Schools Out !!!

Tuesday June 28 was the last day of school for the students in the town of Onoway and with that as of Monday June 27 was also the last day of classes at the Onoway Silent River Kung Fu School for the summer. I know that classes will resume again in September when school starts again but as always it is still a sad time for me. As a Sihing and an instructor at the Onoway School I have been given the privilege to be able to guide and watched as each of the student’s progress in the martial arts, and I am thankful to be part of there journey. We have a great group of students out at Onoway and they all have made excellent progress this year. I wish them a happy and safe summer and will await their return in the fall. In the meantime while I wait for the Onoway classes to start up again, I will be spending my new found free time out at the Stony Plain Kwoon helping out and continuing my training there. (I hope to see some of the Onoway students training there also)

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Boot Camp

By now, if you have been reading any of the other Silent River UBBT members that have blogged about the wonderful day they had at Boot Camp 2011, you will have noticed a centralized theme. That we all had a great time pushing our selves too and beyond our limits, and are very grateful, thankful to all the Sifu’s and our teammates that made such a great day possible.

Thanks everyone.

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Skidoosh!

Like everyone else, boot camp was the big event for me this week. I went in feeling pretty sorry for myself as I did not break my boards as hoped the night before. As always it was a challenging day and I had no choice but to think about the task at hand. Anyone who has attended boot camp knows that high you get at the end of the day after the run and the group is standing together, it's an amazing feeling. Most people never get to experience the kind of camaraderie you feel after going through something like boot camp together- it's really something special. I left feeling much more at peace with myself and with a more positive outlook on the board breaking. My confidence is still pretty shaky but I hope over the month until my next opportunity I can rebuild that and put twice the work in that I did before, I will try to see this as a chance to get better rather than a failure.

This was the third boot camp that I have attended and I felt that it was the most physically challenging one yet, and the most rewarding. I had no choice but to drop my feeling sorry for myself attitude and work my butt off with a great group of people that supported and inspired me all day. Thanks to everyone who was there and the Sifus who took the time to put together such a great experience.

Andrea Prince

Boot camp...and team work

As I'm sure everyone of us will blog this week, its my turn to comment on our saturday endeavor. In a nutshell, my butt still hurts, and when I was getting ready to run this morning, my legs were definitely questioning my sanity:) That being said, it was a great time, hard of course, but at the end of the day, I am proud of what we all accomplished together. And it WAS together. Everybody cheered on everyone else, all of our efforts were celebrated from the fastest to the slowest. Each of us pushed ourselves and knew the rest of the team was there to catch or celebrate, whatever the case may be. And I wish more people would experience that in their kungfu journey. I know I just floated through for a couple of years;  being in the early morning class has helped me find a small group to connect with.(We are very few.....hint hint early risers!!) But I had never felt that connected to the kwoon until I started the I Ho Chaun class and fitness class. Both are very good at bringing people together, making us into the team or family Master Brinker is always telling us we are. It is the "extras" outside of class that have made all the difference. Who knows? I may even try San Sou some day:)

B is for BOOT CAMP!

Saturday was our Kwoon's annual boot camp, an event that I look forward to every year even though I know that the next day the only body part that won't hurt are my eyelashes. So why do I look forward for such a torturous event? Let me explain....

First of all, boot camp is filled with seminars that are jam packed with both fun and learning. I get to experience new things that I wouldn't otherwise. Where else can one learn about meditation, Tai Chi, weapons, Sanda, and George St. Pierre conditioning all in one day?

Next the team Spirit is astounding. We are all there to learn, to grow, to have fun, and to support each other. It's easy to have that Spirit when the Sifus leading the seminars are not only well-knowledged on the topic, but are very passionate about it and they too like to have fun. A day with a great bunch of like-minds.

Even though the day is long and tiring, we are well cared for as we are given breaks and good food. Meditation feeds our energy and soul, the remote location feeds our Spirit, and the challenges feeds our self-worth and well-being.

Now a day full of fun, learning, and growing would not be complete without everyone's *ahem* favorite event: the fitness test and 2K run. Personally, I'm not wild about the event based on previous performances, or more accurately, lack thereof. However this year I decided to be unattached to my results. I was just going to do the events and see what happens. I did have one goal and that was to run the whole 2K, something I have not done in the past. This year I completed all of the events including the 2K run. To top it all, when I checked my fitness rankings when I got home, I was SHOCKED when I saw how good my results were. I am still in disbelief.

Lastly, even though my muscles were wildly threatening strike action, the aches and pains pale in comparison to the amount of pride and accomplishment I felt (and still do) at the end of the day. Words truly cannot describe the feeling when we all come together to celebrate our completion of boot camp.

