Martial Arts/Self-Defense/Kung Fu Classes
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The language of instruction is primarily English, but I am bilingual and can offer instruction in French.
Classes Offered:
1- Beginner Classes
2- Advanced Beginner Classes
3- Private Instruction
I will accept students who wish to study on a one to one, small group (less than 4), or in a gender based class (i.e. women’s self-defense). Times for these courses are somewhat flexible and are scheduled on an individual basis. Furthermore, I can focus on specific needs or circumstances given the goals you have in mind for your training. I can include a personal martial arts fitness training program at your regular fitness training centre if you have a visitor program through which I can train with you.
The cost for Private Instruction varies according to the training requirements so please inquire by email: coach [at] theselfdefensecoach.com. Please include your first and last name, what your training requirements/wishes are, frequency at which you would like to train, and any other information you feel I need to know to better determine how we can train together.
What I Teach
What I teach is a Chinese Kung Fu and Chen Style Tai Chi based mixed martial art with self-defense techniques from a few other arts. I focus on establishing internal and external power and a very solid martial arts/self-defense foundation upon which I build more and more complex techniques until my students are able to develop a style of their own. I do not teach movements that have no practical self-defense application. All techniques can be used against street fighters and/or any other type of fighters.
How I Teach
It has always been my policy to train students to achieve their maximum potential based on how much effort they put into their martial arts/self-defense development. People learn at different rates and with different goals in mind so there is no – one size fits all. Nevertheless, there is a basic skill level that all my students must attain before I let them proceed to more advanced levels. Fortunately what I consider to be a basic skill level is equivalent to an advanced level in most schools/styles. In the past, it was not uncommon that my students repeat a series of moves over 1000 times in one training session.
My style of teaching involves teaching my students how to use there intellect to dissect techniques and develop a very solid theoretical understanding of their movements. One cannot be considered to be truly skilled unless one understand the subtility and economy of movement.
I am not harsh and prefer that my students and I enjoy a very good relationship. I model my teaching style on the style of the teachers of old who used to care for their students not treat them as commodities.
I believe in lots of practical exercises that reinforce self-defense concepts until the concepts become reflexive and instinctive.
Ranking System
I do not use a belt system. I rank my students according to beginner, intermediate and advanced levels – with certificates of accomplishment as they pass from one level to the next.
General Class Structure
Self-defense techniques
Self-defense theory
Self-defense routines (set, situational, exploratory)
Other training methods as required.
I do not like to spend my students time doing non-martial arts related exercises so general warm-ups are brief. More often than not, I begin with reviewing techniques while training in stances. This approach, I find, sets the martial tone for the class and allows me to teach more, and entertain more questions.
You will work hard but you will have fun.
Sparring, Tournaments and Other Exhibitions
Sparring
No beginner or intermediate students can spar – period. One must first learn control and develop their fighting style before any kind of sparring can be entertained. For those who feel that the only way to know if their techniques work is to spar – do not sign up to be my student.
I do not invest time and energy in developing my student’s style so they can revert to some rudimentary form of punch-kick self-defense. Style takes time to be ingrained in one’s system. However, because I teach practical movements, students are able to defend themselves much earlier and more effectively than in other schools.
Tournaments
I do not teach tournament fighting martial arts.
Other Exhibitions
I believe, as many of the older masters do, in keeping my martial arts very low profile and not to display them for show. I do not enroll or participate in exhibitions. In any event, it has been my experience that teachers never permit their best moves to be shown in any exhibition. Exhibitions are for show – I do not teach show.
Having said all this – I have nothing against those schools who participate in these activities. These are my personal preferences passed down from the values of those teachers who most influenced my art.
Important Information
Cost for Regular Classes
$60 per month - FIRST MONTH IS $40.
Cost for Private Instruction
Variable - set according to your needs and requirements.
Location
Ecole JMC
5919 Henri Bourassa ouest
Ville Saint Laurent, Qc
H4R 1B7, Canada
Metro: Cote Vertu, then take the 215 bus for about 10 mins. The bus stops
right at the school. Link: 215 bus
Driving: 15 North to Marcel-Lauren; Marcel-Lauren to Henri-Bourassa (turn
left);continue for 1 minute and the school will be on the right - parking available
in the lot or on the side street just after the school. Link: Mapquest
It is not as central as downtown, but it is well worth the extra 20 minutes
travel time.
Date and Time
Saturday
9:30 to 10:30 - advanced beginners
10:30 to 12:00 - beginners
Sunday
9:30 to 11:00 - beginners
11:15 to 12:15 - advanced beginners
Beginners may attend beginners classes;
Advanced beginners may attend any classes.
Equipment
Uniforms are not required at this time, but loose clothing is recommended (expected). Modest and appropriate dress is expected so as to maintain a high level of decorum. No spandex or muscle shirts.
Registration Process
To may register by signing up to this blog and sending me an email informing me of your intention to start training
-or-
You may just come to class and start training.
First Class is Free
The first class is for us to evaluate each other to see if we can work together to develop your martial arts/self-defense skill. If we agree to continue to work together then payment will be due at the beginning of the next class. (Excluding Private Instruction).
Please Read and Understand
Very Important - Regular Classes:
If you have not paid the monthly fee, you cannot participate in any class.
I reserve the right to refuse to teach anyone without having to give any reason. If you have been refused as a student and have paid your monthly fee, either:
1- Prior to or immediately after the first session – I will refund you the full amount.
2- Anytime after the first session – I will refund you the portion of your money that remains for outstanding courses (i.e. if you trained half the month then you get the remaining half of your money back).
3- I will not refund tuition for classes missed.
4- All requests to withdraw from the course may be made in person at the class - No email submissions will be accepted – or acknowledged.
I do not discriminate for any reason whatsoever.
This is not a macho environment. Women are welcome to register.
If you have any questions please email me at coach@theselfdefensecoach.com
Best Regards,
Troy Marquis, BA, A Sc.
Sifu
Tai-Mar Kung Fu Self-Defense
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
