Inside. Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga and More The Peaceful Dragon For the Contemporary Mind, Body and Spirit. At a Glance

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com February 2015 704-504-8866 Inside Upcoming Events Peaceful Dragon School

Children s Program News Welcome New Students Students of The Month Disciple's

What The Peaceful Dragon Offers Adult Programs Tai Chi Kung Fu Zen Meditation

1 Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga and More The Peaceful Dragon For the Contemporary Mind, Body and Spirit February Inside Upcoming Events Peaceful Dragon School News Did You Know? Children s Program News Welcome New Students Students of The Month Disciple's Forum Students Ask Master Sbarge Holly s Recipe Corner Classifieds At a Glance What The Peaceful Dragon Offers Adult Programs Tai Chi Kung Fu Zen Meditation Yoga Asian Culture and Philosophy 2014 Winner of TWO Charlotte Observer Reader Awards! Best Martial Arts Studio Best Yoga Studio Like us on Facebook: Children s Programs Kung Fu and Leadership Classes Other Services Seminars and Presentations School Field Trips Community Demonstrations Corporate Team Building

Message from Master Eric Sbarge If you follow political news at all you ve heard people speak of the 1% and the 99%, the dependent 47%, the makers and the takers, and so on.

2 Message from Master Eric Sbarge If you follow political news at all you ve heard people speak of the 1% and the 99%, the dependent 47%, the makers and the takers, and so on. In which socio-economic camp do yogis and Zen masters and Shaolin martial artists fit? Traditionally, none of them. Spiritually-inclined aspirants have always remained not above or below, but entirely removed from politics and such debates. But a few perspectives seem common among spiritual aspirants, and they may help inform the views of those of us who must face such matters in our day-to-day lives: We should all work hard to be self-sufficient and not expect anything to be handed to us. Even as we strive to be self-sufficient, we are completely dependent upon our teachers, parents, older brothers and sisters, mentors and others who guide us toward our personal success and progress. There is no shame in taking a handout monks and spiritual recluses have always been dependent on the generosity and helping hand of the giving. But in accepting such a handout, we then have an obligation to contribute something of even greater value back to the giver or to society as a whole. Where you are on the economic or financial spectrum is meaningless. All wealth and material abundance is fleeting, temporary and illusory you can t and won t take it with you. And the small role wealth can play in bringing you happiness in this lifetime pales compared to the happiness and bliss that comes from our spiritual (maybe religious, maybe not) cultivation. If we do acquire any wealth, use it as a tool to benefit others, not as an attachment or trap that inadvertently fuels our own egos. Karma can be unpredictable. Be respectful of the views and plights of those in camps other than yours, because you may someday be in their camp, and they in yours. 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. ~ Steven Wright If you are not a current student of The Peaceful Dragon, there are many ways to improve your mind, body and spirit through the programs available at The Peaceful Dragon. Visit and click on Adult Classes or Children s Classes. You can then register for two Free Introductory Classes and an Introductory Tour. 2

Upcoming Events Festival Demo Practice Monday, February 2 nd, 6:30pm Wednesday, February 4 th, 6:30pm Monday, February 9 th, 6:30pm Wednesday, February 11 th, 6:30pm The upcoming Chinese New Year

3 Upcoming Events Festival Demo Practice Monday, February 2 nd, 6:30pm Wednesday, February 4 th, 6:30pm Monday, February 9 th, 6:30pm Wednesday, February 11 th, 6:30pm The upcoming Chinese New Year Festival is always a great time to show off our traditional arts to the public. For this, we need volunteers willing to participate in the demonstrations that take place on Saturday, February 14 th. To prepare, we have set specific demo practice times, listed above. The final day, Wednesday, February 11 th is a full dress rehearsal, so make sure to bring your dress uniform. Adult Promotional Testing, All Blocks Makeup Day Wednesday, February 11 th, 6:30pm Good luck to all of our testing adults! This is one of two chances per year for all levels of adult students to promote up a block. Please fill out a testing application no later than one week before testing. Applications are available at the front counter. Chinese New Year Festival Saturday, February 14 th, 11:00am-2:00pm The Peaceful Dragon is hosting its 18th annual Chinese New Year's Festival on Saturday, February 14 th, from 11am to 2pm. Admission is just $3 per family, or FREE with a donation of a non-perishable food item for Loaves and Fishes charity. Fun for the entire family, come celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Goat! The festival will begin with the colorful ceremonial Lion Dance and Dragon Dance, said to bring good luck to everyone for the coming year. Then throughout the festival you can enjoy exciting demonstrations of Chinese martial arts and health arts including Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Yoga, and performing arts such as traditional Chinese dance and music. 3

