New Fang Shen Do School in Vaudreuil, Quebec
Quick announcement today to let you know we're opening another school in Vaudreuil, Quebec with our first class scheduled for May 7th. If you live in the area and have been wanting a place to train in the West Island area of Montreal, well finally, you'll be able to train in one of our classy, well equipped Dojos very soon. To sign up for a Free VIP Pass at this location visit this link immediately. On a side note we are constantly growing and expanding our network of schools. If you live in any area you think might be a good fit for one of our schools let me know. I'd love to hear from you and wherever you are in the world there is a possibility we might open there. Some of you have already sent in requests for New York, Boston, Australia, California, Texas, Hamilton, and Germany. You can send your school request here: info@fangshendo.com Best, Sibok M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, New School, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Vaudreuil
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Bodies Exposition Review in Montreal
During last week's March Break I had a chance to share special moments with my kids and family. One thing that really stood out was what we did on Saturday. This one thing, I can't get out of my head. I mean, I've always been interested in the human body, nutrition and ways to stay happy, healthy, and vibrant. But having a chance to actually see the human body from inside and see the effects smoking can have on your health and lungs, the fragility of the brain and nervous system, the importance of choosing wisely what you eat as well as engaging in daily exercise and the positive effects it has on your circulatory system was AMAZING. I'm talking about the BODIES EXPOSITION in Montreal. If someone goes through the exhibits and doesn't quit smoking on the spot and seriously starts eating right and ditching the junk food, I don't know what will. What happens in our bodies on a daily basis is nothing short of a miracle. The perfect balance and harmony of the various systems is mind boggling. Yet many people choose to purposely destroy the master control (i.e. the Brain) with mind altering drugs? Or some choose to lead a sedentary lifestyle when one's body can be twisted and articulated in thousands of positions, equipped with muscles, tendons and ligaments that will adapt to loads and retain memory of those movements so they become easier with time. Apart from the physical wonders of our body and what it can do mechanically it's interesting to note what movement can do for our mind, our energy and our emotions. Ultimately adding Quality to your Life. You've probably heard the saying: "The more motion you undertake the more emotion you will create" I get my best ideas while in movement, training, or maintaining my martial art skills. It connects me in a way that no other sport can. This is why I urge you take up martial art training as the sport of choice, not only to get in shape but to optimize bodily function, maintain mental alertness, and stretch your imagination when it comes to what you can accomplish and create in your own life. Master Yourself, Sibok M P.S. Not a member yet? Get started here.Labels: Bodies Exposition Review Montreal, Fang Shen Do, Fitness, Goals, Martial Arts, Sibok Martin Patenaude
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Optimist Club Celebration in Casselman
Being part of our community is very important to us.  Here's Sifu Silvain, Sifu Patrick and myself (not pictured here) leading some kids through some drills to increase listening and concentration skills at a recent Optimist Club Clebration Day in Casselman. The Optimist Club in Casselman is also celebrating 30 years this year. 30 years of helping kids and families in general come together for the greater good of the community. Both of our organizations share the same goals which is why we quickly accepted their invitation to offer some martial art training at their event.  Taking the time to teach kids and their parents the wonders of martial art training was an eye opening experience for most of the parents watching. It is impressive to see your kids stand at attention with perfect focus. Seeing them strengthen their bodies with simple calisthenics. Or getting them to increase motors skills and body awareness with fun drills that help build confidence. I had a chance to meet an old Teacher of mine from High School. As we were talking we got into the subject of parent - child relationships and couldn't help notice the disconnect we see today. Both parents working, kids being raised by the day care, quality time is reserved for Sundays at best. It's hard to change this situation I know, most parents don't have a choice but they do have a choice as to where they bring their child for guidance and leadership. Sports are great but greater is an activity where the child learns important life skills and where the main focus is on personal development. No wonder our Martial Art program is so popular, when you walk into the school or when you hear the instructors teach, it's very sincere. When I'm working with a group of kids I teach them as If they were my own. I want all of them to become strong, independent, confident, happy individuals. Our Summer Camp for Kids is just around the corner. Many camps are offered during this time of year but few have the facilities and set-up that we have at our private training center in Casselman. If you're a member or non-member and wish to have your child participate this year, visit the link below for the location near you, call them or e-mail your request to participate. Master Yourself, Sibok Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Kung-fu For Kids, Martial Arts, Optimist Club, Summer Camp
