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Don't need an After School program with
transportation? Check out our regular martial arts classes for children.
We also offer
great classes for teens and adults!
Join our mailing list!
Join our mailing list!
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Gives children an unstoppable “can-do” level of
confidence and sets the course for a lifetime of leadership qualities and success.
A Message From Master Eric Sbarge, Director and Head Instructor
Free Transportation from These Schools
Enjoy FREE TRANSPORTATION to The Peaceful Dragon for our
After School Program provided by CMS school bus or
our own transportation from Lake Wylie Elementary, Winget Park
Elementary, Rivergate Elementary, Berewick Elementary, Steele Creek Elementary, Gold Hill
Elementary, Orchard Park Elementary, Pleasant Knoll Elementary,
and Southwest Middle School.
CMS may provide free transportation from Magnet or other schools by request.
Please inquire and arrange directly with CMS. Parents can arrange
transportation via taxi or car pooling from other North or South Carolina
schools that we or CMS don't provide transportation for.
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Dear Working Parent,
You know how difficult
it is to find a quality After School program. Most programs are little
more than glorified babysitting services with no structured plan to
improve your child's health, self-esteem, behavior, confidence, focus,
manners, leadership skills or self-discipline.
Worry no more—your child can enjoy a fun, safe, structured,
top-quality Martial Arts program at The Peaceful Dragon!
At our After School Martial Arts Success Academy your child will get into great shape
physically and learn valuable self-defense skills. But that's just the
beginning.
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• Better manners
• Self-discipline
• Goal-setting skills
• Time-management skills
• Leadership skills
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• Study skills
• Improved behavior and more respect
• Concentration and focus
• Weight loss
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety
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Many of our children even enjoy better grades and academic success at
school as a result of their improved self-discipline, concentration and
study skills!
Click here to apply for our After School Martial Arts Program
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"Chaelin is more focused, she has improved study habits (made A/B honor
roll!), she has a better ability to protect herself from strangers and
she even has an interest in nutrition now. She is learning very good
tools for life. It's a good value because it's a complete program -
they address your child's physical, social and mental well being. I
intend for my child to continue their program for a very long time."
—Harvey Graham, mother of Chaelin, 12
"The most positive qualities of the instructors are that they are very
friendly and it is important to them how the children not only learn the
martial arts but their school work as well. The Peaceful Dragon is a
great place for a child to learn."
—Angelica Figueroa, mother of Gabriel, 11
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See for yourself why The Peaceful Dragon was chosen "Best Martial Arts
School" by Charlotte's Best Magazine
Children as young as kindergartners love martial arts.
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Celebrating our twelfth anniversary in Charlotte, The Peaceful Dragon
has grown into one of the top martial arts schools in the country.
We're home to hundreds of children and adults who enjoy our authentic
and traditional classes in Kung Fu, Kempo Karate, Tai Chi, Yoga and
more.
We've been featured in The Charlotte Observer, Lake Wylie Living,
Creative Loafing, Today's Charlotte Woman and over a dozen other
publications. These publications have praised us
for our high-quality instruction and the positive results
that our students are achieving.
Our students achieve life-changing positive results because we focus on the
traditional inner teachings of martial arts—the development of a
strong mind, body and spirit.
In keeping with the 1500-year-old traditions of Chinese Kung Fu and Kempo Karate-- the
same styles that Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan made famous -- our school
emphasizes the cultivation of:
“Respect
“Wisdom
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“Harmony
“Compassion
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“Bravery
“Confidence
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Of course our Martial Arts Program teaches kids great self-defense and
combat skills. Many of our students win gold, silver and bronze medals
every year at one of the nation's largest and most competitive
tournaments, the International Kuoshu Kung Fu Tournament held in
Baltimore.
But at The Peaceful Dragon fighting skills are never
regarded as more important than the cultivation and improvement
of one's character. We teach our students never to use or display
their skills unnecessarily.
As head instructor I'm often asked if I've ever had to use my martial
arts skills. My answer? I use my martial arts skills every day! No,
not the fighting part. I haven't had a physical confrontation outside
of the ring since I took up martial arts over 30 years ago.
But each day I enjoy reduced stress, greater relaxation, improved
physical fitness, better tolerance and understanding, a more positive
and generous spirit, and so much more. And these skills are a direct
result of my martial arts training.
Here's a short Chinese story that we teach our students to help them
understand how and when to use their skills correctly:
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One day a famous kung fu master was visited by another famous master.
The visiting master asked how his friend's three sons were progressing
in their kung fu training. The host decided to let his sons display
their skills for the visitor, one at a time starting with the youngest
son. The host took a huge clay pot that weighed close to a hundred
pounds and hid it propped up above the half-opened door. When the door
would open the pot would fall, testing the son's reflexes and response.
The father called out, "Youngest son, I have a visitor I would like you
to come meet."
