It's Louse time! Single Most Important Quality
If you're new to my list of focused, motivated, self-starters, Welcome. (if you're not new jump right away to today's lesson below) 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. 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. Today's lesson revolves around the single most important quality you need to develop. Without it you can't accomplish anything worthwhile. Once you've acquired it, it will improve every area of your life. Through martial art practice this quality is harvested early on in your training. Armed with this quality there's nothing you can't accomplish or excel in. I'm talking about Self-Confidence. Think about it. If you had total confidence in yourself, what would you NOT do? From a physical standpoint, if you had confidence in your capabilities and felt like you mastered your body through martial art training and you knew you were strong, coordinated, flexible and agile, you wouldn't shy away from any physical activity or sport. If you had total confidence knowing you could protect yourself, would you travel more and see the world? What if you had complete emotional confidence? Feeling unafraid of criticism, failure, doing things differently, standing up for what you believe in? You don't grow unless you step out of your comfort zone. You know what? Confidence is not permanent. You constantly need to work on it, chase it relentlessly and not lose it. Keep challenging yourself. Stay sharp. Get the edge. Boost your confidence by attending our next Firewalking event held on October 25th. , finally acquire the piece of the puzzle that makes everything happen no matter what field you're in. Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Confidence, Fang Shen Do, Louse Time, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Sijo Jacques Patenaude
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Here's what's most alarming.
It's good to see so many men saw the value of having the women in their life know how to protect themselves. After last Thursdays e-mail: "Is she worth 37$" I got flooded with replies from men appreciating me just reminding them of how important personal protection is and especially when it comes to the women in their life. It's a basic skill every women should possess. It should be a mandatory course in High School. Who is most prone to harassment, intimidation, physical and emotional abuse? Here's what's most alarming. Did you know that most acts of violence against women are commited by a spouse, husband, ex-husband, boyfriend, ex-boyfriend? It's hard to understand what goes on in those men's heads. Would you let any of those freaks around your wife, mother or sister? I'm sure you'll agree women should be treated like Goddesses and that includes arming them with the right knowledge when it comes to protecting their self-esteem, confidence, integrity and their bodies. We've laid out a simple system to help women protect themselves that does not require years of martial art training, special skill or ability. It's presented in a very straight forward way by my "Take no BS from anybody" sister. You can pick up a copy of this empowering DVD right here. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Confidence, Personal Protection, Self-Esteem, Women's Self-Defense
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What do we all want?
My dad always told me: "We don't want things, we want "States". As in "Emotional States". Take Cars for example. You might want to buy a Volvo, but in reality what you really want is SECURITY or if it's a BMW you might want a sense of CLASS or SOPHISTICATION. Buying an expensive love seat isn't what you're after, you want COMFORT, somewhere you can plop to after a full days work and enjoy a riveting book. I don't think the majority of women love to put on make-up in the morning, they do so to feel BEAUTIFUL and SEXY. Most students don't go to school just so they can hang a school diploma on their wall once they graduate, they do so to get STATUS and RECOGNITION. Which brings me to my point today. What do Martial Artists want? To argue and fight about which art is best? To complain about why someone else has more speed, flexibility or power? Some do. But most mature martial artists just want more CONFIDENCE and RESPECT. Show me someone with Confidence and that person has what it takes to accomplish anything their heart desires, to reach the state of their choosing. To quote Arnold Palmer: "Concentration comes out of a combination of confidence and hunger" Hunger comes from the desire to want more for yourself and your family, to decide you won't settle for "mediocre" or "like everybody else in my family or neighbourhood", to harvest a "never give up" kind of attitude.
If Hunger and Confidence are the keys to Concentration and you know staying focused isn't always easy, acquire both now so you can finally follow through on the goals you've set for yourself.
Martial Arts taught with these qualities in mind is a winning recipe and we have 35 years of proof to back it up, anyone of the products found on this page will improve your confidence and instill in you a never give up attitude we all could use more of.
Master Yourself,
Sifu Martin
P.S. This quote resumes today's post well: "I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time" ~ Anna Freud (1895 - 1982)
Fang Shen Do is used as a catalyst to awaken what's already there. Choose your catalyst here. Labels: Confidence, Emotional State, Fang Shen Do, Respect
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If they can't have it, then neither can you?