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Tree Grow Forever
Some guy didn't get it yesterday. You know. The saying: "Trim tree everyday. Change Pot regularly. Tree grow forever" What I was trying to say is: Spend time working on yourself everyday. Like my father would say: "Your life is like a garden, positive thinking won't stop the weeds from growing, so tend to it daily". Maybe there are weeds in your thinking resulting in a poor attitude. Maybe you need to: "Chip away at the unessentials" like Bruce Lee famously stated. "Trim tree everyday" so you can make room for more growth in all areas of your life. "Change Pot Regularly". This one is pretty straight forward. You all know what happens when we get settled in and comfortable. You stagnate! Constantly make efforts to step out of your comfort zone to expand and attract new opportunities for personal development. "Tree Grow Forever" I hope you realized that YOU are the tree. What you become, what you grow into, is your responsibility. What a shame to live your life thinking you're a little shrub when in reality you had the potential to grow into a Giant Cedar. With the right values and habits in place you'll truely feel like there is no end to your growth, you'll really realize that your life, your martial art training, is a journey, not a destination. "Tree Grow Forever?" That's right. Master Yourself, Sibok Martin P.S. Making sure you are constantly growing is my top priority and main motivator. That's why you'll find so many products on our website to stay on the path of learning and growing, get started on one here. Labels: Martial Arts, Philosophy, Responsability, Sibok Martin Fang Shen Do
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"Up, Down", "Breathe in , Breathe out", "Side to Side"
For the past few days I've been feeling like Daniel-san in Karate Kid. If you remember 2 years ago I had posted a series of articles about how one of our sheds had crumbled under the extreme weight of the record snow fall we had that year and how liberating it was to burn it and build a new one from scratch. Seeing it burn was a powerful metaphor about how we all need to get rid of messes in our life and how we need to constantly re-invent ourselves when it comes to how we think, how to work, how we train, and how letting go of unnecessary emotional baggage is a necessity if we want to grow and attract better opportunities. If feel like Daniel-san because I've had to re-paint that shed for the past couple of weeks. "Up, Down", "Breathe in , breathe out", "Side to side" as Mr. Miyagi would say. Painting gets me in a very relaxed state, the same way martial arts does. It puts you in a place where time seems to stop, you're totally encapsulated in the present moment (what the japanese would call the Mushin state). Do you ever reach that place? That place where you could work all day and all night and still be filled with energy? The quickest way to feel this state of being is through the practice of martial arts. I didn't say it was the only way but it is by far the quickest I've seen to understand what I mean. If you haven't yet taken up the daily practice of martial arts, I strongly recommend you get started ASAP. We've made it pretty easy for you to get started, see what I mean here. Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Energy, Karate Kid, Martial Arts, Mr.Miyagi, Mushin State
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Life itself is a combat
When you focus on where you want to hit with full commitment and follow through, you get the desired result, a knock out. Goals are the same as punching, without focus, commitment and follow through nothing ever gets done.  Alot of people still haven't found out the secret weapon that is martial art training. Armed with the right instructor and the right system, you'll quickly make parallels between fighting principles and day to day living. You and I spend way more time dealing with our inner demons than having to defend ourselves for real or having to compete at a high level in a ring or cage. Life itself is a combat.  When you understand that, that's where you realize how important it is to acquire tools to defend against the daily challenges of life such as: Getting up in the morning and loving what you do for a living. Not being controlled by food that robs you of your energy. Fighting lazyness. Blocking the crap that is fed to us through media. Not being afraid to dream big without feeling guilty. To stop seeking approval from everybody. Staying centered and grounded when seeing chaos around you. Not allowing anybody to put you in a box, speaking from experience, alot of people out there try to label us when it comes to what we do in the martial arts. To quote Bruce Lee: "I have no style, therefore I am all styles."  