August Newsletter

Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga and More
The Peaceful Dragon
For the Contemporary Mind, Body and Spirit
www.ThePeacefulDragon.com
August 2016
704-504-8866
At a Glance…
What The Peaceful Dragon Offers
Adult Programs
 Tai Chi
 Kung Fu
 Zen Meditation
 Yoga
 Asian Culture and Philosophy
Inside
Upcoming Events
Students of the Month
Peaceful Dragon School News
New Students and Promotions
Did You Know?
Students Ask Master Sbarge
Children’s Program News
Classifieds
Children’s Programs
 Kung Fu and Leadership Classes
Other Services
 Seminars and Presentations
 School Field Trips
 Community Demonstrations
 Corporate Team Building
2014 and 2015 Winner of
TWO Charlotte Observer Reader Awards!
 Best Martial Arts Studio
 Best Yoga Studio
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePeacefulDragon
August Holidays!
Admit You’re Happy Month
3rd Watermelon Day
5th Summer Olympics Start
9th Book Lover’s Day
16 Tell A Joke Day
26th National Dog Day
29th More Herbs, Less Salt Day
Message from Master Eric Sbarge
Disciplined practice of the fundamentals.
I don’t believe in keeping secrets from my students, so I’ve opened this month’s
message by revealing the secret to success in mastering any of the arts taught at The
Peaceful Dragon, and really for mastering most things in life.
Disciplined. Practice. Fundamentals.
Without self-discipline you will struggle to stay on the correct path, or you will quit the path
altogether. None of us are born with tenacious self-discipline, but rather we must cultivate and
develop the habits and attitude of discipline. If you don’t even try to develop good habits and
discipline, forget about really achieving success in any of your chosen endeavors.
Practice makes perfect, and perfect practice should be the ideal we strive for. Practice must be
consistent, focused, organized and sensible. Thirty minutes of focused practice daily will give you far
greater results than hours of practice done periodically, or mindlessly. Develop a logical and
reasonable practice routine for yourself, and then use your discipline to stick with it.
What to practice? More than anything else, your fundamentals. Are there esoteric recipes and
concoctions in Chinese or Ayurvedic herbology and nutrition you should follow? Sure there are. But
they are far less important than following good fundamentals in your eating habits: Avoid junk foods
and processed foods, drastically reduce sugar intake, cook home more and eat out less, eat the
freshest foods available seasonally, include many fruits and vegetables in your diet, and so forth.
Are there esoteric meditations and visualizations that can help open up your energy gates and steer
you closer toward mental clarity or even enlightenment? Yes. But far more important is simply
training yourself to be present and mindful throughout the day, treating all people you meet with
loving kindness and compassion, cultivating a lifestyle of simplicity and peacefulness, surrounding
yourself with positive role models, and maintaining your daily practice of any of a number of effective
meditation methods.
Are there complex and demanding forms and postures in martial arts or yoga? Certainly. But they are
comprised of nothing but cumulative fundamentals: Straight back, relaxed shoulders, yin and yang
balance, closing and opening of body parts and energy gates, deep breathing, focused mind, stronger
or looser muscle groups, deeper or longer stances.
So seek all the mystical and esoteric knowledge you like, but it will be useless if you don’t have solid
fundamentals. And when you have solid fundamentals, the mystical and esoteric knowledge will
actually seem far more ordinary. You’ll see it as merely an extension of your knowledge of good
fundamentals that you have made strong through discipline and practice.
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“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural
consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.”
Jim Rohn
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 www.ThePeacefulDragon.com and click on Adult Classes
or Children’s Classes. You can then register for a Free Semi-Private, NoObligation Introductory Class and an Introductory Tour.
Upcoming Events
Donate Blood!