4 Local experts will be on hand to exhibit various Asian arts and cultural practices including feng shui, calligraphy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine. There will be a fun game room for kids, including an obstacle course, plus face painting, arts & crafts and more. Free introductory mini-classes in tai chi, yoga and kung fu will be offered for both children and adults, and there will be special festival-day-only discounts if you re interested in enrolling in The Peaceful Dragon s ongoing classes. Catered Chinese food will be available to purchase for lunch. Here in Charlotte, the Asian population has grown rapidly in recent years and the holiday and its traditions remains an important part of immigrants lives. The Peaceful Dragon's celebration is open to everyone, and is particularly of interest to Americans looking for the chance to discover some of the wonders of authentic and traditional Asian culture. Additional festival highlights include ongoing raffle drawings and door prizes, and FREE shuttle parking. The festivities are all held indoors so the festival takes place rain or shine. Chinese New Year Banquet Saturday, February 21 st, 6:30pm Open to Peaceful Dragon students and their families, this is the most important event of the year at our school. In accord with Wu- De and the customs of a traditional Chinese martial arts and health arts school, this banquet affords our entire kung fu family the chance to welcome the new year together to show support and bring good luck to each other. This always-exciting annual banquet includes Student, Disciple and Teacher-level promotions; special awards ceremonies; live d.j. with dancing and partying; raffle prizes and more. Family and friends are welcome! The banquet dinner will be catered and held this year right here at The Peaceful Dragon, and will include appetizers, multiple entrees, dessert, sake and soft drinks. For additional spirits it s BYOB. Tickets are on sale now at our front counter on a first come, first served basis. Seating is limited and tickets may sell out so don t wait. Last day for purchase is Wednesday, February 18 sorry, no exceptions for latecomers. Adults tickets $40, children 12 and under half price. 4

Fundraiser Workshop: Women s Self-Defense Saturday, March 14 th, 1:00-3:30pm This workshop is one of a series of fundraising workshops to help provide funds for qualified Peaceful Dragon students in

There s a 50% chance you re a female, but even if you re not then your sister, daughter, mother, wife, neighbor or friend surely is and you don t want any of them to risk missing this potentially

5 Fundraiser Workshop: Women s Self-Defense Saturday, March 14 th, 1:00-3:30pm This workshop is one of a series of fundraising workshops to help provide funds for qualified Peaceful Dragon students in need of scholarship assistance. There s a 50% chance you re a female, but even if you re not then your sister, daughter, mother, wife, neighbor or friend surely is and you don t want any of them to risk missing this potentially life-saving training. Led by Master Eric Sbarge and Sifu Carrie Chun, in this workshop you ll learn essential tactics and strategies to develop the awareness to avoid most assaults and confrontations before they occur, and to fight back against assaults or rape attempts should they be unavoidable. Open to all teens and adults. The suggested donation for this fundraiser event is just $29, but you can pay more or less as you wish based on your personal budget. Please register at the front desk by Tuesday, March 10 th. October 2015 China Trip Guilin, China Just one of the amazing places you ll see on our China tour next year! 5

We're excited to announce that our October 2015 China/Taiwan tour is all set and details and Registration Form are now posted on our Events page at http://www.thepeacefuldragon.

6 We're excited to announce that our October 2015 China/Taiwan tour is all set and details and Registration Form are now posted on our Events page at Open to all students, family and friends of The Peaceful Dragon of all ages, this promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tour includes visits to numerous top cultural and historic attractions as well as natural wonders and scenic destinations throughout China and Taiwan. Experience chic Taipei, the magnificent Taroko Gorge on Taiwan s east coast, China s beautiful Guilin River and quaint town of Yangshou, the world-famous Shaolin Temple where our kung fu and Zen practices originated over 1500 years ago, and Western China's bustling metropolis of Chengdu with its famed Panda Research Center, plus more! The itinerary also includes the chance to join daily morning practice in tai chi and kung fu with our own Master Sbarge and teacher-level instructors, plus training with local masters and visits to several spiritually-uplifting temples and monasteries. We hope you can join us for this custom-designed, first-class tour to experience the awe and wonders of China and Taiwan for yourself. If you have any questions contact Master Sbarge, otherwise go ahead and make your reservation early! Walking 10,000 miles of the world is better than reading 10,000 scrolls. ~Chinese Proverb Check out our complete 2015 Special Events Calendar at and mark your own planning calendar now! Please Tell Your Friends and Co-workers about The Peaceful Dragon Referrals are the number one way new students learn about us, and we really appreciate your help with this! 6

