In the Presence of Masters

This week, I had one of those, “so glad I did it”, moments.  On thurs I was still pretty sick and after the kids classes, I had planned to head to Leduc, where I’m staying with my daughter and family.  Then there were not many black belts around for our class, so I hung around to visit and see what was up for the class.  When sifu Freitag said we were going to work on energy again, I decided to stay for class because it didn’t take a lot of physical effort, so I thought I could manage it.

Was I ever glad I stayed. The last half of the class was taught by Master McDonald.  How often does a person get the opportunity to be taught by their instructors instructor?  I felt it was such a priveledge.  For those not there for class, I was so sorry they were missing out.  At one point I found myself zoned out while Master McDonald was talking. I feel bad about that, but I was standing there in absolute awe over being able to take part in this class.  “I’m being taught by Master McDonald”.  At one point in the class, master McDonald came up to Sifu Rybak and myself to give us personal instruction. After our instruction, we both turned and bowed to Master McDonald.  He said to us, “oh now, none of that. And please, call me Brian”.   ?!?!  Say what?  Sifu Rybak thought Sifu Brinker must have felt a shiver on the back of his neck at that very moment. Ha ha!

While driving back on my way to Leduc that night, I thought about the class and the opportunity I have, and that all black belts have, to be taught by a master every single week.  Sifu Brinker has so much valuable knowledge that he shares with us every week. So does Sifu Freitag. I will miss that when I am in BC, but if technology permits, I will still be able to enjoy the black belt classes from a distance.   I know that far too often I take for granted the privileges I have to be taught here, at Silent River Kung Fu, by great knowledgeable, trustworthy, compassionate, caring instructors.

It was a great night Thurs.  It was a wonderful way to end my last week at the school. After each black dragons class, one of the instructors announced that it was my last class there, and that the students should give me a high five before they leave.  We had a few huge group hugs instead, and kids that couldn’t fit in the circle, got separate hugs. It was really awesome!  Then after the black belt class, we had another group hug. That was very special to me.   Silent River Kung Fu and it’s members, will always be special to me.