Are You Pro-Active?

One of the most recent buzzwords that I have heard in the business environment is the term Pro-Active.  My initial thoughts on this phrase are that it is too often it is used as a sword rather than a shield.

I have seen it regularly used by supervisors and bosses during employee evaluations to “constructively” suggest that they should work harder.  Or perhaps suggest that they should possess a crystal ball so that they can “pro-actively” rectify situations that they are not aware exist.  In this manner it is being used as a sword to attack someone.

I feel that the proper usage of the term is to protect youself (shield). The heart of the intent of the phrase is: do you take reasonable steps to minimize risk (whether that risk by physical, professional or otherwise)?

The opposite of the term is “reactive”. This phrase is used when a person changes their thoughts, actions or philosophy based on a catalyst event. For example, if a person waits to be told by his/her doctor that they are a prime candidate for a stroke before they start modifying their dietary habits – that is reactive. If someone waits until that same Doctor tells them that unless they start getting more exercise, they are entering into Heart Attach Territory – that is also reactive. If a parent waits until their child is suspended or expelled before the decide that their off-spring needs discipline – that is reactive as well.

Keep in mind that I am writing this from a Fang Shen Do perspective.  If there was a computer technician writing this blog, I am sure that his/her examples would be about proper (proactive) protection from viruses, proactive backing up of your files, proper (proactive) upgrading to your computer system and drivers, etc
The root is the same:  PRO (in my mind standing for PROTECTION) and ACTIVE (standing for taking action).

Another way to be proactive, from a Fang Shen Do perspective is to be prepared physically.  As mentioned above, this can take the form of health and mental benefits, but it also relates to personal security.  I can hear people now reading this and saying “I don’t have the time.” 

And I get that…. (although your attacker probably doesn’t care how tight your schedule is and how he/she might inconvenience you – and I will not even quote statistics in the blog).

At Toronto Fang Shen Do, we have made it easier to get started with training in self defense, by offering a 90 minutes self defense seminar on Wednesday, February 20th 2013  7:30 PM.  Included in the seminar, we will be discussing
•    the 5 cardinal rules of self defense;
•    three vital targets,
•    proper self defense mind-set;
•    which techniques to use and which to avoid;
•    debunking self-defence myths
•    ….and many more important factors that will allow you to protect yourself or your loved ones. 

This seminar is open to all (men and women)
90 minutes – you are worth it – register now!!

Train hard
 

Read more »

Respect Starts With You

Two of the keys in Fang Shen Do success, or perhaps success in any endeavor, is Accountability and Self Discipline. Too often we see that these important attributes are not present or are not being taught to people in general. I could pick several examples that I have seen where people seem to spend more time and energy to shirk the responsibility, than the actual effort the endeavor would take. As we teach our students in the Junior FSD class, there are three types of discipline: there is self-discipline, there is good discipline, and there is bad discipline. The most important discipline is self-discipline.

Self-Discipline: the ability and will to ensure that you are doing what you're supposed to be doing when you are supposed to be doing it, without any outside influence or guidance.
(this is critical for adults as well as our junior students)

Unfortunately, our mind is very quick to come up with reasons why we should not do what we know we should do. For example, we know that we should go to class and work out because that is what is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. We look out the window, and it's snowing...(or even worse… they are calling for bad weather).  As Sijo often tells us: our mind, in,stinctively runs towards pleasure and runs away from pain, so it (the lazy part of our mind) pipes up and says

"The weather is too bad to drive today... I should not go to class"

The disciplined, driven mind is quick to override this lazy talk and says :

"That is not true!! All we have to do is leave a little earlier, and drive a little bit more careful, but there's no reason not to work out because of the weather. After all - the white sash concept is punctuality and focus, so I should be there early anyways."

Coming back to Accountability, this is one of the key ingredients for success in Fang Shen Do and many other professional efforts. As professional winners in life, who use the martial arts as a vehicle to success both physically and mentally, we must resist the temptation to blame our temporary lack of success on anything else, but our actions.  To do this would be giving into the victim mindset and almost gives ourselves permission to give up!!

Someone once said that a person may fail many times, but they are not a failure until they blame it on someone (or something) else.