7 Equipment Needed for Classes Adults Shaolin Full Sparring Equipment Tai Chi none Kids 4-7 year olds: White Sash and above: Short Stick 8-12 year olds: White Sash and above: Double Short Stick Monthly Classes, Seminars and Discussion Groups Shuai Chiao Grappling Tuesday, February 3, 6:30-8:00pm Open only to Mastery Program students. Leadership Seminar Saturday, February 7, 12:30-1:30pm Topic: Wu-De Martial Arts Virtue and Morality Open only to Leadership Club students. Mastery Roundtable Discussion Tuesday, February 10 8:00-9:00pm Topic: Ancient Confucian Analects, Modern Applications Open only to Mastery Program students. Lecture and Discussion Wednesday, February 18, 8:00pm Topic: Wisdom from the Zen Adages of our Meditation Grandmaster, Venerable Sheng Yen Presented by Master Eric Sbarge. Open to all adult and teen students. Meditation class is cancelled. Yoga Seminar Thursday, February 19, 6:30 Topic: Perfecting Chaturanga Presented by Yogini Mara Healy. Open to all teens and adults: FREE for Peaceful Dragon students, $29 for guests. Note: There will be no regular yoga classes on the evenings of the monthly yoga seminars. Leadership Assistants Saturday, February 28, 11:00am Open only to Leadership Club students. 7

8 Training here has improved my balance, flexibility, and calmness of mind. The Peaceful Dragon feels like a community. Not only are you exercising physically and mentally, but you feel like you belong somewhere special. The instructors have a genuine love of the art. They are dedicated to spreading their knowledge and love of Tai Chi to everyone in class. This is such a wonderful group of genuine people who help each other expand and grow in this art. Every time I go to class, no matter what kind of day I am having, everything melts away, and I leave class feeling refreshed. ~Lindsay Bachner, 28, Tax Accountant, Charlotte, NC Peaceful Dragon School News Winner of Two Reader s Choice Awards from The Charlotte Observer The Peaceful Dragon is honored to have received not one but two Reader s Choice Awards from The Charlotte Observer: Best Martial Arts and Best Yoga Studio. Congratulations to all of our students, family members, volunteers, instructors and staff who together make The Peaceful Dragon such an outstanding place to train together! Send Us Your Event Photos or Short Video Clips If you get some nice shots of Peaceful Dragon events please send them to Holly@thepeacefuldragon.com for display in our newsletter, social media pages and our new upcoming lobby-area TV! FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 2 nd Leo Dunn 24 th Lee Brownbill 9 th Caleb Ingram 25 th Michael Heflin 21 st Rick Towell 28 th James Bryant 8

Did You Know Students of The Peaceful Dragon were honored to be invited to perform for the abbot of China s Shaolin Temple on our last trip there eight years ago in 2007?

9 Did You Know Students of The Peaceful Dragon were honored to be invited to perform for the abbot of China s Shaolin Temple on our last trip there eight years ago in 2007? And then in turn, the temple s senior monks gave a private performance for us! We do our annual student awards and lineage promotions only once a year at our Chinese New Year s banquet? We have had numerous children quit training in their kung fu and fail to earn their Black Sash, but we ve yet to have one student who stuck it out and persevered who has failed to eventually earn the Black Sash? Children s Program News A Message from Mr. George I hope everyone has had a great start in 2015 so far! This month we will also celebrate the Chinese New Year, twice! We're looking forward to see the demonstrations and the lion dances at our big festival. This month, the kids will be concentrating on their self-defense techniques. We always teach the kids those real techniques are only for if someone is trying to kidnap you, and we never use these real techniques on people when we are mad at someone. Self-defense techniques are different from sports sparring. Sports sparring is designed to be within the rules of sportsmanship, i.e. take care of each other, yet be competitive physically to demonstrate who is a better athlete. Therefore we all get geared up so we can minimize any and every accident as much as we can. Real or combative self-defense is when someone's life is in danger. There are no weigh-classes, time limits or mats on the ground. Get away from the bad guys and get to safety are the keys for the young kids. Keep up the good work and I will see everyone at his or her Jr. Black Sash promotion soon! 9