Saturday, August 13, 9:30am-12:30pm
Please join us at the Community Bloodmobile to donate blood. They will be set
up at The Peaceful Dragon from 9:30am-12:30pm. We need to turn out as
many volunteers as possible and fill up all of the appointment slots. A single
blood donation can save three local lives. Donated blood is processed, tested for blood borne
diseases, and separated into its components. Each component has a specific use for patients that
need blood transfusions. Please sign up at the front counter.
Junior Black Sash Testing
Saturday, August 13, 11am
Come cheer on our Junior Black Sash candidates as they demonstrate all of the past years
of their hard work. We have three students testing for Junior Black Sash this round – Aiden
Hanger, Aaliyah Perkins, and Tanusree Chepuri.
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Parents Whole Night Out
Friday-Saturday, August 19-20, 6:30pm-8am
This month’s Parents Night Out is our Whole Night Out! That’s right – Kung Fu Sleepover! In the
evening, right before bed, we will have story time, telling stories of kung fu legends. Please provide a
small evening snack or money for the vending machines. We will have donuts for the kids in the
morning. Please register at the front counter by no later than Wednesday, August 17 th so we can
properly staff this fun-filled event.
Essentials of Medical Qigong Workshop
Saturday, August 20, 1-5pm
Qigong, the Chinese term for “energy work” or “energy cultivation”
is at the core of the tai chi, kung fu and other arts taught at The
Peaceful Dragon. Medical qigong is a branch of TCM (Traditional
Chinese Medicine) that specifically looks at health and healing
practices through cultivation of the three pillars of qigong: mind,
body and breath. An understanding of medical qigong principles can help you gain the greatest health
benefits out of your practice of your tai chi, kung fu and related arts.
In this workshop led by Master Eric Sbarge, you’ll explore essential yin/yang, 5-element and pakua
theory as it pertains to optimizing mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Additionally, you’ll learn
and practice traditional medical qigong exercises to strengthen and heal the five main yang organs
and five main yin organs of the body.
Early-bird tuition if registered by August 1: Public $99, Peaceful Dragon introductory-level students
and their families $79, Peaceful Dragon mastery-level students $49. After August 1 add $15. Please
register at our front service counter or call to register at (704)504-8866.
Plan Now for Our Mountain Tai Chi Retreat This September
This Year Space is VERY limited for this popular event, so it’s
first come first served for reservations!
Friday-Sunday, September 30th-October 2nd
Relax and rejuvenate while enjoying intensive instruction and practice in the Chinese arts of tai chi
and pakua, complemented with sessions of qigong, Zen meditation and yoga. Led by Master Eric
Sbarge, director and head instructor of The Peaceful Dragon in Charlotte, NC, the retreat will be held
at the beautiful YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC, just 10 minutes from Asheville.
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Suited for beginners or advanced practitioners, from teens to senior citizens, the retreat includes all
instruction, comfortable lodging, and all meals except for Saturday evening when you’ll have free time
to explore downtown Asheville or simply relax on your own in the wooded mountains with hundreds
of acres and many beautiful vistas and trails.
We have a limited number of rooms available, register early!
Early-bird savings by September 1, 2016:
Double occupancy: $550 public; $425 for Peaceful Dragon and affiliated schools’ students AND their
family members! (We will gladly assign you a roommate if you wish).
Single occupancy: $670 public; $545 for Peaceful Dragon and affiliated schools’ students or family
members.
After September 1st if there are still openings available, add $75.
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. Full payment must be received no later
than September 20th.
Autumn 200-Hour Teacher Training
Led by Our Director of Yoga Studies, Mara Healy,
Right Here at The Peaceful Dragon
The training group meets each weekend for a total of 9 weekends. Each weekend is a 20 hour
commitment with reading assignments, guided asana practices, lecture, discussions, and detailed
explanations on how to both deepen your personal yoga practice while also laying the foundation for
being a skillful yoga teacher. You do not have to want to teach in order to join the program! Check
the yoga page for the weekend dates and more information, to be posted soon!
Tuition Investment
Non-refundable deposit of $500 is due with the application/registration form.
