Foundation and Fundamentals

Reminder to self, try not to Jog before going down for MMA, otherwise, I will suffer like crazy. haha.

Well, went for my first training and I must say, it was fun. Got back the HIGH I used to have again.
Now, my focus will be training on Foundation, Foundation and more Foundation. For example, my muscle strength and endurance, my stretching, and Techniques. It was really fun, throwing people around, and being thrown too. haha. So, if you are interested, let me know, then we can go together.

Speaking of Foundation, I would like to take this time to also talk about the final year examination which ALL of my students are taking.

I am worried for all of you. BUT, I am sure that you all will get good results if you just follow what we told you when we trained you (or for that matters, remembered what we taught you! :P)

But nonetheless, I would like to just STRESS on one major point. WORK ON YOUR FOUNDATIONS for all the subjects. This will be the deciding factor on whether you can do well or not. There is no use to work on your TYS or PYPs without knowing how to do it right the first place. And while practise makes perfect, PRACTISE WRONGLY MAKES PERFECT WRONG (My personal phrase to all my students). So, get it clear what you are doing first, know the fundamentals and foundations well, and you would not have much problems for your Exam.

Same offer goes out to you! EMAIL ME, should you have any problems. Only about 80 days more to GO!

BE GREAT!
Ken Koh Seng Kiang

Ken Koh Seng Kiang is the Co-Trainer and Consultant of the highly successful Super Teens Holiday Camp and Smart Kid Training workshop. He has positively impacted the lives and personally coached over 10,000 students from Singapore, Malaysia, China and Indonesia. Ken is one of the rare few in Singapore to be personally trained and coached by Dr Ernest Wong. For more information, please visit www.learningmastery.com.

My New Old Hobby

Good day to all again.

Basically, am here to update you on what is going on in my life recently.

First of all, through the working with and follow ups I have been conducting recently, I have uncovered something really simple and yet powerful for you to be able to get better results, and have a clear idea as to what to study for the Exam. Am really happy excited about it (HAHAHA). And if you like, I will keep you posted about the progress of this through email. I am arranging to run a 1 day program during the Sep holidays if you are interested. So, if you are interested, email me your contact first. So, I can update you accordingly.

(NOTE: Only for past graduates of Super Teens for now. For those already taking the OASIS class, don't worry about this first, I will schedule this portion into your training.)

Next, personal life. Recently, am up and about training my own fitness. So, in a week, you would find me in the gym 3 times, and also running at least two short distance (around 2-4 km) and one long distance (ard 15 km). Basically, preparing for my half marathon run in Aug. (Come to think of it, I have yet to register for the run! haha. I better do it soon.)

On top of WHICH, I am going to join MARTIAL ARTS training. Or Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiujitsu training to be more specific. Well, this is an OLD hobby which I had, and I have made it NEW again, by picking it up again. My recent joke with my close friends now is, I am reliving my youth and teens years again. haha.

So, for those who may be interested, let me know! The training school is a shophouse near Clarke Quay. We can train together, spar and exchange pointers. :) Same, email me.

Well, that's about it for now. :)

BTW, for those who have difficulties with your studies, must still email me! I will see what I can do to help.

Cheers!
Ken

More Indo Pics. :) Sorry for the slight delay.

Just got the CD of Photos. So here are more pics. :)

Mass Hysteria...haha

Photographer Quick Draw...

And from the Planet of the Apes...

Hmmmm...What's going on over there,

Michelle Wang Sleep Walking And Smiling

Spartans!!! ARHHH RHU!!!

Lucky Richard...surround by the many beautiful girls.

WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Pics...POSE...hehehe. :P

Left out these pics which I posed with Dickson and one with Peter. Taken by my Boss while we were in SBY. haha.

Kungfu Panda Vs Tai Lung

What you looking at???

That looks painful for Dickson...

Muay Thai Pose...Basically, I was already shaking...haha

Three Musketeers...

How You Love Your Other Half Is How You Love Yourself

Recently, a strange idea got me really excited and I sort of came up to this phrase "How you love your other half is how you love yourself". It is just my thoughts and I would like to ask for some comments and feedback. So, please feel free to voice your opinions here. Thanks first!

Okay, here I go.

Many of us have experienced this before, or have "committed" such an act before in our lives. When we are interested in a certain person of the opposite sex, we start to treat the person really well, taking care of the person's needs, being really sensitive to the other person's moods, almost all the time. It usually happens during the dating period.

BUT then, things start to change once you become attached. You think that you are treating your other half the "same" way, but your other half starts and keeps complaining about you, gets upset at you for small little things that you didn't do, and you two end up fighting or having cold war. Sounds familiar?

