Picking up where tragedy left off

I started a new job today. Normally I am very excited to start a new project, but this one is different. A brother Ironworker was killed on this project. This isn't the first time I have been on a job where this has happened. What really bothers me about this one is the utter stupidity and unprofessionalism of the procedres that where directed by this failure of a foreman. Thats the toughest part to absorb. When I think of his wife and two young children left without a father, I can't help but feel sorrow and anger. But these emotions aren't going to bring their father back, some wild curse is not going to fall upon this man and he bursts into flames. The show must go on. Each and everyone of us is going to encounter a similiar event weither we like it or not but the focus should be not on what happened its what can a person do to bring closure and peace to the situation, and what knowledge or helping can be said or done to help others or you get through it. All one can really do is be grateful for who you are and the people around you that make life great and continue cutting your path in life.

Brian Chervenka

Woman and children first??!!

I have observed and often wondered, whatever happened to the gentleman and the common courtesy reflex we all used to be equipped with? Like holding the door for someone, giving up a chair or making room for a woman thats pregnant or with a child or the elderly. I have witnessed on many occasions a lack there of in public and in some rare times even in our kwoon. (mostly from patrons) Letting someone that hasn't been taught or new to driving in the lane and not cutting them off because they have to turn or they might get in front of you. Driving past someone that is stuck or broken down in the dead of winter, with the attitude "well at least its not me" or my favorite "I don't have time" Don't get me wrong there is a lot of people that do help and have respect for others. But unfortunately there are also many that don't. Thats why I'm grateful for my parents and silent river. I have always had a fairly good handle on my morals and respect for others but since I have been training at silent river they have become more refined. The influence and all the efforts from black belts, sihings, and students have done for the public and each other is inspiring and deeply humbling After a while as you train, a person seems to develop a sense of automaticity, you leave the kwoon with the intention to help others and you don't even have to think about. You wake up and carry on throughout your day doing all kinds of the little things and yearn to become and educate yourself on the big things that will help others. You shun from the self entitlment mentality, refrain from being judgemental, and will give up some of your free time to volunteer and help worthy causes. Its like a recharge of happiness and in some cases you are making a difference in someones life that they won't forget. Just another great thing kung fu has done for not only me, but many others.

Brian Chervenka

Year of the Dragon 2012

I am completely in a land I don't usually venture, admitting my accountability, progress, and thoughts publicly. This is definately going to take some getting used to, and alot of hard work and discipline required. I am looking forward to it though, its all very exciting and most importantly, I'll be helping others along the way and giving something back not only to the world but to the school that has already given me so much. I look forward to working with you all and progressing together in our kung fu and goals as a team. One more thing thats really cool is the year, Year of the Dragon, my favorite Bruce Lee movie Enter the Dragon to me is similar shouldn't need much more cool factor than that! See you all soon