|
December 2002
Message from Master Eric Sbarge
Director and Head Instructor
Moving from our old center to the new one was a big
change for us and with change there is always uncertainty.
Following the natural law of yin and yang, the move brought
both negative and positive consequences.
The biggest negative consequence was the fact that many
students quit during the five months that I managed the
construction and wasn't teaching. Disciple-level
students worked hard to ensure that classes carried
on as scheduled during my absence and they did a really
good job, but the transition provided marginally
dedicated students a good excuse to stop training.
The other negative consequence was that several regular
tea house customers decided we're now too far away from
them and are no longer regular customers.
|
Miss something? Click here for previous newsletters.
|
The plus side of the move, thankfully, already seems to outweigh those
negatives. Most importantly, several new students have joined
since our Grand Opening and many of them already seem like
family, plus a handful of students who had quit have decided to
return. Also, as we had hoped would be the case, the restaurant
is attracting new customers who are themselves becoming regulars
here and our after school program is slowly taking shape. The
process of rebuilding is slow but it is happening steadily, and
as we know from our tai chi training slow and steady leads to
long-term success.
The other big plus is of course the fantastic new center we now
can enjoy and benefit from. I had hoped the general feeling of
"relaxation and balance" that our old location offered would
carry over to our new one, and I think it absolutely does. And
already we seem to take for granted the studios that are twice as
big and the privacy and natural setting that could never be found
at the old shopping center.
We still face challenges brought
about by the move: loans to pay off, promoting the new
restaurant, rebuilding our student base, finishing final
construction projects ... and we'll need all of you to help overcome
these challenges. But for anyone who was unsettled by the change
to our new location, the toughest part is behind us and I think
it's safe to "settle down" and enjoy our new home away from home.
Special Announcements
Newsletter Delivery Has Changed
Mailing costs account for a hefty chunk of change every month and
right now those dollars need to be spent on effectively marketing
our new center. So, if you haven't been to class in the last few
weeks, newsletters are being placed in alphabetical order in a box
in studio A and will be available for you to pick up about the
first of each month. Within a week or so, any newsletters that
remain will be mailed out regular post. Be aware that newsletters
contain dated information so if you don't pick yours up you may
miss out on things you care about.
Class Lineup to Change
On January 1, 2003 a revised class schedule will take affect.
Changes are never lightly made; the important considerations are
the needs and desires of the majority of students, and Sifu's
commitment to provide the best instruction for all students. Most
of you will agree that the schedule is significantly improved; a
few of you may feel it is less convenient and for that we
apologize. The most beneficial change is that external arts have
been merged and internal arts have been merged so that tai chi,
pa-kua and hsing-I will be taught together; shaolin and shuai
chiao will be taught together. In every instance this allows
students to take more classes each week with more exposure to
their arts of choice, and most of the classes are longer.
New Fee Schedule
The Peaceful Dragon offers more classes with quality
instruction than other schools, but has consistently charged less
monthly tuition. Even with the tuition hike that begins in
January, our programs are a bargain since other schools are still
two or three times higher (comparing what is charged to what is
taught and how often). There will be three options for adult
students.
• Yoga only - $69 per month includes free meditation
• Internal OR External Kungfu - $99 per month includes free yoga and meditation
• Internal AND External Kungfu - $129 per month includes everything
• Young Dragons 4-6 years old will continue at $69 per month.
• Young Dragons 7-14 years old will be $99 per month including
free yoga and meditation.
New students after January 1st will
start at these rates. Current students have a grace period at the
old rates until April 5th! All currently enrolled students MUST
see George Lu any time after January 1st but before April 5th to
update your membership agreement.
Holiday Gift Sale
For students only, another benefit of this school: our annual one
day holiday sale is Saturday, December 7th. Everything except
books is 20% off.
Workshops and Events
New Year's Eve Celebration
The Peaceful Dragon's fine chef, Geoffrey Bragg, has created a
special evening of dinner and celebration for the "Western" New
Year's Eve. Ring in the new year with fellow students and patrons
of our restaurant for a fantastic gourmet multi-course meal with
champagne, wine, etc. A special "midnight hour" group meditation
to bring positive strength and energy for the new year will be
open to all dinner patrons. Reservations are required.