Tuition Investment is $2800. Your deposit is applied to the full tuition.
Our complete 2016 Special Events Calendar is at
http://thepeacefuldragon.com/specialevents.shtml.
Mark your planning calendar now!
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Monthly Classes, Seminars
and Discussion Groups
Mastery Roundtable Discussion – Tuesday, August 2, 8-9pm
Topic: Prioritizing Your Personal Practices
Open only to Mastery Program students.
Yoga Seminar – Thursday, August 4, 6:30-8:30pm
Topic: Restorative Yoga - destressing and returning the sympathetic nervous
system to balance
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.
Jr. Mastery Program Seminar – Saturday, August 6, 12-1pm
Topic: 7 Habits of Successful Teenagers
Open only to Junior Mastery Program students.
Lecture and Discussion – Thursday, August 18, 8pm
Topic: Strategy Essentials from Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”
Presented by Master Eric Sbarge.
Open to all adult and teen students.
Future Instructors – Saturday, August 27, 11am
Open only to Junior Mastery Program students.
Equipment Needed for Classes


Adults
Shaolin
Tai Chi

Kids
4-12 year olds:
Full Sparring Equipment
none
White Sash and Above:
Short Sticks
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“Great acts are made up of small deeds.”
Lao Tzu
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
2nd
4th
4th
5th
5th
5th
5th
6th
7th
10th
11th
12th
12th
17th
18th
19th
19th
20th
20th
20th
21st
21st
22nd
23rd
23rd
26th
26th
27th
30th
31st
Kyle Hoellein
Cheryl Telk
Diana Fekete
Deanna Valeo
Paul Campanelli
Rachel Gilmore
Rosemary Neigenfind
Jeffrey Medlin
Kaleb Anderson
Kobea DeWalt
Aaron Savage
Jessie Brown
Patricia Rosa
Lori Eidsness
Tina Dickens
Chuck Denhart
Lynn Doherty
Sherry Kordecki
Raymond McSwain
Kate Lyons
Marc Houle
Benjamin Upham
Tim Saunders
Emily Richardson
Douglas Brown
Anne Lobiondo
Maxwell Tan
Glenda Harris
Ramon Jimenez-Moreno
Connor Hardee
Peaceful Dragon School News
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!
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Did You Know…
 The long-time Zen recommendation to live simply with fewer materialistic goods was not
for the sake of the planet and conservation, but to keep individuals happier and less
stressed? Now our happiness and health do depend on caring for our planet, so Zen habits
make more sense than ever for us to follow!
 Your brain uses a disproportionately large amount of your energy, which is why you can
feel just as tired after a day at work “thinking” as if you were doing physical labor?
 The Peaceful Dragon is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau?
Children’s Program News
A Message from Mr. George
Summer break is coming to an end soon and I hope everyone enjoyed the well needed break. In
martial arts competition, the outcome of the match has already been decided during the training
period. To get a good start on the new school year, the students will benefit greatly with a good
game plan. Simple tips like have the next day’s school clothing, book bag and lunch prepared the
night before. Or practice waking up a bit early each day a week ahead of time. Successful mindset
will lead to successful outcome.
Powerful Words
This month’s Powerful Word is Charity! Charity means giving your treasures, talent or time to those
in need. Dr. Robyn’s letter to the parents gives tips on how to encourage your kids to be more
charitable.
PS: Parents – if you want to set a good example, consider donating at the blood drive mentioned in
the events section toward the beginning of the newsletter!
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Student of the Month Recognition
Adult Student of the Month— Nicole Miller
1st runner up— Kieyanna Morgan
2nd runner up— Eddie Nguyen
Nicole has worked hard to overcome her own self-doubt and pushes
hard at the limits of her abilities. Her consistent attendance and great
attitude is a great example for newer students.