The old model of working all your life at the same place, then retiring, is long gone, it's just not fulfilling enough. People by the millions ask themselves at that point: "Is this all there is?" Same thing with martial arts, the ones who are not constantly evolving will get left behind which is one reason why we're still here after 30 years. One tool you'll find fascinating is Firewalking. Everything gets put in perspective the moment you take your first step in the fire pit. An experience like this strengthens you and opens up your imagination to what you can accomplish. Join us this Sunday for an unforgettable experience. You can read more about it here. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Firewalk, Goals, Martial Arts
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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
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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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The Ultimate Training Grounds
 Some of our top instructors just came back from Kingston where they had the opportunity to train some of the students at St-Lawrence College who are completing a 2 year Police Foundation Course so they can eventually apply to become Police Officers or Correctional Officers.  It's very important to us to get involved in these kinds of training sessions. Knowing that anyone of these students might be faced in a position to defend their lives one day because of their work, it makes it even more important to teach the essential principles of self-defense and not confuse competition techniques with reality based techniques.  These are the people who will put the techniques to the test in the ultimate training grounds: the streets and the prisons. What was taught is exactly what our regular civilian students learn in our schools. -Your body is equipped with many weapons and you need to know how to use all of them. -He who controls the distance wins the fight.  -Make being in top physical shape a priority since it might be the one thing that helps you survive a real confrontation and will give you great confidence knowing your body won't fail you when the going gets tough. -Second priority is using what you got and making it work for you by striking all the targets that are illegal in competitions (i.e: eye gouging, groin attacks, direct knee attacks for disclocation, etc...), remember size doesn't matter as long as you're the one giving not receiving. -Creating a Fearless mindset. It all starts with mastering your body, another reason why your Fitness Program should be intense and physically taxing. -"He who hesitates his lost". Learn to react like an echo, this is achieved through consistent practice, removing the fear of getting hit and making sure you have a strong offense. Randy Zabukovec runs the Police Foundation Course and was quite impressed with the schools training and life philosophies. Randy mentioned how 8 other martial art schools had come in to train his students over the last 2 years and how Fang Shen Do was the most realistic approach he had seen to date. Believing that, from his experience running the program for so long, what we taught the students, was in perfect alignment with what the students need to know to complete their course and be ready to become officers.  Here Sifu Scott demonstrates a basic Wrench or Hammer Lock. A quick way to control an uncooperative assailant.  Finding sensitive pressure points like the Triceps tendon as demonstated here by Sifu Silvain, can help make your opponent comply quickly. Knowing some basic human anatomy helps use pain as an ally when controlling somebody.
 The right advice and the proper guidance makes you understand the concepts very quickly and once the technique is absorbed you never forget it. Martial Arts is a skill everyone can and should acquire. Even if you're not planning on becoming an officer or prison guard, having a foundation in personal protection and basic body conditioning gives you an edge if ever you're faced with an attacker, forced to protect someone you love and defend against the deadliest of opponents: AGING. Stay young and vibrant, keep your body in perfect working condition and enjoy the many health benefits of Stretching, Breathing, Meditating, Sensitivity Training, Motor Skill Development, and Resistance Training which all stem from an effective Martial Art Program. Tomorrow's a big day for the FSD Organization, we're celebrating 30 years in Business and we're inviting you to attend a full days worth of seminars, training sessions, tournaments, Sanshou / Kickboxing matches, and other fun activities for both adults, families and kids. To register visit this link or to get more information go to this page. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: 30 year Anniversary Celebration, Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Street Self Defense
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Only YOU can answer this one.
