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I read everyones blog on a regular basis. I don't often comment even when I do have something to say. I'm not sure why, probably because I'm in a hurry. I give myself 15minutes to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the insights of others. If I stop to write something that makes sense and edit it properly it takes time. Not the right approach of course.


I just want to say, I appreciate the time people take to write their thoughts. Sometimes it helps me , sometimes it provokes me to think beyond my world and my goals, sometimes I disagree respectfully but again gives me the opportunity to ponder other perspectives, sometimes I just get a laugh and a chuckle which I think I appreciate the most.

So thanks.

(and yes, this is a lame way of getting out of blogging something insightful but its still sincere!).



JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

In A Fog

I have no rants this week, not even an interesting thought for myself let alone to blog about.

I am not sure why but last week was terrible for training and focus. It started by missing a couple of days of doing anything. No forms, no pushups, no weights or running. Life happens of course, and days like these interfere, however, I couldn't seem to pull myself out of it.

The more I didn't do the more I didn't want to do (sorry grammar police).

It was a slippery slope ...no physical activity made me feel sluggish and down and the result was no motivation to do any physical activity.

The simple solution is to just do it!(thanks Nike).

It was tough, I begrudgingly dragged myself to the gym and forced out a pathetic workout. Just like that the Endorphin release (as the theory goes) put me in a better frame of mind and I felt like I was back in control again.

I still feel like I am in a fog, I don't have alot of drive or focus back yet.

Right now the important thing to do when your in a fog is to keep going, don't stop and assure yourself the fog and lack of focus is only temporary.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

I'll have to Think about it.

I am amazed by people whom are what I call "deep thinkers" or maybe a better description would be philosophical individuals.
I have decided that I am a lazy thinker.
I live in a world where I want answers. Its either black or white, yes or no, wrong or right. Of course I know life is not like this, as a matter of fact it is rarely black or white, more 99% a mass of colors with many circumstances to consider.
Anyways, I listen to the thoughts of others.
Why do I not process thoughts like they do. My brain seems to stop and say thats enough. I have all the information I need to make a decision.

Diving into the deep philosophy world tires me out... Does life have to be that complicated? Do we need to beat the issue, the topic to death? Whats with all the metaphors and riddles?
42 What?...Can you people please get to the point!

Sorry, that was out loud.

This is my brain giving out on me. You see, I manage to push myself physically the extra mile...one more lap, two more pushups, just another rep... but I do not apply this to the old grey matter.

The question is do I need to? Should I start trying to?
If physical activity keeps the body young should not mental activity do the same for the brain?

I have always had enough common sense to get by on but I find myself becoming more opened minded as I age(mature), I am more apt to listen to the "blah blah blah" of my philosophical company where I used to shut them down with a point blank rebuttal ...or maybe I am just getting soft.

I don't know, I guess I'll just have to think about it.


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

What has kung fu done for me?

I hated this question when I tested for my Black Belt. I spent months trying to answer this question in my head and when it came time to express it publicly for the school banquet I completely deviated from my written speech and improvised.

So now the topic has come up again, this time its seems ridiculously easy to reply.

Kung fu hasn't done anything for me...Silent River Kung Fu has done everything for me.

Now before you think I am trying to score points with the big guy, I am seriously not the type to go to that kind of trouble.

The fact is, over the years as many people have found out I practiced a martial art the comments and questions were always the same..."What style do you train in?" "What belt level are you?" ..."Yeah , I tried karate for a while, it was boring after a while" or "Yeah, I was in taekwondo, but the school was all about tournaments" or my favorite" Yeah, I took martial arts a few years ago, but the instructor was weird, he let his pet snake crawl around the floor while we did push ups! I quit after that..."

My point is, its not the particular martial art, its the school supporting the martial art.

I know I am super lucky to have stumbled across Silent River Kung Fu. I did not research the school or the owner or even watch a few classes before joining. I think there are lots of good schools but very few extraordinary schools.

So what is SRKF doing for me. It has reinforced work ethic, discipline to achieve any goal I set my mind to. I have not only learnt empathy for others but now I practice it. It has put me in a global frame of mind and reminds me every week to think outside of my little bubble.

I think it is important to attend on a regular basis because you are given a gentle reminder(and sometimes not so gentle) of these concepts to keep in front of you when you are out dealing with the civilians of your world!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada

Historical, Economical or Political

Edmonton municipal (city centre) airport closure is a local hot topic. This blog may not have an underlying message but as "Bob Layton" from our local radio station says, it may be a good way to vent and say good bye.