 Every one of us is reaching for success in at least one area of our life. Right? And if you're like me and my family you're aiming for excellence in all areas of your life. How do you feel when you see someone close to you make the climb up the ladder of success? Happiness or Envy? This reminds me of the Crab bucket story. You know this story? If you don't, listen up. If you do, best to hear it again to make sure it sinks in. A son and father are walking down the beach when the son sees a fisherman close to the boardwalk selling some of the day's catch. The son sees a crab bucket next to the man and it doesn't have a lid on it. The son turns to his dad and asks why the crabs were not able to escape. The father said, "If there was only one crab in the bucket it would certainly escape. However, when there is more than one crab in the bucket, if one tries to crawl out, the other crabs would grab hold and pull it back down so that it would share the same fate as the rest of them." "You must ignore the crabs if you want to be a success in life." This is true with people. If you attempt to better yourself, other people might attempt to drag you back down to share their fate. Do you know crab people? Have you attempted to better yourself only to have family and friends to discourage you? Surprisingly, in our line of work, even some competing martial art school owners engage in this kind of crab behavior. You would think that this thinking would be non existent in the martial art industry. We are supposed to work together in a common goal of helping people reach their goals through the wonders of martial art training. Still, some would prefer to try to tarnish our image or attempt to destroy what we've spent the past 30 years building just because they might be less successful than we are or because we don't hold the same credentials as they do, maybe even just because we practice a different style all together. The crab schools can stay together in the bucket. We made it out of there a long time ago. You might share the same experience in your life. Some people around you might have the mentality that: "If they can't have it, then neither can you" You can be slim, toned, strong, confident and happy. You can be the most successful person in your field. You can be in a relationship, madly in love and enjoying every minute of it. You can have the nicest house on the block. Aim for excellence in all areas of your life and watch out for the crab syndrome, it's contagious. If you're on my list I'm gathering you're an independent self-starter, motivated and ready to jump out of the bucket? Let me warn you, you must be physically fit to do so. Those crabs are clingy little suckers. Let me suggest you start with our Basic Fitness System to get you started on your ascension. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Character, Confidence, Fang Shen Do, Fitness Courses, Goals
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Success is Revenge
Many people can attribute their success to proving someone wrong. At one point maybe someone told YOU you couldn't do something. You weren't smart enough. You weren't qualified enough. You wouldn't amount to anything. Maybe you were told to be REALISTIC and not dream so big. No matter what was said use IT as fuel to reach for your goals and accomplish what it is you really want. Show them they were wrong to think that about you. Then once you get to where you want to go, release them and thank them silently for giving you that fire you needed in the beginning stages and to give you the courage to move forward with your goal. One thing you'll find out though, you can never get rid of people who don't believe in you. That's fine, you know what to do. The secret to staying motivated is to surround yourself with focused, positive individuals. To be part of a circle so strong that no negative influence can enter. Become a part of the FSD Inner Circle, you've seen how negative influence can help fuel your goals and dreams but wait until you see what a positive one can do. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin P.S. Be part of a Team. As Sijo once told me, TEAM stands for: Together Everyone Accomplishes More. Labels: Confidence, Inner Circle
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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!     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 Labels: Confidence, Discipline, Fang Shen Do, Respect
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Looking for something fun to do in Ottawa
Not one but two ways to challenge yourself. The first is through our Fight for Fun tournament starting at 11:30 am. and the second is our Firewalk event later that night. Talk about doing things different than the norm. Instead of doing the same ol' thing this weekend, why not invite a friend or your family to attend and try something different. The tournament gives you a chance to meet students from all 26 schools and lets you face your fear of entering in the cage or just competing in a ring with spectators watching you. This will take your confidence to a whole new level. The Firewalk is filled with interesting drills to help you get out of your comfort zone. We're all sometimes too serious and need to let loose. If the learning environment is positive, supportive and fun you'll absorb the material easily and should be ready to walk in no time. Fire is a serious thing but if you walk on it in a playful, focused way you give it less power. It's proven that people who exercise while smiling feel less pain, laughing has a healing ability and it is believed to increase your life span. Walking on Fire should be a celebration of Empowerment