body will start feeling good very quickly. That's why before you know it, 1 minute will turn into 10 minutes and beyond. We've broken it down for you in a simple system you can start using right away. It's been at the center core of our martial art program for the past 35 years with great results. See what I mean here. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Attitude, Fang Shen Do, Kung Fu, Station Training, Strength Training
www.fangshendo.com
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Anderson Silva training at our Downtown Montreal School
Tuesday we had someone special drop by our downtown Montreal School run by Sifu Brian Paquette. The one and only, UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva.
His whole entourage was there to get him ready for his Saturday fight against Thales Leites.
Using Sifu Brian's cage and equipment to put the final touches on his game and lose those last few pounds to make weight, it should be another victory for the Spyder.
One of Anderson's early role models, like most of us, was Bruce Lee.
Watching him in his movies gave him the desire to start the martial arts.
He has a "penchant" for Kung-Fu because of Bruce and was interested in the Mook Jong or Wooden Dummy Training.  Sifu Brian proceeded to show Anderson the steps to using the tool and gave him a copy of our Wooden Dummy DVD and we're arranging to have a few Mook Jongs shipped to him for his upcoming camps. What struck us the most was how nice they were. All eager to learn and share. No egos. Some of the fans of Mixed Martial Arts always seem to be very obnoxious and disrespectful on forums and chat rooms if someone practices something different than MMA. It was nice to see that a real champion never misses an opportunity to learn something whenever he meets someone new and is still down to earth when off the stage. We'll be reconnecting with their team in the near future and wish Anderson another victory Saturday night. Sifu Martin P.S We'll be posting more pictures of Anderson's training session as they become available. Check back soon. Labels: Anderson Silva, UFC, Wooden Dummy
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