Key component to feeling massive amounts of...
Even though I didn't have a chance to meet Bruce Lee in person while he was alive, through Bob Wall I feel like I have. Going through more pictures yesterday from Bob Wall's visit to Canada back in May as well as my time spent with him in July in Los Angeles brought back memories and some important lessons he shared with me.  I happened to interview him in early January of this year and should make it available very soon. Having such close ties to a man who trained and maintained one of the longest friendships with Bruce Lee is pretty cool indeed, considering not even a handful of people teaching Lee's art today can attest to that. What was also cool was asking him advice on one of my "Louse Time" Blog Posts that I usually do on Fridays while he was here in May. As you might already know, "Louse Time" originated from the hit movie Enter the Dragon which starred Bob Wall (Ohara) opposite Bruce Lee. The whole idea of Louse Time is to listen and forget what you think you know. Always resorting back to a beginner's mind has served me well in my training and I hope you do the same. To remain "Teachable" at every stage of your training and in life in general is a key component to feeling massive amounts of joy, motivation, and creativity. Some people find this out later in life, asking themselves: "Why didn't I listen more, do more, or take more chances?" Avoid these feelings of regret. Be teachable.
Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Bob Wall, Fang Shen Do, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Sifu Alain Garofalo, Sijo Jacques Patenaude
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
Highs and Lows
For almost the past 2 weeks I've been on a cloud. Who wouldn't be? I got to workout with Bob Wall, I got to see him interact with my family, I listened to him give seminars with my dad, some of you who attended got to own a piece of Bruce Lee memorabilia and got to hear stories about him straight from the horse's mouth. I've rarely met such a kind man, ego-less although he owns much and has seen it all, he exemplifies the qualities of a real martial artist. And this morning, we had to say goodbye. We had good times and we sure didn't want them to end. Makes me realize how we all have to deal with ups and downs in our life. Sometimes disappointments. Other times failure. Followed by moments of happiness, accomplishment, and enthusiasm. To quote Bob Wall: "Losing is learning" You might of heard this kind of philosophy before. Whenever you feel a down, or you experience a temporary failure, get excited, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get ready for round 2. Take it as a life lesson, learn from it and move on. Or in my case, I kept a detailed diary of the events and lessons I learned from Bob while I was around him, hundreds of pictures and video. You should do the same. Instead of dealing with downs when they occur why not prepare for them in advance with an "Inspiration Booklet". A book filled with empowering quotes, pictures, and images you've compiled which can be reviewed for a fast recharge when you need it. It can come in pretty handy when you need it. Try it. Master Yourself, Sibok M P.S Another way not to lose your focus is what we call a Strategic Action Guide. It comes free when you get a copy of FSD's 10 Secrets to building a Rock Solid Martial Art Foundation. Labels: Bob Wall, Fang Shen Do, Inspiration, Life Lessons, Philosophy
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
It's Louse Time! Hung Up in the Way
Friday is always what I call: "Louse Time". Modeled after Bruce Lee's strategy in Enter the Dragon. You know that part where he's having tea with the government agent but he's disturbed by one of his students and Bruce Lee tells the agent: It's Louse Time! The agent replies with his British accent: "yes of course". Since I'm 6 years old that scene has always stuck with me and I'll be using that same strategy with YOU every week. Friday is where I share with you Life Lessons and Direction given to me by my dad (and Sifu) every Friday. But this Friday is different. Ever since I started "Louse Time" on Fridays I've been getting positive feedback from alot of you and who would of thought I'd be doing a Louse Time session with the co-star of Enter the Dragon, Bob Wall (aka Ohara) one day. After completing my morning workout with my dad and O'hara, I mean Bob, here are some lessons you might be interested in hearing about. Bruce always related his martial art training to life. Kinda like what we've been doing for the past 35 years. This is the ultimate goal of martial arts, to use it as a tool to improve yourself in all areas of your life. The martial arts are filled with knuckle heads who are caught in styles and who's better than who. Many were around then and double that number today. Bruce's whole philosophy was: "Don't get Hung Up in the Way". Look at comments on You Tube related Martial arts topics and you'll find a boat load of people arguing that their style is better than others, especially when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu. Not one of the top guys in Wrestling or Jiu-Jitsu engage in that kind of discussion. They're all ready and open to learn from anybody. It seems to be a trend among us human beings to compare ourselves. Who has the best religion. My god is better than your god. My house is bigger than your house. My kids are smarter than your kids. Bruce had many challenges when it came to his ethnicity, it wasn't easy to be chinese back in the 60's. The chinese also resented him for teaching caucasians kung-fu. Same thing for African Americans, that's why his first student was black, to prove to everyone he wasn't going to follow the norm. Coming back to his philosophy: "Don't get Hung up in the Way" There are many ways to interpret and learn a lesson from it as well as apply it to your own life. In our Neigong Training we focus on un-blocking the meridians of the body but using Bruce Lee's philosophy it also