Dany de France

Dany de France Tutor Interview

Q. Hi Dany! Could you tell me about yourself?

A. Hello! Yes of course. My name is Daniel, I am 41. I was born in Grasse, the world capital of perfumes Grasse is located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes around 20 km from Cannes and 30 km from Nice. I studied business. I worked in several shops as a salesman and then as Manager in Grasse, Paris (1996-1997) and after in Nice where I lived from 1997 to 2005.

Then I returned to Paris from 2005 to 2012 I worked in a hotel in the quarter of Montmartre. I was also trainer in a martial arts club that I created in 2007/2008. From 2011, I started working as a coach in self-defense, Fitness & Yoga in Paris and then Cannes in 2013. Currently, I live at Shinyurigaoka near Tokyo.

Q.　According to your profile, you have lived many parts of France. Do you have any recommend place to visit France?

A. First, I would say the French Riviera. This is a beautiful area where you can be in the mountains the morning and at the beach the afternoon. In addition, the climate is mild and sunny. Provencal cooking is excellent too. Then of course Paris! this is a beautiful and interesting city :) . It is difficult to get bored. But this is not the same lifestyle in the south… you need to know it.

The area that I prefer is Montmartre, famous for its church “The Sacred Heart” and the film “Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Poulain”. You will find very good grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants …It is the little “village” of Paris. The Moulin Rouge cabaret is located very close to Montmartre in the Pigalle zone.

Q. I'm interested in your physical training with martial arts such as Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do and Self-Defence. What Made you start these training?

A. I started practicing wushu kung fu in 1993 after my military service in Grasse. I was looking for a physical activity. At that moment, I hesitated between kung fu and Aikido. I finally chose the kung fu because the school was close to home. I practiced 3 years and then I went to Paris and I practiced wing chun . After my return to the south, I practiced Viet Vo Dao (Vietnamese martial art) and Kung Fu to Nice for about 4 years. When I started , I quickly interested in the mental and spiritual aspect of martial arts. (“Do” in Japanese or “Tao ” in Chinese). I started reading the books of Bruce Lee. And yes ! few people know but Bruce Lee has been deeply influenced by the Zen ( or Chan in Chinese ). Then I discovered Master Deshimaru who bring Zen from Japan to France and Europe. I have not counted, but I read and re-read more than 10 books about him. I don’t know how it is in Japan, but in France, in martial arts schools, most often they only teach the technical side. Finally, I am also interested for some years to the practice of Katana. (Iaido). I liked the books of Master Takuan (spiritual advisor of the third Shogun Tokugawa …), Miyamoto Musashi and Yamamoto Tsunetomo. (Samouraïs). Besides, in the future i would like to practise in a school Iaido…

Q. You have some characteristic lessons like “YOGA FITNESS & STRETCHING” and “ZEN LIFE COACHING”. First, I’d like to ask about YOGA lesson. How to learn YOGA via Skype? Is there anything to be prepared before?

A. I studied yoga in recent years. It was easy for me because a lot of exercises Yoga are similar to the preparation and recovery exercises of martial arts. To practice Yoga by Skype, the video is essential for the student sees what I do and me, I can see if the exercise is performed. I choose simple exercises adapted to all levels. (beginners, intermediates). It is better to have a yoga mat at home and wear sports clothes or fitness clothes to be able do the movements. Students can also listen soft music (like Chill Out …) during the session to foster relaxement. If the student also learn French, I can correct it during exercises if desired. :) I think the perfect time to practice Yoga, the evening after work, college etc … to eliminate stress.

Q. Okay, I also want to ask about ZEN lesson. Actually, most students don’t know about ZEN at all. What is “ZEN LIFE COACHING” and who is the target students for this lesson?

A. This is a very good question. Zen Life coaching is: “How to improve his life, his mind through the teachings of Zen Masters.” “Become a better person for oneself and for others.” I realized that sometimes my students talk about their daily problems so I can teach them the French and at the same time trying to help them in their difficulties. For example if a student is stressed before an exam, I can give him some advice. Sometimes it is important to have an outside perspective to become aware of his errors. Zen is perfect for this. Finally, I think this lesson is ideal for people who think that something needs to change in his life but what? …

Q. Before we finish, would you like to give our students a message!

A. Yes.
I would encourage them to persevere, to not give up in their learning whatever it is. To become proficient, it takes time, patience and plenty of exercises. Like would say the Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van damme: “step by step”. :) Thank you.

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Dany de France

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