Thank you to Sifu Brinker and all of the Sifus for making Boot Camp 2011 an amazing event. Thank you to my Boot Camp team mates for your Spirit (both self and team), your commitment, your inspiration, and your enthusiasm as you all made the day a day to remember.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Testing Your Limits

I had a great opportunity to participate in our annual "boot camp" this past Saturday and had a tremendous time.  Throughout the day I was concerned about how much fuel I would have left for the two and a half hour physical test, at the end of the day going into the evening.  To my surprise, my numbers were still strong, relatively speaking.  I learned a lot about myself going through this process and I am proud of the accomplishment.  The team concept has been engrained into me from participating in team sports for my entire life.  With this in mind, the highlight of my day was the motivation and energy surrounding the entire team of students and sifus, throughout the physical testing.  The synergy and encouragement was strong.  Congratulations to all of my team mates, and thank you to all of the sifus who made this day exceptional!

Allan Gamble
Student Member
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Aww Shucks

A couple of months ago, I was paid a compliment. A student told me that I was a calm person.

It is something that I continue to keep in front of me. While a lot of people may not see that as much of a compliment, it says something to me about my approach to Kung Fu. While I worry sometimes about the example I set, something as simple this lays it all out for me.

Boot camp yesterday was great too. I love being able to take part, as I learn something new every time I am there. Also, the enthusiasm of all the students is contagious, and re-ignites my passion. It is awesome to see the sense of accomplishment that everyone has at the end of the day. And the rain held off until our 2 km run was over.

I am still contemplating my Kung Fu, and what I bring to the school, however after yesterday and my compliment, things are pretty clear.

Reality

I am really struggling to meet my physical requirements this week. I feel strong and capable but I am having a hard time getting going. I know that the success that I felt so far has been because of my hard work and committment but even that is not pushing me out the door. I have tons of excuses running through my head right but that is all they are, excuses. I am searching for a solution and the only one that is obvious to me right now is to put my shoes on and go for a run. (insert whiny voice...I just don't feel like it!) Well, too bad! This is where the rubber meets the road, literally and figuratively. I am off to run this weirdness out of my head.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
Robyn Kichko
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, AB, Canada

Wealthy

Being wealthy is something that I have wanted since forever and have been striving towards that goal. However, what is the definition of wealth? We, as a society, have been patterned to think that being wealthy equates having a bank account that's bursting at the seams from all of the money it contains. Not so as that describes monetary wealth, which can be a section of wealth. So then, what is wealth?

I discovered this definition of wealth taken from the course "Wealth Beyond Reason" by Bob Doyle. "Wealth is living the life you desire in abundance and joy." Wow, there is no mention of money in the equation. Abundance can mean anything from health to food to friends to feeling great to signs of packratitis. A great find at a thrift store brings about feeling of both joy and abundance. An amazing training session can also bring those same feelings and the list goes on. Definitely a different perspective of wealth than the implied wealth = money definition.

Does this mean that I will cease striving for wealth? Not at all. I consider myself to be wealthy in a lot of areas of my life and I want to spread that feeling of wealth to all of the areas of my life. Why wouldn't I? Good question. Now for the question to be kept front and center: what do I desire? Some answers are simple, some take some thinking, and some I haven't got a clue. The latter is where the heart seeking begins.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

confessions

A couple of weeks ago we were asked in sihing class if we knew what was the one thing we needed to work on; what we were weak in. When some of us didnt put up our hands immediantly, it was mentioned perhaps we needed to think about it and figure it out. I was one, but part of the reason my hand didnt jump up was I have a list of things I need work on, and couldnt say which was the number one:) I know I have ALOT to learn and do before I am ready to test;( will I ever really BE ready?) One thing that HAS impressed itself on me is that I am very...close mouthed, I guess, about things that bother me or that I need help with. Partly, because I know we're expected to figure things out ourselves, so I dont want to cheat. Also, others are busy with things they are trying to do, and unless I know they have the time I dont want to interrupt their practice. Dont want to insult my instructors or make them look bad by asking for help elsewhere. Hmm, what else? I'm terrified to spar sometimes--getting better, but not great. I'm afraid to break down in front of anyone especially when sparring. (Only my partner or parents have seen me break down for any reason, and even my parents not much!) Sihing class freaks me out still...
Bottom line, I am a basket case,lol, but I rarely EVER will let you know. I am trying to change; I do still show up for sihing class, I try to spar when I can. I will try ask more often for help. A work in progress I am....as we all are:)

Technique

We always talk about technique being the most important base to our kung fu before speed, accuracy and realism. This week I've had to go back to the basics- technique. I failed to break my boards at the tournament (due to lack of good technique) so this Friday is my opportunity. I have been practicing my breaking sequence over and over focusing on crane stance, chambering my side kick, foot position and connecting my hips into my kicks. I feel better about the techniques every day, I just hope my nerves don't get the best of me on Friday.

