6th Wave

We have had to make some changes at our school to address the sixth wave of the pandemic. We launched our endemic plan a few months ago but the current situation here, on the third year of the current pandemic, is the worst it has ever been.

The real problem we are facing right now has been endemic throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Suspending all restrictions during a significant infection wave of a three year pandemic is why we are here. The problem is lack of leadership. This lack of leadership though is no longer the fault of the UCP government, that fault lies squarely on each of our shoulders. 

We all have the right to forgo masks and isolation at the expense of every vulnerable and immune-compromised citizen. Unfortunately we also have the right to suspend the use of common sense:

• People not considering the incubation period of COVID-19 before the onset of symptoms. 
• People not understanding that they are contagious for two days prior to showing symptoms. 
• People not understanding the limitations of a rapid test and the likelihood of testing negative, despite being symptomatic, for days before finally getting a positive confirmation of COVID. 

All of those factors are fueling the current pandemic wave because people are not isolating after a known exposure. The majority of us are waiting until the onset of symptoms or worse yet, a positive rapid test confirmation before isolating. Under those conditions, you have already spread the virus before you even knew you were infected. You’re closing the barn door after the cows have got out.

“Common sense is not so common.” - Voltaire (1694 - 1778)

SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP

We’re going on to the third year of the COVID pandemic, Quebec has started a new wave of infections, Ontario’s waste water analysis is also indicating an imminent surge, and there are still people who do not seem to understand the seriousness of the situation. 

There is a lot emotion that goes into a person’s world view. The main weapon we have at our disposal in controlling those emotions is knowledge and understanding. We have the power of reasoning available to us and the intellect, for the most part, to understand the concepts of cause and effect, as well as the ability to reason out that freedom and rights come with significant responsibility.

My personal belief is that government mandates are never going to be effective unless there is a zero tolerance approach to enforcement. We can argue all we want about whether or not a mandated measure is effective but the argument has absolutely no merit unless the mandated measures are implemented completely and then the resulting data proves them effective or ineffective. If we are not following the mandates, there is no way to prove, one way or another, the validity of the strategy. Unfortunately for the minority who absolutely refuse to comply with any mandate unless they are not personally inconvenienced by it, they can keep fueling this pandemic indefinitely and continue to argue that the mandates are not effective despite the fact that it is their personal actions that are guaranteeing the failure of any mandate.

We will never be at the point where we can rely upon everyone to pull together in a unified, logical strategy. To be clear, when I say logical, I am talking about strategies based upon science and common sense, not strategies based upon emotions. Politics, personal agendas, and illogical paradigms will continue to divide us and continue to be used to promote personal benefit over what is best for our community and society as a whole.

No leadership or strategy is going to benefit everyone equally. Compromise is the only way we can progress together. Unfortunately for the privileged few, compromise tends not to be in their vocabulary.

We are letting politicians decide medical strategies. We are ignoring healthcare professionals and doing our own “research” on the internet. This is why we have entered the third year of a global pandemic with no end in sight.

“Make sure your worst enemy is not living between your own two ears...”  ― Nitya Prakash (b. 1988)

Investing in Karma

Everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes are an inevitable byproduct of effort and growth. Some mistakes are stupid but if our intent is positive and pure, they are nevertheless honest.

The word Karma literally translates as action. Many believe that our actions are reciprocated so a positive action will return positivity. A negative action will return negativity. For many the concept of Karma is spiritual, almost magical. For me, Karma is just common sense.

Every action has a consequence. My action that intentionally causes harm will in turn cause harm to myself - if only for the guilt that accompanies such actions. Likewise kind actions produce ripples of kindness that continue to spread and multiply, eventually coming back to me.

I continually invest in Karma. I know my actions have consequences and I know those consequences affect the world that I am part of. I try to be the change I want to see in the world.

