Take the Stairs
 Although this is good advice from a fitness point of view it's not what I mean. When it comes to your personal development make sure you take the stairs, not the elevator. Taking short cuts in this area is not recommended. Sure the elevator is quick and effortless but nothing worth having and fighting for is acquired through its use. The elevator to the top is, has been, and always will be "out of order" in my view. In order to get to the top in any endeavor you'll have to take the stairs. And you'll have to take them one at a time. Luckily they are right in front of you and you know exactly how many stairs you need to climb to get to the top. Then when you do reach the top you'll be armed with the right tools to stay on top. You can choose to look up the steps or step up the stairs? Which one will it be? When establishing a strong Martial Art Foundation, specifically in Fang Shen Do or whatever style you practice, the first step I would recommend is FSD's 10 secrets volume which also comes with 2 free bonuses. An orientation DVD that furthers your understanding of the foundation and a goal setting tool we use to get you on track and focused when obstacles might get in your way. Take the first step here. Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: 10 Secrets Book, Attitude, Fang Shen Do, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Personal Development, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Sijo Jacques Patenaude
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I hear and I forget
With 20 days into the new year, how are you doing? Did you follow my advice and knock off the easiest goals on your list so you get the ball rolling and in turn create a surge of energy and excitement for the accomplishment of your other goals? I hope you did. I can tell you, I did that, and man am I ready to get things done this year. It's just simply impossible to have different results if you do the same things, the same way, using the same words and repeating what you did last year. "If you do what you have always done, you'll get what you've always got." Trust me, start with the little goals and expand from there. You'll build enough momentum and confidence to tackle your major goals. A famous poet once said: "I hear and forget. I see and hear, and I remember. However when I see, hear and DO, I understand and succeed." Keep your goals fresh in your mind's eye. Listen, read and stay inspired. Finally, ACT on your goals daily. Master Yourself, Sibok M P.S. Feeling good emotionally starts with feeling vibrant and strong physically. Learn an easy to follow plan to double your fitness level in 30 days or your money back. You can ACT on your fitness goals now by visiting this link. Labels: Attitude, Fang Shen Do, Fitness, Life Lessons, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Station Training
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Watch who you listen to
With the upcoming renovations in Kanata and the construction work that needs to be done I can't help but think about common construction jargon. If you've ever had work done in your house you'll understand what I mean. It's hilarious. The same subject always comes up without fail. The person that comes in for the estimate and to inspect the work that needs to be done will always say this: "Which _(Add defamatory word here)__ did this work? "What the _(Add defamatory word here)__ was he thinking?" "He did the work all wrong?" "We'll make sure to do the work right". And surely if another worker would be brought in after the new renovation he'd repeat pretty much the same thing about the new work done: "Who the hell did this work?" "What effin' dummy..." Makes me think of the same disease plaguing martial artists. And especially on discussion boards and forums. You'll find the same kind of behavior in the martial arts world. Watch who you listen to. The internet is filled with so called experts. The answers aren't found in cyber space. To quote Bruce Lee: "There is no ultimate style. The ultimate is inside of You. Be true to yourself and your journey through life" Are you constantly working on the ultimate You? What have you done today to get you one step closer to achieving your goals? Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Attitude, Fang Shen Do, Life Lessons, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sibok Martin Patenaude
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Inside Kung-Fu Article