My training partner and I got some good advice on how to improve our time for the shuttle run- surprise! it's technique! By changing my technique for the shuttle run I took 20 seconds off my previous time, which is HUGE! It's amazing how many hurdles I have overcome that I never thought I would. I will continue to work on technique and I'm looking forward to the challenge of boot camp this weekend.

Andrea Prince

26.5 Hour Day

I'm not sure why but it seems like most of my posts lately have been a bit "how you say" negative. I think its because of all the things that are going on in my life right now. It does'nt seem like the days are long enough and I feel like to devote 2.5 hours to my training everyday, I need to extend the days to 26.5 hours. It's when I decide to write my blog that these thoughts enter my brain. I am sure that all the other Sihings that are planning on grading this year have the same thoughts, fears and doubts. However, this does lead to a positive. the positive is we are able to go on this journey together and are therefore not alone. We have a really close group that is there to support each other, to pick each other up and to definately give us a push when we need it. Thanks guys, I feel a lot better now.

Kevin Lindstrom
Student UBBT Member
UBBT 8
Silent River Kung Fu
Onoway, Alberta, Canada

I'm doing it!

I am beginning to see the results of my hard work and it is a pretty amazing feeling. I keep whispering to myself,"I did this!" and "I'm doing it!". I am completely in awe of the obstacles that I have over come lately. It is one thing to have someone tell you how you need to change in order to take it to the next level, but it is quite another to understand that change and how to make it happen. It is an amazing thing when it happens. I am enjoying figuring these things out and enjoying the results when I do.
Each time that I have a break through, I get so excited and then I go back to working hard and trying to figure something else out. I am totally loving the process right now. It seems to happen the same each time; I chose something to improve, I try to work it out on my own, ask for advice from my mentors, get frustrated because I feel like I am never going to figure it out, ask more questions, and then I get it. I know that as long as I work hard, the results will come. I am looking forward to the next obstacle and all it's challenges.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
Robyn Kichko
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, AB, Canada

Renovations

This weekend marked the start of our annual Kwoon Renovations. We started the renovations early this year because of the massive amount of tiling work that we want to get done, so we are doing what we can on the weekends when Sihing Lindstrom (our tiling expert and leader of this years renovations) is available to be able complete them on time. 

I look forward to these renovations every year. It is a time when I can renew my sense of belonging to Silent River Kung Fu not just as a student but as a family member. When I am there working in the Kwoon, I don’t look at it as I am fixing up a building, I look at it as making my home better. It is just the feeling I get when I am there doing something to make it better for everyone. It allows me to reconnect with myself and with my Kung Fu. 

I would like to thank Sifu Brinker for allowing us to have this opportunity again this year, and implore everyone from Silent River not to let this opportunity slip past them.

Training is not just about punches and kicks

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada 

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Positive Twist

There is one activity in Kung Fu that I particularly don't like and that is the shuttle run. It's not the activity itself that's so bad, (and I don't care for the activity) it's all of the unpleasant childhood memories that keep rushing back when I see the dreaded hoops partnered with bean bags come out of the equipment room.

Every year in elementary school was the Canada Fitness Test and every year I dreaded it because I was always the slowest, took the longest, and was the most out of shape and I was very embarrassed because of it. And every year the bronze, silver, and gold were out of my reach and yes, embarrassed by that too. Of course one of the activities was the shuttle run and every year I failed at it. Therefore I was a failure at fitness.

I was listening to an interview with Dr. Joe Rubino on self esteem and he said something in particular that stuck with me. He said that everything has a positive to it and if it seems negative, pull out the positive from it and focus on that. A positive with the shuttle run???!!

Fast forward to Wednesday morning class when we did the dreaded shuttle run. I felt not bad running it and my time was 2:08. Somehow I can live with that as I had a feeling it was my best time ever. When I got home I pulled out the black belt criteria and saw that I was 2 seconds from the chart. I also pulled out my boot camp results from a previous few years. Two times I saw were 2:47 and then a 2:24. Hey that's a 16+ second improvement from the last recorded time. I like that. Also I'm only 2 seconds from the chart, it's doable! I feel good about my run and confidence that my times will improve over time.

One thing I can say is that it feels lighter and better to go with the positive spin than with the negative. At least I don't dread the shuttle run as much as before. However, still working on that. Also there are a couple major differences from elementary school (besides I'm older!): I have a plan and executing it and I have a support team. Huge difference to the self esteem.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Motivation

What is your motivation? Why are you here? What is it that causes you to show up to class, day after day, month after month, year after year?

