Calgary, AB Canada : Energy Lake System of Martial Arts

**kohadril** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 11:47am

1200 may not be as expensive as BJJ, but BJJ doesn't usually make you sign up for a year. That's a substantial difference. And the pseudo-philosophical bullshit is intolerable; from their "Name Origin" page:

The earth holds within itself the body of the lake

Nurturing, and cradling it like that of a mother holding her child

Looking upon it, I wondered if the reflection went down to the dark depths of its soul

And as the light of the sun heated the lake, it transformed the reflection and ascended it towards the heavens

And as the the suns energy was blocked by clouds, clouds of all those who had looked before, it transformed again and fearlessly descended towards earth

Separate drops, undistinguished from each other, joining to form a welcomed union

And as the thunder gave way to silence and the sun broke through the clouds the lake now gently rippling caused the reflection to look older

But as time returned the lake to its original calm the reflection started to look young again, only wiser

That's a god awful poem. Have I said, on this site, how much I loathe the shitty writing of those who believe themselves profound? I mean, I'm no fucking genius, but at least I don't walk around thinking that I'm deep and spiritual because I write bad free-verse nature poetry.

Couldn't the guy at least have handed it to a fucking editor before posting it? The grammatical errors should be embarrassing even if the author doesn't realize how pretentious it is.

Unfortunately, I have to agree that not much has been done to establish this place as bullshido. Though I look forward to a significant investigation.

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 11:57am

Originally Posted by kohadril

Unfortunately, I have to agree that not much has been done to establish this place as bullshido. Though I look forward to a significant investigation.

My curiosity has been piqued.

The blurb about learning for three years at Energy Martial Arts then opening Energy Martial arts is confounding.

**kohadril** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 11:58am

Originally Posted by It is Fake

My curiosity has been piqued.

The blurb about learning for three years at Energy Martial Arts then opening Energy Martial arts is confounding.

If you need any help, independent verification of e-mails or something like that, let me know by PM or in this thread.

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 12:01pm

Originally Posted by kohadril

If you need any help, independent verification of e-mails or something like that, let me know by PM or in this thread.

I will.

It smacks of a falling out and I'll start my own studio.

Energy Lake Kung-Fu Studios in Etobicoke, Ontario is where he studied.

He then opens The Energy Lake System of Martial Arts 8 years later.

Yet, he was teaching in three?

**Ronin.74** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 1:40pm

I didn't see a single redeeming thing on that website. I was really impressed with the "History" page.

"1988 - Gary Lee Braniff started training at Energy Lake Kung-Fu Studios in Etobicoke, Ontario.

1991 - Moved to Calgary to become an Instructor.

1996 - Started The Energy Lake System of Martial Arts."

Usually most Kung Fu based arts have a history that stretches back quite a bit farther than 1991, even if they're bullshit. I agree with It Is Fake, it screams falling out. Does anybody have any idea what system of CMA they are claiming to teach?

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 1:44pm

Originally Posted by Ronin.74

I didn't see a single redeeming thing on that website. I was really impressed with the "History" page.

"1988 - Gary Lee Braniff started training at Energy Lake Kung-Fu Studios in Etobicoke, Ontario.

1991 - Moved to Calgary to become an Instructor.

1996 - Started The Energy Lake System of Martial Arts."

Usually most Kung Fu based arts have a history that stretches back quite a bit farther than 1991, even if they're bullshit. I agree with It Is Fake, it screams falling out. Does anybody have any idea what system of CMA they are claiming to teach?

That's what I'm trying to find out.

I mean that BB level form, regardless of style, isn't what I expected.

**chaosexmachina** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 2:17pm

I've seen ads around town for this place. Never checked it out, but it does look a little suspect.

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 6/08/2007 3:19pm

Okey dokey here we go.

I have emails out to four individuals as of right now. A little digging has turned up a big clusterfuck in the Kempo lineage that is very interesting. It technically has no bearing on this thread so I'll decide later where to put it if at all.

Yes, I know it is mean but it would be off topic.

Braniff claims to have become an instructor in 1991 after training at Energy Lake Kung Fu Studios.

Brian Leishman is said to be the owner of this school at the time period.
This is his current website.
http://www.whitelotussystem.com/

There are two students who trained under Brian that I contacted. I also have contacted Braniff himself.