I hope your training went well this weekend and that you are constantly making strides in the areas of strength, speed, endurance and flexibility. I wanted to point you to a 3 page interview in the latest issue of Inside Kung-Fu (March 2010 Issue), "A Life Changing Experience" by Inside Kung-Fu Editor Dave Cater where he interviews my dad, Sijo Jacques Patenaude on what martial arts training can do for you. If taught right, martial arts can help you accomplish more than just learn how to kick, punch or grapple. Strive for excellence in every area of your life. Fight for what you want, dream big and let no one tell you otherwise. Well worth the read. Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Sijo Jacques Patenaude
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Karambit Training
Last Saturday we held a Karambit Seminar in Montreal at our St-Denis Location.  Students were introduced to this ancient weapon used in Indonesia and in parts of the Phillipines. KARAMBIT meaning "Tiger Claw" is a very simple yet lethal weapon. The versatility in angles and grip positions is as simple as spinning the weapon through the ring in the handle which makes the Karambit one of my favorite close quarter weapons. The principles and techniques are so easy to learn and doesn't require any special skill or years of training to be proficient with it.  As soon as I got introduced to this weapon in L.A last summer I was immediately hooked. It compliments so well what we already do in our hand to hand, trapping and grappling techniques. In case you missed it there's another Karambit seminar being held in Ottawa, 335 Catherine St. tonight at 8:30 pm. You can register for it here. Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Karambit Training, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sibok Martin Patenaude
www.fangshendo.com
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Fang Shen Do Channel on Youtube
I've just recently set up the Fang Shen Do Kung-Fu Channel on You Tube. If you would like to subscribe to our channel and also view a demo I just uploaded you can click on this link: Fang Shen Do DemonstrationIt doesn't have any sound for copyright issues but originally this demo was done to the sound of Static-X's "Get to the Gone". A completely Free-Style Demo with no preparation, the way we like to do them! Play the song while watching for added pleasure. Enjoy. Sibok M P.S. If you still haven't started your martial art training I encourage you to take advantage of our VIP Pass offered on the website. Find the school nearest you, then fill out the short form and hit "Sign Me Up". Labels: Fang Shen Do, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Sifu Patrick Marcil
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New School in Ville Ste-Catherine, Quebec
People living in the South Shore of Montreal will be happy to know we are expanding our network of schools in your area. Ville Ste-Catherine will be home to our most recent addition of locations to help serve you better. In charge of the school will be, originally a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt, Marc Beauchamp who made the switch after his first Fang Shen Do class at the St-Denis Montreal Location almost 7 years ago. Now FSD Black Belt and nearing Sifu Level, he'll be assisted by Samuel Gagnon, one of his top students. Marc is a perfect example of putting the lessons of FSD to work. Since I've known him, he's always done what he said he was going to do. He makes no excuses for himself. Exhibits great confidence and cares about his students' development. If you live in the Ville Ste-Catherine area and want a new challenge, a different approach to martial arts training, and need to get physically fit fast, you'll soon be able to register on-line for a free VIP pass for one month of free classes. You'll find the "Ville Ste-Catherine" link in our "Schools" section tomorrow. Always growing! Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Marc Beauchamp, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Ville Ste-Catherine
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Fight Night Coming Soon
Last Friday our Laval Kung-Fu School hosted a Sanshou/Kickboxing Seminar headed by Sifu Patrick Marcil. Some of the participants used this opportunity to prepare for our upcoming Fight Night on Sept. 26th in Casselman at the JR Brisson Complex.  If you live close to this venue, tickets for the event can be purchased by using this link. 12 matches are already scheduled with a few more waiting last minute confirmation. Watch as Sanshou rules makes for more electrifying matches with the combination of punching, kicking and throwing techniques. If you're still on the fence to actually getting started practicing martial arts, this will be the best way to get a feel of what you could do, the skill you could have and the benefits you will reap from training in the martial arts. See you there! Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Fight Night, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sanshou, Tournament
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Oh Yeah!