 What kind of shadow would appear if light could cast your true self on the wall? Would you see a shadow of a 10 foot giant towering from your relatively small frame revealing your level of tenacity and determination showing everyone around you that, like Mark Twain once said: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." Would it reveal the true silhouette you wish you had, one of strength, health, and confidence? or worse... Would the shadow cast from a seemingly youthful man or woman that seems "together" physically and emotionally reveal them living on their knees when they should be experiencing life to the very fullest with no self-imposed limitations? Maybe the shadow is unwavering, unflexible, unable to adapt, stuck in the past? Someone else might see 2 shadows, the old you and the new you but fear is standing in your way, stopping you from implementing the necessary steps and habits to make the change "stick". One's shadow might be drifting all over the place, jumping from one idea to the next, unable to see it through, to finish what you start. What if there's no shadow? Maybe you stand for nothing, maybe you haven't found your true self, maybe you're not contributing enough, maybe the vision you have for yourself isn't clear enough. If you had to take one good hard look at your shadow, what would it reveal? Only YOU can answer that one. One thing I can do, is help you shape it though. I can cast some light on you (via these blog posts) but YOU have to stand up to see what shadow is cast by the light. Start developing yourself from the inside out, start martial arts, or learn something new, find something of interest in our product section. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Attitude, Discipline, Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Mastery, Strength and Fitness
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My private picture library
Many of you have written in with an interest in the many unique pictures I have in my possession. Remember a few e-mails back I mentioned Fang Shen Do had done the opening show for the Shaolin Monks a couple of years ago when they were passing through Montreal? Since the Shaolin Monks were back in my school a few weeks ago I thought I'd post a few more pics from their original show for your enjoyment. When reviewing my picture folders and CDs, I came across a whole slew of pictures I had forgotten about. I'll make sure to post them on a weekly basis from here on in.  Here the Abbott prepares himself to bend the 2 edged spears on his throat while the monks brace themselves for what's about to happen...  You guessed it...easy as pie. Well, he made it look as easy as pie. Whenever you see a master in action in any field, they always seem to inspire you by making it look so damn easy and effortless. When in reality it took dedicated practice, sacrifice and some good ol' stubborness.  The tri-sectional Bo, a traditional weapon used to build superior hand/eye coordination. Unfortunately illegal in Canada.  One Shaolin Monk, great. 2 Shaolin Monks, better. Each Monk on stage brought their own special energy to the show, adding to the synergy of the group, as they say: "the result was greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities".  Seeing a brawl in a bar is one thing but seeing a brawl among Shaolin Monks, better. Seriously, their choreography skills were quite impressive, just watching them gave me lots of ideas for my own demos.  At this point the show was going great, even asking myself: "How they could top what they had just done." This demonstration brings a whole new meaning to threading a needle, hey gramma? Throwing a needle through a plate glass and busting a balloon on the other side requires some skill, ok the monk is good... real good.  Their fluidity and naturalness was like watching poetry in movement.  Even when handling a Kwan Dao or Long-Handled-Broadsword which is considered a heavier weapon, the monks still showed excellent control and speed wielding it.  What do you say to a guy who's holding on to 2 hammers and he wants to smash your head in? Don't get hit. The Shaolin Monks used a variety of old weapons like these ones during the show. Not practical in today's times but impressive to see them swinging these big ol' hammers at each other's heads without hurting themselves. Note: Do not try this at home.  Classic Shaolin Monk memorabilia.  Here's the Bow and Arrow Exercise I was mentioning about yesterday. It's a great breathing exercise. Builds tremendous focus, gives you a good isometric resistance training, increases mental toughness and great for a quick solo training in the morning.  A closer look at one of the 8 health and vitality moves I was talking about yesterday.  Every exercise is designed to move your Chi freely throughout the body by getting into specific positions and holding them. Something I mentioned on many occasions in our Neigong training in FSD. Without a doubt the Shaolin Monks are impressive, being primarily a kung-fu practitioner, I owe it to them for keeping the art alive. To think on so many occasions the art was almost completely wiped out by Emperors and Foreign Country Invaders, almost forgotten and never to be spoken about again. How it survived against such odds is quite a feat. You can own a small piece of Shaolin History by purchasing one of only a few DVD sets left available. There's about 3 hours of footage of them going through different drills and exercises, as well as offering demos and answering questions from the students. Expand your own library of unique DVDs and build something of value you can show your kids one day by grabbing a copy today. Shaolin Seminar DVD Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Shaolin Monks in Canada, Shaolin Seminar, Shaolin Temple, Weapon Training
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10 secrets you need to know
When you're a martial artist you always look for ways to improve yourself. There is no limit that cannot be broken. I think some of the toughest people on earth are martial artists. And I'm not just talking physically. If you are one, my congratulations to you, but remember that just joining a school and putting on the schools' uniform doesn't make you one instantly. True martial artists will develop themselves in ALL aspects of their life, leaving no stone unturned until every area has been covered. If you're not one you seriously need to consider it. No other activity will teach you the life skills and character development that comes with training in Fang Shen Do. We take martial art training very seriously and want to help you get yours started. In our book you'll learn the 10 secrets to build a rock-solid martial art foundation. It's simple and concise, a first step in the right direction. You'll find it here. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin P.S Within these pages holds the recipe to lay the ground-work required to get you started. It's important to create strong roots, once those are in place, you won't ever lose your focus. Labels: Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts
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What Picasso teaches us about fitness training?
 Here I am staring at a Picasso Re-Print. And it got me thinking of all the elements you need to create a painting.