Not everyone has the same wheel driving us. Sometimes, this wheel changes. Personally, I think we need to know what it is that motivates us, what could motivate us, and what we need to motivate us. I know what motivated me when I was 16 no longer applies, and what I use as motivation now never even occurred to me then. This is not necessarily bad, we all change with time as does our thought processes, our personality and of course, our motives.

Additionally, not all of us know truly what it is that motivates us. Or alternatively, what does motivate us may not be working as well as we would like. Maybe, we are not motivated at all, or we are extremely motivated and progressing great. Perhaps its

So, what is it? Do you want to increase your independence, or maybe your conditioning? Maybe its a way to become a strong role model for a child, or maybe your ego is whats driving you?

Now, how far will that motivation get you? Because its true, some motives make it further than others. Some will get you to blue or brown, some to black, others will be endless. Again, keeping in mind things change with time. By the time you get to blue or brown, something can change and all of a sudden you are capable of anything, in regards to your motivation.

The key is to recognize where it is you stand. I've seen a lot, been through a lot, where I can't help but gain motivation or lose motivation, put in a rut or maybe I put myself there, and then I find myself crawling out. Regardless, know where you are at and you will better understand how to get to where you want to go.

Khona Rybak, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta

Doing the right thing!

Where do I start....First off, we were looking for a cat to replace the one that went missing. This is not a cat.....!

There has been a whole lot of discussion in the past years about adding a dog to our family. We did it before, and I just don't think I was ready. Our boys, at the ages of 12 and 7 asked my wife and I if they could get a dog, they searched the SPCA site, rescue animal sites, newspapers..the list goes on. It got to a point where we said to our boys, "Put together a proposal, as to what you boys will do to make this happen". So they did just that, our boys sat us on the deck, this one beautiful morning and presented themselves with dress shirts and ties on, our youngest's was a clip on, their hair was combed. They presented themselves well and proceeded to recite from their clipboards all that they would contribute to make sure that all parties were satisfied if we got a dog. All parties meaning, first off the dog and second the parents.

The presentation was well done, but it was missing a few details. We asked that they take their proposal and include a few things and think about a few situations and give detail as to how they/ we might handle it. They came back, within hours, with answers and a calculator that was just a smoke'n. We (the parents), said, that for the next couple weeks we would assess their behaviour and their diligence in maintaining their regular chores and go from there.

Well our boys knew, as well as we did, that their consistency in getting their regular chores done without being told continually was not to good. Without any further word on the matter, the yearning for a dog had dissipated.

To tell you the truth, I know I wasn't ready. I had my reservations because I wasn't sure if our family could commit to this responsibility...we are already run ragged, I didn't want to be tied down, I didn't want to have to reconstruct my yard and didn't want to have to close everything off from the dog for fear of it destroying our yard... bin there and did that!

So...it's not a CAT! What happened was, we responded to a cat Ad in the local paper (also a dog in the Ad). The elderly owners of this cat and dog, could not longer give the animals the attention that they required, and thought it was best to find homes that would be able to do that. Well my family, minus myself, went over to see the cat (So I thought!) but ironically enough became attached to the dog.

When I saw the looks in the eyes of my family, when they wanted to discuss "Lady", this was the dogs name, I couldn't say no.... I didn't say yes, but there was more discussion. My boys walked down the driveway to the bus that morning with their heads hanging low and their hearts pumping at about 18 beats per second.

My wife and I discussed the situation again and decided that we could make this happen. She made a call and we were going to have the dog before the boys got home from school. It all happened! The dog was at our house, our boys walked up the driveway and could not believe their eyes when they saw the dog in our yard.

Lady adapted very well, other than the cave she dug under my shed the first night. I was less than impressed...and thought what in the world did I just do!

The important lesson that I experienced out of this whole ordeal is that it is not about me...or the cat (we still need to find a cat!). It is about what the dog has done for my family. When I write about mental health and mental fitness, promoting awareness, I consider this act of purchasing this dog part of my way to help my family on a better route to bettering their mental health (me included...I hope!)

What really brought me to writing this entry, was the impact that this dog had on my neighbor. Just quickly... my neighbor is a little older, very kind soul, loves to help people, but has struggles with his health and from what I see, depression. Well, just yesterday my wife was walking our dog and our neighbor was driving towards them, he stopped his car so quickly, jumped out of his car...nearly falling on his face and lunged at our dog and couldn't let go. His eyes were apparently just full of life and joy, when I see and hear what has happen with the presence of our dog in just a few short days, I know I can suck up my poor me attitude and fill a few holes...and a cave!

By the way, I'm not to fond of the name "Lady", I prefer a mans name like "Cowlick", you'd have to see the tuft of hair on the top of her head to understand.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

journalling

During our UBBT meeting, our commitment to journalling was discussed, and it began to impress on me that I need to be journalling more. Our commitment is to journal once a week, which I have been, but if I really want a more accurate record of this journey, closer to daily would be better. I know some days I dont have much to say, but even being aware of when i struggle and just getting the constant mind talk out of my head and on paper helps clear my mind. I always think I'm too busy to write, but if I can fit in pushups and lots of swinging my spear, running my kids around to the 3 million things they do, I could fit that in too. After all, whats one more thing....???