and opening yourself to a world of new possibilities. There is a feeling of unity after the firewalk and people seem to be connected on a higher level especially if you're doing this with a spouse or your kids. Doing this as a family is strongly recommended. We're just happy to share this experience and pass on what we believe is one of the most unique feelings ever felt. Once you've walked you'll agree that it's hard to put in words how you feel after but after a few minutes it settles in: "I've walked on fire", "If I can do this, I can do anything I set my mind to" How will YOU feel? Be there March 2nd. You can pre-register here: http://www.firewalkcanada.com/Sifu Martin P.S. There will be special rebates for people who attend both events. Register on-line or give us a call at 613-569-0545. See you there. Labels: Competition, Confidence, Fang Shen Do, Firewalking
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Getting fit again after cancer
It's e-mails like these that really inspire me to do what I do: Dear Sifu Martin, First, I would like to tell you how much I love my training with you guys. I only train once a week, and I missed a lot of training days due to my health. But what I'll tell you right now is that, in only that little amount of time of training I saw so much improvement in myself. As you know I have been through cancer treatments last year and that is really hard to over come, especially to get fit again. 3 months after my treatments for cancer I tried to pass the PREP test for Policing, but was not able to make it...at all. Now, about 1 month ago I miss the obstacle part only by .16sec. This is really great for me to see how much I improved and that tells me that the next time I go, for sure I'll pass it. With your training and my devotion to follow my dream in becoming part of the Ottawa Police Recruit, I know that I'll make it. Again, thank you for your time and I'll be seeing you all soon. Sylvie C. S.M: Wow Sylvie, it's people like you that give others strength and hope to reach for your fitness goals no matter what the odds. I'm honored and proud of you and may you get your wish. The way we train is a special thing, see what it can do for you here. Until next time. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin P.S Set your mind on something and never, ever give up. If you want to share a special story about training with our program like Sylvie send it my way. Labels: Attitude, Confidence, Fitness Training, Strength Training
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Beat Procrastination in 2008
How many things did you start in 2007 and did not finish?
I remember 22 years ago when my parents brought us for the first time to Disney's Epcot Center. There was one exhibit that really got me excited.
The Future
It showed how things would be in the year 2000. Flying cars, super advanced cities, robots helping with chores and taking care of the kids while parents went off on a galactic trip somewhere.
That exhibit is no longer there today.
Or the Car Industry that's been promising those super cool cars. Every year they show them in magazines and reveal them at car shows but they're never made available to the general public.  What I'm trying to say is: "Don't do like they did"  .
Do what you say you're gonna do.
There are countless other examples of Politicians, Bosses, Employees, and Parents saying they'll do this or that, and never following through on it.
In a way, since this is happening all around us, it has made it acceptable to not Finish what you start.
Do you finish what you start?
When you're writing your goals (you are writing your goals right?), ask yourself:
"For who am I writing this goal?
To impress my family or a co-worker?
Or is it really something that I need to commit to this year.
What if you had a tool you could use to help you organize and map out exactly, step by step, the realization of every goal you have for 2008?
It's our gift to you to help you get on your way to knocking off those goals one by one this year.
Aim higher,
Sifu Martin Labels: Confidence, Fang Shen Do, Follow Through, Goal Setting
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Women's Self-Defense
 What better way to build your confidence than to train with a group of like minded women in a safe comfortable environment? This is what these women are doing. At one of our women's self-defense classes held in all of our schools, this one held at our St-Leonard Kung-Fu School. We let women release some of their frustrations on Bags, Focus Mitts (leather gloves you can strike) or a few guys wearing body armor. There are so many demands put on women these days: Being a great mom, a boss, an effective worker, and a lover while still finding time for yourself to stay fit and look good in a pair of jeans. Most women find these classes rejuvenating , liberating, and empowering. Self-Defense has alot to do with confidence and the energy you project out. What do you project? Strength or Weakness?  Some women come to us to learn to protect themselves. Some need more guidance and follow through on some of the fitness goals they've established, something they can't seem to find at the local gym. And some need to work on Confidence. Whatever your goals we can help. Take time for yourself. Learn a practical skill, grow stronger and never let yourself be intimidated. Learn how by joining one of our classes today. Click this link to get started. Sifu Martin P.S. Look at the smiles on these women's faces. They are thrilled and will be back for the next class.
Labels: Confidence, Women Fitness, Women's Self-Defense
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Is there a Bully in your Child's Life?
