Mind Your Step
I saw this sign at the Forbidden City. Notice the choice of words. Instead of the invasive: "WATCH YOUR STEP!"  A simple word change brings about a whole other meaning. One of awareness and mindfulness. The words you use have a direct effect on everything you do, your thoughts and the results you get. Words you use are either empowering or disempowering you. There are many word and phrase changes you can start switching to. The most obvious ones are those you use when it comes to your training, your relationships, your job, etc... When you wake up in the morning before going to work, what do you automatically think about or say to yourself? Or before heading out to class for your weekly training? You can be sure, using the right words while doing something extreme like firewalking is the difference in you reaching the other side safely. Some words can bring about fear, doubt, and uncertainty while others foster confidence, determination, and follow through. This weekend is our last firewalking event of the year. The whole experience revolves around making changes to self limiting beliefs, unlocking your potential, and deeply imprinting a pattern of success you can then transfer to any area of your life.
To register follow this link. Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Attitude, Fang Shen Do, Firewalking, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Thoughts
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
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4 Gold Medals & a Bronze
 A couple of months ago 2 of my students from our Casselman Kung-Fu School competed in the Canadian Water Skiing Championships near Toronto. They've been students of mine for about 10 years now, being brothers and sisters they feed off each other for motivation and friendly competition. There are many reasons I'm sharing their story. One reason is we always ask the kids: "What's your dream? What do you want to be when you grow up?" A couple of years ago I remember asking them that same question, and they had showed interest to excel in that sport. That's what happens when you are crystal clear about what you want, are self-motivated, will not accept failure, and are unwilling to make any excuses. For them this year that meant 4 gold medals for Valerie (the youngest contestant there) and a bronze medal for Francis. I always admire kids, with their honesty, enthusiasm and their willingness to dream freely without ever thinking about what other people will say. For some that special trait disappears when they become grown-ups, for others, that boldness, excitement and fearless energy stays with them when they surround themselves with the right people. Their coach, Matt Rini is impressed by their coordination, strength, flexibility and balance, something that he attributes to their Kung-Fu Training which is something he wants them to continue and pursue. I've mentioned to you on many occasions how your martial art training is more than just punches and kicks. It will force you to improve in all areas of your life. I mentioned Fearless Energy, that is exactly what everyone needs to succeed in the new year. A secret weapon that will give you the edge to stand out in your workplace, attract the right mate, feel strong and vibrant, and give you the courage to do what you always dreamed of doing. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin P.S One way to to spark that fearless energy is to attend one of our special firewalking sessions, you can find out all about that here. Labels: Firewalking
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Firewalk Canada gets European Coverage
You can read an interesting article in Ceinture Noire (the equivalent of Black Belt Magazine in Europe)  in the July-August issue. There's a 4 page spread about firewalking and how it transfers to your martial art training and personal development. Why does firewalking have so much appeal? It seems to take more and more these days to impress someone. Or I should say, more people are looking for unique, empowering experiences they can recall in moments of doubt, anxiety, and fear. That is our goal with firewalking, to give every attendee a powerful image of themselves accomplishing and taking action despite obstacles they face. You learn to trust yourself and after having walked accross the fire bed you now have proof, something tangible that leaves a permanent mark on your subconscious.  It's a powerful association you make with success and one you keep tucked away whenever a challenge might arise.  This article is also published in English and German, I'll let you know tomorrow which magazine they're in. If you need to have a stronger image you can focus on when you need more confidence, join us Aug. 24 th at the Pagoda, the only facility of it's kind in Eastern Canada. Aim Higher, Sifu Martin Labels: Ceinture Noire, Firewalking
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The only firewalk event in eastern Ontario
 Are you searching for a way to better yourself, be happier, more successful, to actually follow through on the things you most desire. It all starts with that first step, sadly, most people never take it. Whether you're starting something new or you're about to walk on red-hot-burning-coals, you have to trust yourself and just go for it. Firewalking has to be one of the fastest ways to get a personnality check. As you'll see, if ever you do happen to walk, paying attention to how you feel just before walking, it might reveal a pattern you've been following for quite some time. You might start doubting yourself. You may also stop and start analyzing too much. You might wait until someone else goes first. You might get across safely and then ask yourself: "Could I still do it if I went a second time" ? Firewalking reveals any kind of negative or positive self-talk, learn to recognize it and move forward in spite of a negative one. Which voice comes on when you tackle something new like a job interview, or that lady or man you really want to talk to on the 2nd floor where you work, asking for a raise, or training twice a week. Learn to recognize which voice supports you and which one robs you of your motivation, creativity and energy. Block out that voice that often times comes across as a friend but is in fact your enemy. Learn how by attending our next event, March 2nd. You can register here. See you there, Sifu Martin Labels: Firewalking