SRKF - Tiger Challenge

There was something for all to take home from this event, the coordinators, the competitors, the spectators and the parents and or competitors. One thing that all have in common, is commitment. All of the above mentioned played a part in making this a successful event.

I see this event as a tool of growth and it should be seen as that from all who committed themselves to this event, in one way or another. There are many ways of viewing growth and achievement from the different people involved. As instructors, coordinators and judges, there is the reward of seeing first hand the advancement, dedication and growth of the students. The competitors are given the opportunity to challenge their past year of hard work and put themselves to test. Part of the achievement which is overlooked by some competitors is just facing and overcoming the fear of performing in front of others, not matter what the outcome of the event this is a huge step and accomplishment for many. The spectators and parents...this should be moment of admiration for all who perform, this could be an event which takes you from the couch and boosts your commitment to exercise and pour a bit more commitment to your health....a tiny nudge to maybe be a training partner.

This was a great event for me this year. I had been dealing with hip and knee issues, which had nearly taken me from performing this year. The struggle with my health issue attacked me both physically and mentally, this last while, I believe it was my mind holding me back more than my physical limitations. There comes that time when a person needs to challenge their mind and body, which is what I did. Being a part of the tournament this year, allowed me to judge, compete and also see a couple members of my family compete. It felt great, it was exactly what I needed.

I feel, the tournament is about personal commitment and challenge, growth, humility, respect, honor, self control, pride, teamwork and hard work.....which was demonstrated by all who played a part, from the unseen to the people in the ring.

Thanks to all the Sifu's and volunteers for their commitment in making this event happen this year! Congratulations to all competitors!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Update on Latest Challenge

I challenged the motorcycle road test last Tuesday, and successfully passed the test. I'm not sure if I had more faith in myself than my neighbor...? You see, my neighbor has his class 6 drivers licence, which was awfully convenient for me, we met at the end of our driveways and he proceeded to follow me into town, like a chauffeur / drivers instructor, so that I could get my bike to town to take the test. When we arrived I said to my neighbor, "I really appreciate what you did, but I will be fine from here, carry on to work and I'll talk to you tonight", he replied, "that's okay I will stay just in case you don't pass..........." I was appreciative and at the same time a little set back. I swallowed my pride, humbled myself and thought..... you're right!

It was funny...thinking back through the test, there were a few times where I said to myself - relax, drop your shoulders, loosen your grip, make yourself comfortable, be extra aware of what's around.....! Sound familiar? I find myself riding the bike with, not a cocky attitude, but with confidence. It's a weird feeling of relaxation and solitude...it's great!

Kung Fu as my way of life, brings another challenge to the fore front.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Our Companion.

We inherited a cat when we purchased the acreage, which we presently reside, her name was 'Missy'. We quickly became part of her family. When she took us in nearly 5 years ago, she was 9 years old. About four days ago, is when we last saw her. She was a faithful old cat, who loved to hunt, at the same time was a bit of a chicken. Every once in a while she would find this playful side and would jump and dart at toys. As far as we know she never roamed very far, so as for where and what happened to her is unknown.

She will be missed by the whole family, because she was just that...a part of our family! She used to join us, when we sat by the fire pit outside...up on her stump! But knew to keep her distance when we ate outside. She had this sharp little meow, more like a bark, it was the get over here a give me some attention meow!

I have never been a big cat lover, but this old girl and I had a bond...maybe because I found myself feeding her when my boys forgot, which made her fell like I was her new servant. It had been this past year or so, that we became close friends. She used to nuzzle up to my feet and rub my legs until I began to repay the attention - then flop on her back. It was those moments where I would get lost in time. There was stress relief, while spending time with her, that I never admitted to feeling.

She is missed.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Treating the Cause, Not the Symptoms

Kung fu has awakened me to many things in my life. One of the things that I can appreciate the most is the awareness of mind and body, mostly my mind. The connection between the mind and body is very complex, but when I came to realize the power of the mind....not understand....but realize, it has made me a lot more aware of how I can work with who I was/am and strive to become a more controlled individual.

Many times I have viewed my personal challenges the wrong way and attempted to correct the symptom and no the cause. Realizing and reassessing the occurrences which circulate my being has allowed me approach many things from a different angle. For that, it has allowed me to be more free mentally and approach certain things with reduced stress and aggravation . In turn, with better success.

I'm still a work in progress, but being more aware of my mind and its power is allowing me to approach life from a more controlled mind set.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Past, Present and Future!