Imagine your child coming home with bruises, scared, crying and tells you someone is bullying him at school? He's afraid to go back. This must be a parent's worse nightmare. For many, many parents this is a reality. More than 30% of kids between 6th grade and 10th grade report having bullied or been bullied. What do some Schools do? They suspend anyone who takes part in any type of physical contact (i.e fighting, pushing, etc), even if it's done in self-defense. I don't know every School's standpoint and how they deal with this issue but kids should not be punished for protecting themselves. Especially after having talked to the teacher, principal, and warned the actual bully to stop harassing them. What is the child supposed to do? Let him or herself get picked on? Let themselves be intimidated and bullied for the rest of their school life? The line has to be drawn at some point. I've had many long discussions with parent's about this issue, many feel helpless and abandoned by the teachers who don't seem to do anything about it. You need to arm your child with a secret weapon: Self-EsteemHow do you acquire more of that you might ask? 1) Tell them you love them every single day. 2) Let them know you'll always listen if they have something to tell you. 3) Give them small responsabilities and expand on them when they stay commited to them. 4) Let them Master something. Get them enrolled in something physical. Something that will bring them better control over their bodies, as well as an emotional outlet. 5) Next time you plan something as a family, let them decide what you're gonna do. Those will get you started on the right track. Next time I'll let you know about a recent radio interview we had on CBC Radio on effective Anti-Bullying Tactics. Until then, Keep your kids safe, Sifu Martin Labels: Confidence, Dealing with a Bully, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Self-Esteem
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If You Need to Attack, You Must Know How to Close
Without "Closing" ability you're like a Formula One Race Car capable of extreme speeds but you don't have any tires to ride on. No matter which martial art you practice, once you've learned techniques, you have to land them in order for them to do their intended job. If you can't reach your opponent, everything you've learned is pretty much useless. That's where Closing comes in. These techniques are designed to help you build greater confidence and allow you to fully engage the opponent. It's almost as if closing gets your foot in the door. Once it's in, you have a greater chance of entering. As long as there's a "Gap" between the two of you, you're both wasting time. You'll learn ways to use your full body weight behind your offense and hide your physical intention to attack. One thing that is crucial is the emotional ignition, you have to turn yourself on and never second guess yourself. Closing has to be one of the most important elements of any martial art system, it's unfortunate that so many never get to experience it. Don't miss out, master this skill today. Sifu Martin Labels: Attack, Confidence, Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Offensive Skill, Patenaude Kung-Fu
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Patenaude Kung-Fu gives hope to Autistic kids
Does your child have ADD, ADHD, Aspergers, or suffer from a mild case of Autism? Are you feeling a bit discouraged and in need of some help? If so read on, the following story will inspire and offer some hope to struggling families. At our Laval Kung-Fu School you have Sifu Alain Garofalo who's up to any challenge and will go out of his way to help any child in need of guidance, training, discipline, or social skills. He's been working with 4 kids recently, some for 1 month and some up to 1 year and their progress has been remarkable, so impressive it caught Jean Lajoie's attention, a reporter for one of Quebec's biggest television station, TQS.  He really wanted to know what all the hype was about. They stayed and filmed the classes and drills we do for about an hour and a half. The parents of the kids were present and pretty emotional when they were put on camera. They just can't believe the positive change in their kids behaviour and attitude. One child is deaf and the other 3 are autistic. Most of the parents share the same story: "My child had no friends because he was different" "He's very shy and unsure of himself" "He gets teased alot" "Most kids judge him before getting to know him" "Some daycares don't know how to handle my child". Just heart wrenching stories that no child should have to go through in his life. Our goal is to make sure every child has the respect, confidence and constructive social interaction that every 9 or 12 year old should have. Most of our students are either referred by a friend or they searched us up on the web or through yellow pages. What they thought was going to be a place where they can burn some energy and get fit, which is true but it turned out there was way more to Patenaude Kung-Fu than Punches and Kicks. It's amazing what a positive environment can do, where they can progress at their own pace while still feeling like they're part of a group, a team if you will. The training brings out the very best in them and without a doubt affects their school work, family life, social skills and grades simultaneously. Some of the reasons for this quick development are total concentration and modeling. The kids need to be totally focused during class and when something is fun and challenging it's not hard to get that kind of attention. You need positive role models and especially our kids nowadays, the Sifu is there to guide the kids and help them achieve their goals. The biggest issue you'll find today is kids need more Self-Esteem. You start with easy steps, things they can accomplish easily, and this takes on a snow ball affect that leads to unshakeable confidence in their physical abilities, speaking in public, and trying new things. The report airs on October 29th, 5:20 pm on the TQS Station, tune in to see the kids live in action and hear the parents giving their views on their child's development. Take Care, Sifu Martin Labels: ADD, ADHD, Aspergers, Autism, Confidence, Improve Grades, Jean Lajoie, Kids Activities, Laval Kung-Fu, Self-Esteem, Special Needs, TQS
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