Fitness Training is kinda like Painting. You need many different elements to make everything come together. When painting you need the canvas (vision), the brushes (tools), apron (safety), different colors (various techniques), understanding depth (follow the steps). If you're missing one of those elements forget about creating a beautiful piece, let alone get any results from your strength and martial art training. One element doesn't function without the other. If you follow the recipe to a "T" you're guaranteed to get something out of it, it might not be a Picasso but you'll at least get started and you can perfect your craft (strength training) over time. You just need to start. You should model a successful person's results which in turn will save you time and unnecessary mistakes. Find a system, a road map, a recipe to get you started fast. Then find out what they did and then do it. You can use our map if you want. It's been used alot over the past 35 years with wonderful results. There are 10 ingredients, and they are? Get your map here, Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Strength Training
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Squeeze weakness out of your muscles
This brings me to the 3rd benefit of our strength training program: Endurance (Mental & Physical)You should never be complacent in this area. You can always do more and take more, always demand more out of yourself. Your body is capable of wonderful things such as adaptability. The more stress or work you put your body through the more it will adapt and produce the desired results. In Station Training this is at the center core of what we do. Once you've completed your first 4 week initiation where you have 30-second breaks between each 1 minute exercise, you move on to: no rests between your stations. You are put to the test for 10 to 20 minutes non-stop, giving your maximum intensity at each exercise, while always going to your own pace. It builds very strong individuals. The kind that will not give up. When you're strength training this way, it doesn't take long to realize there's more to station training than push-ups and sit-ups. It can be summed up in one Word: Toughness. You must dig deep within yourself and find strength. Expanding your threshold for pain. At first you either break or survive and move to the next exercise where the same thing starts over again. This is done with every muscle in your body. Any weaknesses in your muscles are quickly being squeezed out of them like you would water from a towel. This is where you have to pay attention to what you feel. When you no longer feel like "breaking" you must either: a) increase number of stations b) increase number of reps c) step up to an intermediate or advanced level d) or increase station time. I've seen people plateau because they failed to recognize their breaking points. Let us put you to the test. Try our strength training system for 30 days and let us know how stronger and tougher you've become. You can get it here. Master yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Endurance, Exercise, Martial Arts, Strength Training
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How strong is your Mind and Body connection?
First of all, most people have a total "Mind-Body" disconnection. All body functions and messages (like breathing, your heart beat, digestion, etc...) are relayed through the nervous system. Make damn sure it's functioning properly. And why not op  timize it while you're at it. Enter Martial Art Training. Let's do an experiment. Are you willing to play along with me? If yes, great! Stand up, move your feet as wide as possible, keep your back straight, bend your knees and make absolutely sure to keep your feet pointing straight ahead, double check. Did you look down at your feet? Why? I was teaching class as I do on a weekly basis, as I'm leading the warm-ups we get into holding a basic leg position, like the one you just did, to strengthen them, I say: "Make sure to keep your toes pointing straight ahead" , half the class looks down at their feet to make sure their toes are pointing straight ahead?". Do you really need to look at your feet? You don't feel if your feet are pointing straight ahead or not? I just get funny stuff like that happen sometimes. This is why I especially enjoy blindfolded drills, it forces you to feel everything you do and make corrections according to what you feel not what you see. It boils down to Body Awareness. In a world where most people want to disconnect from their mind & body (Ex: Alchohol, drugs, etc...) we try to encourage students to make a stronger connection with both and strive to become more aware of them. Things like being aware of your Breath. Or focusing on specific body parts like your little toe on your right foot. Go ahead, do the drill, as you're sitting at your desk reading this, bring all of your attention to your little toe.  Can you really feel it? Now inhale deeply, and feel the oxygen reach your toe. Now try any other body part. Your left ear, your right hand, your belly button or your left heel. This is the first step to Body Awareness. Our founder would also include this as a progressive relaxation exercise. Do you think this level of awareness could help an injury? It sure could. Could it also make you appreciate things more? I hope this makes sense to you. By being more aware you can learn to enjoy the good things you possess in your life (like your health, the food you eat, or a relationship). And it can also motivate you to make changes in your lifestyle that you're not happy with (where you live, missing a workout, or your work environment) This is only one of the 10 secrets covered in the FSD Training Guide. Secure your copy today. Master yourself, Sifu M Labels: Body Awareness, Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Patenaude Kung-Fu
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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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Knock-Outs
Without question this is one thing on everyone's mind: "Will I be able to knock out my opponent when the time is right?"