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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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Firewalking in the Ottawa Area
As you might already know, Tolly Burkan is the father of the firewalking movement. When we decided to meet Tolly we never asked ourselves "Did we make the right decision". We almost made arrangements to do our training with Tolly's ex-wife, Peggy Dylan. She is also partly responsible for helping spread firewalking to the public. As with our martial arts training we wanted to go as close to the source as possible. Tolly possesses a wealth of knowledge and finds a way to get his message accross and make you feel right at home from the beginning to the end. From its humble beginning 30 years ago, when he first realized that firewalking could be used as a technique for personal growth and he began teaching it to others, the firewalking movement has grown to the point that even the President of the United States has sought the experience. In 2006, he was contacted by the U.S. military to discuss adding firewalking to Basic Training. He realized then, firewalking had attained a level of credibility that was as "mainstream" as apple pie. Executives and politicians firewalk, doctors and lawyers firewalk, professional athletes, and ministers of many different faiths, now firewalk. In fact, movers and shakers from all over the globe can be counted among the ranks of modern-day firewalkers. What can it do for you? You can use it as a way to impress your subconscious, showing it you can do anything when you put your mind to it. Zap fear that might be stopping you from trying or starting something new. It also makes you realize how much potential you truly have and makes any challenge you might be experiencing seem so trivial. So what are YOU waiting for? Join us March 2nd for something unique and memorable. Sign on now. Register here: http://www.firewalkcanada.com/Master Yourself, Sifu Martin P.S. Nothing I can say can match the feeling after you've crossed the fire pit. This is something you'll need to experience for yourself. See you there. Labels: Firewalking, Focus
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The Power of Fire
Firewalking gets you all fired up! (pun intended!) It stretches your imagination. You expand your way of thinking and what you want out of life. Everyone's goals are different and everyone needs different things to be truly happy. Firewalking helps spice things up a little bit. Making those goals more exciting, more "grandiose", helping you dream big without limitations. Walking on fire is such an unnatural thing for your mind and body to do since its been programmed since childhood that fire equals: "burn" or "pain" that the mere act of "walking on coals" frees your mind in a way. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities and quickly makes you question other things in your life that you thought were "set in stone" because of past programming. Things like: What you fear? Why are you paralyzed by that fear? What would I really do if I no longer had that fear stopping me? How much better my quality of life would be? It literally takes about 5 seconds to get across the fire pit and in that short time you undergo a complete "belief check up". What you thought was real goes under scrutiny: Your level of confidence. How you express yourself in public. What you see in the mirror every morning. Are you doing what you love?  You're thinking about a million things all at once. Every time I walk it's a new set of questions and keeps me stretching my comfort zone, expanding my potential and keeping the "fire" burning for years to come. Come walk with us, pre-register today, our next event is on March 2nd at the Pagoda. Sifu Martin Labels: Firewalking, Focus, Goals, Mindset
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The first time I firewalked
I was never supposed to go with my dad. His trip was already booked. Plane, Hotel, everything. When he told me what he was planning on doing I heard this inner voice say: "ask him...ask him!" So I did: "Do you want company?" not knowing what he would answer, "Of course, he replied". So there we were in California, my first trip just me and him at 26 years old. It got me thinking: "How many people have never done that?", "Who's never spent some one on one time with their dad for a whole weekend?" Unfortunately, some wait until it's too late to do so. They go through life without ever saying "I love you" or "I appreciate what you've done for me" or just gave him a hug. I've always been close with him but feel that that trip really solidified things for us. I felt lucky to share a special experience like that with him. Family is everything. The first lesson is to follow your heart, when you have a gut feeling follow it, when you hear that inner voice guiding you, listen to it. When you're about to firewalk, wait for the right moment, don't rush through it or you'll miss the moment. I had been listening to my dad talk about firewalking for quite some time and was quite intrigued by it. I never expected to feel the way I felt after I had crossed the fire pit. It truly was, magical. I was far from home, in the mountains of Sonoma, the stars were bright and shining down on us, there was a sense of total awareness and nothing could stop me. Euphoric, Focused, Determined, Recharged are some of the best words to describe it. Everyone needs to walk at least once in their lifetime. This got me thinking, what if I could re-call this experience whenever I wanted to? How much more efficient could I be in my business. How much of a better lover and father could I be? How easy would it be to stay motivated and fit and what if we could show other people how to do the same thing? That would be pretty awesome. You too can have this experience. Be there Nov. 3rd. Experience it for yourself. Martin Labels: Firewalking
www.fangshendo.com
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