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Approaching the Purple Cloud Temple in China's Wudang Mountains during the 2011 Peaceful Dragon student tour.

2013

The Peaceful Dragon is pleased to present this varied schedule of special events celebrating the best of Asian culture. Details of these and other events are coming, so do check back. (Special events from 2012 are here.)

For more information on any event, call 704.504.8866 or email us at info@thepeacefuldragon.com.

Key: • for adults; • for children (and their parents); • all ages

Saturday, January 26, 12-4pm
Shaolin Yoga Workshop

Led by Master Eric Sbarge, in this hands-on workshop you’ll practice many aspects of Shaolin yoga—including postures, breathing methods and meditation techniques—but more important you’ll learn more about the history, philosophy and principles at the core of Shaolin yoga practice. Emphasis will be on details and corrections of postures that can’t always be covered in normal day-to-day classes. Remember to bring your yoga mat, or we have them available for purchase.

Early-bird fee until January 19th: Public - $79; Peaceful Dragon and affiliate-school students just $39. After January 19th add $15. Peaceful Dragon family members eligible for discounted student rate as well. Please register at our front service counter.

Saturday, February 9, 11am-2pm
Chinese New Year's Festival

The Peaceful Dragon is hosting its 16th annual Chinese New Year's Festival on Saturday, February 9, from 11am to 2pm. Admission is just $3 per person or $5 per family, or FREE with a donation of a non-perishable food item for Loaves and Fishes charity.

Fun for the entire family, 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.

Local experts will be on hand to exhibit various Asian arts and practices including feng shui, calligraphy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine. There will be fun and games for kids, including an obstacle course, plus face painting, arts & crafts and more. Additionally, free introductory mini-classes in tai chi and kung fu will be offered for both children and adults, and there will be special one-day festival discounts for anyone interested in enrolling in The Peaceful Dragon’s ongoing classes.

Catered authentic Chinese food will be available to purchase for lunch.

In China, Taiwan, Vietnam and neighboring countries where this most important holiday of the year is celebrated, weeks of preparation take place including cleaning, cooking and making travel arrangements so entire extended families can be together. Here in Charlotte, the Asian population has grown rapidly in recent years and the holiday and its traditions remains an important part of their 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 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.

Saturday, February 9, 6:30 pm
Chinese New Year's Banquet

Master Sbarge always says that if you can only spare the money and time for one extra event each year, this is the most important event of the year for Peaceful Dragon students and their families. In accord with Wu-De and the customs of a traditional Chinese martial arts school, the entire “kung fu family” should 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 held uptown at the very nice Center City Holiday Inn and will include appetizers, multiple entrees, dessert and cash bar.

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 6th – sorry, no exceptions for latecomers. Adults $50, children 12 and under half price.

March 16, day and evening sessions
Tai Chi Mastery
A Special Workshop by Master Eric Sbarge in Columbia, SC

The workshop will be held at the Columbia Tai Chi Center, 2910 Rosewood Dr., Columbia, SC, the school of Peaceful Dragon student, Sifu Wes Adams, and is open to beginners and advanced, old and young alike.

Session I: 9:30am-4:30pm
Tai Chi to Boost Health and Vitality
Through lecture, discussion and hands-on applications you'll gain a thorough understanding of Tai Chi's key philosophical principles and how to put them directly to work for your own health and well-being. Movement emphasis will be on perfecting your posture, smoothing transitions between movements, and using tui shou (push hands) patterns to refine posture.

Session II: 6:00pm-9:30pm
Tai Chi Self-Defense and Push Hands
You'll learn principles, strategies and methods to maximize your inherent power, and minimize your disadvantages. See how positioning and leverage allow you to make the most of your physical and energetic power.

Workshop Tuition:
Early-bird special: register by March 2! Space is limited; this is a first come, first served event. Register right away to ensure your spot. Please pay at Columbia Tai Chi Center in Cash Only. Session I only: General Public $130; students at affiliated schools $90. Session I and II combined: General Public $180; students at affiliated schools $120. After March 2, add $15. (A 50% non-refundable deposit required to hold your reservation.)

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Friday Evening thru Sunday, April 12-14
Shaolin/Qigong Workshop with Master Guolin

We're delighted to announce that the renowned 34th generation Shaolin monk, Venerable Shi Guolin, will be leading an exciting Shaolin workshop at The Peaceful Dragon. Master Guolin is the successor to the Abbott of the famed Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, who has recently been featured in the Wall Street Journal and National Geographic. Currently Master Guolin is resident Abbott at the Shaolin Overseas Temple in New York.

Master Guolin will be guiding us through a workshop that is suited to both Tai Chi and Shaolin students, beginner or advanced. It is open to teens and adults, as well as children who are green sash and up, age 9 and over.

Master Guolin will teach a combination of Qigong and Healing forms and methods, as well as traditional Self-Defense Forms and applications. The full workshop will run from Friday night at 6:30pm thru Sunday afternoon at 5pm. Master Guolin will also teach a special one hour Children's Class for younger children or those not taking part in the full weekend workshop on Saturday, April 13 from 12:30-1:30pm.

