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Students enjoy a hike at the 2009 Tai Chi Retreat in Black Mountain, NC

2010

The Peaceful Dragon is pleased to present this varied schedule of special events celebrating the best of Asian culture. Details of these and other events are coming, so do check back. (For a look back, here are 2009 Special Events.)

For more information on any event, call 704.504.8866 or email us at info@thepeacefuldragon.com.

Key: • for adults; • for children (and their parents); • all ages

Friday, January 22, 6:30-9:00 pm
Parents Night Out: Kung Fu Movie Star Night!

Who is the next kung fu movie star? That's the question for this month's theme. As always, The Peaceful Dragon's children's instructors will be teaching your child fun, yet useful lessons to use both at home and in school while you have the opportunity to have a relaxing Friday night out. The theme for this event will be "The Power of Team Work," while the studens are using their kung fu skills to make an exciting martial arts movie!

Note: This event is included in your activiity fee provided you pre-register on time—no later than Thursday, January 21. There is a $20 lage fee. Friends who are pre-registered are welcome for free!

Saturday, February 6, 11am-2pm
Chinese New Year's Festival

Join over a billion people from China and neighboring countries in celebrating the greatest holiday in East Asian culture - while staying right here in Charlotte!

The Peaceful Dragon will be hosting its annual Chinese New Year's Festival on Saturday, February 6, from 11am to 3pm. It's fun for the whole family and it's FREE for Peaceful Dragon students and their families! Public admission is $3 or a donation of non-perishable food items at the door for Loaves and Fishes.

Fun for the entire family, the festival will begin with the ceremonial Lion Dance meant to bring good luck to participants for the coming year. Then throughout the afternoon you can enjoy exciting demonstrations of Chinese martial arts and health arts including Kungfu, Tai Chi and Yoga, and performing arts.

Local experts will be on hand to demonstrate and talk about such Asian arts and practices such as bonsai, calligraphy and acupuncture as well as the Zen Super Boot Camp.

There will be fun and games for kids, including the fabulous obstacle course, plus face painting, arts & crafts and more.

In China, Taiwan and Vietnam where the holiday is celebrated weeks of preparation take place, including cleaning, cooking and making travel arrangements so entire extended families can be together.

Here in Charlotte, the Asian population has grown rapidly in recent years and the holiday remains an important part of their lives. Various Asian ethnic associations now have their own celebrations and events around Charlotte. The Peaceful Dragon's celebration is open to everyone and is particularly designed for Americans looking for the chance to discover some of the wonders of authentic Asian culture.

Additional festival highlights include ongoing raffle drawings for assorted prizes, and special festival discounts for joining the classes offered at The Peaceful Dragon including tai chi, yoga, kungfu, meditation and children's martial arts.

Here's the schedule:

Saturday, February 6, 6:30 pm
Chinese New Year's Banquet

This banquet dinner is the single most important and memorable special event of the year for any Peaceful Dragon student. This is when we promote students, disciples and instructors within the ACCS lineage, hold our student awards ceremonies, enjoy dining and dancing to a DJ, share each others company and help welcome good fortune for each other in the coming year.

Dancing at the banquet will go until approximately 10:30pm, and for all who are late-night party people, you can get together as a group to go to local dance clubs—see George at the dinner.

The dinner will be held at the Holiday Inn Center City at 230 N. College Street. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at our front counter on a first come, first served basis. Adults $40, children under 8 half price. No ticket needed for babies if they sit on your lap.

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger and purchase your tickets now before they are sold out!!! For directions click here.

Saturday, March 7, day and evening sessions
Tai Chi Mastery
A Special Workshop by Master Eric Sbarge in Columbia, SC

The workshop will be held at the Columbia Tai Chi Center, 2910 Rosewood Dr., Columbia, SC, the school of Peaceful Dragon student, Sifu Wes Adams, and is open to beginners and advanced, old and young alike.

Session I: 9:30am-4:30pm
Tai Chi to Boost Health and Vitality
Through lecture, discussion and hands-on applications you'll gain a thorough understanding of Tai Chi's key philosophical principles and how to put them directly to work for your own health and well-being. Movement emphasis will be on perfecting your posture, smoothing transitions between movements, and using tui shou (push hands) patterns to refine posture.

Session II: 6:00pm-9:30pm
Tai Chi Self-Defense and Push Hands
You'll learn principles, strategies and methods to maximize your inherent power, and minimize your disadvantages. See how positioning and leverage allow you to make the most of your physical and energetic power.

About Master Eric Sbarge
Master Sbarge is the director and head instructor of The Peaceful Dragon in Charlotte, NC, the largest center for tai chi, Shaolin kung fu, Chinese yoga and Zen meditation in the Carolinas. In 2005 he was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Outstanding Kung Fu Master.