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” - Wayne Dyer (1940 - 2015)

ACTS OF JERKINESS

Probably the most important requirement to earn a black belt in my school is the Acts of Kindness requirement. Every black belt candidate must record at least one thousand acts of kindness in the year. I stress the ‘record’ aspect of the requirement.

I don’t think anyone can argue the value and purpose of performing an act of kindness to earn a black belt. Humbleness and empathy are important attributes for a person looking to earn recognition for their fighting ability. As a martial artist, I am not interested in feeding anyone’s ego or narcissistic attitude. Knowledge with humility is what I value.

Despite the obvious value of such a requirement, I get a lot of questions and even objections about the recording aspect of the requirement. “I do dozens of kind acts everyday. Why would I write them all down?” Is the most common argument against recording each act. Sometimes the value of something may seem so obvious that people do not delve deeper into the depth of that value.

Perhaps if I changed the requirement from recording ‘Acts of Kindness’ to recording ‘Acts of Jerkiness’, I would generate deeper understanding and appreciation for the potential of the requirement. For me acts of kindness are easy, just like they are for everyone else. Most of us are naturally kind. However when I started recording my acts of kindness, I became much more mindful and aware of the kind acts I was doing but more importantly, I began noticing a lot of opportunities to be even more kind that I had been missing.

Maybe if I kept closer track of all the times in a day I am actually being somewhat of a jerk, I would become more kind. Sometimes focusing on the negative helps us eliminate the negatives to make our lives more positive.

Master and mediocrity, kindness and jerkiness. Two sides of the same coins

. Where you find one, you will find the other. The Yin and the Yang.

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” —The 14th Dalai Lama (b. 1935)

Doomed

When this pandemic hit us over a year ago, despite having many months to prepare for the inevitable, our provincial leadership was scrambling to adopt measures and protocols to limit the spread of the virus. After floundering for weeks while we watched the virus spread, the government finally acted. Hospital visitation was curtailed, senior care facilities were locked down, and schools were closed along with non-essential businesses.

Fast forward a year. 

Today, while we battle the third and most intense wave of the pandemic, hospital visitation is curtailed, senior care facilities are locked down, but schools are wide open along with most non-essential businesses. Despite our healthcare system being stressed to the max and the pandemic raging worse than ever, feel free to get your tattoos finished and your hair styled, but don’t even think about trying to get your 90 year old father’s 85 year old sister in for a visit with him one more time before his dementia robs him of his final memories of her.

Priorities. We sure have them straight. If it is not about my wallet, it does not rate in this province.

 

“We shall be better prepared for the future if we see how terrible, how doomed the present is.” — Iris Murdoch (1919 - 1999)

SRKF Break-A-Thon

 

After “What is your tuition?”, the most common question I am asked by parents of prospective students is “Are there any fundraising requirements?” Neither question is ideal because without any frame of reference, the answer is totally irrelevant. 

Tuition is relative. You get what you pay for. If you do not know what you are getting before asking the price, what is the purpose of the question? When you purchase a car your price range for the same model can span thousands of dollars depending upon the options you want. Why would martial arts be any different?

Fundraising is also relative. Many activities for children come with fundraising requirements. It is a way for a lot of organizations to supplement tuition so that they can quote you a lower price for tuition that is then made up for with fundraising responsibilities. Fundamentally, the fundraising question is asked to help qualify the first question about tuition. 

Fundraising at Silent River Kung Fu is not about tuition supplementation. In fact, it is not even about money. Fundraising at SRKF is about responsibility but not financial responsibility. It is about social responsibility. 

Silent River Kung Fu teaches kung fu as a traditional martial art. This means we teach martial arts the way they were meant to be taught. Our intelligent curriculum is a reflection of our values and those values transcend fighting and physical self defence. Of course our students learn to become good fighters but more importantly, they learn to become more cognizant and engaged human beings. 