Well, for most of the people I know, it seems to be the case. And recently, I thought about it and in my own opinion, the reason is because, you have started to treat the other half as part of you, and therefore, you treat the other person the way you usually do to yourself.

Yes, it may sound alittle crazy, but let me do my best to explain to you what I mean.

Before you are attached, you are two separate entities, and you do your best to please the other person (at least for most people). You would even do things which you never thought that you would do. You would even do things which you would never even do for yourself! It is quite normal. You are "in love" and the chemical reactions in your brain sort of make you do all those crazy things.

BUT when you get attached together, things change. Things sort of stagnate alittle, and you are not as "romantic" as you were during dating. Reason, I feel, is because, you feel that your other half is a part of you, or is YOU (whether consciously or unconsciously). And because of this, you don't do those "special" things for your other half anymore, BECAUSE, you don't do those "special" things to yourself in the first place.

To make things easier to understand, maybe this would help.

A person who always hurt himself would end up hurting his other half.
A person who is stingy with herself would usually be stingy when it comes to her other half.
A person who has no drive for a better life would not have high expectations of the other half.
A person who cannot love him/herself, can never love his/her other half.

And the same goes for people who usually have a relationship that works out wonderfully.

A person who splurges on himself would usually be able to splurge on the other half.
A person who is able to spend time with himself is usually able to spend time with the other half.
A person who is able to be open to herself about feelings and emotions is usually able to be as open to the other half.
A person who is able to love him/herself, can truly love his/her other half.

(Please pardon me if this sounds confusing. I am just voicing this out here, haphazardly. So please help me by providing comments. I want to clear this in my head too. :S It is a strong feeling that I am onto something really big here, and I want to get it right.)

This is usually the case, or rather, this IS THE CASE for everyone. Before we are in a relationship, we treat the other person as different, and that the other person has a different expectations. So, during "courtship" and dating, we change and adjust to match to that expectations.

BUT, when we become attached, Two Becomes One...or rather, Two Becomes YOU. And that is when, if you don't see this fact, the problem arises. You start to treat the other person the same way you treat yourself. You start to thing that, that person's expectation is actually your expectation of yourself. You start to treat that person the same way you treat yourself, thinking that person will not mind (and boy, are you wrong about that!).

That is when the challenges of relationship come about. And unless you are able to resolve this part, the problems will just keep mounting.

So what's the solution for this? My suggestion is, rather than working on the relationship, the focus of work should be on ourselves instead. The "war" is not with the External world (your other half), but rather is in the Internal world.

Do you truly care about yourself? Do you truly take good care of your own wellbeing? Do you feel good about yourself? Are you honest with yourself? Are you open to your emotions, whether negative or positive? Do you accept yourself, your strengths and weaknesses? Do you love yourself?

When was the last time you even had a conversation with yourself ABOUT yourself?

Your answers to the above question will determine the sort of relationship you will have.

If you truly care about yourself, your health and takes care of your own wellbeing, you would be able to take care of your other half's health and wellbeing.
If you feel good about yourself, you would be able to feel good about your other half.
If you are honest with yourself, you would be able to be honest to your other half.
If you are open to your own emotions, you would be able to be open to your other half about emotions.
If you are able to accept yourself, strengths and weaknesses, you would be able to accept your other half, strengths and weaknesses.
If you are able to love yourself, you would be able to love your other half.
If you are able to have a close, heart to heart conversation with yourself about yourself, you would be able to have a close, heart to heart converstaion with your other half.

I came to realise that whether a relationship works out or not, it is a choice of whether you want to work on yourself first, and never on what you can work on the other person. It is a choice whether you are willing to take responsibilities and take charge of yourself, and not on the other person. It is YOU first, before the other. You are the cause.

So, if you are always in a relationship where you get hurt, or where there are huge problems, it is because of YOU and only you. You created those problems.

BUT, if you are having a fulfilling relationship with your other half now, good for you! It is also because you have CREATED the results.

It is all you.

So my last question to you is this, when is the last time you have had a honest conversation, about your own life, about your own future, about your own happiness, about your feelings, with YOURSELF?

Regards,
Ken

(Pardon me too, if there are any spelling errors or grammar. So I can amend.)

What's Happening To Our Future Gens II?