I heard this on the radio, " You can learn more about yourself by looking into your past, than your present!" I find this ironic, because I continue to change and grow in the present, but at the same time I learn about my present from the past. It is so true and weird at the same time!

It is how we deal with our past that reveals who we are and what we are made of. So, if we never challenge ourselves or go beyond the ordinary or beyond our arbitrary limits....how will we ever be able to figure out who we are... our gifts, talent, strengths or weaknesses? How will we be able to correct ourselves and proceed to "Mastery"?

For many years I can say that I never went much beyond mediocrity. I now often wonder what I could have done with myself, if I would have been more aware of this concept as a child or young teen. I wonder how I would have proceeded through school!?

As a father of two boys, I find myself trying to relive my past through them, in many different ways. I'm continually trying to teach them and guide in ways that I wish I had been. My challenge will be to instill this revelation within them; with hope that they push and challenge to become more aware of themselves, so that they do not think that they have lost opportunity once in their adulthood.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Z's

Recording my training this week continues to be a good tool for me. I have decided to narrow my focus as far as practicing techniques and try to get more repetition on one or two techniques rather than trying to cover a bunch. This will help me become more familiar and comfortable with the curriculum. I think this will improve my foot work, which needs a lot of work too.

This weekend some of the Sihings got together and did the run through of the fitness test. We got through it faster this time, but not as fast as we'll need to. At the end of the month we'll do it again at boot camp and we'll be pushed harder and have less rest time. I'm looking forward to the challenge and it's less intimidating than it usually is because we've been doing it once a month.

I've been doing some reading about endurance training and I realized I've totally neglected an important part of my training, getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep helps prevent injury, promote recovery and allows you to train hard. It sounds silly but this is something I need to work on. This week my focus will be on triangle stepping pattern and practicing techniques for my board breaks.

An unexpected vehicle breakdown is making it more challenging to get to class this week, especially with the kids as the only transportation I will have is the motorcycle. We are going to have "class" at home tonight. Happy training everyone.

Andrea Prince

Fitness Test 3

On Sunday, 5 of us went through the black belt fitness test again. Although I did see some improvement in my numbers, I also lost some ground in my other numbers. although I feel good overall, I am very nervous about the day of the actual test. We took around three hours for the test and I'm sure the day of will be a lot quicker which means less recovery time. I feel like I was at the edge of my limits as far as recob=very time went so that tells me I'm not ready yet. The only thing to do is to carry on training hard and continue to improve.

Kevin Lindstrom
Student UBBT Member
UBBT 8
Silent River Kung Fu
Onoway Alberta Canada

Active Listening

I feel that a great characteristic to have as a person is to be a great listener.  We have had several consistent messages from our sifus lately pertaining to the "four phases of kung fu".  The consistent message is we need to focus more on the first phase of kung fu which is "form", or "technique".  This is especially evident in my forms.  When I think of this personally, it is a tremendous opportunity for me.  When practicing or performing forms, my focus has always been demonstrating the aspect of power.  I always consider each technique as crashing through a cement wall.  This has been my comfort zone. 

I need to change this to focus on the first phase which is "form".  I am going to challenge myself starting today to mindfully practice forms focusing on the first phase of kung fu.  The benefits will include centering, flow, quality of moition, effortless movement, and the connection of the six harmonies.  I look foward to the benefits of this direction with my forms practice.  This will align my path in making kung fu an art for me.

I will also listen to the advise from Sifu Brinker on Saturday.  Today I have stopped breaking boards, partially because I have broken all that I have, and also because the advise makes sense to me.  I will focus on the specific techniques within my board breaking sequence.

To keep this front and center for myself, the four phases of kung fu:

Form or technique
Speed and power
Accuracy
Realism

Have a great training week all!!

Allan Gamble

Shift Work and Me

I have worked shift work for my entire career, 22 years, and I think that I have recently begun to figure out how to make it work for me. I have spent most of the time trying to fit into the monday to friday crowd. I have been trying to structure my life to make it as "normal" as everyone else's, or what I thought was normal. Then I tried listening to what my body needed to feel rested and looked after, well, that consisted of sleeping way too much and eating at odd times of the day and night. I have recently (the last couple of years) put myself on a schedule and stuck to it and it is working for me. I work 3 evenings, 3 days and then 3 days off, in a 9 day rotation. I have been getting up at 7:15 am for 6 of those days and then 5:15 am on the 3 day shifts and this has provided the consistency that I had been craving. Of course, I have Kung Fu to thank for this as well. I have been training at the same times consistently for the past couple of years because of my schedule and the desire to have enough time in the day to train. Through this I have discovered a schedule that works best for me and my body. I feel more rested and more looked after than I ever have and I am getting a lot of things accomplished everyday. Not just training but errands and house hold chores as well.
I don't always want to get out of bed at 7:15 am (and sometimes I whine to my friends) when I don't settle until nearly 1:00 am but I feel great when I do. I also am very tired on my third evening shift and actually look forward to getting up at 5:15 am and feeling more normal ( never thought that I would say that!). It is not a perfect system but it is perfect for me. It works for me to start my day around the same time each day and end it as close to the same time as I can each day. I think that I have grown used to the level of tiredness that I tolerate each day and if I stop and think about it too much then I don't get anything done.
I put this out there because I know that there are a lot more people these days that work shift work and I just wanted to say that it is doable, you just have to keep trying stuff.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
Robyn Kichko
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, AB, Canada

