Garry Kasparov

I was listening to CBC Radio One this week and had the opportunity to hear Garry Kasparov debate how the west should deal with Putin's Russia. Isolation or engagement?

I have always been a proponent of dialogue to solve problems but I found myself to be drawn to Kasparov's argument that “It's not about isolating Russia. It's about isolating Putin's regime, which is a dangerous virus. You don't engage the virus. It needs to be contained.”

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Garry Kasparov. He has always been a man I admire because of his prowess behind the chessboard, but it is his work as an outspoken activist for human rights where he really earns my respect as one of my living heroes.

Garry Kasparov obviously has a deep love and passion for his Russian homeland. Despite the personal danger a man like him faces for standing up to a man like Putin, Kasparov continues to actively campaign against the Putin regime.

Agree with him or not, it is impossible not be be inspired by a man like Garry Kasparov.

“More and more people in my country recognise the dangers of having their governors appointed by Putin and having no influence in parliament because Parliament today is also following instructions from Kremlin and no longer represents its people.” - Gary Kasparov (b. 1963)

Dad

Changes in my life have allowed me the opportunity to spend more time with my parents this past year. I have been very independent of my parents for my entire adult life but this past year has reinforced for me just how much I owe them. I wouldn’t be even close to the person I am today if it were not for my parents’ influence.

My dad’s wisdom has always resonated with me. He is a man of few words but when he does speak, those few words speak volumes. My dad turned me on to Charlie Chaplin, Gordie Howe, and taking risks. He showed me that a simple life is a good life. My dad taught me to appreciate what I have and to cherish it because life is short. I wish I had spent more time talking with my dad.

“Come again when you can’t stay so long.” - Dad (b. 1931)

The Road We Travel

How different my life would be today if I had never studied kung fu. The benefits have been infinite and I shudder to think about how different I would be without the art in my life.

I had the opportunity today to connect with Keshia Thomas. I remember the first time I saw the photo that made her famous and being completely humbled by her actions. I could not help but imagine what a better world we would have if we all had the courage of Keshia. She has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember and because of kung fu, she is now in my life’s sphere.

Keshia Thomas, Rahul Bharti, Dave McNeill, Margie Hilbig, Stan Lee, Mark Chan, Brian Macdonald, Julia Butterfly Hill, Tom Callos, Joe Lewis, Ron Van Clief, the list goes on. How blessed I am to have had the opportunity to meet such amazing people.

“A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality.” - Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)

Are You Not Entertained?

There is a reason why kung fu took so long to be shared with westerners. Patience and quiet reflection are not common attributes in this part of the world. We want our information delivered quickly and we want it to arrive in small sound bites. We do not have the discipline or patience to absorb the minute details, we just want the highlights so we can move on to something else that has grabbed our attention. This cultural attitude is conducive to learning techniques but not to mastering a system. It takes an extraordinary person to earn a black belt. Unfortunately anyone can get a black belt but there is no greater accomplishment than earning one.

I think we all start on the path to black belt for similar, altruistic reasons: we want more discipline, more control, more peace, etc. At the beginning everything is new and the changes one experiences are palpable. Every lesson spawns a new enlightenment and endless stimulation. Over time we start to take our newfound skill and character for granted, and motivation becomes more difficult. While finding excuses to quit are never difficult, remembering the benefits of continuing becomes a laborious task.

There are no shortcuts to black belt. I know this first hand as I have tried them all. Yes, learning new techniques is infinitely more entertaining and motivating than mastering old ones. It only takes a moment to be reminded of why we started on the path to mastery in the first place. Taking that moment is often the difference between extraordinary and ordinary.

“Don’t just read the easy stuff. You may be entertained by it, but you will never grow from it.” - Jim Rohn (1930 - 2009)