Recently, I read this interesting book called Tipping Point (Yes, it was published a long time ago and I just read it recently. :P) and there was a chapter about Smoking and it being "contagious" amongst Teens. So, I decide to do a Repost of what I wrote two years back as I hope it gives you some insights on how to avoid this terrible habit that is destroying our next generation

In recent weeks, articles have popped up on this topic of "Online sex for sale", "Sex with underaged", etc. This has really set me thinking, "Sigh, what is wrong with society now?" As I get wiser (I choose not to use the word older. :P), I seem to read more and more problems arising from the younger generation. Problems like, smoking/drinking on the rise, abortion and unwanted pregnancy is up, drugs, suicides, and not, underaged sex for sale. Seriously, what is wrong? Is it the government's fault again? (Uusually when something bad happens, the government gets the blame first) Is it the parent's fault? (Parents take second place) Teachers? Society? (another of the "I get blamed first group") TV (AH, another chart topper)? Peers?

Frankly, I do not have the answers. I believe none has. I guess everything plays a part in making matters worse. So, does this mean that all is gone? That our country is going to slump into a worse state, will our society become like that of E and A countries' where 40% (an rising) of teens pick up drugs, smoking, drinking and other ills at the tender age of 12-14? (ask me privately what E and A country are, mentioning names here may get me into trouble.)

Reading til this point, you may be wondering, "This guy here, is really nuts, trying to be the Saint wanting to help the country." Maybe I am, but hey, doesn't everybody wants the same? To make contributions to this world, in the best possible way he/she can? To live this life with a purpose and sense of accomplishment? Well, I do. I know that I can't do much, but if at least one of you were to listen, I suppose my objective is achieved.

Anyway, back to the topic again. How to help the younger generation then?

There is one area which I believe can truly help. One area which we all can play a part in. Yes, WE, you (who is reading this now) and me. All can play a part. And that is, by being a role model ourselves.

Admit it, we all have come into contact with our younger peers in some part of our lives (for me, it is my line of work some more.). But have you ever thought of what influence you may have on their little minds? NEVER? Then shame on you. The truth is, YOU HAVE INFLUENCE OVER THEM, whether you like it or not, and whether you know them or not.

E.g. Many adults SMOKE on the streets, in their nice looking attires (the lesser the better, showing more flesh), nicely done up hairs that is worth my one month's meal allowance, make up that makes Dulux paint pale in colour comparison, drinking cuppa at joints, looking all sooooo cool. And when the young ones see this, they would want to be like that, sitting there, with the stick between their fingers. This is a suggestion they receive, Smoking equals Coolness. Strange as it may seems, but it is true. And what happens, they just pick up the damned habit. Not knowing why people smoke in the first place. ( I would touch on this in other blogs)

Another example. Going to pubs, disco joints, is seen as being hip and happening for the adults, and this message is conveyed to the youngsters as well. That's why, they are lured into faking their age just to get into Bar N, Devil's Bar, Mdm Wang, Boot Quay, etc. (All name's been changed to avoid lawsuits...). To them, it is the IN-Thing to do. And when they have done it, they feel a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction that they have done something that their peers have not done, something "Adult".

Now, some of you may be thinking, "Hey, I just doing what I enjoy doing, none of their business. They want to follow, is their own business, not mine." True, it is their business, but it is also your business to be such a negative influence to them, whether intentional or unintentional. Remember this, life is like water. With a stone thrown in, ripples will form, and the ripples will affect alot more others, and many times, the ripples will return. Imagine this, you affect the younger generations now, they learn the Cool but Bad stuff from you. Then when you get old, you have kids (the younger than younger generation), who will they learn from? Not you, I am sure, but from those people whom have learnt from you previously. So, does it concern you? I truly think so. Reason many people don't see this, is because, they DON'T think.

So now, choice is up to you. To lead a life where you can truly bring out the best of the younger generation, providing the role model to them? Or lead a frivolous life, drink, smoke, have more sex with different people (and hopefully you get a visit from Syphillis Quek and Aids Lau), do more drugs, and of course, provide the best negative demonstration to them. It is all up to you.

If you have read til this point, Thanks. And to reward you, I would like to Quote a phrase from "Tuesdays With Morrie".

"A teacher effects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stop" - Henry Adam.

In this case, in everyday, you are a teacher...

Back in Singapore. Some random thoughts...I suppose.

Dear friends,

I am finally back in Singapore, after a month away in Indonesia, JKT and SBY. Must say that this was really a fruitful trip for me. Have managed to experienced a lot of wonderful and new things, and fulfilled a personal promise. :)

If I were to reflect on what went on in the past month, well, my thoughts are many. And so, here goes.

About work. The camps went on really smooth and we had a lot of fun during the running of the two Super Teens camps and Smart Kids training.

For Super Teens (JKT), we have broken our record yet again. Last December, the number of students were 275, this year, it was over 310. And we managed to accommodate the students in the same training room, and still managed it well for the entire training.

Really appreciate the efforts of the entire team, Ernest (It's Not How Good You Are), Peter (You Can't See Me), Dickson (Karate Champion), TDW staff and our resources, with particular mention to Richard, Regina, Dea (fabulous!), Lindy (great!), Adeline (finally managed to have longer conversation with her) and Josefine. Without whom, the camp wouldn't have ran so well.

Congrats to ALL! A Job Well Done.

Of course, how could I not mention about the campers. They were great (Of course, initially, some were real rascals, but they changed for the better in the end.:]). All the best Guys and Gals! You are now part of the Super Teens Family. If you need help, I will be here to support. And Sylvia, I will reply your mail about the scholarships information. Thank you for being patient yah. :)

As for ST (SBY), as you can see from the pictures below, we had a night we couldn't forget. :) And thanks to EPM and especially Ibu Eva, it was possible. Now, we even have a ST song! Cool! hahaha.

For Smart Kids, it was really fun working with the young kids. Especially for SK (JKT), where we had a bunch of wonderful kids running around, and they especially liked to tug, pull and hold on to me as if I am a walking amusement park. It was really fun. haha. Still remember the second day when we had a small celebration for Lasari and when I announced that the class has ended, all the Smart Kids were sighing away and reluctant to leave the class. They were simply lovely and sooooo adorable. Gonna miss them all.

Well, of course, there are more about the camps. But, I shall not drag on with the details. If you are interested to know more, mail me.

Now, what happened after all the camps was even more memorable for me. :) Main reason is because I spent a great deal of quality time with my daughter, DD and my friends in Indo.

On Sun, DD's mom helped me to secure a nice room at Mediterania Gardens at a low low rate of just 40 SGD per night. It was clean and nice, with airconditioning, pool view, and HOT WATER. haha. Nice little apartment. I am even contemplating getting one myself. :)

Anyway, afterwhich, I spent the time with DD, had japanese lunch at HACHI HACHI (DD's favourite), then Gelatismo Ice Cream. Then, back to the apartment. Then, Yenny came to join us. So, out of the blue, I decided to COOK. haha. And so, I made three simple dishes. Firstly, for small kids, FRENCH FRIES (initially, I wanted to make Rosti, but, we don't have sour cream PLUS, shredder). Still, Nicole (DD's sister), DD and Yenny enjoyed it nonetheless. Then, I cooked PAK CHOI with Carrots and Oyster sauce. And finally, cooked Baked Beans with Luncheon meat and Onions (childhood dish that my mom used to make for me). And we just had simple fare with rice. Yenny was quite surprised, DD was very Happy, Nicole enjoyed her baked beans with luncheon meat and I was guessing that the Maids were unhappy at me for making a mess of their kitchen. haha. It was fun.

Then, day two (Mon), DD's mom called me up early in the morning to ask if I like to join her to pick up DD from School. Well, initially, I had already planned to pick her up myself, but since she asked, I went along. And boy, was DD happy. She was like grinning from ear to ear, having her Mom and "Daddy" to pick her up. haha. After which, we went down to Mangga Dua (Mango Two) to shop. Oh, not forgetting to mention that I decided to host a Steamboat gathering at my apartment.

So, after Mangga Dua, I went shopping with DD for the food. Managed to gather Sausages, Fish/Beef/Chicken balls, Veges, Golden Pin/Shitake/"Straw" Mushrooms, Baby Corn, Tofu, Beef, Chicken. As for the soup base, as I didn't have enough time, so, just used Corn, Ikan Bilis and Chicken Stock from Maggi. If I prepared early, I would most probably just stew a whole chicken to get the taste. Still the soup was good. Sweetness from the Corn and Savoury taste from the Ikan and Stock. DD's mom was surprised that I didn't use any salt nor sugar. haha. She was impressed.

We had the following happy guests, Fredy, Yenny, Lindy, Susan, Stefanus, Linsy, DD, DD's mom and moi. It was fun, as they ate and watched DVD (L Change The World and 21). Great experience for me. haha

Then, third day, picked up DD, with Taxi. Then, send her back to her apartment, and I returned to mine to shower and change. Got DD's maths text and exercise to see how I can coach her. Must say that Indon's maths is a little more challenging than Singapore's. But, managed to figure my way around, and found out what's the problem. So, next plan is to get a Tutor for DD and coach her properly. Am sure that she will do much better than last year. She can! Then, Josefine joined us, and we went down to TA to meet up with Yenny, Dickson, Yenny and Susan for dinner and Pizza Hut. I even played with Balloons and folded two dogs for them to play with. haha. One of my other hidden (really hidden) talents.