Workshop Tuition:
Early-bird special: register by March 1! Space is limited; this is a first come, first served event. Register right away to ensure your spot. Payments by Cash Only. Session I only: General Public $130; A.C.C.S. affiliated student $90. Session I and II combined: General Public $180; A.C.C.S. affiliated student $120. After February 10, add $15. (A 50% non-refundable deposit required to hold your reservation. Sorry, no refunds under any circumstances unless event is cancelled by Columbia Tai Chi Center)

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Saturday, April 24 (starts 10am)
Team Tournament

Lion Dance and Opening ceremonies: 10am
Competition Begins: 10:15am

Everyone who competes is a winner! Enjoy friendly competition with your team mates and show your school spirit and pride. Young or old, beginner or advanced, we'll have multiple events for you to choose from:

Tai chi and internal forms
Shuai chiao
Sparring
Push hands
Stances and basics
Empty hand forms
Weapons
Two-person forms
Two-person techniques
Team Relay Races and more!

Medals and Award Certificates for all competitors - Special Prizes for Team Winners and all competitors!

Registration Forms are available at the front counter and must be turned no later than Wednesday, April 21. Sorry, no late registrations can be accepted.

There is no fee for competitors: it’s completely covered by your activity fee. Spectators fee $3 (children aged 3 and under FREE). All spectator fees go to The Peaceful Dragon Scholarship Fund.

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Sunday, May 16, 9:30am-4:30pm
Day-long Meditation and Yoga Retreat

Master Eric Sbarge, head instructor at The Peaceful Dragon, will lead an extended session of Chan (Zen) meditation and Shaolin Yoga. The retreat is open to everyone regardless of experience.

Take advantage of discussions and explanations on meditation principles and methods, plus experience intensive practice of meditation. Combine that with in-depth look at the postures and principles of Shaolin yoga.

Early bird price: $79 public, $49 ACCS students, FREE to all Peaceful Dragon students from your activity fee. After May 12 add $20 (except Peaceful Dragon students).

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Friday, May 14, 6:30-9 pm
Parents Night Out/Sword Fight

May 14 from 6:30 to 9:00 prepare for an exciting night like no other, Sword Fight Night. Open to children 5 and above, this Parents' Night Out event out event will teach your child self-discipline and responsibility as they learn to use the sword. First, children will receive training to learn the necessary drills for "combat" (they will use soft, practice "swords). Then they will take their acquired skills and put them to the test against each other.

• Every child needs to bring their sparring helmet with their name on it (We will have a few helmets to share.)
• We will be using padded action bats instead of swords. (If you child doesn't have one, we have a few to share with everyone as well. If you bring your own, make sure your child's name is on the bat.)
• All friends of Peaceful Dragon students MUST have the permission slip on the back of this flyer filled out.

Important: There is no charge since these events are included in your child's Activity Fee. However, you must sign up your child no later than Wednesdy, May 12, so we can properly staff for the event. There will be a $20 late fee if you register after the deadline.

Friday-Sunday, July 9 to Sunday July 11
Intensive Weekend Workshop
With Grandmaster Frank DeMaria and Master Chris Peck

Curriculum will include: Basics and fundamentals of tai chi spear, plus tai chi spear form. If time permits, you will also learn the unique concepts and methods of Shadow Form Training.

The three-day workshop is open to teens, adults and Young Dragons green sash & up. Designed for beginner and advanced students, tai chi and kung fu stylists, of all ages and levels of skill.

Early-bird Special: $277 for public, just $177 for Peaceful Dragon & ACCS students thru July 6th. After July 6th add $30. Note: You can come to any or all of the above days — the price remains the same. Separate tickets for Friday night's banquet dinner are available for purchase at the front counter.

There will also be a Special Children's Class! This one-hour children's class will meet Saturday, July 10th, from 2:45-3:45pm, immediately following the Demo and Chldren's Promotion Ceremony. Fee for the class is $20, cash only please. Register by Thursday, July 8th.

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Friday, Oct. 22 - Sunday, Oct. 24
Mountain Tai Chi Retreat

Back by popular demand—a Mountain Tai Chi Retreat!

Relax and revitalize your spirit with a weekend of intensive training in authentic and traditional tai chi, qigong, Zen meditation and Shaolin yoga under the instruction of Master Eric Sbarge. The retreat is suitable for beginners or advanced practitioners, from teens to senior citizens, and is open to the public.

The retreat will be held at the beautiful and historic YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC, just 10 minutes from Asheville.

Included are comfortable lodging, meals, plus free time on Saturday evening to explore downtown Asheville or simply relax on your own in the quiet wooded mountains.

Click here for pictures from the very first retreat in 1999.

Register early! Space is limited at this intimate retreat to just 39 registrants, first come, first served:
Early bird rate (by August 21):
Double occupancy: $572 public; $472 ACCS students
Single occupancy: $$672 public; $572 ACCS students.
After August 31 add $30.

A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. Full payment must be received by October 10th.

Here's what previous participants had to say:

"I really enjoyed this. In spite of the sore muscles (which actually are the good sore to feel) I feel recharged. Thanks for designing a very fulfilling retreat!"—Ann Gardner

"This retreat exceeded my expectations... the scenery was awesome, perfect for a retreat."—Dale A. Guadagna

"The location of this retreat couldn't have been any better. I would sign up again in a hearbeat. While at the end of the retreat I was slightly sore, I don't think I've ever experienced such a relaxing setting."—Vic Hammett

"I'm always impressed by the harmonious spirit of such a diverse group of people. The Blue Ridge Assembly was a great place. Thank you."—David Crowe