New Year's Eve Child Care
You know it's impossible to
find a babysitter on New Year's Eve, but The Peaceful Dragon has
your solution. Our children's programs coordinator, Melanie
Snider, will offer a special child-care service from 6PM until
1:30AM on New Year's Eve. Whether you will be attending the
Peaceful Dragon's new year's dinner or going out on the town, you
can bring your kids here for an evening of safe fun and cultural
activities. Space is limited to twenty children, ages four to
fourteen. The price is $35 for up to three hours; $65 for over
three hours. Snacks will be provided as well as a midnight
"sparkling cider" celebration. There will be sleeping
arrangements for young children but parents will need to provide
blankets, pillows or sleeping bags. Call Melanie at The Peaceful
Dragon for details, 704-504-8866.
Free Tea Tasting and Lecture
Learn about the unique health benefits of tea, such as fighting
many kinds of cancer, boosting overall immunity, strengthening
and toning organs including your skin, and much more. And of
course sample some of our exquisite fine teas. Saturday, December
7th, 7:30PM.
Master Park Workshop
The long awaited chance to train once again with Master Park
has been scheduled for March. Look for details soon. Plan now to
attend this highly valuable workshop.
What's Up?
Membership Drive
As part of our new student membership drive, The Peaceful Dragon
will send all students special holiday gift certificates to give
to friends and family. Please look for them in the mail and do
all you can to give them out to worthy recipients!
Chinese New Year's Celebration
Mark your calendar now for our annual dinner and celebration
Friday, January 31st beginning at 7:30PM. The evening includes
awards ceremonies, student promotions, lion-dancing, and lots of
other dancing, partying and more. No Peaceful Dragon student
should miss this important annual event!
The gourmet dinner buffet is catered by The Peaceful Dragon this year and includes
soup, appetizers, multiple entrees, desserts, tea and soft
drinks, and sake for each table. A cash bar will be available.
Family and friends are welcome. Tickets are sold first come,
first served. Adults $30. Children under 12 half price.
Demonstrations
Join either of these upcoming demonstrations or just be there
to lend you support.
• Chinese Association's Annual Show
The Peaceful Dragon has again been asked to perform the lion dance
and Kungfu demonstration at the annual Chinese New Year show for
the Charlotte Chinese-American Association. The show will be on
Saturday afternoon, Feb. 8 at UNCC. Further details to come.
• Annual Martial Arts Extravaganza
Sifu Rick Panico, whose
tremendous efforts make the annual Fall CACMA tournament
possible, has asked us to participate in his 10th annual Chinese
New Year's show on the weekend of February 15th. Sifu Panico
brings his love of martial arts to a wider public and is
especially noted for his support of physically challenged
youngsters in his own school and in the community. Further
details to come.
CACMA Tournament a Success
Peaceful Dragon students generally do well in competition, and
while the point of the tournament is truly to share our interests
in martial arts and to see and learn from other styles, it's nice
to win too! Congratulations to these students who competed and
placed in their events:
Carrie Chun:
1st in Open Hand Form 12-14 yrs inter.
2nd in Weapon Form 17 yrs and under inter.
Alisha Cozad:
1st in Open Hand Form 15 to 17 yrs. inter.
1st in Weapon Form 17 yrs and under inter.
2nd in Two Person Open Hand Form, All levels, all ages
Ben Kufert:
3rd in Sparring, Adult inter.
Sebastian Sotelo:
2nd in Two Person Open Hand Form, All levels, all ages
1st in Tai Chi Solo Form beg. 2nd in Open Hand Form beg.
David Block:
2nd in Tai Chi Solo Form adv.
George Lu:
3rd Open Hand Form adv.
1st Weapon Form adv.
3rd Tai Chi Solo Form adv.
1st Restricted Push Hand adv.
3rd Free Push Hand adv.
Sifu's Monthly Lecture & Discussion
The December lecture will take place Thursday,
December 5 at 7:15 pm. The topic will be "In-depth
Analysis of the Tai Chi Classics." Please remember that Sifu
asks all Peaceful Dragon students to attend these
monthly lectures, (except the younger Young Dragons) unless
your work schedule makes it impossible.