Child Student of the Month— Lily Rose Sadowski
1st runner up— Kyle Elhardt
2nd runner up— Hugh Harris
Lily Rose has just started, and she always brings her full focus to class with a “can do” attitude. Being
just a White Sash, Lily Rose doesn’t shy away from the harder Yellow Sash challenges.
New Students and Student Promotions
Congratulations to all of our new students!
Tai Chi:
Toby Brown
Kimberly Grayson
Kung Fu: Jessie Brown
Young Dragon: Sam Straight
Maxwell Tan
Connor Hardee
Antigo Martin-Delaney
Lynn Doherty
Aaron Nicely
Jake Straight
Tatiana Robinson
Leia Moore
Michelle Tan
Peyton McDonald
Congratulations to all of our promoted students!
Tai chi
Beginner to Novice (Block A to Block B)
Nicole Miller
Taylor Riley
Novice to Intermediate (Low B to High B)
Angela Boyle
Michael Frank
Kieyanna Morgan
Kathy Campanelli
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Intermediate to Mid-Intermediate (Block B to Block C)
Paul Campanelli
Komala Chandran
Xavier Rice
Mid-Intermediate to High Intermediate (Low C to High C)
Alexandra Hoellein Gina Granda-Huaylinos
High Intermediate to Advanced (Block C to Block D)
Katherine Snider
Kung Fu
Novice to Intermediate (Low B to High B)
Alexandra Hoellein Kate Lyons
Paul Campanelli
Intermediate to Mid-Intermediate (Block B to Block C)
Gina Granda-Huaylinos
Xavier Rice
High Intermediate to Advanced (Block C to Block D)
Kim Nghiem
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Andy Barber
4-7 Year Olds
White Sash Level 2
Aditya Vetury
Yellow Sash
Raghav Karthik
Hurditya Katta
Kyle Elhardt Cole Hill
Christian Alford
Akshataa Vijay Kumar
Yellow Sash White Stripe
Brenna Barrier
Addison Harmon
Yellow Sash Green Stripe
Maitland Vanourny Owen Vanourny
Yellow Sash Purple Stripe
Raymond Rutzell
Kaleb Anderson
Yellow Sash Blue Stripe
Alexander Kelly
Ian Loomis
Yellow Sash Brown Stripe
Carter Mixon
Aditya Patel
Orange Sash
Kyle Hoellein
Sahana Sanjay
Henry Fox
Orange Sash Yellow Stripe
Jacob Wittwer
Orange Sash Purple Stripe
Aiden Lynch
Orange Sash Brown Stripe
Myra Hoellein
8-12 Year Olds
Yellow Sash
Adrianna Demoura
Nelly Hokstam
Yellow Sash Level 2
Balamir Sahin
Orange Sash
Connor Hill
Orange Sash Level 2
Jonathan Webber
Green Sash
Zeke Steele
Grace Zehringer
Kasen Anderson
Zeke Anderson
Jordan Baker
Green Sash Level 2
Nathan D’Costa
Alessandro Beninca
Purple Sash
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Hugh Harris
Purple Sash Level 2
Sophia Mullis
Purple Sash Level 3
Ben Upham
Blue Sash
Zoe DeWalt
Blue Sash Level 2
Colin Barber
Blue Sash Level 4
Gabriel Jugan
Brown Sash Level 2
Preston Hawley
Brown Sash Level 4
Ryan Hoellein
Cardon Hawley
Students Ask Master Sbarge
Question: Will I lose weight in The Peaceful Dragon’s tai chi program?
Answer: If you asked whether you can lose weight, instead of whether you will, I would
unequivocally say yes. What will happen depends on you. You will learn about good nutritional
choices and lifestyle practices, but you must develop the discipline to implement them to accomplish
your goal.
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.
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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.
George runs two social clubs in
Charlotte through Meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/North-CarolinaMountain-Biking/
http://www.meetup.com/Charlotte-PoolShootin-Fun-Meetup/
Mountain biking, shooting pool, hiking,
trying out new restaurants or cruising to
the Bahamas!
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