If you were part of the team this weekend I'm sure you're walking around with a big smile on your face right now and if it's not on your face, it definitely is in your heart.  I'm a pretty active guy, I've been on many trips to different destinations around the world, I've searched for extreme activities to subject myself to, I've trained with some of the best in the world and none of what I've done or experienced comes close to living an experience like our Training Camp. Unique in every sense, the camp puts you to the test in all areas and forces you to dig deep within yourself to not give up when the going gets tough.  A facility like ours just doesn't exist anywhere else in the world. Even people who've been to the Shaolin Temple have told me how it doesn't compare.  Up to now our camp has been reserved to our own private students, up until now most people outside martial art circles don't even know our camp exists. But that will change this year and next. Our facility is big enough and equipped enough to hold a variety of different events that are either martial art related or geared purely for personal development and leadership training. If students of martial arts schools around the world only knew what we had here in our little town of Casselman, many would flock here for the experience.  Everyone should get to live this experience at least once in their martial art life. It's not impossible that you see another opportunity to be part of the Trainign Camp experience this year. I'll keep you posted and I'll upload more pictures from this year's camp tomorrow. Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Outdoor training, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sibok Martin Patenaude, Sijo Jacques Patenaude, Training Camp
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Event of the Year
Training Camp !It's the most anticipated event of the year. Some of our students eagerly await this weekend 12 months ahead of time. I don't know which one is better getting to tell your fellow students I DID IT! or proving to yourself you had what it took to make it through the experience, crystallizing the feeling of personal accomplishment and bringing it to an all time high. At the end of the camp most students can't believe all the things they've done over the course of 3 short days. The energy you acquire from being a part of something like this is quite amazing. You can use the camp to follow through on goals you've slacked off on, or during the many personal development drills we cover during the camp you can discover a new calling, change your career, find out if you're really doing what you love as far as your job goes and are you happy with the choices you've made in your life. The camp touches so many aspects of your life, not just the mental/internal but the physical as well. The camp has a way to help you find that inner strength that resides in all of us, just when you think of giving up, something inside you says: "Not yet, just a little more" What could YOU do with a little more discipline and a never give up kind of attitude? I'm thinking a whole lot. Perfect health. Strong body and mind. Walking the path of Mastery. Never settling for second best. Absolutely no fear of failure. Living a life of meaning and fulfillment. And that's just the beginning. The event I'm talking about is starting tomorrow at 6:30 pm. If you're ready and motivated to acquire some of the things I've been telling you about, you can do so here. This event happens only once a year, do not miss out. Master Yourself, Sibok M P.S Once you register you'll get an immediate e-mail with all the pertinent details of the camp. Labels: Fang Shen Do, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Summer Camp, Training Camp
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Grand-Opening of St-Leonard Kung-Fu School
This Saturday was our Grand-Opening Celebration for our St-Leonard School in Montreal, Qc.  It's always special to do these kinds of gatherings, gives me a chance to meet new students, gives the students a chance to be taught by someone different. Some times the chief instructor of a school might say something or repeat a principle a dozen times to the students without it ever sinking in. When that same principle is said by a guest instructor, it might click right away. Don't ask me why but that happens regularly. Are students more concentrated and listening better when there's someone different teaching them? Maybe. Maybe it was what I was teaching. The kind of seminar that instantly makes you understand where to press on the body to get compliance from an attacker.  Pain is a great teacher as you can see on Vincent's face above. What I was teaching was the Kubotan training. A tiny little piece of wood you can rely on when the odds are against you. Since it's so small it can penetrate through muscle tissue and ligaments to deliver enough pain to control somebody or cause massive trauma when the weapon is used to actually strike the different areas of the body.  Mainly this weapon is used for control and personal protection. Once you complete the course you realize you don't need the weapon in hand to apply the principles you've learned. Most of it is based on body manipulation and leverage.  Just like this section of the course where I explain: "Where the head goes the body follows" A critical element to unbalancing your opponent. Being able to move your partner where you want them to go gives students a major confidence boost and hearing your partner moan in pain makes you realize not much pressure is needed to make it work. Just like this teenager learned in the seminar, even if you're smaller you can still defend yourself against a bigger opponent when you know important lessons in human anatomy.  Working with different age groups and different sizes gave everyone in the seminar a chance to adjust themselves and improvise what they learned because in the end you don't choose who your attacker will be.  Think you might be interested in learning to use this innocent looking weapon? Why be unprepared when you can have the tools to help you protect yourself or your family? Pick up a copy our Kubotan Training on DVD. The only drawback of this training is finding a partner to work with after the first session. Ouch, It works! Master Yourself, Sibok M Labels: Fang Shen Do, Grand-Opening, kubotan, Patenaude Kung-Fu, St-Leonard School