"Yes father," replied the youngest son. He came running into the room,
swinging the door wide open. The huge pot came crashing down towards
him, but just at the last moment the son saw it. He jumped in the air,
spun around and hit the pot with a fancy spinning kick, breaking it into
dozens of pieces. "Very impressive," said the visiting master. "Now
let's see how your middle son is doing."
They cleaned up the pieces of the pot and set a new one atop the door.
"Middle son," called the father, "Please come greet my guest."
"Yes father," replied the middle son. He too came running into the room,
and like the youngest son he saw the pot falling at just the last
moment. His response was swift and graceful: He stepped back, caught the
large pot in his arms, gently set it down and while bowing said, "I'm
please to meet you, sir."
"Ah," said the visiting master, "An excellent display of martial arts
skill. I hope your youngest son will also achieve that level some day.
Now, let us test your eldest son's skill."
At that point they put the big clay pot back up atop the door.
The father called out, "Eldest son, I have a visitor I want you to come
meet." There was no reply. "Eldest son," he repeated, "do not be rude.
Come greet my guest right now.
Suddenly from behind the two masters a voice responded, "Pleased to meet
you, sir." As the two masters turned around, the eldest son was bowing
politely. He had come in through the window, avoiding the pot
altogether.
"Now there," said the visitor, "is a true master in the making."
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This story teaches that fighting skills are not to be displayed
arrogantly or unnecessarily, and that the wisdom and sensitivity
they learn from martial arts can help avoid conflicts before they
even arise.
We teach our students many stories like this one because the children
love them—and they learn valuable lessons that stay with them
for life.
A Structured Learning Environment
There are 12 acres with outdoor training areas and a
playground.
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If you've ever walked into other After School programs and felt like
"the lunatics were running the asylum," you'll be very pleased when you
visit The Peaceful Dragon. Unlike with many other programs, at The
Peaceful Dragon your child is always supervised and required to follow a
strict code of behavior with a clear purpose: Successful learning and
character development.
Our entire program is carefully planned out and structured so that you
can see how step-by-step your child will gain improved self-esteem,
behavior, confidence, focus, manners, leadership skills and
self-discipline.
Fun Daily Activities. Each day your child will participate in:
“ An intensive Martial Arts class, separated by age group and level
of experience to ensure your child's optimal progress
“ An engaging LifeSkills Lesson focusing on Personal Success
(covering everything from Time Management to Dealing With Bullies and
Strangers)
“ Reading and Study time
“ Invigorating Exercise and Play time where children are carefully
supervised as they unwind on our 12 acres of outdoor training areas and
playground.
Weekly and Monthly Lessons. Your child will receive Character Building
Take-Home lessons that encourage your active involvement in
your child's development. Lesson topics include:
“ Making and Keeping Good Friends
“ Personal Hygiene
“ Showing Respect
“ Random Acts of Kindness
“ Personal Safety
“ And much more.
Year-by-Year Curriculum All The Way To Black Belt. At The Peaceful
Dragon, we're proud to show you our entire curriculum that will help
your child develop the mental, physical and emotional skills needed to
advance all the way from novice White Sash up to advanced Black Sash!
Boys and girls who earn their Black Sash stand head and shoulders above
their peers when it comes to confidence, self-esteem, success skills,
leadership skills and a positive view of themselves and the world around
them.
Think how important that confidence and positive self-image are for kids
to be able to Say No to the negative peer pressures they face every day,
and Yes to the positive challenges that lead to success in life.
Martial arts really can positively change your child's life forever!
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"Dominick is more focused since starting the After School Program, and
his behavior is much improved as well. Is the program a good value? My
son's new found love for martial arts as well as his improved respect
and behavior speak for themselves. He will definitely be back next
year!"
—Melissa Giordano, mother of Dominick, 7
"She has become incredibly respectful towards people.
The instructors here are firm but respectful of each child's needs. I feel very much a
part of the community at The Peaceful Dragon."
—Jenny Kearney, mother of Olivia, 7
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Click here to apply for our After School Martial Arts Program
Our After School Martial Arts Success Academy students enjoy all of the following:
“ Exciting and fun classes with our skilled professional instructors
“ Private tutoring classes available to give your child the extra
attention he or she might need
“ FREE use of studios and all training equipment for practice 7 days a
week
“ FREE monthly newsletter
“ FREE testing for colored sash (belt) promotions
“ Pro shop for any martial arts supplies and gifts you might need
“ Special social activities including Parents' Night Out parties,
campouts -- even a sponsored trip to China!
“ Huge discounts on exciting martial arts birthday parties
Black Sash and Leadership Clubs
Children in the Black Sash and Leadership Clubs can learn to do lion dancing.
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After at least three months of dedicated training, all children in good
standing will be invited to join the rest of our other students in
either our Black Sash Club or Leadership Club. These are for students
and their families who have made the firm commitment to reach Black Sash
Level.