Schedule:
Friday, April 12, 6-9pm
Saturday, April 13, 10am-5pm
Sunday, April 14, 10am-5pm

Early-bird fee by Wednesday, April 3: $275 for public, $175 for Peaceful Dragon and affiliate-school students. The one-hour children’s class fee is $25. After April 3, add additional fee of $30 for the workshop and $10 for the children's class. Note: Cash only payments for this workshop and class. You can leave a 50% deposit to reserve your spot and pay balance at the workshop.

Free Lecture by Master Guolin
In addition to the workshop, on Sunday, at 1pm, Master Guolin will present a FREE public lecture on "Shaolin Kung Fu as a Vehicle for Enlightnment." The lecture will emphasize the mind, body and breath cultivation inherent in Shaolin Kung Fu. "Kung fu, which is more popularly known in the West as a fighting system, and popularized in motion pictures by Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, also has benefits far beyond mere pugilism," says Master Eric Sbarge, who has trained in kung fu for over 30 years.

Saturday, April 27, 9am-4pm
Day-Long Meditation Retreat

Master Eric Sbarge, head instructor at The Peaceful Dragon, will lead this extended session of Chan (Zen) meditation, interspersed with relaxing and invigorating Shaolin yoga and qigong as well as discussions on meditation principles, methods, and Chan philosophy. The retreat is open to and suitable for everyone regardless of experience levels.

Early-bird fee until April 19: Public - $79; Peaceful Dragon and affiliate-school students just $39. After April 19 add $15. Peaceful Dragon family members eligible for discounted student rate as well. Please register at our front service counter.

Saturday, May 11, 2-6pm
Student Appreciation Barbecue

To thank you for your dedication and hard work as students or family members supporting students, The Peaceful Dragon is providing all the food and drink for this annual bash!

Come out with the whole family and enjoy sports, games, water gun fights – or just a relaxing afternoon in the shade of the cabana.

This event is totally FREE for the whole family!

Thursday, May 30, 6:30-9:00pm
Fundamentals of Internal Arts of Pakua and Hsing-I Workshop

Master Eric Sbarge will lead this special workshop entitled, “Fundamentals of the Chinese Internal Arts of Pakua and Hsing-I.”  This workshop is part of our fundraising campaign to cover the costs of bring Grandmaster Roger C. Soo to the Peaceful Dragon for his ten days of intensive workshops and training, with all funds going towards the fundraiser.

Good news—this workshop will be kicking off what will then be regularly-scheduled classes in Pakua and Hsing on Thursday evenings!  So this workshop will be a great introduction for those students brand new to these powerful arts, or a great refresher for those who have trained in these styles in the past.

The suggested donation is just $25, but you can pay more or less as suits your budget! Please register in advance if possible and pay at our front service counter. Teens and adults of all levels of experience—rank beginner to advanced—are encouraged to participate.

Friday, June 14th, 6-9:30pm
Summer Family Fun Fundraising Festival

This special Summer Family Fun Fundraising Festival is being held to raise funds to cover the cost of bringing Grandmaster Roger C. Soo to Charlotte from Taiwan for ten days of intensive workshops and training.

Exciting special festival guest entertainment includes Calvin and Friends and Da Throwback Band featuring a rockin’ first set by Calvin and Friends and then for the second set a mind-blowing 70’s experience party by Calvin Hunter's Da Throwback Band. Calvin and Friends regularly plays at top venues throughout the Southeast and Calvin has played with musicians from Hootie and the Blowfish and other top bands. 

Here's the great part: As a friend of The Peaceful Dragon (and long-time student) Calvin is completely donating his entire band’s performance for our fundraiser! The suggested donation is just $10 per person, or $20 for your entire family—you can pay more or less as suits your budget. Friends and neighbors are all welcome, too. In addition to the great entertainment we'll have games and activities, and food and drink available for purchase. 

The festival will be held at The Peaceful Dragon right in our own back yard weather permitting; if it rains we’ll be indoors and space will be limited—first come first served and once we are full the doors will have to be closed.  Assure your spot with limited advanced tickets that go on sale Saturday, May 11 (one ticket per person or two tickets admits whole family), or you can pay the day of the festival.

Friday, July 5-Sunday, July 14
Baoding Sanshou Kuai Chiao and Ch'ang Style Tai Chi Combat Training with Grandmaster Roger Soo
Special Classes and Workshops

The undefeated late Great Grandmaster Ch'ang Dung Sheng was considered the King of Shuai Chiao (Chinese grappling) as well as a top master of Tai Chi, Hsing-I and other famous Chinese martial arts. One of his most senior disciples and the world’s most recognized ambassador for spreading Shuai Chiao—Grandmaster Roger Soo—is coming this summer to lead rare workshops and training at The Peaceful Dragon right here in Charlotte, NC.

Coming directly from Taiwan and accompanied by his son “Tiger” Soo, Grandmaster Soo will be leading public workshops and special classes for Peaceful Dragon students in Shuai Chiao grappling and Baoding Sanshou Kuai Jiao (fast throwing in fighting), as well as in Ch'ang Style Tai Chi's Combat Uses, from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 14, 2013. He will also lead a public workshop at Columbia Tai Chi Center in Columbia, SC on Wednesday evening, July 10, from 6:30-9pm.