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Special Award from Laval's Sports and Leisure Association
Early this week Sifu Alain, owner of the Laval School, received an award for his contribution in helping people with disabilities including Deafness, Autism and Blindness. The Association for Regional Sports and Leasure of Laval recognized his efforts after seeing a news report of him working with kids having disabilities. Surprisingly, Sifu Alain's school was the only school of it's kind offering such services to the kids of Laval. The Association surveyed other sport facilities with such a program to no avail.  Sifu Alain's work with these kids give the parents of those children much happiness knowing their kids can have a chance to interact and learn martial arts like all the other kids. Programs like these are crucial to making disabled kids feel good about themselves, boosting their confidence and lifting their level of self-esteem. The benefits of martial art training extends far beyond the basic punching and kicking one might expect from training in one of our schools. As in Sifu Alain's case, his martial art practice planted a seed in him to better himself and what better way to pass it on than to help bring awareness to this lack of fun, challenging activities for disabled or handicapped kids. Getting involved in his community is a testament to Sifu Alain's character and willingness to help spread the benefits of martial arts training. I'm sure you will continue to help inspire kids to become all they can be and offering them a source of motivation for years to come. Continue leading by example, I'm proud of you. Sibok Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Laval Kung-Fu, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sifu Alain Garofalo
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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
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A good kick in the pants
Sometimes all we need is a good kick in the pants. If you're reading this off of my blog on the Fang Shen Do website, like the saying goes: "A picture is worth a thousand words" Nothing is ever easy.  EVER. No matter who you are. If you're very lucky you have someone close to you who doesn't hold back and shakes your tree so to speak when you need it or the ideal situation is that YOU are able to kick your own butt to get yourself to take action. I suspect there might be a pre-conceived idea that it's easier for me to get myself to train, read, learn, improve, and stay motivated. If you think that, you're wrong. I just learned and apply one thing: "In order to defeat procrastination you need to get in the habit of taking immediate action" Don't wait. Don't think. Don't question. Whatever it is you're after: fitness, martial art skill, confidence, success, peace, flexibility, or respect, you need to attack your goals. Attack? Yeah, ATTACK. If you think of it in that term you'll be less willing to give up on your goals. If you LAND your strikes, i.e: take action, follow through, act in spite of fear, take a chance, or stay consistent you're going to win. If you TAKE a hit, i.e: procrastinate, quit, complain, lose focus, or miss the big picture all together you're gonna lose. How ironic is it that the greatest opponent you'll ever face is YOURSELF. The only difference is some fights last 5 to 12 rounds, this one will last you a life time. Equip yourself with the right knowledge, the right training, the right information so you're ready for your fight. I suggest you start here. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Attitude, Fang Shen Do, Fang Shen Do Book, Follow Through, Mental Focus, Patenaude Kung-Fu
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Fight for Fun Tournament a Success
 These are just some of the pictures from the Fight for Fun Weekend. We'll make sure to post more as they become available.  Ages varied between 5 years old to 40+ years old. Over 100 participants and close to 400 spectators. Participants from all over Eastern Canada. 3 rings. Cage Fights for Charity.
   
 Sifu Pat working with a student inside the octagon from the Gatineau School and Aylmer School
Why would someone do this? For Confidence & Fun. To engage in an activity that gets you moving.
Kids and Adults need to stay physically fit and active. Participating in an event like this breaks the monotony of Sundays.    Sifu Steph from the Orleans School congratulating the students on a job well done.
Sifu Alain from the Laval School giving a medal to a student. Look at that face! Bringing our kids' self-esteem up is a major responsability we don't take for granted.    
Organization is key. Right on top of things was Sifu Christine from the Gatineau School. Sifu Brian from the Montreal West School watching the action and making sure everyone was respecting the rules.   Sifu Joel from the Cornwall School over looking the action on the kids ring.  Sifu Sil from the Nepean School keeping track of time for bouts. Mucho important! 
Kids worked on Grappling/Wrestling Skills.