Our Black Sash Club members enjoy all of the benefits listed above,
plus:
“ Weekly intensive Black Sash Club curriculum
“ Special advanced classes for Black Sash Club students only
“ Eligibility for Peaceful Dragon Demo Team
“ Exciting classes in traditional Chinese Lion Dancing
“ Eligibility for exciting advanced Kung Fu weapons training
“ Special Black Sash Club Uniform
The Leadership Club members enjoy all of the benefits listed above,
plus:
“ Intensive training and coaching in leadership and Success principles
“ Special Leadership seminars led by Master Eric Sbarge and our
professional staff
“ Hands-on leadership experience as an Assistant to the Instructor
“ Success and Leadership principles for all walks of life
“ Special Leadership Club uniform
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Top professional instructors lead our After School Program
Master Eric Sbarge
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Master Eric Sbarge is founder, director and head instructor at The
Peaceful Dragon. A highly regarded martial artist with over 30 years of
experience in Kung Fu, Karate, Tai Chi, Yoga and Asian culture, he was certified
as a Master Level Instructor by the American Center for Chinese Studies
headquarters in New York in 2001.
In 2005 Master Sbarge was inducted into the United States Martial Arts
Hall of Fame.
He is not only one of the most skilled and versatile martial artists in
the Carolinas, but also one of the top educators. He was Education
Program Director for McGraw-Hill Seminar Division in the early 80's, and
holds certification as a public school teacher in both New York and
North Carolina. He taught full-time for four years at South Charlotte
Middle School, where his students consistently ranked among the highest
academically both within the school and within Mecklenburg County.
As a parent and teacher, Master Sbarge understands the wide variety of
needs of different children, and our martial arts programs are designed
to meet those needs. Academically gifted students, those with Attention
Deficit Disorders, ADHD, mild autism,
and mainstream students alike all benefit from the
premier After School Martial Arts Program that Master Sbarge has
created. Classes are all divided by age groups and levels of experience
so your child is sure to excel at his or her optimal rate.
Children's Program Instructors
The Peaceful Dragon has eight professional Children's Martial Arts
Program instructors, each of whom has trained intensively under Master
Sbarge for at least five years and in several cases for over ten years.
They have been selected to teach in our Children's Programs not only
because of their high level of martial arts skills, but also because of
their proven abilities to motivate, lead and communicate with children.
After School Martial Arts Program Coordinators
Guiding and supervising your children outside of the martial arts
classes are trained and caring professionals with experience in teaching
and raising children, including Master Sbarge's wife Debra Sbarge.
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Why our After School Martial Arts Program may not be for everyone
We may not be the kind of After School Program you are looking for.
We're not a babysitting service, nor are we a day care center. If
you're looking for a casual, unstructured, or temporary program we
certainly aren't right for you. If you are looking for the cheapest
service rather than a top-quality service at a great value, we are
probably not the cheapest.
But if you like the idea of a structured martial arts program that
concentrates on developing children who are growing stronger mentally,
physically and spiritually - and who are acquiring the Black Belt
Attitude of Excellence - then we may very well be the ideal program for
you.
Click here to apply for our After School Martial Arts Program
At The Peaceful Dragon your child will be training along side other highly-motivated
children who support and help each other
If your child is accepted into our program, he or she will be
training along side a highly-motivated and dedicated group of children
who are committed to improvement and excellence.
How do I know your child will be with other motivated and dedicated
students, and not a bunch of kids who are just taking up space? Very
simple—we don't accept students who don't show a serious interest.
Martial arts is our full-time business, and we could surely take in much
more revenue if we accepted just anybody in off the street who says they
want to learn martial arts (which is what most schools do, by the way).
But we don't take just anyone. Your child won't reach his or her
full potential without the motivation and positive peer pressure of
other highly dedicated students who are committed to excellence.
Curious or Serious? We weed out the really non-serious families right
away: For example, you wouldn't have taken the time to come to our web
site, and you wouldn't still be reading this letter, if you weren't
seriously interested in bettering your child's life. And few people
will take the time to completely fill out the Application Form for our
program if they are merely dreamers who aren't ready to take action on
their child's behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll see your child build strength and flexibility.
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Can martial arts turn my child into a bully?
No. Martial arts
training will do just the opposite. Children are taught respect,
tolerance, harmony and compassion. The use of physical force is always
reserved as a last resort, and only for self-defense.
Will you tutor my child to help improve her grades?
Your child will
have structured time to work on homework or read, but we are a martial
arts school and not a tutoring center. Many of our students do enjoy
dramatic improvement in their grades due to the improved concentration,
study habits, time management skills and winning attitude that we teach
them.
My child has special needs. Can your program help?