means to un-block certain ways of thinking, to expand your view and seek out better ways of getting in shape, or making money, attracting better quality friends, designing the life of your dreams, and constantly looking at the results you're getting and liking what you get. Listening to Bob share his views and experiences and hearing him rave about our FSD training, getting actual, factual feedback from a man who's seen them all, managed the best fighters in the world is priceless. I usually dismiss internet blabber from on-line, couch potatoe black belts hiding behind computer screens but when a man like Bob gives us a compliment, I listen. I always wanted to meet Bruce Lee, now through Bob I feel like I have. Being endorsed by Bob Wall is the beginning of a great relationship and all FSD Students will benefit greatly from his wisdom and experience. Do like Bruce Lee, refuse to follow, blaze your own trail, and act on what your heart tells you to do. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin P.S. Speaking of blazing a trail, we'll be blazing one this Sunday, one that you'll have to walk accross to get to the other side with new found determination and focus. Join us by springing on over to this link. Labels: Bob Wall, Bruce Lee, Fang Shen Do, Louse Time
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
Bob Wall leads the way
If you've been following me for a while now you've heard me talk about the benefits of martial arts training on many occasions. One of the subjects I cover regularly is how martial arts can keep you young, vibrant, alert, strong and active right into old age.  I know it to be true. But some people might think when reading my newsletter and think this of me: "How do you really know for sure, you're only in your 30s?" That's when you go to someone who's living it. Enter: Bob Wall.  (Sijo and Bob Wall at a recent seminar in Montreal) We've been spending some quality time with him this past week and I can say, I'm fascinated with him not only from a celebrity stand point, who he is and the people whe knows in the martial art community but his level of enthusiasm and willingness to learn new things at his age is an inspiration.  Monday morning we had him do one of our advanced workouts, they are challenging for a 2o year old let alone a 70 year old!  Still he persisted and impressed all of us. It's a shame that so many people in our society think they're over the hill when they pass 65. Some are plagued with arthritis, others condemned to a walker, some slowly dying from that last cigarette puff, health problems due to mal nutrition and the list goes on. How you feel and look at that age is what you reap from what you sowed during your life time.  Are you sowing health seeds right now? Are you sowing death seeds? Start planting seeds now which will continue to give you an abundant, fruitful harvest well into your 70s.  Those seeds are not found at your local gardening store they're found right here doing martial arts. If you still haven't experienced FSD training, crops might be disappointing this year, if you are, you already realize how smart of a choice you made. To get started on your first class go here. If you're part of our group and feel ready to step it up, get started on our Intermediate Strength Training Kit today. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Bob Wall, Classes, Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Strength Training
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
Bob Wall is coming to town
 Bob Wall was one of the pioneers of martial arts back in the 60s. Along with his partner, Chuck Norris they owned 182 schools. Bob Wall authored the first "Who's Who in the Martial Arts" back in 1975. A sort of reference to martial art styles and instructors who've made an impact in the martial arts world. You'll find names like: Bruce Lee, Fumio Demura, Dan Inosanto, Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Gene LeBell, Al Dacascos, Jackie Chan, Cung Le, Benny Urquidez, Jean-Claude Van Damme and our very own Sijo Jacques Patenaude on page 282. Bob has met thousands of instructors, has studied with many masters, whenever he speaks or gives his opinion about something martial art or business related, I listen. Every industry has a person that has "been there, done that", someone that has lots of experience and is able to offer the right advice along with valuable feedback. It's the same as being complimented by Tiger Woods on your golf swing or Sidney Crosby praising your slapshot or Robert Deniro celebrating your performance on the screen. You know that their feedback is real, unbiased and worth something. That's what my father got when they happened to teach a seminar together in Germany last year. After that many years studying martial arts, one can tell a person's skill just by looking at them move, speak, or demonstrate. Bob was impressed with my father's accomplishments considering the lack of support from his first instructor proving once again that you are responsible for the kind of life you want to create for yourself. Turning 70 this year, he speaks and moves like a 30 year old. He is living proof of what leading a martial art lifestyle can do for your health, strength and youthful demeanor. I don't THINK martial arts can give you an edge in life, I KNOW it does. The coming weeks are loaded with opportunities to get to meet Bob in person as he is touring our schools and offering seminars on the subjects of Bruce Lee, what he learned from him during their 10 years working together before his untimely death, his work with the Machados, Gene LeBell and Chuck Norris. We're honored to have him in our schools as we know he is extremely busy with his Real Estate business, a self-made millionaire and very picky as to where he chooses to invest his time. Invest your time wisely also these coming weeks, here's a list of the seminar schedule: 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 MembersNon-membersLabels: Bob Wall, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sijo Jacques Patenaude, Who's Who Book