They also worked on Sword techniques doing a drill called Samurai Drill.
Thank You to our Sponsors. We couldn't of done this without you.
Thank You to the Parents for taking the time to commute and bring your kids to this event.
Thank You to the students for being a part of this event.
We hope you enjoyed yourselves and stay tuned for the next one, coming soon!
Labels: Fang Shen Do, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sanshou, Tournament
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2 mistakes stealing motivation
Everyone starts off the year excited and on fire. For most, that fire starts to "dwindle" after the first weekend. Why? You've decided you want to get in shape and lose some stubborn fat. You start off all "Gung-Oh" and do too much too soon. Before you know it you're sore all over, frustrated you pack it in and decide training just isn't for you. In no time you're back reaching for the bag of potato chips. You might reach Feb. 1st, some might even stick with their program until April. It's only a matter of time before you lose motivation. Here are just 2 reasons for losing that drive. The "Quick Fix" and "I'm fixed". Let me explain. As you probably know we live in a world of instant gratification. If you don't have the results you were looking for NOW you assume what you're doing isn't working. And so, you bounce from one training routine to another. The other problem with us Humans is when our training program actually starts giving us results, for example: we start feeling better, leaner, stronger and more flexible we stop doing the very thing that brought us all those good feelings in the first place. Before long you're back to where you started and that vicious cycle starts over again. Yes it's weird but some of you do that. In a way you're going in circles. It doesn't have to be that way. Realize there are no "Quick Fixes" and taking care of your "Million Dollar Machine" (maybe more?) is a commitment you should stick to for the rest of your life. Simplicity, levels of difficulty to expand as you do, variety and fun are qualities you'll find when working with our Station Training Program. This is the very program I've stuck with for over 25 years and it's definitely what I'll do for the next 25. Model the right people, get started today. You can get it here. Master Yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Discipline, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Strength Training
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Right Information in the Wrong Hands
Some self-defense strategies that we teach are very un-orthodox. When you have to defend yourself or a loved one you have to use any means possible to protect yourself. One of those strategies is to use Deception or to create a diversion to momentarily distract your attacker. To put yourself in a position of weakness so the attacker moves in with his guard down. "How do you that?", you must be wondering, let me explain. Now this next strategy I'm about to cover isn't used in a competition or when someone is "swinging" at you. It's used when you're at a disadvantage for example: your opponent is armed (as in a robbery), he's bigger, or in a superior position, and if he's made first contact (Push or Grab). If he touches your chest, you suddenly fake a heart attack (use this one if you look older), if it's a shoulder contact, fake a shoulder dislocation. You might fake an asthma attack or start "praying" uncontrollably if he's holding a knife at your throat. What this does is momentarily confuses your opponent and lets you: Get closer, buys you time, helps you attack when he leasts expects it. Remember this is ONE strategy you hold in your arsenal. If you prefer the "Hit First- Finish First" strategy then by all means do that. I'm skipping some valuable details that we cover in our Closing DVD but it gives you an idea of what you can do when the odds are against you. Back to my original reason for talking about this. 3 gang members recently used this type of strategy on a pharmacy clerk and ended up beating him up with a hammer right next to our school in St-Leonard. How did they manage to do it? 2 of them entered the store asking for help with their stalled vehicle. They used exactly what I've been talking about. They used a diversion, they put themselves in a position of weakness, that way the clerk would have his guard down and not expect an attack. As soon as he was close to the car that's when the 3rd guy started hitting him. It was all part of a gang iniation. Criminals know what works, just make sure you use these strategies for the powers of good, to protect yourself or your loved ones. Use them to survive, not to commit some random act of violence. Make sure you possess all the tools necessary to confuse and knock your opponent out cold. Check out Striking and Closing for more un-orthodox ways to deal with an attacker. Protect yourself, Sifu Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Street Self Defense, Survival
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Is Strength Training only about Power?