Learning kung fu is empowering. Students are taught to recognize what power their words, influence, and actions wield.  That power must be tempered with a sense of humility and responsibility. Borrowing a phrase from my mentor Tom Callos, Silent River Kung Fu students are taught to take their kung fu out of the kwoon and into the world. 

Once a year Silent River Kung Fu students engage in an optional fund-raising project. This year’s fundraising project will be a Break-A-Thon where SRKF students will solicit pledges for breaking boards to raise money for charity and, more importantly, raise awareness of issues that affect us all.

This year the money raised through the Silent River Benevolent Foundation will go to support the Northern Lights Wolf Centre, the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS), and Rahul Bharti whose tireless work is so important for the homeless of Katmandu. 

The work that the Northern Lights Wolf Centre does to draw attention of the importance of wolves as a keystone species highlights the power of a single action. Killing wolves and removing them from an ecosystem has produced devastating consequences for the entire system. Reintroducing them back into an ecosystem has reversed those consequences by returning balance to the environment. Every action and every inaction each comes with a consequence - good or bad. 

Many instructors and students of Silent River Kung Fu have adopted their pets through the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society. SCARS is a no-kill organization that rescues animals in need and finds suitable homes for them. It has been said that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she treats animals. Empathy and compassion are two of the most important attributes of a real martial artist. 

Rahul Bharti has dedicated a lot of his life to helping people less fortunate than us. Rahul does not accept donations for his projects unless you are directly engaged with his work. He recognizes that money is not going to change anything but the awareness that we create can change the world.

“ He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” - Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

Karma and the Ant

I was reminded about the importance of mindfulness and the value of journaling a couple of months ago. 

A friend of mine recalled a story I had told her that I had almost completely forgot about. A few years ago I met my someone for lunch in a park. We spent our lunch hour together and then headed back to our respective workplaces. When I got back to work I noticed an ant had hitchhiked with me on my lunch utensils. I was on the fifth floor of the building and I did not want to kill the ant. I also knew that it was not a simple matter of just releasing him into the wild. He would not survive if he could not get back to his colony a couple of kilometers away. So I packed my ant into one of my lunch containers and he spent the afternoon with me at work. When I was finished for my day, my ant and I hopped back on my motorcycle and returned to the park where my lunch date had taken place. I found the exact spot where I had eaten and I released the ant into his home habitat. I remember the day very well now that I was reminded of it and it makes me smile and lifts my spirit. 

When it comes to positivity and happiness, karma generated by an act like that is gold to someone like me. But if the act fades into obscurity, the value to me is greatly diminished. Sure the ant still benefitted from the situation but my benefit was almost gone until my friend reminded me of the incident.

Mindfulness allows one to reflect before reacting and make positive choices. It is so easy to make the correct choice and then forget about the value of the decision when the stress of life gets in the way. Journaling is a fantastic tool that allows one to draw positivity from past experiences to retune perspective and reset attitude. 

“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue” - Buddha (563 BC - 483 BC)

Connecting Beyond Project

Social isolation is a tough but necessary strategy if we are going to stop the exponential spread of COVID-19. While many of us are complaining about being bored at home, more vulnerable members of our community are trapped in the same situation without access to a computer. Without basic equipment our students cannot access their lessons, our seniors cannot see their families, and our underprivileged cannot access the resources they need to care for their families. Their isolation is almost absolute.

Silent River Kung Fu’s Connecting Beyond Project is about helping everyone stay engaged during these times of forced isolation by providing the resources necessary to stay connected while maintaining social isolation. If you have a spare working computer, iPad, or other device that you are able to donate to help bring some of our more vulnerable closer to their families, their school, and the support they need, please contact Silent River Kung Fu to arrange the pickup and disinfection of your device. We are coordinating with other resources and organizations in Stony Plain to ensure they will get to the people who need them the most.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” - Dr. Seuss (1904 - 1991)

It's About Us

The ‘me first’ attitude that prevails when our society talks about money is a big reason why we continue to expect to make our living at the expense of the underprivileged and the environment. I know the majority of people I see out there equate socialism as being one step away from communism and see it as nothing but an excuse for a free handout. Yet at the same time they are cool with our government giving billions away to subsidize corporations. These same corporations fund the politicians who are giving them the free handouts so I totally get why the politicians are doing it. What I don’t understand is why those of us who are not getting the free handout are also cool with what our politicians are doing - especially when you consider how loud the public outcry is if the government dare consider sending some funding to the poor to help them get a foothold.