This question goes for the athlete competing or the family man who wants to protect his family.
How do you develop devastating striking power? By arming yourself witht the right knowledge and training drills to call upon this skill at will.
5 secret ingredients that will turn weak, wimpy punches into bone crushing, sledge hammer-like blows everytime, guaranteed.
One of the secrets, "Penetration" shows you how to mentally project all your power through the target.
Never focus on the target surface but rather visualize going 10 feet beyond your impact point. This will guarantee follow through and maximum damage. Put the concept to the test.
When striking a focus mitt or body shield, imagine a second imaginary person standing a few feet behind your target point.
Imagine that what you're about to hit isn't there and the only thing you'll be hitting is that imaginary partner who's also holding your striking surface. Move with full commitment.
It won't take long to realize this simple "tweak" in your application will lead to doubling your power on the first try.
Once you discover the 5 secrets, you will hold the recipe to some serious High Impact Striking.
Results Guaranteed,
Sifu Martin
Labels: Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Power, Striking
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Patenaude Kung-Fu opens new 3000 square foot facility in Orleans. Curriculum includes Kung-Fu, Kickboxing and Ju-Jitsu.
One of our original franchises has just moved to a new location in Orleans. A modern, state of the art facility where a mix of different arts  come together to offer a unique training experience. Patenaude Kung-Fu and Therien Ju-Jitsu & Kickboxing have created a unique atmosphere where students can sample the very best in Martial Arts. Once you enter the school you'll notice how clean & professional everything looks. It is our goal to set a high standard when it comes to equipment and safety as well as presentation. No one wants to train in a dirty, un-organized, garage-like, community center Dojo. Don't settle for anything less than the best. Here's a shot of the owner, my brother, Sifu Stephane Patenaude along with our dad, Sijo Jacques Patenaude for the Grand-Opening ceremony.  Try one class and you'll see the wealth of knowledge these 2 schools have accumulated over the past 30 years. You'll also understand why they are both highly respected in martial art circles around the world.
Both schools share some of the same mentality and principles and although both Master Patenaude and Master Therien have long been friends, they both agree, it's an association that was long over due.
Today's modern student wants to experience many different facets of the Martial Arts and what's better than to learn everything at the same place.  Our team is in place, from left to right,Renshi Aline and Elie, Sifu Stephane, Kyoshi John Therien, Sijo Jacques Patenaude, Sifu Patrick, Jean-Yves Theriault (not in picture).
You've always wanted to try Martial Arts?
Here's the place to start.
Sifu Martin
Labels: Fang Shen Do, Martial Arts, Orleans Kung-Fu, Theriault Kickboxing, Therien Ju-Jitsu
www.fangshendo.com
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Benefits of Training in the Dark?
We cater to Kids and Adults. Kids want flashy fun stuff (Adults want that too) and Adults need to learn a skill and increase their confidence (Kids want that too).  Solution: Glow in the Dark Nunchaku Seminar. The event was held at our Kanata Kung-Fu School.If you're a parent, you know that sometimes to get your kids to do something it has to be exciting and unique, enough to get their interest and attention going. If something isn't, their attention span will "Fizzle" away. Enter the "Glow in the Dark Nunchaku Seminar".  You couldn't get these kids out of our outside training barricade even if you tried dragging them. Everyone of them was focused and eager to learn the different twirls and chambers taught in this seminar. Now add the Glow chuks and you got some serious flash going on, making each and every move look that much faster, crisper and razor sharp. Also, for adults or myself for that matter, I enjoy training in the dark. It's a habit I've been undertaking for quite some time now. Practice Sword, Bo Staff, Sticks and Conditioning exercises (Such as Squats, Balance & Footwork Drills) in the dark will lead to enhanced sensitivity and awareness. Instead of "seeing" mistakes in your form you'll actually "feel" them which in turn will make you absorb the technique on a deeper level. Try it and let me know how it feels. Always use common sense when attempting to do this. The look on a child's face just when they've learned a new move and actually gets it, priceless. Their self-esteem bumps up 150%. That's what kids need, a place where they can learn in a positive disciplined environment and actually do cool stuff they can tell their friends about. Being a father of three myself, it's not always easy to find activities for them. You kinda find yourself always doing the same things. Which can be at times, boring. That's why our Martial Arts program is so popular. It's different. You break the monotony when you come to class. You never know what you're gonna do or learn. It's also something you can do with the whole family. I think Martial Arts should be voted the #1 Sport in the world. The whole family can participate, the competition is with yourself, you learn personal protection, you stay in top physical shape, and learn life skills that will stay with you and your family for life.  It doesn't get much better than that. By the way double click on the picture to the right to open it to full size and look at the kid's faces after the seminar and tell me if you think they had fun. Until next time, Sifu Martin Labels: Family Classes, Kanata Kung-Fu, Martial Arts, Nunchaku
www.fangshendo.com
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Do You Value Your Ability to Move?