We have students with ADHD, mild autism, physical disabilities, and other
challenges. Martial arts is one of the best activities for children
with challenges.
One of my favorite success stories is a boy with autism who came
to us a few years ago. He acted out at home and at school, getting extremely
angry and hitting other children. His parents were in despair. It might seem
paradoxical that a child with hitting problems could find the answer in
martial arts, but he did. He learned that if he couldn't control his impulses
he couldn't attend the classes he clearly loved. The staff worked closely with
him and his parents and we're all delighted to see how much he's progressed.
In fact, he was recently named Student of the Month!
Is your school's emphasis on competition and winning trophies,
or is it on the development of my child?
The development of your child always comes first. And unlike with most sports teams,
there are no "bench warmers" sitting on the sidelines at The Peaceful Dragon. Every
student participates fully in every class. However, for those students who wish to
compete at tournaments, we offer comprehensive training for nearly all divisions.
Our school is consistently a top medal winner at the regional and
national tournaments that we attend each year.
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"Since starting the After School Program Matthew has more confidence and
self-control. He's stronger, more flexible, has more stamina and sleeps
better at night. The Peaceful Dragon instructors are all knowledgeable,
friendly and patient with the kids. They motivate the students to
strive for more."
—Melissa Myers, mother of Matthew, 11
"My goal was to put her in an environment where she would be exposed to
not only the traditional Chinese martial arts, but also the positive
philosophy and life practices of Eastern thought. There is simply no
competition in this area. She is also gaining an understanding of how
to continue being healthy through good nutrition and exercise. It is
everything I wanted it to be for my daughter - how can you put a price
on that?"
—Natalia Hill, mother of Ana, 8
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Click here to apply for our After School Martial Arts Program
Hours and Eligibility
Eligible Students: Boys and girls in kindergarten through 8th grade.
This exclusive program is limited to 40 children. Returning children
from last year who are in good standing will automatically have a space
reserved.
Hours: The After School Martial Arts Program runs from 2:30pm (or
whatever time the transport service drops off your child) until parent pick-up
(no later than 6:30pm). Teacher work days and Winter and Spring vacations
are all included at no extra charge, with drop-off and pick-up hours
from 8am to 6:30pm.
You should apply before the start of the school
year for the best chance of an opening being available. You
can apply during the year in the event any spaces should
open up due to children moving, etc.
Scholarships: Two full scholarships are awarded each year for those
with financial need (student must be on free or reduced lunch program).
Scholarship winners are determined based on Character Attributes as well
as financial need. A separate Scholarship Section of the Application
must be filled out - see details on the Admissions Application.
How to apply NOW for our After School Martial Success Academy
We would love the opportunity to meet you and give your family a Free
Introductory Tour of our facilities and give your child Two Free
Introductory Classes. During the tour we will explain all of the
features and benefits of our After School Success Academy, show you
our facilities, and answer any questions you might have about our
program.
The Peaceful Dragon accepts children who demonstrate good character,
who want to have fun and enjoy the life-changing benefits of martial
arts, and who have strong family support for our program. We accept
students with or without previous martial arts experience, regardless
of race, religion or similar factors.
Currently, due to the tremendous demand for our programs, we are
pre-screening all applicants before scheduling the Free Introductory
Tour and initial class.
To apply for your Tour and initial class, simply fill out the
Application Form below. We generally respond to on-line applications
within 48 hours to inform you whether your pre-screening application
has been accepted, and to confirm your reservation for your Free
Introductory Tour and Class. Confirmation of your tour date, time,
driving directions, etc. will be provided when we notify you of your
application's preliminary approval.
Receive a great gift if you invite a friend or family member.
Training with a sincere and dedicated friend or family member can be
supportive and extra-motivating for many children. If your child has a
friend or family member whom you think might benefit as much as your
child from our After School Program or regular classes, have them also
go online and fill out the application form. If both children are
accepted then both families will receive a fantastic gift when you
enroll—plus it can be great for car pooling!
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed reading about The Peaceful Dragon and
learning about the many benefits of our After School Martial Arts
Program. I look forward to meeting you and your child!
Sincerely,
Eric Sbarge
Director and Head Instructor
The Peaceful Dragon
P.S. Don't forget to inquire about our family discounts for two or
more children in the program. You can also receive family discounts on
our great classes for parents or older siblings in martial arts, tai
chi, yoga, meditation and more!
P.P.S. We often run special tour discounts—be sure to ask the
instructor if one is currently running while at your tour!
P.P.P.S. I know there are many reasons to put
off applying for your child, but please go ahead and apply now. Without
the confidence, self-discipline and positive attitude that a program like
ours offers, your child potentially faces too many scary and unpleasant
obstacles: Poor health and fitness, susceptibility to negative peer pressure,
a worsening of focus and concentration leading to poor performance in school,
and lack of self-defense skills that could be vital to save your child's life some day.
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