I am now seeing the same ‘me first’ attitude when people talk about the coronavirus - moron politicians included. People are complaining about the inconvenience of the looming pandemic and can’t understand why it is such a big deal when so few people are dying of it.

They are missing the point. A lot of sick and immune-compromised people are dying from it - an awful lot. Trying to control the outbreak is not about you, it is about us. If we all pull together to avoid getting infected, we will save countless lives of people who do not have our immune system and who are already battling other ailments. It is no different when it comes to getting your annual flu shot. It is not all about you and preventing you from getting sick - it is about the others who will also get exposed if you get sick and who cannot afford to take on that battle.

“Our hearts clearly see our own interests but they are completely blind to other people’s interests.” - Bangambiki Habyarimana

So This Just Happened . . . .

I teach my students the importance of recognizing opportunities and getting the most out them when they present themselves . . . .

Thanks to my teacher, Master Brian Macdonald, one of the biggest influences in my kung fu life was Grand Master Stan Lee. Before passing away in 2003, the kindness and generosity he showed me changed my life. In the relatively short time our lives intersected, Grand Master Lee certified my black belt and continued to promote me, giving me a lineage of which I am intensely proud. I was a nobody but he had nothing but time and advice for me. He showed me the true meaning of humility.

Last night I had the unbelievable privilege to have Grand Master Stan’s top student teach at my school. I had always said that Sifu Ben Ma’s Hung Gar is the best I have ever seen. Having him teach at my school was a surreal, mind blowing experience of inspiration. Sifu Ben’s skill in Hung Gar and Tai Chi Mantis at 68 years old is something to behold. Like his Sifu, Grand Master Lee, Sifu Ben is amazingly generous with his time and knowledge.

As last night progressed, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Even sixteen years after his death, I continue to benefit from Grandmaster Lee’s kindness and generosity. I am so thankful for the opportunities that conspired to have our paths cross so many years ago and which ultimately brought Sifu Ben Ma into my life today.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” - William Arthur Ward (1921 - 1994)

Level the Playing Field

We are all the same. No matter our race or religion, we are basically the same. Our values, despite what the extremists on either side of an issue may say, are all the same. Being the same is not the equivalent of being equal.

Being caucasian and born in Canada, I have won the lottery. Through no fault or merit of my own, I was born in the best country on the planet and am not a visible minority. I have never known hunger, persecution, or real fear. This is not the case for much of the world’s population. For most of the planet, the second they enter the world, they are literally fighting for their survival. Food, shelter, safety, everything I take for granted, are not so easy for most people.

It’s easy to say “no free rides” and insist that everyone earn their own way. What is not easy is recognizing that we all do not enter the world on a level playing field. Recognizing the fact that none of us had done anything to earn our birthright goes a long way in empathizing with the dire situation much of the world’s population find themselves in. Wanting a better life for your family is an inherent wish for all mankind. For some of us this is not even a concern because of the luck of your birth location.

We are all the same but we don’t all have the same advantages.

“Safety should be a birthright” - Clemantine Wamariya (b. 1968)

What He Said

Christmas

I find myself wondering what Christmas is. From all appearances, it is a festival of capitalism in all its glory with very little to do with the Christian faith.