Young Dragons
Sashes Awarded
Many Young Dragons were recently promoted in a formal testing
process that is part of martial tradition. Colored sashes were
awarded. Many people believe sashes are a sign of rank or skill.
Grandmaster Frank DeMaria explains: "The color of your sash means
nothing; it only represents how long you have been in the
system."
To this point, there is a symbolic meaning associated
with these sashes which are awarded in the order white, yellow,
green, purple, brown, and black, similar to leaves changing
color. White is pure, like a blank piece of paper ready to take
notes. Black is empty, where the student has discarded what is
not needed and is ready to learn how to be a true student. At
this stage, the student begins to learn about inner meaning
behind the training and starts to develop true skill and
understanding.
Congratulations to the following hard-working
Young Dragons who have earned a sash.
4-6 Years Old
White Sash awarded to: Kevin Jones, K. J. White and Joe (Jr.) Tafoya
Yellow Sash awarded to: Matthew Gaydos
7-10 Years Old
White Sash awarded to: Benjamin Murphy, Zack Bohland and Andrew Watts
Yellow Sash awarded to: Joshua Carr
Green Sash awarded to: Joe Ehrman-Dupre, Donnie Iorio, Kiko Mawougbe, Maximilian
Rudisser, Charlie Wagner and Brian Weaver
Brown Sash awarded to: Drew Dole
11-14 Years Old
White Sash awarded to: Sam Rawls
Brown Sash awarded to: Missy Ilardo
Volunteering
Cleaning Day
The temporary schedule of "monthly" work days has returned to a
clean-up and maintenance day once each quarter. Our new center is
bigger and more complex to run, so please come out and help on
Sunday, December 8, any time from 10AM-6PM. Tasks include
carpet cleaning, washing and dusting, light carpentry, etc. The
more students who come out and help, the quicker and easier it is
for everyone. This is good Wu-de and good practice for your
training.
Volunteer Committees & Captains Set
Captains and Co-captains have been selected to oversee
committees that will take care of the day to day needs of The
Peaceful Dragon. As in the past, interested students are
encouraged to participate on one or more of these committees. The
essential role of the committee leaders is to see what needs to
be done and then find people who are willing to do it. If you
aren't sure how this could work for you, see Melanie, Shawn or
George. These action committees need your help; even a few
minutes of your time makes a noticeable difference.
• Maintenance & Cleaning: Aaron Arden and David Block
• Office: Jen Shults and Natalia Hill
• Special Events: Carolene Chun and Jen Bryan
• Marketing: Dale Saufley and Beth Rudowske
• Computer Services: Dale Guadagna and Hank Kadel
Dragon Classified Ads
NOW Vitamins and Health Supplements
Ask at the front counter about NOW brand vitamins and health
supplements, available to students at a big discount. These are
among the best products on the market, carefully researched and
offered as a benefit for Peaceful Dragon students. See Debra or
Ozzy. Place your ad with us. 40 words for $10, another 40 for
just $5 more. The editor can enhance your ad with fonts and
graphics. See George.
Spa Facials from my home.
I'm a licensed aesthetician
offering a 30% discount to Peaceful Dragon students. Your face
will love you - pumpkin peel, oxygen, ayurvedic and European
facials, and more. Call Beth for details, home 704-588-7149, or
cell 704 564 3301.
Room for Rent.
$400 mo., utilities and water
included. 2.5 miles from Peaceful Dragon. Quiet neighborhood, no
smoking. Room includes two twin beds, one full bath. Call Dolores
Easley at 704 588-3099.
Laptop Needed
The Peaceful Dragon is seeking a donation of a
used laptop computer. Can be old and slow - only needs to run
Excel or a similar bookkeeping program. See George or Sifu or
call 704 504 8866.
My Peaceful Dragon Experience
Your story could be here. Talk to the Michael Ballantyne or email
bmk@carolina.rr.com
Words to Light Your Path
"If mind and energy can be freely exchanged, then there is much
satisfaction in performing smoothly and dynamically; this is
called exchanging negative and positive."
T'ai Chi Classics, commentary by Waysun Liao
|