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
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
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
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
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
See Bob Wall Live
"Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." I wanted to give you a heads up of what's happening at FSD Central in the early spring. If you live in eastern Ontario or western Quebec and maybe even in the Vermont area or close to the border you might want to mark these dates on your calendar: May 8th to May 19th. Bob Wall is coming to town. Yes, Ohara from Enter the Dragon. Yes, one of Bruce Lee's closest friends. Yes a Black Belt under "Judo" Gene Lebell and the Machado Brothers of Brazilian Ju-Jitsu fame. And let's not forget, friend, business partner and student of Chuck Norris. An Encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to martial arts and a pioneer in the martial art world. Why is he coming to town? To hang out with my Dad. I mentioned on past posts how they met in Germany and how they instantly hit it off because they have so much in common. It's very special. Consider how many people Bob meets in a month or year and never get to spend an hour, let alone a week with him. This is our goal, our service to you: To give you unique opportunities to take your training to another level. So mark these dates on your calendar, it's an event you will not want to miss. As we get closer to the dates I mentioned above I'll make sure to give you links and more information on how to get involved in the many different seminars which will be made available to both our students and to the general public. Stay tuned, Sifu Martin P.S. Remember a few months ago I interviewed Bob about his life growing up, behind the scenes details of filming with Bruce Lee and so on? Well I'm almost done editing it (over 3 hours worth of audio), I'll let you know how you can get a hold of it shortly. Labels: Bob Wall
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
Fang Shen Do is a Living System
2 weeks ago I mentioned I'd have more pics of my dad and Bob Wall. Here are a few more.  What does this mean to you? I mean this is all good for us, FSD, my dad and the organization but my focus is always on the student. What do the students of FSD gain from this? For one, students get to see that we put our money where our mouth is. We're always talking about things like: Learning is a journey, C.A.N.I (Constant And Never-Ending Improvement), For every hand there's always a faster one, Never rest on your Laurels, etc... It would be very easy for my dad to say: "I've been doing this for 35 + years, I can just lay back and sit on my success". My dad being the Founder of FSD, it's crucial for him to lead by example. There is still and always will be, a burning desire to learn, improve and seek out new ideas to be incorporated in our system.  "Fang Shen Do is a Living System" my dad calls it. Not binded by any set ideas or rules. Meeting Bob is just another way to get feedback and insights from a man who trained with Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Gene Lebelle, Joe Lewis and the list goes on. That's what you get when you train in a school like ours, a guarantee you'll get the latest, most effective training money can buy in the areas of Self-Defense, Health/Fitness and Personal Development.  My dad's been really busy this past year spreading FSD and making key contacts. But it's not enough. We know we can do even better. Knowing that our students are looking up to us for guidance, inspiration and training, it makes for extra flammable fuel driving our ambition. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Bob Wall
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
Interviewing a Legend
Every morning I ask myself the same questions. "Are you using your mind to it's full potential?" This quote sums it up for me: "The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get to the office." ~ Robert Frost What is the office? For some it really is an office or for others it's any activity that pulls you away from your real goals or aspirations. A portion of my day revolves around Meditating or Actively Thinking and Planning. One of our long time friends and equipment supplier always had this old sign close to his desk: "Fail to Plan. Plan to Fail" You always keep your major goals at the forefront of your mind and clearly map out how you are going to reach them. Like magic you will attract into your life what you need to make those goals happen. Once the opportunities present themselves you have to be ready to take action on them.  Through my father I had the opportunity to interview a martial art legend: Bob Wall Most people recognize him as O'hara in Enter the Dragon. What a coincidence to be using "Louse Time" on Fridays from the same movie to actually talking to him and having him share stories of Bruce, Brandon, Chuck Norris, Gene Lebelle, Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Machados, and on and on he went for 3 hours. I'll be sharing some of those stories in upcoming blog posts in the coming weeks. Like Attracts LikeHim and my dad instantly connected when they met in Germany and this is a start to a long friendship and partnership for years to come. One of my father's strengths is using his mind to attract like a magnet what he desires. That's why I'm urging you to take time every morning to do just that. Picture what you want no matter how outrageous it may seem, Don't wait because the time will never be just right, be passionate and believe in yourself. What if you fail?To quote Bob: "If you're not failing you're not learning". I'll be posting extensive pictures of him and my dad very shortly and will let you know how to get a hold of the interview as soon as it's available. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Bob Wall, Bruce Lee
www.fangshendo.com
<< BLOG Home
I
|
|
|