Looking at the world today I see billionaire ‘Christian’ politicians promoting hate and intolerance while their foreign policies produce war, famine, to ensure that their own personal financial interests are reinforced. At the same time, people I respect, are celebrating their ‘Christian’ faith at the same time they are speaking out against helping the refugees they have helped produce by supporting nationalistic rhetoric. When did Christmas become such a mess? I don’t know but it has always been like this during my lifetime.

Christmas should be about peace, tolerance, and good will. Shame on us.

“Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.” - Dr. Suess (1904 - 1991)

Pandamonium 2018

In my opinion, we just completed the best Pandamonium Silent River Kung fu has ever held. $15,000 going to five charities, an eight lion Chinese Lion Dance performed by sixteen rookie lion dancers, and  spectacular engagement by an unbelievable team.

Tonight I am grateful for the community we have built and the dedication by so many to realize a vision shared by us all.

“The way to change the world is through individual responsibility and taking local action in your own community.” - Jeff Bridges (b. 1949)

Kind-Act-A-Thon

My school launched it’s annual Kind-Act-A-Thon fundraiser this week. Acts of kindness are not the first thing the general public typically associates with kung fu, but I can’t think of anything more important when it comes to developing a complete martial artist. With that I must stress that there is a difference between being a martial artist and just being someone who practices the martial arts.

Over the past ten or fifteen years I have witnessed a shift in why people are looking to get themselves or their children in the martial arts. It seems people are more focused on weaponizing themselves and their family than they are on building character, compassion, and confidence. I remember a time when every martial arts instructor believed that if everyone studied the martial arts, we would have no crime or wars. Today’s more popular claim is: “If you don’t have a good ground game, your martial art is a joke.”

Let’s reclaim what it means to be a martial artist. Lead by example, reflect before reacting, help others, and stay humble.

“When people ask me about what I learned from martial arts, I don't talk about favorite punches or kicks, or about fights won or lost. I talk about learning self-discipline, about ethics and manners and benevolence and fairness.”- Jonathan Maberry (b. 1958)

Yesterday

Yesterday was a good day. My day started out with a signup of a past student’s daughter for my Lil Leopard program. It sure brought home how long I have been doing this. I am teaching the daughter of one of my students who was a child when I taught her. Not only is life short, it is fast as heck.

The next part of my day was spent teaching Chinese Lion Dance to a great group of people. It is always encouraging when I see my students improve so much week by week. I am really looking forward to next week’s session.

Midday saw a big turnout for our school’s Pitch In Project. Rotary Park has been good to Silent River Kung Fu over the years so it is always good to be able to give back. As long as Sifu Regier has been organizing this project, this is the first year in a very long time that I have been able to actively participate in the clean up. Nothing can compare to boots on the ground, first hand experience to complete that feeling of satisfaction.

By evening we were able to get some significant landscaping accomplished in our own yard. Lots of digging, hauling, and planting - I have the aches today that attest to the effort.

Our plans to finish our day curled up in front of the hockey game were going great until we got an unexpected visit by a squirrel. I had not realized that our 3rd story screen was not on the window I had opened the day before. One minute left in the third period and suddenly we notice a squirrel watching the game with us. Five of us spent the rest of the third period and two overtime periods trying to get the squirrel safely outside. I don’t know how he evaded all four cats until we noticed him but he is lucky to be alive.

I did learn two things from the experience. One - squirrels are a lot smarter than I thought. This guy had strategies and moves that were adapting to every plan we tried to employ. He was learning as the rampage evolved. And two - squirrels will stop to have a snack, even in the middle of a rampage.

“Fill what’s empty, empty what’s full, and scratch where it itches.” - The Squirrel of Winsor

Acts of Kindness

One of the proudest moments of my teaching career came from a comment one of my students overheard in a restaurant across the street from my school. A couple of senior ladies were at the till to pay for their meal when they were told by the waitress that someone had already paid their bill. One of the senior’s commented “I bet it was one of those kung fu guys across the street. They believe in acts of kindness.”