When I heard this quote, I completely agreed with the sentiment.  It is a true Fang Shen Do (way of survival) student who chooses to accept responsibility, hold themselves accountable and then take positive steps to resolve any issues.

As I have often told the students, I truly enjoy testing them for their next rank. It is a real pleasure to see your students growing in the system and obtaining all the benefits that Fang Shen Do has to offer. What I do not enjoy, is when I ask a question and the first thing that the student says is "You never taught that to me."

When I hear this, I ask them "Did you read your student outline?".... “Do you have Sijo's book?" ...." Did you practice a little bit each day before your test?"

Usually the answer is no to at least two of these questions. That one realization, if it is corrected, is a critical part of the testing.  I'm not trying to be overly-critical or not accept MY responsibility as a teacher: what I am trying to do is show the students that they have responsibility with their own success. The earlier a student understand this, the more successful that they will be at many different things.

One of my favorite examples of this is the wearing the sash. Often I will ask a (younger) student "Where's your sash?"

On occasion the response I get is "My mother could not find it..."

To which I reply " Is it your mother's sash? "

To conclude, I encourage all students to evaluate their words and thoughts when they find themselves blaming outside sources or circumstances on their current situation or predicament. What you do today, will make a difference. Always remember, you are the architect of your own success through your efforts, actions, thoughts and deeds.

This topic and everything I have learned and applied from it has come from Sijo.  I highly recommend, if you want to make an immediate change in your life, that you attend Sijo' Focus on Results seminar.

Train hard!!

Read more »

Preparing To Move Up The Ranks... Belt Testing

The Martial Arts are known for many things - effective self defense, focus, discipline, healthy lifestyle are just a few...

One of the benefits that I have realized and what keeps me enthusiastic about my training is the MENTAL training in a martial art such as Fang Shen Do.

As hard as is it is to believe, many people (Martial Artists included) spend 1000's of dollars per year on the outside of their head (hair styles, shampoo and other products) but less than 50 a year on the inside of their head - good books, motivational audios, seminars, etc.).

We have two great products to help you kick 2013 off with a great start.
The first is Sijo's book - 10 Secrets to Rock Solid Martial Art Foundation.  This book will ensure that you ace every test right up to Blue Sash.  In addition, there is a section about Sijo's early years called "my roots" that is very popular and is in the process of being expanded upon in both written and film format.

If you (or you want to help your child) do well on every test - this book is a must-have!!  Frequently we have parents helping their child get ready for a test, but they are not sure what a Phon Sao (or another technique) is...with this book as a reference guide, you can quickly look up the technique and help your young warrior practice it.

I have been testing students since 1994.  Since we introduced the book, I have noticed that student’s comprehension of the material is more complete, the test marks are higher and the foundation of knowledge is much stronger.

This is especially critical for later, more advanced tests. I would strongly recommend that you pick up a copy today (February Special is $19.95 per copy).

Stay Solid,

Sifu Scott


Read more »

FEBRUARY IS FAMILY MONTH AT TORONTO FSD

Along with my previous posts talking about the benefits of the martial arts; like focus, self-discipline, and respect, I am greatly encouraged by the number of parents who are choosing to invest in their child’s future by having them train in the martial arts. 

As many of you know, I have 2 daughters (now aged 18 and 17).  They both started training when they were 4& 5 years old and are still training to this day (15 years later).  My youngest daughter – Chayse – is well known for her abilities and skills in teaching the younger students, whereas my oldest, Jenna, is my secondary when I have to demonstrate advanced and weapon techniques. 

In addition, my wife Sam also trains consistently.  For us, the martial arts have always been a staple in our daily routine.  There are many times, when we as a family would take a drive to the school on a Saturday night and do an hour or so of training together before we went out (to a movie or shopping).  I always found this to be great quality time spent with as a family as we did something together that was good for us.

And the results have showed – (I admitted some bias here) – quite frequently I am complimented on the behaviour of my daughters.  Strangers have commented on how respectful and mature they are – and this is when they were in their early teens.  Besides the commitment we, as parents, have – I also attribute this to their training in the material arts. 

February is family month at our school – please give us a call or stop by to see how a family member can get a FREE MONTH of training.

Stay Solid,

Sifu Scott

Read more »