In any athletic field, this one thing is sought after by everyone: Power When people think of power they tend to think how big someone's arms are, or how much weight you can lift. Although there's nothing wrong with both of the above, in Fang Shen Do we tend to define it a bit differently. Like Bruce Lee once said: Are you strong or powerful?  What is the difference you might ask, they're both the same right? Not so. Ask yourself how " functional" your strength is? Being powerful is being functional. It's your ability to transfer your power into a strike and actually land your attack. Or perform a throwing move with pin point accuracy when you feel your opponent is off balance. I like watching strong man competitions to see which of the athletes are able to co  mbine massive power with "finesse" and skill. A perfect example of being powerful. Most of the exercises in Station Training are done using your own body weight. Often you're training multiple attributes like power, speed, & balance. You really feel like you're mastering something important: Yourself! You're always faced with 2 types of resistance: gravitational (as in a squat or push-up) or self-resistance. I love self-resistance. A basic example would be to clench your fist and slowly punch out straight ahead, make it last as long as possible, resist as if someone was trying to stop you from punching out or imagine pushing against a spring or rubber until you reach full extension. Also add Intensity, "hiss" out (with tongue behind teeth or grunt as you're pressing out) to fire up your adrenal glands. Stretch the movement as long as you can and try synchronizing your breath so that your exhale ends with the full extension. You should feel a rush just from doing this one movement. Some of our drills involving this type of resistance work can last in excess of 5 to 10 minutes. You can find them all right here. I can't even start explaining the feeling once you complete that routine. No wonder you can increase power levels in as little as 30 days. There's one more benefit I need to cover, but it will have to wait until tomorrow, gotta go train now, Aim higher, Sifu Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Patenaude Kung-Fu, 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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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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What is the meaning behind the Dragon?
People often ask me what the Dragon symbolizes. For that we have to go way back to 1991. The year the dragon was born. We had alot of ideas. I even had lots of drawings of how to represent our image, to establish our identity. We showed those to Doug Bernhardt. For those of you who don't know him, he's only one of the best sign makers in Ottawa. Specializing in Stained Glass in Gold Leaf, Embossed letters, the works. He's made signs for big corporations and most of the old irish and english pubs in Ottawa. My father is actually very good friends with him for about 30 years. They both had their beginnings in the same building, 335 Catherine Street, where we still reside to this day. We showed Doug our ideas and he says: "Those are great, the kid's got talent (me) but you've got to meet this guy, he's a master at developing Brands and a Top Notch Graphic Designer, his name is Don Wong. To make a long story short, Don reveals 2 symbols that completely blow us away. He was able to nail it down perfectly. It's very hard to explain that day. We finally had our own unique mark. You must be wondering what the other symbol is and why we're not using it. The design was so complex to reproduce we had to put a hold on it. In order to have it printed perfectly it had to be shipped out to western Canada. The process would be too labour intensive and very expensive. So we put a hold on it. Maybe one day we'll release it to the public. For the time being it stays in the vault. To this day printers still have a hard time getting the dragon exactly "Bang On" as Don would say. Filled with intricate details that most people don't really pay attention to. Don said the Dragon would bring lots of success and would establish us as a premier force in the Martial Arts, how right was he. The following is our interpretation of his work. The circle represents infinity or never-ending. In life you will always be learning and evolving. The red is a powerful color in oriental methodology. It brings luck and prosperity. It also represents sacrifice. In order to develop yourself fully you must make better choices and sacrifice some habits that dis-empower you. The 6 teeth inside the dragon's mouth represents the 6 ranges of development in Fang Shen Do. (Psychological, Weapons, Punching, Kicking, Trapping, Grappling) The dragon itself represents the art of combat. Life is a combat. You must fight to stay fit, stay focused, achieve your goals and dreams, find your place, to protect yourself and your family, to make a difference. It also has both soft and hard lines, it follows the concept of Yin & Yang. We need both to find balance. Now you know where the dragon comes from, now it's time you found out where it's going. Click here for a location near you. Aim Higher, Sifu Martin Labels: Fang Shen Do, Ottawa Kung Fu School, Patenaude Kung-Fu, Sijo Jacques Patenaude
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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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