How great is that? Traditional martial arts are definitely as much about kindness as they are about kicking and punching. The fact that two senior ladies who have never trained in kung fu know this, shows that Silent River Kung Fu’s influence and efforts are being recognized by our community. My responsibility as an educator is to ensure these esoteric values are also recognized and embraced by my students.

The challenge we who train in the traditional martial arts face is not unlike the challenge facing society in general. Many of us make decisions based upon fear and while that is understandable, especially if you feel threatened, it is not always the most logical or productive approach to nullifying a threat. A person who only trains to fight, will only have one option in a conflict. Kung fu teaches empathy and compassion and It teaches us how to physically protect ourselves. It is the strength of our character and our empathy that gives us the option of resolving conflict without violence, and the wisdom to recognize that option exists.

Don’t weaponize yourself or your children out of fear. There are so many other things that are much more likely to harm us than kick or a punch. We all are getting our butts kicked everyday more by our acceptance of mediocrity, our limiting beliefs, our diets, our poor relationship skills, and our indifference. Don’t train to fight. Train to live.

“The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.” - Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969)

Community

Yesterday’s parade was, as always, a welcome reminder of the importance of community. Seeing all the seniors out of their lodges and watching the parade along with the rest of the community warmed my heart. I was concerned that we would miss a lot of them because of the new parade route but it seemed like they were all well represented.

I got to spend part of my day with my nephew too. The parade happened to correspond to his 4th birthday so we got to celebrate that milestone with him drumming with me on the Silent River Kung Fu float. I hope he has good memories that stay with him.

The best example of community was all my students who took part in the parade and helped decorate the float. Every moment each of them volunteered went a long way in brightening the day of everyone they encountered, especially mine. Never underestimate the power of a single act.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia (1924 - 1998)

Infinite Gratitude

Thirty years. Wow. It is hard to believe that it has been that long. I must have only been 4 years old when I started this. Yesterday Silent River Kung Fu was recognized for thirty years of service in Stony Plain. Thirty years may be behind me on this journey but never once was I alone.

I am surrounded and supported by people who are passionate about what we do. I have black belts working side by side with me who inspire me everyday with their dedication to the art as well as their ability to keep their family first and foremost in their priorities while maintaining a high level of engagement in their kung fu. Recognizing how our decisions about our own training affect those who look up to us is one of the most powerful self defence gifts we can give our children.

We are living in a time where the term martial arts is being applied in ways it was never intended to be used. The definition has become so narrowed that the value of training in the martial arts has been reduced to how this or that would work on the street. I am grateful for those in my life who are able to connect the dots and recognize that weaponizing yourself or your children is not a responsible or logical approach to self defence nor has this approach ever been the main focus of traditional martial arts.

“The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” - Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957)

Engagement

Engagement is a word that I throw around an awful lot. As an instructor it is my job to inspire and motivate my students so that they are engaged in applying their lessons. When it comes to philanthropic work, charitable engagement is the difference between writing a cheque to give to someone to help someone else, and directly helping someone yourself.

I met a man named Rahul Bharti around ten years ago through one of my black belts. Rahul is a guy who lives in Nepal and spends a lot of his time helping the homeless of Kathmandu. Rahul's feedings are major events in Kathmandu, and are often the only meals some of these people will see in a week. What stood out about Rahul for me was how he approaches donations. When my black belt decided to not purchase the new laptop she was saving up for so that she could donate the money to fund one of Rahul's feedings, it was not good enough for Rahul. He wanted Lacie to actually participate in the feeding. That experience continues to inspire Lacie to this day. Her charitable work in our community and throughout the world is beyond compare. Rahul gave her first hand experience that removed the abstraction of poverty that shields most of us living in the west, and inspired Lacie by showing her the power of a single act.

"We must not see any person as an abstraction. Instead, we must see every person as a universe with its own secrets, with its own treasures, with its own sources of anguish, and with some measure of triumph." - Elie Wiesel (1928 - 2016)