After dinner, drove Yen's car to send Josefine back. WOW, the whole journey took like 30 mins to her place and 20 minutes back. IT WAS REALLY FAR! Couldn't feel my butt after I reached the apartment. So, that's the end of day 3. And I could sense that DD was a little sad, knowing that I was leaving the next day and it was the last night we would see each other for this trip.

Well, that's my daughter for you. :) She is a wonderful girl, and I am sure she will go really far in life. And I will do what I can to support her for success in life. DD, you are the best yah!

And to all my friends in Indo, while we may have to go our separate ways, know that I will miss you all. PLEASE be great in whatever you do, ALWAYS. And our paths will meet again.

Cheers!

More Pics!!! But more of ME!!! hehehe

More pics! of me. haha.

Two poses, and one picture which I edited. Enjoy.

Zhi Lian. hahaha. Self Admiration.

Edited Picture of Lembang

Indon Camp, Night Celebration

This was one of the most interesting and memorable event of the second camp. We had a special BBQ dinner with superb SATE (Chicken meat and Intestines...yum yum), Kebab, Chicken and Bakso.

PLUS we had Karaoke. Even my boss sang (but he will always pull me along, almost lost my voice.) Then, I was asked to sing few songs (I was like the singer of the night. haha. And dedication?) Sang Hokkien Songs, Jiu Gan Tang Buey Boh, Jiu Yue Jiu, Indonesian Song - Kenangan Terindah, and Tong Hua. Oh, also sang It's My Life. hahaha. Macam my own concert. It was fun. The kids in Indon, and the lady boss from Surabaya even came up with a Super Teen Song, with the Tune of "The Band Comes Marching In" (Wonder if this is the actual name of the song. haha) The lyrics goes something like this.

One for All
All For One
Actions has Consequences
Actions has Consequences
SuperTeens Very Dahsyat

One for All
All For One
Actions has Consequences
Actions has Consequences
Tung Desem Very Dahsyat

One for All
All For One
Actions has Consequences
Actions has Consequences
Ernest Wong Very Dahsyat.

Cute right! haha.

Anyway, below are some of the pictures I took (and some muscle pictures of me, haha). Will upload the videos when I downsized them.

Enjoy

WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!!! PARTY!!!!!!

Now for some Ken Ken time.

Alone on the High Beam. Waiting..Waiting... Wonder what would happen if I fall asleep......

More To Come.

PICTURES FROM INDON!!!

First of all! Thanks for all the well wishes. I have recovered from my Diarrhoea and am now back to eating "nonsense" again. haha.

Currently, am staying at Sheraton hotel for Smart Kids Surabaya and the hotel is simply marvelous, only losing to Ritz by a little. :) Enjoying myself here with a bunch of small adorable kids. :) They are SOOOO CUTE. Won't show you the pictures first.

Rather, here are the pictures from the first camp. :) Enjoy.

Diarrhea In Indon.

Dear Friends.

This article continues from the previous of my trip to Indon. As you can see from the title, you would know that I am suffering from food poisoning…SEVERE FOOD POISONING. Basically, think I had too much of A&W and now, paying for it with severe diarrhoea.

On the first night when I reached Surabaya, I had like joints ache and felt lethargic. Still good. It was only until the second night when I was sleeping that the diarrhoea started. And when I said Diarrhoea, I don’t mean semi solid, liquidly stool, BUT, just plain LIQUID. WATER with colour, depending on what I drink or eat. (No Pictures. Hahaha. :P). Whatever that I drank, comes out almost immediately. And I visited the toilet like 15 times in the second night. And throughout the day, the total count was more like 25-30. Talk about breaking record. And I have lost at least 2-4 KGs in just 3 days. Hais. Hope I get well soon. Now, trying all sort of medication, and treatment. The most interesting being, eating RICE and FRIED CHICKEN only, so as to harden the stool. So, please pray for me that I get well soon, otherwise, I will really die from Dehydration soon. Haha. From Kungfu Panda, become, Sick Skinny Lembih Panda now.

BTW, apologies as I can't really upload any photos here. The internet connection here is really horrible. I believe that a 56K modem in Singapore is even better and faster than this so called 3G network. Well, can't blame the network actually. As I am now far away from the city too. Hais.

So, for those wanting to see pics. Apologies. But, you can stay tuned for updates on the colour of my Stool. hehe. :P