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January, 2003
Message from Master Eric Sbarge
Director and Head Instructor
I can't control what fortune or misfortune the year 2003 will
bring around the world, but I certainly can influence it. I've
made a personal commitment to work for good fortune for everyone
here at The Peaceful Dragon. The old saying about getting your
own house in order before worrying about everyone else's never
goes out of style, and after the chaotic past year wearing
ourselves out building our new center I feel excited about
finally getting our "house in order."
For me this means a commitment to again training as hard as I did
before our construction disruptions, and doing everything I can
to encourage each of you to train equally hard - or harder!
Qigong, yoga, meditation, tai chi, and kung-fu - they're all
paths of self-discipline and personal growth through which we
become more positive, energetic, productive, compassionate, wise,
charitable and creative.
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I'm geared up over our new class
schedule and structure; I'm excited about the many changes and
improvements we've made to our children's programs; and I'm
energized to grow the new Peaceful Dragon and make it the great
center of learning that it has the potential to be.
Make your new year's resolution now. Life is short so why not
join me in trying to make every moment of this new-year count by
training hard and making real progress in your life. Every
improvement in your life has a ripple effect, and with enough
ripples the fortunes of the world absolutely will be influenced
by you.
Special Announcements
Sifu's Monthly Lecture
Sifu's Monthly Lecture / discussion agenda is Self-defense
Strategies Wednesday, January 8th at 7:30pm and Wu-de: The
Ethical Foundation of Kung-fu Wednesday, February 5th at 7:30pm.
Do your best to be there.
Saturday Night Lectures
The Free Saturday Night Lecture Series will resume on Saturday,
January 4th. Noted experts will talk on Asian themes and
health-related topics on the first and third Saturday of every
month and of course the lectures are still open to the public.
Here's the winter schedule.
Membership Drive
A student membership drive has been planned to help secure the
financial stability of our new center and ensure the strength and
spirit of our student body.
On Saturday, January 11th, from
10:30 - 12:30AM, students will distribute fliers to promote our
classes to the public, followed by a lunch courtesy of The
Peaceful Dragon, then a second flier delivery campaign in the
afternoon from 1:30 - 3:30pm.
Please also take some of the fliers located at the door
to Studio A and post them at your work
and at stores and businesses near your own home.
The help of every student possible is needed and appreciated.
Thank You for helping to make this membership drive a success.
Workshops and Events
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.
Master Park Here in March
Many of you have had the chance to study with Master Park in
the past. As you know, our school has a very special
relationship with this top international Pakua expert. Those who
have not experienced one of his workshops won't want to miss
this. Saturday, March 15th, 11am - 5pm, Master Park will conduct
a comprehensive workshop open to beginners and experienced
practitioners, offering challenging information and applications
for all.
The cost is an unbelievably low $100. And for those
interested, Master Park will do an intense, special self-defense
application seminar Friday, March 14th, 7pm - 9pm for just $30.
Take both classes for only $120. As usual, add $20 if you wait
until the day of the workshop. Make your plans now, since this
workshop fills up fast!
Demos
Join either of these upcoming demonstrations or just be there to
lend you support - watch for sign-up notices on the message board
in studio A.
Chinese Association's Annual Show
The Peaceful Dragon has again been asked to perform the lion dance and kung-fu
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.
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
Saturday, 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.
Feng Shui Workshop Coming Soon
Juanita Muñoz is a professional feng shui practitioner who has
conducted many very popular workshops. Look for posted details
of her exciting new program and learn how to really arrange your
life. She will give a free lecture on February 1 and a workshop
on February 2, both on "Feng Shui for a Successful New Year."
Special Events Schedule for 2003
Many events are already scheduled for this year, with more to
come. Check the schedule.
What's Up?
Learn Lion Dancing
Lion dancing is a fun part of the Kung-fu tradition, and it's a
good aerobic exercise, so why not participate? Peaceful Dragon
demos and other special events usually include lion dancing. Our
lion dancers need some new lions, age twelve or older. You
don't need experience, only enthusiasm and the willingness to
learn and practice. Please see George for more information.
Fundraisers for Exciting Spring Projects
We envision many improvements and additions to our facilities
in the months and years to come ... one step at a time. The
following projects should begin this spring: 1) an organic
vegetable garden (in which students can share the enjoyable work
and the "fruits and vegetables" of their labor); 2) a covered
outdoor exercise and conditioning station complete with heavy
bags, weights and climbing ropes.
Estimates are $400 for soil,
compost and seeds to start the garden; $1000 for lumber and
hardware to build the initial phase of the conditioning station.
Please put on your fundraising thinking caps and let Sifu or our
volunteer coordinators know what ideas you come up with.
New Fee Schedule
Changes are being made in tuition as described in
last month's newsletter. Please see George Lu, our Cultural Center
Manager, anytime in the next few weeks to make the necessary
adjustments to your automatic drafting agreement. Remember
that if your tuition is going up, you have a grace period until
April 5th before the change takes effect, but please take care of
the revised agreement paperwork with George by February
Young Dragons
Congratulations to Our Recently Promoted Young Dragons
White Sashes have been awarded to Seth Leonard, Arren Sevigny and
Cameron Sifford in the 4-6 years old class, to Jack Fish and
Dixon Roark in the 7-10 years old class, and to Macie Imholt
and Blake Morgan in the 11-14 years old class. A Purple Sash
was awarded to Alex Kearney in the 7-10 year old class.
Plan to attend our special promotion and new-year celebration for all
young dragons on Saturday, January 25th from 5-7pm. Each Young
Dragon will get a letter with all the details. It's going to be
a fun time, with lion dancing, martial arts demos, promotions,
games, prizes, and food. Plan now to be there with your family
and friends. Every child who comes will receive a gift.
Volunteering
Sign in, please!
A new year has begun. Along with the usual resolutions to eat
better or exercise more, resolve to help out at The Peaceful
Dragon. You can begin by filling out one of the volunteer
registrations next to the bulletin board in Studio A. Sign up
for two of the five action committees briefly described in the
form.
Being a registered volunteer in no way obligates you to anything;
instead, it gives the captain or co-captains of each committee a
better chance to cover the chores so vital to the operation of
our center. If you absolutely cannot help, no need to feel
guilty but there may be a time when you have a few minutes and
your contribution then will be much appreciated.
A volunteer board next to the women's bathroom lists things that
must be done on a regular schedule and you can help with any of
these at any time without waiting to be called. Volunteering is
a vital part of Wu-de, the martial code of ethics by which all
students of traditional schools abide.
Your rent or mortgage payment does not prevent you from keeping your home clean;
neither should tuition prevent your involvement in the upkeep of
your school. Outside cleaning and maintenance services would
only inflate the cost of tuition and destroy a valuable training
tool. Many students who get involved report feeling more
ownership in the school; some even say the results of training
are better.
You can find out more by talking with Shawn Hammond, Melanie
Snider or George Lu. Or talk to any Disciple or student who you
know is already volunteering. Best wishes to all of you for a
happy and prosperous new year!
Dragon Classified Ads
NOW Vitamins and Health Supplements
Ask at the front counter about NOW brand vitamins and health
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offered as a benefit for Peaceful Dragon students.
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.
For sale: Debra's 1990 Chevy Corsica. 140,000 miles, a few minor dents; has been
well-maintained over the years. Runs well but needs a battery
and alternator. Asking $70,000, will take $700 OBO. Please see
Debra or Sifu or call them at Peaceful Dragon at (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
"Know yourself. Do your best. Don't overdo it.
Make a little progress every day."
Jou Tsung Hwa, founder of the Tai Chi Farm
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