At 71 years old Grandmaster Soo is regarded as one of the most experienced and expert proponents of Shuai Chiao alive today, having started training under Great Grandmaster Ch'ang in the 1950s as a junior high school student. Grandmaster Soo quickly became a national champion and he went on to train, and continues to train, numerous champions. He has helped spread Shuai Chiao throughout the world, as detailed in his biography. He is one of the few top old-school Chinese grandmasters who speaks English fluently, so he is a tremendous asset for Western students.

Workshop and Training Schedule:

•Weekend One Public Workshop
Sat. July 6, 9am-4pm and Sun. July 7, 1-4pm: Shuai Chiao Fundamentals and Foundational Training Workshop. Essentials of stepping, body conditioning, hand grips, and throws and takedowns.

•Weekend Two Public Workshop
Sat. July 13, 9am-4pm and Sun. July 13, 1-4pm: Baoding Sanshou Kuai Jiao applications and techniques. How to integrate fast throws and takedowns into full-contact or medium-contact san shou and lei tai (sparring).

•Columbia, SC Public Workshop
Wed. July 10, 6:30pm-9pm: Combat Uses of Ch'ang Style Tai Chi and Shuai Chiao.

•Peaceful Dragon Class Training
Mon. July 8, Thur. July 11, Fri. July 12, 6:30-9:30pm: Further training in Ch'ang Tai Chi and Shuai Chiao principles and methods. (Open to Peaceful Dragon students.)

Tuition for Peaceful Dragon Students or CACMA Friends and Members*:
Either Weekend Workshop: Early-bird by June 15th: $125. After June 15th add $25.
Both Weekend Workshops: Early-bird by June 15th: $175. After June 15th add $35.
Columbia, SC Workshop: Early bird by June 15th: $75. After June 15th add $15.
Peaceful Dragon Class Training: No charge for Peaceful Dragon students.
*Non-CACMA attendees or non-Peaceful Dragon students add $25 to any session.

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Saturday, September 7 (10am-4pm)
Team Tournament

A MUST for all Peaceful Dragon students—kids and adults, kung fu and tai chi stylists.

Lion Dance and Opening ceremonies: 11am
Competition Begins: 11:15am

Everyone who competes is a winner! Enjoy friendly competition with your team mates and show your school spirit and pride. Young or old, beginner or advanced, we'll have multiple events for you to choose from:

Tai chi and internal forms
Shuai chiao
Sparring
Push hands
Stances and basics
Empty hand forms
Weapons
Team Relay Races and more!

Medals and Award Certificates for all competitors - Special Prizes for Team Winners and all competitors!

Registration Forms are available at the front counter and must be turned no later than Wednesday, September 4. Sorry, no late registrations can be accepted.

Competitors Fee: Just $10! Spectators fee $3 (children aged 5 and under FREE). All spectator fees go to The Peaceful Dragon Scholarship Fund.

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Friday evening, October 18-Sunday afternoon, October 20
Intensive Pakua Zhang and Tai Chi Chuan Workshop

Master Sbarge, head instructor of The Peaceful Dragon, will lead this intensive workshop teaching principles, theory and practical qigong and self-defense methods of both Pakua and Tai Chi.

Open to beginners or experienced practitioners, you will explore the similarities and differences between this two internal styles, and discover how to use visualizations and intentions, movements and breath to improve your health while cultivating effective and practical self-defense skills.

Fundamentals of Pakua circle walking will be introduced to newer students, and experienced Pakua practitioners will look at advanced palm changes and multi-circle drills.

Early-Bird Price by Saturday, October 5: Public $275, Peaceful Dragon students and students from affiliated schools $165. After Saturday, October 5 add $30.

Friday, November 8, 6:30-9pm
Parent’s Night Out: "Kung Fu Half Marathon"

Get ready, get set, go! This month’s Parent’s Night Out is our intense Kung Fu Half Marathon! Each year we challenge our Young Dragons to push themselves to the limits with stretching, conditioning, and forms. We look forward to helping them accomplish things they never thought possible as they break through the wall of this physical and mental challenge. There is no charge as this is included in your activity fee. Please sign up at the front desk by Thursday, November 8th. There will be a late fee of $20 if you register after the deadline.

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Saturday, November 16, 9am-5pm
Day-Long Shaolin Retreat

Develop your mind and your body as you immerse yourself in a full day of Shaolin training just as you would if you were a student at the Shaolin Temple. Master Sbarge will lead you through many facets of Shaolin training including forms, conditioning, yoga, meditation, chi kung, self-defense techniques, sparring, and more. This event is open to all adult and teen students (not just Kung Fu—Tai Chi students are welcome too) from beginner to advanced, as well as any children aged 8 and up who have achieved purple sash or higher ranking.

Early-bird fee until November 2nd: Public, $79; Peaceful Dragon and affiliate-school students just $39. After November 2nd add $15. Please register at our front service counter.