Standing still

Don't be afraid
To fall down, we'll pick you up

Don't be afraid
To learn new things, we always will

Don't be afraid
To accept help, because you will grow

Don't be afraid
To always remain a student, there is so much to learn

Don't be afraid
To look deep inside yourself, the truth is there

Don't be afraid
To push past your limits, your soul will thank you

Don't be afraid
To express yourself in the way that is true to you

Don't be afraid
Of change, the other side can be extraordinary

Don't be afraid
Of being weak, strength grows from your weakness

Don't be afraid
Of standing still. Being in the moment is simply incredible.

State of mind

Today we met up today as a UBBT team which was the first meeting I was able to attend for this year. It was a much needed kick in the butt. I've been making to many excuses and letting things slide to much, such as my blogging for about two months. Luckily there is still time to change my mind set to get more out of the UBBT and out of myself plus when people know where I am at and how I am doing they can give those little nudges that I sometimes need.

forgot to mention that I am psyched to start learning to wind surfing tomorrow!

Craig Janzen
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Silent River Kung Fu

Have you ever wanted to climb a mountain?

My answer would be NO. I have a fear of heights; I don’t like the cold much and it seem like to much work, and I am to busy. That would have been my answer before, but not now. Through my training in the martial arts I have learned that all things can be accomplished if you put your mind to it and break it down using incremental progression. So I still don’t want to climb an actual mountain but I am going to climb the equivalent in vertical feet of the highest mountain in Alberta. I know Alberta does not have the highest mountains but since I am an Albertan I thought I should start there and then work my way up. So my goal is to climb Mount Columbia which is 12,294ft high before I grade for black belt on Oct. 8, 2011. I am not sure why I thought of this, I just wanted to add a short time goal to challenge myself a little more. Just something a little extra above what I am already doing. 

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada 

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Gaining Momentum

A group of us have been recording our kung fu training for the month of June.  We have been very focused on our conditioning, and it has become the focal point for our kung fu training.  I am finding that as my conditioning level increases, all aspects of my kung fu training are improving physically and mentally.  Our challenge for June is to record two hours of training per day.  Personally, I am going to strive for three hours per day and will add more endurance and quickness training with more distance running, wind sprints, and the P90X training program.  I am also going to record my daily weight as I seem to be successful when I document what I am doing.  I will strive to be at 175lbs by the end of June and I am starting at 184lbs today.  Daily documenting has helped me a great deal with my physical training, but has not stopped me with stuffing chips in my mouth in the late evening.  Have a great week!

Allan Gamble
Student Member
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Hot Yoga and The Holy Land

For over 6 months, my friend, Krysta, has been pestering me to go with her to hot yoga and Monday I finally caved in and went with her. The Yoga Place has a first time trial of a week unlimited yoga for 20 bucks so I figured why not? The worst that would happen is that I wouldn't like it and I would sweat a lot. To start the week, we went to the noon class that was after my Kung Fu morning class so that any muscle tightness could be worked out at yoga. Also the class we went to was a 60 minute slower class, good for beginners like me. I was warned that the room would be hot and humid and that I would sweat buckets. That's an understatement and considering that I don't like the heat, I'm pretty amazed at myself for lasting the whole class. However I must say that I felt pretty relaxed coming out of class so much in fact that a nap was right up my alley.

The next day three words come to mind: "Holy Release Batman!!" Release in both the physical and mental capacities, something I needed considering that I have decades of tension in my shoulders. Wow. I'm starting to see how hot yoga can supplement my Kung Fu training as well as my chiropractic adjustments. Considering I have a week pass, might as well try a couple more classes and so I did with the next one being after my Wednesday Kung Fu class.

During my day-after-my-first-class day I was reading a Numerology report that I had done on me. Since it's entertaining and I know some of my numbers I wanted to see if this report would match. A tidbit regarding my Soul Urge number caught my eye regarding that my quest for Spirituality indicates that I need to frequent the Holy Land and mysterious places. I mentioned this to Dennis also adding in that I have no urge whatsoever to visit the Holy Land so that part was out to lunch. Dennis suggested that I wait a second and consider that the Holy Land is MY Holy Land not the traditional Holy Land. Yeah, okay, I can dig it, whatever.