Kung Fu: Don Steele Sarah Hinson Matthew Kon Trinh Nguyen Tai Chi: Stephanie Bethea Marlene Cox Michael Kadel Craig Spradley Michelle Simmons Leo Dunn Elizabeth Griffin Student of

10 Powerful Words This month s Powerful Word is Loyalty! Loyalty means being faithful and committed to a person, place, group, or cause. Dr. Robyn s letter to the parents gives great tips on how to define loyalty to children and how to comment loyal acts. Welcome New Students Congratulations to all of our new students! Kung Fu: Don Steele Sarah Hinson Matthew Kon Trinh Nguyen Tai Chi: Stephanie Bethea Marlene Cox Michael Kadel Craig Spradley Michelle Simmons Leo Dunn Elizabeth Griffin Student of the Month Recognition Adult Student of the Month Milena Minkova 1 st runner up Aiden Hanger 2 nd runner up Christine Lwin Child Student of the Month Jordan Baker 1 st runner up Nathan D Costa 2 nd runner up Kyle Hoellein 10

11 Disciple s Forum Note from the Editor: This past month, Sifu spoke on Wu-De at the monthly lecture. Wu-De (Martial Virtue) is the root of all that we do here at The Peaceful Dragon. As such, I felt it important to refresh us all on the Wu-De guidelines that we follow. Below are highlights from the list, direct from our website. The full list can be found at Responsibility and Volunteering Remember that this is your school, and take ownership, pride and responsibility for it. Volunteer whenever possible in some capacity to improve the facilities and services both for yourself and for your brothers and sisters. The Teacher & Student Roles and Relationships More experienced students should always go out of their way to welcome and assist less experienced and newer students. However, students should never teach or impart new material to newer students, only instructors and designated assistant instructors may teach (Two reasons: Decreases the likelihood that incorrect material will be passed on, and ensures that newer students will cultivate patience and work on the material at hand.) Never ask your teacher to show you new material or the next move. Your teacher will determine when it is time to impart new material to you based on the quality you demonstrate of current material, and your demonstrated balance of patience and enthusiasm. Every instructor has his or her own style and understanding of forms and techniques. If you were shown something differently from one instructor to another, it would be wrong to automatically assume that one is wrong and one is right and impolite to openly question the instructor. Ask the instructor privately, and if there is doubt agree to clarify with the head instructor. Keep in mind that the head instructor s style and understanding of forms and techniques evolves and changes over time, too. Newer students should demonstrate respect towards more senior students at all times. Examples: Line up behind senior students in class, do more of the daily tasks such as sweeping the floor, serve senior students first, defer to senior students in all matters related to your training. 11

Attendance and Practice Practice daily. A martial artist is someone who does martial arts every day whether physical, mental or spiritual practice.

12 Attendance and Practice Practice daily. A martial artist is someone who does martial arts every day whether physical, mental or spiritual practice. Never miss your regularly-scheduled classes with poor excuses (Tired, injured, events with friends, etc. only miss if very sick, family emergencies, must go out of town, etc.) Classroom Etiquette and Guidelines Bow when entering the training studios, and bow to the masters and teachers at the start of each class. This is both a gesture of respect, and a mental trigger to remind you to clear your mind in the sacred space for learning, and train as if the masters are observing you. Fill in from front row to back based on seniority Go to the bathroom before or after class, and drink water before or after class. If you must drink during class, water bottles may be brought into the studios. They should be kept on the floor to the side (near the chairs In Studio A or B), never out on the floor or on window sills where they stain. Avoid unnecessary chatter during class. A focused mind is a quiet mind. We learn best when we are quiet and focused. Tuition and Payments Acknowledge your teacher and your teachers teacher with Heng Bao, or Red Envelopes, at Chinese New Year and on birthdays. (It doesn t matter how much you give, as long as you give from your heart some amount. More often than not the teacher uses this money to help improve the school). Promotion of Your School Actively promote and refer your school to others. The strength of your own training and that of your brothers and sisters is dependent upon the strength of your school. Take active part in demonstrations, special events, festival, community activities and other events that help promote the arts we teach in general, and The Peaceful Dragon in particular. 12

Students Ask Master Sbarge Question: Can you be Buddhist and Christian at the same time? Answer: Buddha was not Buddhist, and Christ was not Christian.