I won't get into the debate about why it should or should not be left open. That has been done and obviously the professional presentation to keep the airport alive has not convinced the people who hold the power. I 'm holding back right now because I can think of about ten good reasons it should stay active off the top of my head....however...

This airport has history, for alot of people, for me personally I was 17 years old when I started working at the Edmonton Flying Club as a dispatcher. The building is still there and still looks the same. When I drive by it, I can glimpse back in time when I was a young teen with my first real job. (Yes, I once was a teenager). I went on to refuel and groom the aircraft and then finally apprentice as a mechanic. At that point I left Edmonton to go to school for my apprenticeship.

I did come back to work at different hangars around the airport periodically over the years. Over those past years I have watched the airport go from a vibrant transportation hub, all different sizes of aircraft from commercial, corporate, flying schools and private recreational to a sad neglected quiet field.

I recall, you could finish a hard days work and walk across the street to the local establishments for a beverage and be sure there would be someone to sit down and chat with from the aviation community. The aviation community is a tight one and this airport was a neighborhood and a mutual meeting ground for everyone all over the provinces and territories. There was and is no other place like it.

Of course this is my history, long before me it was a World War II aircraft training post. A walk through the the museum at the airport is well worth your time. Actually, quite amazing what went on a this little airport.

I guess I am one of those people whom are effected by the closure at the heart of the matter.

Its like watching a loved one die a slow and painful death with all her dignity forcefully taken away. You almost wish they would pull the plug and get it over with because you can't bear to see her it this state anymore when you know the inevitable is coming. May be a little over dramatic to others but it is exactly how I feel about it.

I just wish I lived in Edmonton so I could vote next go around!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta ,Canada

Is it Going to be a Bad Day?

Last night I spent 2 1/2 hours working on my blog. I was trying to paste a table in and every time I posted everything shifted and jumbled. Not happy!
I thought fine, I'll put it to draft and move on, no big deal.
This morning my son woke me up at 5am! Ok, so who needs sleep!
Consequently, I did not work out this morning, I forgot to make a healthy lunch. I missed the bus, so alright, I will just drive in today. I was starting to run a little late, starting to get cranky now. Parked the car only to find the meter wasn't dispensing tickets!!aaahhhh!!
Before I accept that its going to be a bad day, I had just read Sifu Davies Blog and how he pointed out the importance of positive thinking.(thats what I got out of it, he's a complex dude!)
So instead, I will special order something healthy from the food court, I will walk up the stairs twice today(I'm on the 11th floor) and go do pushups at lunch time, and most important, make act of kindness a priority today.
This should turn the table...yes?

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Stop the Press!!..whats a press?

Too much bad news, too much shocking news. Its coming fast and its always trying to be more alarming then the day before. I had to catch myself as of late. I was feeling crappy and dismal. I wasn't sure why then I realized life has become increasingly serious in my head. I seem to have lost my sense of humour and sense of hope. Whats wrong with me...(deep sigh)?

Oh wait...could it be the constant bombardment of information that is unethically reported and announced in such a manner as to shock, anger or panic people ? Is it the smiling faces at 6pm that give you the 45 second blurr on whatever pieces of information they could put together in rapid fire succession, just long enough to raise your eyebrows, they smile and tell you tune into the late news edition "we'll keep you posted" (because we care).

So then you say enough of that, off the TV goes, only to find your favorite radio station is following suite. Forget about the Internet, thats 2 hours worth of surfing trying to get all the facts from so many different sources.

What has got me irritated today, is last weeks unfortunate line up of celebrity deaths. I won't go into detail for unless you live in a cave you know all about it. I am just fed up with the feeding frenzy, the lack of compassion, the medias obvious capitalizing on tragic events and to top it off I hear the radio shows that decide they are going to chat it up about "celebrity death pools" and Internet sites (news based) that have already mocked and joked as far and as tasteless as they could take it.

I am digressing from the main point I am trying to make, the "celebrity " frenzy was just a breaking point, the real political, economic and international events , however, I find are reported in much the same manner, is it time to turn off the garbage? but how will I stay informed.

I went looking for some genuine good news , that is hard to find, or maybe it is not reported in the same manner so it doesn't stick out as much, but it is out there.

I do find the BBC seems to report in more of a objective point of view.

I'll keep looking.

The media can manipulate, sway, influence all facets of our lives.

I guess I have a question... why does the biggest influence in our lives seem to go so unaccounted for?

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada