Our Values
I'm Jeff Brinker and this is the PROJECT PORTFOLIO for the martial arts school I founded, Silent River Kung Fu. This project portfolio is a collection of community-based projects my students and I have organized, completed, and recorded. The projects are about taking what we practice in our school and applying it to the world at large. "Out of the kwoon and into the world."
The idea came from one of my friends, Tom Callos. Tom is the designer of some of the world's most interesting martial arts programs, like The Ultimate Black Belt Test and The One Hundred.
At Silent River Kung Fu our training is as much about self defense against indifference and mediocrity as it is about physical attacks. Actions speak louder than words, so our students are encouraged to make a difference by putting their values into action.
"If a picture is worth a 1000 words, then an action is worth 1000 pictures." - Jhoon Rhee
Come back frequently to this page to see how we explore ideas about peace education, environmentalism, sustainability, voluntary simplicity, community activism, and other aspects of self-defense training as taught at Silent River Kung Fu.
Silent River Kung Fu’s Peace Pole Project is a reinforcement of our school’s egalitarian ideals. We are all equal and we all have value. The privilege of Kung Fu does not discriminate. To commemorate our . . .
Wolves play a very important role in the ecosystems in which they live. Since 1995, when wolves were reintroduced to the American West, research has shown that in many places they have helped revitalize . . .
Second Chance Animal Rescue incorporated in 1994 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization. They are dedicated to rescuing, caring for and adopting out homeless dogs and cats into loving and . . .
Not a single one of our children’s class students have lived in a Canada not at war. It is important that they are reminded that while war is not taking place on our soil, children around the world are experiencing . . .
Many of the world’s problems can be solved through education and the key is girls’ education. Atsikana Pa Ulendo (Malawi Girls on the Move) is an initiative co-founded by Canadian teacher Christie . . .
No one can deny the power for example. At Silent River kung fu, we encourage our students to be the change they want to see in the world. In 2013 we put our values into action by becoming the first . . .
The Silent River Benevolent Foundation is a registered non-profit organization setup by Silent River Kung Fu for charitable purposes in the province of Alberta. All of the fundraising efforts from our . . .
Kung fu empowers, and with this power comes responsibility. Silent River Kung Fu’s Pandamonium project is an important aspect of our intelligent curriculum that teaches empathy through raising . . .
If a person embraces mastery for a full year, where they push the boundaries of their limitations, they will evolve mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually into a more engaged, cognizant human . . .
Our dependence on petroleum is causing catastrophic damage to the environment. Plastic is a petroleum product that hits hard at all stages of its life cycle. Major chemicals go into the production of plastics . . .
Our students support and participate in The Ultimate Black Belt Test’s partnership with the Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization to help out the poor in Greensboro, Alabama. This . . .
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 . . .
Rahul Bharti is an accomplished Nuad Phaen Boran teacher who lives in Kathmandu, Nepal. While he is famous worldwide for his teaching and practice of Thai Massage through The Healing Hands Centre that . . .
The Lorax by Dr. Suess is a great book that raises environmental awareness. It keeps its tone simple and fun, yet it makes a very powerful statement. Our Lorax Project is based on this book, and uses . . .
No matter who we are or what stage of life we are at, eventually we will be senior citizens who need assistance. Our team has adopted community seniors’ driveways and sidewalks, keeping them clear of . . .
Our healing project is named after the Chinese bodhisattva associated with compassion, Kwan Yin, who is regarded by the Chinese as the goddess of mercy. Kwan Yin is ashortened form of . . .