The following guidelines will help you get the most from your training
at The Peaceful Dragon. Please try to read and study these
orientation guidelines carefully before your first class.
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As a newcomer to class simply relax, observe others and follow
along as best you can. No two classes are identical, though in the
tai chi and kung fu classes we do the same warm-up routine each class.
This warm-up is designed to be rigorous and it may be challenging for
you - simply do what you can and be patient with yourself. You'll be
amazed at your improvement as time progresses. We'll help you modify
any movements that you can't do due to injuries or health factors.
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Important Communications Notice
In addition to sending our monthly newsletter via
e-mail, we often send special announcements or important news via
e-mail. It is important that you receive these e-mails and read them.
If you do not receive them please notify our staff so we can be sure
you got added to our e-mail list correctly, and also add
staff@thepeacefuldragon.com to your address book to ensure that our
messages aren' t being blocked as spam.
If you don't have your own e-mail account and are unable to open one,
it is imperative that you arrange with another student to get all
messages. We can help put you in touch with our volunteer
coordinators if that is the case.
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Over time you will get detailed explanations of movements,
techniques and theories but not necessarily on your first class. If
others seem to know what they're doing and you don't, remember that
they didn't either at first. They've progressed and so will you, so
relax and enjoy!
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You may experience sore muscles, temporary fatigue or other
physical discomfort as you begin training - this is normal and will
soon pass. Also expect at times to feel confused by movements or
exercises if they are new to you. As the weeks and months go by you
will repeat everything many times and any confusion will subside.
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Don't expect to be able do all things as well as the next person
might. Try to avoid the temptation to compare yourself with others,
but rather compare yourself today with how you were yesterday. You
may never do some things as well as the next person, but how you
compare with others has nothing to do with your own physical, mental
and spiritual development.
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Study and follow the Class Guidelines below, which
are also posted on the studio walls. And be sure to read and study
your guide to Wu-de (martial code and ethics).
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Practice whenever possible and read and study all you can about the
arts you are studying. See the Suggested Reading List
posted on our web site as a starting point. The
more you train and study, the greater will be your progress. Don't let
outside activities interfere with your training and classes - and
don't neglect to bring the insights from your training into your
outside activities.
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In order to maintain a productive, safe and pleasant training facility
please follow these guidelines at all times:
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Your full uniform must be worn to each class or when training in
studios. Full uniform includes Peaceful Dragon tee-shirt, pants and
sash with sneakers or kungfu shoes (no bare feet or street shoes!).
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Remove watches and jewelry before class, including rings, earrings,
necklaces, bracelets and similar items that can cause injuries to you
or your partner.
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Scan your ID card or sign in at the computer before or
after every class. New students should receive their cards
in the mail within 10 days of joining. If you don't receive
yours, please notify our staff.
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Bow when entering and leaving the training studio as a traditional
sign of courtesy. Formal bows to the teacher and masters' pictures
take place at the beginning of each class. If you are late, please
bow only to your teacher as you enter and bow to the masters' pictures
after class.
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Always notify your instructor ahead of time if you must leave
early. If you must leave the studio during class at any time for any
reason (bathroom, drink, etc.) it is essential that you alert the
instructor or another student first so that he or she knows what's
happened to you and that you're okay.
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Newer students should line up behind more experienced students to
better learn from their example and as a traditional gesture of
respect.
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Leave personal items including gym bags or clothing in the locker
room, but bring any purses, wallets or valuables with you to class.
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Volunteer in some capacity to help maintain your school. Remember,
this is a student-run facility!
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