June, 2002

Work continues pretty much on schedule at the new Peaceful Dragon, but too few are doing that work, and while Sifu realizes that we all have busy lives, more hands are needed. The level of exhaustion is high, but even more important than that is the issue of Wu-de. This is a unique school because it is a traditional school - of, for, and by students. Usually, the building of a school is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to contribute, to grow as a person and as a member of a special community, to explore the deeper meaning of Wu-de. This school is going to be there for you, your children, and their children.

Sifu doesn't expect any student to sacrifice beyond what they desire to do or are capable of doing, but he does expect that students will care enough for their school to respond to it in a meaningful way. A big part of the value of a traditional school is exactly this kind of training opportunity: learning how to express martial spirit and mind outside the practice studio. If you haven't been out to the site, Sifu hopes you will at least come and look.

Take a look at how the site is coming along.

Directions are as follows, from The Peaceful Dragon:
Take Highway 51 South to 485 West all the way to the last exit, at Arrowood. Turn left on Arrowood, which becomes Brown Grier Road. Turn left at the light at Steele Creek Road. New building is on the right side shortly after you cross Westinghouse Blvd. and Sam Neely Road.

From Uptown,take 77 South to Arrowood Road, exit headed West. Go a couple of miles until you cross 485 and then follow directions above.

For a downloadable version of the floor plan of the new Peaceful Dragon, click here. (You'll need the free Acrobat Reader.)

To everyone who has been supporting the operation of the old Peaceful Dragon and to everyone who has come to the construction site - THANK YOU!

Aaron, George, and Vincent deserve special thanks for their unceasing dedication to the project; Alisha and Angela have put in countless hours; and there has to be a shout out to committee heads, Dale Guadagna - General Office, Carolene Chun - Special Events and Fund Raising, David Block - Maintenance and Cleaning and Melanie Snider - Kids Programs, for their efforts. Disciples - and others, who have maintained classes, Geoff, Lyn, Beth, Charles, Debbie, and Eric - thank you. All of you are gaining immeasurably from these enlarging experiences. A special thanks to Debra, Ozzy and Wes, for their ongoing efforts to keep things running smoothly at the old Dragon, as the new Dragon rises.

Many students responded to Sifu with contributions and loans, such an overwhelming show of energy and support for our common dream, for which Sifu is very grateful. We're still short of the goal - in fact, money is very tight - so if anyone else can offer a contribution or a loan without compromising your own financial needs, please contact Debra or Sifu.

Master Park Coming in August
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, August 10th, 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, August 9th, 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!

Grand Opening/Tai Chi Festival
This is such exciting news! Grandmaster Ma For Ren, and Rev. Shih Guo Lin are both coming down to bless our grand opening and annual tai chi festival Sept. 14th. There will be special workshops and lectures, in addition to all the usual festivities. Details yet to be set, but you will want to mark your calendar and be there for an extraordinary and memorable experience.

Asian festival at the Mint Museum
The Peaceful Dragon is participating in an Asian Festival at the Mint Museum, Sunday, June 9th beginning at 2pm. We need lots of people to help with the demonstration and lion dance. This is a unique opportunity because the school is getting a fee for participating, and there will be an estimated 2000 - 3000 people attending the festival, which gives us probably the best opportunity to showcase our school since we opened our doors. Demo categories are listed on the board in studio A. Practice dates and times are also listed. Everyone should come to as many of these as possible so that we put our best foot forward. If you choose not to demo, still come and support your school. Classes will continue as usual at the teahouse.

Picnic at the New Site
On Sunday, June 16th at 5pm, bring your own to a picnic dinner at the construction site. See for yourself what your fellow students have been up to, and get a tour of your new school. Sifu hopes everyone will come.

Congratulations to the following Young Dragons who have achieved special recognition.

• MOST FOCUS went to - David Hart, Tori Mitchell, Donnie Iorio and Missy Ilardo.
• HARDEST TRAINING students were - Carson Elmore, Brian Weaver, Joe Ehrman-Dupre and Christopher Lok.
• Cited for having MOST POTENTIAL were Angel Lee, Alex Kearney, Carson Elmore and Susie Chen.
• Students with the BEST ENDURANCE were Alex Kearney, Angel Lee and David Hart.
• MOST IMPROVED students were Brian Weaver, Todd Gillen, Drew Dole and Chris Fleming. Best MARTIAL SPIRIT went to James Adams, Nikita Rodgers, Chipper Allen, Jenny Zhao and Joshua Carr.
• Recognized for BEST DISCIPLINE were Joe Ehrman-Dupre, Charlie Wagner and Maximillion Rudisser. Best WU DE went to Carrie Chun.

Several students were promoted to new levels:
TIGER LEVEL: Tori Mitchell, Nikita Rodgers, Joshua Carr, John Diana, Sarah McDermott
SWORD LEVEL: Charlie Wagner, Maximillion Rudisser
DRAGON LEVEL: Todd Gillen, Zack Roberts, Donnie Iorio, Christopher Fleming

Follow your heart!

Dog Walker Wanted
We need someone to walk our two sweet doggies from time to time. We live in Dilworth, and will pay in $$ or Peaceful Dragon gift certificates! Call Kathy or David Crowe at 704-338-9855.

NOW vitamins, minerals and food supplements are available by order the 1st of each month at unbeatable prices. The value of these products in our stressful lives is pretty unbeatable too. See Debra or Ozzy.

By David Crowe

This is not a deep or profound personal experience, just a small incident that says something about how the Peaceful Dragon has made itself known in the community.

I was home alone one Saturday afternoon when a knock came at the door. I looked out the window and saw two young teenagers standing there. I made my way to the door, trying to shut up the dogs, while quickly composing in my mind how I would tell them, as politely as I could, that I didn't want to subscribe to any magazines, or buy some stale candy, or save my soul.

Instead, they told me that they and their friends were on their way to the movies and had gotten hopelessly lost. They couldn't find anyone on the street to ask for directions, so they knocked on my door because they saw the Peaceful Dragon bumper sticker on my car and figured I would be a nice person. And, as it turned out, they were right.

Belong to yourself, be who you are. Belong to others, be what they need. Belong to something beyond, be the light that leads.

--The Editor

To contact The Peaceful Dragon:

Call: (704)-544-1012

Write: The Peaceful Dragon
8324 Pineville-Matthews Road No.509
McMullen Creek Market
Charlotte, NC 28226

E-mail: comments and suggestions to staff@thepeacefuldragon.com