Silent River Kung Fu Hall Of Fame
The Pioneers
Master Brian Macdonald Induction
Silent River Kung Fu has been blessed throughout the years by many caring and inspiring individuals who have had a major impact in helping us to grow into the organization we are today - an organization that has produced quality black belts, numerous Western Canadian Champions, and one of the most successful kung fu schools in the province.
Silent River Kung Fu is proud to recognize one of the most influential marital artists in Western Canada. This is a man who not only exemplifies discipline and respect, but who has also been an exceptional ambassador of the martial arts in Western Canada.
Master Brian Macdonald began his martial arts career in 1967 in the Simon Karate system, known later as Simon Kung Fu. For the past forty years Sigung Macdonald has continued to train under various masters and his career has included many notable highlights:
- By 1969, Brian Macdonald had 2 schools of his own while he was still training at Simon’s. One at the Edmonton City Police headquarters and another at the University of Alberta.
- In the Summer of 1970, Brian traveled with Grand Master Olaf Simon and competed in Edmund Parker’s Internationals in Long Beach, California.
- Brian organized the first Canadian Collegiate Karate Championships in 1971, bringing together for the first time all three rival schools in Edmonton in a very friendly competition. What was remarkable about this event is because of Brian Macdonald’s diplomacy skills, this tournament included students of Olaf Simon, Bob Sapine and Frank Lee who were all fierce rivals at that time.
- Brian studied under Master Frank Lee, his most influential mentor, from 1973 to 1986 and was one of Frank’s longest serving students.
- Brian reunited with his ex-wife Master Margie Hilbig in training from 1988 to 1996. Through officiating in numerous tournaments, Brian reestablished a number of martial arts friendships and helped Margie choose martial artists to be recognized by her through subsequent promotions.
- Master Macdonald began training with me in 1994 and was one of the board of examiners that certified my Black Belt through Master Margie Hilbig, Grand Master Stan Lee and the Canadian Ging Wu Kung Fu Martial Arts Association. I have been training exclusively with Master Macdonald since he left Master Hilbig’s organization in January 1996.
- Master Macdonald has continued to train through various masters including Masters Ben Mah, Mark Chan, and the late Grandmaster Stan Lee.
Master Brian Macdonald has been the biggest influence on my martial arts career and the ongoing inspiration he has provided has led Silent River Kung Fu into becoming the organization it has become. I often think of that fateful day in 1994 when I met him for the first time and how my life has changed and evolved because of that defining moment. I am proud to introduce my instructor, my friend, Master Brian Macdonald as the first martial arts pioneer inductee in the Silent River Kung Fu Hall of Fame.
Sifu Jeff Brinker
February 4, 2006 - Year of the Dog