13 Students Ask Master Sbarge Question: Can you be Buddhist and Christian at the same time? Answer: Buddha was not Buddhist, and Christ was not Christian. They taught certain philosophies and principles that their followers codified into religions. In my view, the philosophies and principles largely overlap, however divergent the religious dogma or specific practices may have ventured. So I think for the most part it s safe to agree with Gandhi when he proclaimed that he was Hindu and Muslim and Christian and The most important thing I ve learned so far came from one of Sifu s s the thing that determines how successful I will be in reaching my Tai Chi goals is my own determination and commitment to keep at it. And I m determined to do just that. I absolutely love coming here! ~Natalie McBryant, 37, IT Business Intelligence, Charlotte, NC Holly s Recipe Corner Roasted Squash and Brussel Sprout Salad This recipe comes to me from instructor Girl Dale Saufley. Ingredients 1 acorn squash 1 bunch fresh Brussel sprouts 2-4 Tbsp. olive oil to roast 13

salt and pepper to taste 1 large crisp apple (Fugi or Gala recommended) 1 pkg. salad greens of choice Apple cider vinegar Olive oil ⅛ tsp. ground ginger Instructions Preheat oven to 400 F.

14 salt and pepper to taste 1 large crisp apple (Fugi or Gala recommended) 1 pkg. salad greens of choice Apple cider vinegar Olive oil ⅛ tsp. ground ginger Instructions Preheat oven to 400 F. Peel, seed and cube the squash. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread on a baking tray. Roast in oven for 20 minutes, flipping half way. While the squash is roasting, prepare the Brussel sprouts. Remove stem and slice the sprouts in half. Pull leaves apart and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread on another tray. Roast for 10 minutes, stirring half way. (Can be put in when the squash is half done.) Cube apple and wash greens. Mix olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and ground ginger to make vinaigrette. Do proportions to your taste. Place greens in bowl, top with apple, squash, sprouts, and dress with vinaigrette. Serve while warm. Tips If you prefer, you can add raspberries to the salad or the vinaigrette. Leftover squash and sprouts can be refrigerated for up to three days, then reheated before using. Butternut squash can be used instead of the acorn squash if preferred. As always, any new recipes, tips, or tweaks you want to share with me would be appreciated. Simply me at holly@thepeacefuldragon.com at any time! Enjoy! ~Holly Field 14

Mission Statement for The Peaceful Dragon Our mission is to help each of our students reach his or her fullest potential for physical, mental and spiritual development through the teaching of

15 Mission Statement for The Peaceful Dragon Our mission is to help each of our students reach his or her fullest potential for physical, mental and spiritual development through the teaching of traditional Asian health arts and martial arts. We accomplish this by offering the most authentic and effective curriculum, by providing the best possible service to our students and their families, and by maintaining a warm and caring family environment in which every student, guest, and staff member is treated with respect, dignity and love. 15

The cost is $5 for students, $10 for the public. Send your copy to holly@thepeacefuldragon.com.

com 16 Planning to buy something for the house or garden, indulge a favorite pastime, or get that hot

Consider shopping through Amazon first, where you ll find competitive pricing on everything PLUS -

16 Classifieds Your ad could be here! Text and graphics, a scan of your business card, or artwork you submit. The cost is $5 for students, $10 for the public. Send your copy to holly@thepeacefuldragon.com. Pay at the front counter. Jennifer Gigi Frye ~ LMBT# ~ Planning to buy something for the house or garden, indulge a favorite pastime, or get that hot new DVD or the latest gadget? Consider shopping through Amazon first, where you ll find competitive pricing on everything PLUS - through arrangement between The Peaceful Dragon and Amazon a percentage of your purchase goes to help our school flourish. Get what you want and support your school, too! Go to: thepeacefuldragon.com/books.shtml and use Search Amazon.com in the upper right corner to find the products you want.

Inside. Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga and More The Peaceful Dragon For the Contemporary Mind, Body and Spirit. At a Glance

Inside. Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga and More The Peaceful Dragon For the Contemporary Mind, Body and Spirit. At a Glance Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga and More The Peaceful Dragon For the Contemporary Mind, Body and Spirit www.thepeacefuldragon.com February 2018 704-504-8866 At a Glance What The Peaceful Dragon Offers Inside