The ability to move is something we all take for granted. You and I should express gratitude every single day just to be able to do basic chores like: walking, sitting, running, and eating. What if you suddenly lost the ability to move now? As you're reading this you can no longer move or function. Any regrets? Any shouldas and wouldas? What does it take to get you to move, to exercise and master yourself through martial arts or any other physical endeavor? Lazyness, Too busy, Too hard, Too many distractions? Bull. We cannot predict the future so I strongly suggest you decide now to start moving and appreciating your freedom. You know why? Not everyone has the luxury of independent motion. 2-3 CANADIANS DIE EVERYDAY FROM A.L.S. This reality really hit home with Sifu Brian Paquette. The owner of our Downtown Montreal Kung-Fu School. His brother succumbed to the disease at age 38, shortly after being diagnosed with the disease What Is ALS? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. Sifu Brian has decided to set up the Father Phoenix foundation in hopes to raise awareness and funds in support of the cause. One of the ways we raise funds is through: The MOVE-A-THON. It's a celebration of movement. It entails twelve hours of non-stop action and exercise from participants including any combination of push-ups, running on the spot, jumping jacks, sit-ups, shadow boxing, kicking, punching bags or targets, skipping rope, weapons demonstrations, circuit training etc..  Two participants will be in movement at all times during this twelve hour period. Participants will be replaced on a rotational basis depending on number of participants and time donated. (E.g.: 10 minute intervals) Participants gather pleadges based on time participated or a flat rate based on estimated participation. IMPORTANT NOTES:No one person will be required to exercise for the entire twelve hour period. Any amount of time donated as exercise is very appreciated whether it is for two minutes, or two hours. Food and beverage will be supplied to participants. COME AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!! You can help with a donation, through participation or by supporting the participants in this worthy cause. A few dollars, a few push-ups or a few words of encouragement will drive this endeavor forward.
Don't wait until you're over-weight to start eating right, don't wait until you have lung cancer to stop smoking. Take action and realize the gift of movement and lead an active lifestyle now. Don't know where to start? Click here to find a school near you. Move, Sifu Martin Labels: ALS, Charity, Exercise, Martial Arts
www.fangshendo.com
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Arms of Stone
 Nothing strengthens the arms and hands like a wooden dummy. Results show very quickly. Your palms, wrists, back of hands, fingers, inner & outer forearms are all being re-inforced simultaneously.
Some of the other benefits are increased speed, flow, crispness, kicking techniques, close quarter power (improve you power punch), footwork, distance, power, and balance. I've been using the Mook Jong (Wooden Dummy) for about 22 years now.
I used to stand on a chair to practice. Looking back on my training, I have to attribute some of my foundational growth to this device. We teach classical sets as well as "free-style" ones. The first key principle: "it is a Means to an End". Meaning it's only a tool. Once you've learned the classical sets, acquired super arm conditioning, Jing (life, or snap), flow and speed, you move on to creative flow.
Another way to challenge your development is to blindfold yourself. "Seeing" and "Feeling" through sense of touch. There's always a way to challenge yourself and take it to another level.
We don't just like the classical dummy but also modern ones.
Some of our collection (over 50 different models) range from: spring loaded (which adds a more human feel), breakable arms and legs, moveable (on wheels), with timer, steel, adjustable (height), padded, etc...
Not only will wooden dummy training make you physically tougher but mentally as well.
Aim Higher,
Sifu M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Jing, Kung Fu, Martial Arts, Mook Jong, Speed, Wooden Dummy
www.fangshendo.com
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