Well Wednesday's hot yoga class was good as I survived, sweat buckets and drank enough water to raise the Titanic. During the last few minutes of our class we lie down on our mats to enjoy and remember the peace we feel right now. The teacher said, "take your time and enjoy as this is your Holy Land." I damned near bolted upright. I think Someone is trying to tell me something.

My third class was a 75 minute class and that too went very well and I must say that I am very much enjoying hot yoga and definitely see the benefits. What have I noticed so far besides the Holy Land? Well the family of knots that lived under my right shoulder blade has been evicted and my shoulders feel relaxed (so that's what it's supposed to feel like), my hips are deciding do let go and I feel great. Yes I definitely will be adding hot yoga to my training to supplement my Kung Fu. Thanks Krysta for being such a nag. Namaste.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

More

It's been a week since I started tracking my daily training with a few other members of the UBBT student group. More than anything it's made me realize I need to train more. I find that if I don't have something really specific planned I don't get much done. That is going to be my newest short term goal- to have a specific daily plan for my training rather than just "training".

Today and tomorrow I am taking my first aid and CPR, so although I'd rather be doing something more active it is very productive and it's another step towards grading in October. Some of the Sihings are getting together again this Sunday for a fitness test run through. I am grateful to be part of such a motivated and encouraging group. I will be able to do push ups and timed punches on the heavy bag this time thanks to the Recovery supplement I've been taking. Although I still need to watch how much I do with my upper body it feels so good to even be doing 10 push ups right now. Have a good week everyone!

Andrea Prince

temptation

I thought I'd got beyond collecting things. I do have a few things I like, but I dont collect them just to have. I hate clutter, and I'm always trying to get rid of stuff. That being said, I found out what tempts me yesterday; as I was hemming and hawing about going to boot camp, this years weapon was waved in front of me. Suddenly, I'm signed up and thrilled to death to have a new toy. Now I just have to figure out how to tell my coworker I'm skipping her wedding due to new toys....
Krysta Lowery student ubbt silent river kungfu

Tracking.

For the month of June, a few of us UBBT members are tracking our hours of training and posting them on a blog site. The idea is to see how much time you spend on your training as we should all be putting in 2 hours per day. This should help me focus and ensure that I am putting enough time into my training.

Kevin Lindstrom
Student UBBT Member
UBBT 8
Silent River Kung Fu
Onoway Alberta Canada

Time to turn it up!

Fitness, fitness and more fitness! I love to work out, I enjoy pushing myself and it is time that I did exactly that. It is time to crank it up. There are four months until the black belt grading and I need to be in the best shape of my life, I am ready for that. I think that I am in pretty good shape right now as I have been working hard for the past two years, I know that I can do better. I am going to increase my running in improve my endurance and recovery time, I am going to increase the time I spend on forms to improve the details that I need to pay attention to and I am going to spend more time on techniques with my training partners in order to increase the flow and accuracy. That is my big plan for the next four months.....Crank it up!!
Robyn Kichko
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, AB, Canada

1000 Pushups again

Last week, the advanced kids class asked for homework. I love that they do that, but they caught me off guard so I didn't have any ideas. So I asked the class. And they asked to do 1000 pushups for Monday. That gave them 4 & 1/2 days, myself included to get them done. It's nice as it helps me with my UBBT numbers, and the sense of accomplishment the kids will have is awesome.

We'll see if I can get to 1000 with my wrists, but I sure as heck am going to try! Rock on guys!

Where am I?

Lately I am finding that I am having trouble staying in focus on what I am doing, mostly this happens when I am doing my forms. When I start a form all is well then about 3 or 4 moves into it my mind seams to disengage and starts analyzing that last move, (foot, hands positions, hips, center and so on) while my body keeps going. By the time I pull my mind back into the here and now I’m usually at the end of the form, its like a time warp one minute I am starting the form and the next I am at the end. When this happens my forms go out the window, I am aware of this and have also been told that it is happening.

I had picked the title of my BlogSpot “Where am I? What am I doing?” to remind me to stay focused on my training and to keep me in the moment. I am not sure what happened but I am having trouble staying in the moment and staying focused. My mind wants to pick apart the little things. They are like “Butterflies” and I would like to ring their little necks.

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada

www.silentriverkungfu.com

June is "Go Time"

Hello all,  it is time for me to kick things up a notch as our black belt grading is approaching.  June will definitely be a very productive training month.  We have an internal UBBT challenge to document our training based on a two hour daily requirement.  I look forward to this challenge as it will be great physically and mentally!!  Have fun.

Allan Gamble
Student Member
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta