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Will martial arts make my child more aggressive?

Parents of children with challenging behaviors seek to find answers for effective treatments, at home and outside the home.  Many have sought psychological therapy and treatment with pharmaceuticals.  Can martial arts training help or hinder progress for aggressive children?

We have written about the potential benefits of martial arts training for children with hyperactivity and ADD.  The right martial arts school can provide a safe and communal environment and offer those children an effective outlet to expend energy.  Some behavioral experts, like Ann Skinner, a researcher with Duke’s Center for Child and Family Policy, now recommend martial arts training for aggressive children.

will martial arts make my child more aggressive?

Will martial arts make my child more aggressive?

Is martial arts training a catalyst for aggressive behavior?

Even parents with non-aggressive children often ask if martial arts training will encourage aggressive or violent behaviors.  They fear that teaching children striking skills might encourage them to adapt hitting in a violent manner to their everyday lives.  At The Peaceful Dragon, we understand those concerns, and know that if your child exhibits aggressive behavior already, you will be even warier of teaching them kung fu.  Our martial arts school is not structured in a way that would teach your child that fighting is positive behavior.  Our family martial arts program teaches not only real self-defense, it instills greater respect for others, teaches stress management, better focus and concentration, and self-confidence…just to name a few.  Our goal at The Peaceful Dragon is to enhance your child’s overall health and well-being through traditional kung fu with a complete character-building-focused curriculum.

martial arts training does not promote aggression

Martial arts training does not promote aggression.

five-star childrens martial arts school

Review from a parent of one of our students: “Carrie has gained self esteem and self confidence. She also has increased her endurance and has no problem running the required distances at school. She has also learned to focus, so her attention span has increased. She has a better attitude, is more positive in her thinking and more health conscious. All the parents here are working to one goal, which is the improvement of our children’s lives.

Martial arts can decrease aggression.

One study conducted by behavioral and brain research experts says that, “Martial arts appear to be a worthwhile intervention in reducing aggressive behavior.”  This study followed more than 500 children, aged six to 18, stating that while less aggression was noted, the mechanisms by which aggression was lessened with martial arts training will require further observation.  While there are no guarantees that martial arts training will be the answer to your child’s challenging behaviors, it can be an effective therapeutic addition to current treatment strategies.  We must seek to first understand these behaviors to address them meaningfully.

challenging behavior responses

Consider martial arts training as part of your child’s behavioral therapy.

The information provided in this blog is to address the potential behavioral improvements martial arts can provide aggressive or challenged-behavior children.  It is meant to inform readers and should not be taken as clinical advice.

If you are considering martial arts training for your behaviorally-challenged child, speak with The Peaceful Dragon about our family martial arts classes.  We are rated one of the top martial arts schools in the United States.  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

Can martial arts help treat trauma survivors?

Traumatic occurrences in one’s life can have a lasting negative impact.  Trauma survivors can find themselves physically and emotionally frozen, a direct response to the events suffered, which have stacked their stresses so large that their psychological and emotional resources become depleted.

Holistic practitioners and doctors alike are beginning to note the positive affects of martial arts training for trauma survivors.  Some are offering basic striking training or full-on martial arts practice to their trauma patients and are seeing lives reinvigorated and very likely, saved.  There are many benefits of martial arts training for individuals, who have not suffered trauma, and those benefits can help begin to form a solid foundation for recovery for those, who have survived traumatic events.

can martial arts treat trauma survivors?

Can martial arts treat trauma survivors?

How can martial arts help treat trauma survivors?

When a trauma survivor’s fight or flight responses are negated by the freeze response, an effective treatment must be formulated to restore their innate yet overwhelmed physical responses to stress.  The freeze response is a deep-seated reaction to predatory beings or threatening emotional stressors.  Trauma victims can become locked into a system of un-response, rendering their internal defenses void.  For survivors, who are not effectively treated with talk therapy alone, martial arts practice can become the crux of their recovery.  Trauma recovery specialist, Jane Clapp, says, “When they (trauma survivors) get back in touch with the fight impulse in their body in a very grounded, calm, mindful way, they can start to feel that it’s safe for them to stick up for themselves. That fight training is coming up through the body and feeding into their brain and impacting their neuroplasticity.”

martial arts treat trauma survivors

Martial arts can help treat trauma survivors.

PTSD symptoms can also be managed through martial arts.

PTSD sufferers are finding martial arts training an effective addition to their own courses of recovery.  The basic tools of martial arts practices, tai chi, yoga, and meditation can help PTSD sufferers focus and understand and establish a healthy relationship with power.  Those with PTSD or C-PTSD have noted saw a reduction in anxiety, panic attacks, and headaches through martial arts.  Martial arts can help sufferers set boundaries through self-discipline and reestablish the mind-body connection with repetitive movements.  There is a calming effect given through the mind-body connection can help trauma survivors and PTSD sufferers relax and improve their sleeplessness.  Managing these symptoms of PTSD can improve the overall health and well-being of sufferers, encouraging a more positive outlook that can resonate through all areas of their life.

martial arts for PTSD

Martial arts can help PTSD sufferers.

Martial arts can aid trauma and PTSD treatment therapies.  It’s not a cure.

While we are beginning to see effective treatment of PTSD and trauma through the addition of martial arts classes, we must remember that complete and continued treatment is essential.  At The Peaceful Dragon, we would never claim to be able to cure your emotional and psychological trauma, but we encourage trauma survivors to consider martial arts training as an extension of their ongoing treatment regimen.

Martial arts can aid trauma survivors and PTSD sufferers in recovery.

The information provided in this blog is to highlight the potential benefits of aiding trauma therapies and treatments through martial arts practices.  It is meant to inform readers and should not be taken as clinical advice.

If you seek to employ martial arts training as part of your trauma treatment regimen and would like to speak with us about our classes, we would be pleased to help.  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

Is karate a sport?

The Peaceful Dragon answers an oft-asked and oddly debated question, “Is karate a sport?”

Children of the eighties will remember watching Mr. Miyagi teach Daniel-san the ways of karate with the memorable witticisms, “Wax on, wax off,” and “Paint the fence.” If you are a child of the eighties, you likely quote The Karate Kid to this day.  This is not just a trip down memory lane.  The movie actually answers our question, “Is karate a sport?”

Is karate a sport?

Is karate a sport?

What is a sport?  Is karate one?

According to our friends at Miriam-Webster, one of the definitions of the word “sport” is – an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.  To that end, we know that karate is an activity that involves physical exertion and skill, and sees individuals or teams competing against one another for entertainment.  Or in the case of Daniel LaRusso, the All-Valley Under 18 Karate Championship trophy.  Yes, karate is a sport!  But it is not just a sport.

karate is a sport

Yes, karate is a sport!

Karate is a traditional martial arts practice.

Karate derives from the Ryukyu Kingdom in Japan, ruled as a tributary state of China from the 12th century to the 19th century.  While karate is a Japanese martial arts practice, it has Chinese influences, as well.  Largely an art of striking, karate is identified by kicking and punching, and elbow and knees strikes.  What might me most identifiable are the open hand karate techniques, like palm-heel strikes, knife-hands, and spear-hands.  As a martial arts practice, karate falls into the same category as kung fun, in that it requires conditioning and proper training and practice.  As a martial art, karate also offers strength and endurance training, as well as self-defense benefits.  Karate, like kung fu, tai chi, and other martial arts studies, also requires internal focus and training, resulting in the dual advantages of mind-body conditioning.

Karate is a traditional Japanese martial arts practice.

Kung fu is often mistaken for karate.

Though karate and kung fu are both martial arts practices and even sports, they are not the same thing.  We find that our martial arts inquiries for children are often centered around karate.  On the surface, variations that are noticeable immediately are that karate students are barefoot, while kung fu students wear shoes.  Kung fu uniforms can be colorful, while the karate ensemble is all-white.  Both practices see their students wearing belts depicting their skill level.  Both karate and kung fu focus on striking techniques and defensive maneuvers, but kung fu has a larger influence of internal martial arts techniques and includes meditation.

Karate and kung fu are two separate martial arts practices.

Are you ready to explore improved health and well-being at Charlotte martial arts school?  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

What are the social benefits of martial arts?

Martial arts practices offer many physical and emotional benefits.  Beginning martial arts training at almost any age can improve overall health and well-being.  What are the social benefits of martial arts?

Those, who have never participated in martial arts, might never have considered that there are social benefits.  Martial arts schools are veritable melting pots, offering new friendships and friendly rivalries between members of all different ages, races, creeds, and personal backgrounds.  If you are looking for a sense of belonging, with a group of people with similar goals, joining a martial arts school, like The Peaceful Dragon, can be very fulfilling in that regard.

what are the social benefits of martial arts

What are the social benefits of martial arts?

New in town?  Looking to make new friends?

According to MYMOVE™, people move into Charlotte at a rate of 60 per day.  Often, people move to our friendly southern city for career opportunities.  Though, it is not uncommon to eventually form bonds with coworkers, it can be difficult to establish those relationships at first.  If you are new to the Charlotte area, we encourage you to seek out new friendships at our martial arts school.  Many of our students find true and meaningful relationships in and out of their martial arts training!

social benefits of martial arts

Meet new friends through martial arts.

Feeling anti-social?

Even social butterflies can hit a slump in social activity.  Stresses in our professional and personal lives can leave us seeking solitude but can also throw us into an antisocial mindset.  Martial arts training can help get us off the sofa and out of the house again and help us emotionally recharge.  By-proxy, martial arts can enhance our long-established personal relationships with our family and friends.  Even if you have never been overly-social, martial arts training can help you become more socially confident by developing your sense of personal achievement and purpose.

martial arts benefits social interaction

Feeling anti-social? Join a martial arts class!

Feel unconfident at work?

Even if you love your career, and perform your work up to expectations, you could still lack confidence in the workplace.  Do you shrink from conversations with coworkers, and avoid the break room during busy times?  Do you feel extreme stress when asked to give a presentation at work?  Martial arts training has a knack for building confidence in all areas of life.  Setting and achieving goals in martial arts classes instills that much-needed confidence.  Martial arts classes expose us to performing in the presence of others – perhaps even during a demonstration when all eyes are on you.  You will find that stepping out of your comfort zone in martial arts class will help you feel much more prepared to meet the same challenges head-on in the workplace.

What are social benefits of martial arts?

Gain confidence in the workplace through martial arts training.

Are you ready to come out of your shell with Charlotte martial arts training?  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

The Peaceful Dragon Charlotte Martial Arts School Reopening Information

On Wednesday, May 20, Governor Roy Cooper approved the state’s move into phase two of reopening.  At this time, The Peaceful Dragon remains in limbo with full reopening somewhere on the horizon – but as yet unknown.  We are making preparations and plans for that time.

Our Charlotte martial arts school is centered around personal health and wellness.  It stands to reason that our reopening should be in support of these same principles.  The health of our staff and students is paramount at The Peaceful Dragon.  What can you expect during reopening?

The Peaceful Dragon – Charlotte martial arts school

Online martial arts and yoga classes

We miss our students and look forward to meeting brand new students as we phase into full reopening.  While we are able to open our doors, and host live martial arts classes, we understand the hesitation of our students to attend live classes.  It is with this in mind, that The Peaceful Dragon will continue our Zoom classes, streamed online, so that you may continue your training in the safety and comfort of your own home.  School owner, Master Eric Sbarge, says that The Peaceful Dragon will likely continue online classes for up to one year.  If you are interested in online class instruction, please email info@thepeacefuldragon.com for more information.

Online yoga class – work out with The Peaceful Dragon at home

Live martial arts, tai chi and yoga classes

If you wish to attend any live class at The Peaceful Dragon, know that we are making every effort to keep our students and staff safe from the threat of COVID-19.  Live classes will entail proper physical distancing of students and instructors.  Our facility will undergo rigorous sanitation, with all public and shared spaces being regularly and thoroughly disinfected.  This might also include hosting classes outdoors while practicing social distancing.

Outdoor Charlotte martial arts, tai chi, and yoga with social distancing

While we want to reopen and resume classes as normal, we know that is not possible yet.  At The Peaceful Dragon, we anticipate there could be some permanent changes to our class offerings and the way we operate our school day-to-day, even after the coronavirus threat is contained.  We remain focused on our mindfulness and positivity, and we hope to share it with you at our school or our digital classes.

Are you ready to explore improved health and well-being at Charlotte martial arts school?  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

Yoga Poses: Common and Sanskrit Names

Have you ever been in yoga class, and been impressed at fellow classmates’ understanding of yoga pose instruction in their language of origin?

The practice of yoga derives from one of the most ancient languages on Earth, known as Sanskrit.  The Sanskrit language, in written form, can be traced as far back as 1500 B.C., to the oldest known text – Rigveda.  The Rigveda is one of four collections of ancient Indian hymns.  These more than one thousand Vedic hymns focus on themes, such as sacrifice, creation, and death.  Sanskrit is the prevailing language of Hinduism and Hindu philosophy.  Broken down syllabically, the term “Rigveda” translates to “praise” and “knowledge.” The first book in known history was written by yogis!

yoga poses - warrior pose

Yoga class – warrior pose

Let’s dismantle yoga pose names from Sanskrit to English.

First of all, any time you hear or read the suffix “asana,” it means “pose.”  Yoga poses are named for animals, objects, or people (see warrior pose below).  For instance, mountain pose in Sanskrit is tadasana.  “Tada” translates to “mountain,” and “asana” means “pose.”  Here are a few broken down, which might help you better understand Sanskrit yoga instruction, or simply quell your curiosity.

upward facing dog yoga class - yoga poses

Yoga class – upward facing dog yoga pose

Downward or Upward Facing Dog – Adho or Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

Adhas – down
Urdhva – up
Mukha – face
Svana – dog
Asana – pose

Triangle Pose – Utthita Trikonasana

Utthita – extended
Tri – three
Kona – angle
Asana – pose

Four Limb Staff Pose – Chaturanga Dandasana

Chatur – four
Anga – limb
Danda – staff
Asana – pose

Headstand – Sirasana

Sira – head
Asana – pose

Warrior Pose – Virabhadrasana (named for Hindu god, Virabhadra)

Virabhadra – warrior
Asana – pose

Bridge Pose – Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Setu – bridge
Bandha – lock
Sarvanga – full body
Asana – pose

Pyramid Pose – Parsvottanasana

Parsva – side
Ut – intense
Tan – stretch
Asana – pose

Corpse Pose – Savasana

Save – corpse
Asana – pose

These are just a few examples of broken down yoga pose names.  Elements of the poses above might also be used in other pose names, which will help you piece them together also.  As with yoga, practice makes perfect.  The more you see, say, and hear these terms, the easier they become.  When you hear the common name spoken in class, try to recite the Sanskrit term in your mind.

Are you ready to explore improved health and well-being at our yoga school in Charlotte?  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

Three Yoga Poses for Beginners

To the non-practicing layman, yoga poses might seem elementary, but each pose, has a proper approach and purpose.  Some can even have more than one purpose.  Are you familiar with these beginners’ yoga poses?

If you are a yoga beginner or if you are considering taking up yoga as part of a healthful living regimen, here are a few poses with instructions for the yoga novice.

Chair pose – utkata

The chair pose in yoga internally stimulates the heart and diaphragm.  It also physically works the muscles in your arms and legs.

chair yoga pose

  • Begin by standing in mountain pose. Raise your arms positioned perpendicularly to the floor as you inhale.  While keeping your arms parallel to each other, you may join your palms, or simply face them inward.
  • Exhale while bending your knees to position your thighs as parallel to the floor as you can physically achieve. Your knees will extend over your feet, torso leaning forward to form a right angle over your thighs.  Press your thigh bones toward the knees while keeping your inner thighs parallel.
  • While firming your shoulder blades, press your tailbone downward to the floor and into your pubis.
  • Maintain for 30 seconds. Then, straighten your knees while inhaling, lifting through your arms.  Exhale and release your arms back to your side into mountain pose.

Downward-facing dog pose – adho mukha svanasana

Downward-facing dog is probably the most well-known yoga pose – if not by sight, by its name.  The purpose of this pose is for an ultimate full-body stretch.

downward facing dog yoga pose

  • Begin on your hands and knees, setting your knees below your hips with your hands slightly extended beyond your shoulders. Spread your palms with your index fingers parallel to each other.  Turn your toes under.
  • As you exhale, lift your knees from the floor. Keep the knees bent and heels lifted from the floor.  Lengthen your tailbone by pressing it toward your pubis.  Lift your sitting bones toward the ceiling, drawing your inner legs up into your groins from your inner ankles.
  • While exhaling, push your thighs back and stretch your heels onto the floor. Straighten your knees without locking them.  Roll your upper thighs inward while firming the outer thighs.
  • Press the bases of your index fingers into the floor while keeping the outer arms firm. Lift your inner arms from the wrists to the tops of your shoulders.  With firm shoulder blades, begin to widen them and press them toward your tailbone.  Maintain your head positioned between your upper arms without allowing it to hang.
  • Remain in downward-facing dog at least one minute to a maximum of three minutes. Bend your knees back to the floor while exhaling and rest in child’s pose.

Child’s pose – balasana

Child’s pose, also highly recognized, is one of rest, and is useful between demanding yoga poses.

child's pose yoga

  • Begin by kneeling on the floor. With your big toes touching, sit onto your heels, and separate your knees to the width of your hips.
  • While exhaling, rest your torso down between your thighs. Expand your sacrum and narrow your hip points in toward your navel.  Lift the base of your skull away from the back of your neck while lengthening your tailbone away from the back of your pelvis.
  • Lay your hands, palms up, on the floor beside your torso, and release your shoulders toward the floor.
  • You can maintain child’s pose at rest, from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. To come out of child’s pose, lengthen the front of your torso.  Then lift from the tailbone while exhaling, as it presses toward the pelvis.

Also read: Could the fountain of youth be found in a Charlotte yoga or meditation class?

Are you ready to explore improved health and well-being at our yoga school?  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

Reduce Stress, Improve Health at Home with Yoga and Tai Chi

In these stressful and uncertain times, everyone is searching for their own ways to decompress – mind, body, and spirit.  Even though we cannot currently participate in our martial arts classes in person, there are ways for us to all remain healthier while safely at home.

Even if you have never practiced yoga or tai chi, there has never been a better time to begin.  If you are finding that being at home most of your day, every day, is making you feel on edge, both of these practices can help you re-center.  Many of us typically have our own “unwind” routines each day, usually practiced after a full day of work, errands, and childcare.  Now that our daily routines have been interrupted, so too, have many of our decompression routines.

yoga and tai chi for stress reduction

Reduce stress, become healthier with yoga and tai chi.

Both practices come with similar health benefits.  When practicing tai chi and yoga, we can expect increased mobility, improved strength, and even chronic pain reduction for some.  What you will also undoubtedly find, is that both practices will lower your stress levels and improve your overall health and well-being.  How?

  • Yoga lowers your production of stress hormones – chronic stress, namely the consistent over-production of cortisol, can impede your immune response, and suppress your digestive and reproductive systems, per a study by Mayo Clinic
  • Tai chi and yoga both bolster your circulatory system, delivering oxygenated blood to your organs for better function
  • Tai chi has been found to increase T cells and antigen-presenting cells in your immune system for stronger immunity
  • Yoga stimulates your lymphatic system to rid your body of toxins – a healthy lymphatic system is also responsible for transporting white blood cells throughout your body
  • Both tai chi and yoga can help you focus on “here and now” and ignore stressors in the outside world – leaving your feeling spiritually and emotionally improved
  • Both practices can indirectly improve your immune health by helping you obtain longer, more restful sleep, essential for optimum production of infection-fighting antibodies

In all the busyness of life and with all the worries outside our doors, self-care is absolutely essential.  Perhaps in times like these, practices in self-care are even more essential.  For those of us, who are providers and caregivers in our own homes, we must not hesitate to also care for ourselves.  Take time to practice yoga, tai chi, or a few moments of daily meditation.  You will be happier and healthier for it.

Are you ready to explore improved health and well-being by practicing tai chi and yoga at our martial arts school?  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

Four Soft Benefits of Martial Arts Classes

We often speak about the more obvious and sought-after benefits of attending martial arts classes, such as physical fitness and self-defense skills.  Did you know that there are additional life-enhancing benefits, as well?

Let’s imagine for a moment, that you are considering reaching out to The Peaceful Dragon to discuss joining our martial arts classes.  Perhaps you are looking ahead a few months at the changes you might have undergone after attending our classes regularly.  You’re probably conceptualizing that your body will be stronger and fitter – that you will be physically healthier.  Here are four additional gains you might not have expected by beginning your martial arts journey with us.

martial arts classes

Form a sense of community in our martial arts classes

At The Peaceful Dragon’s martial arts classes, you will be among like-minded students.  Our authentic martial arts school was created and is operated in such a way that the environment promotes connection between our students and instructors.  The students you will be in class with, likely came to our school to attain similar goals that brought you here.  Together, you will learn and achieve through martial arts practice.

Make lifelong friendships through martial arts

Undoubtedly, the friendships you form at The Peaceful Dragon’s martial arts classes can become rich, meaningful relationships.  The common goals that you sought, along with the achievements you will make together, can bring about lifelong friendships that carry beyond the confines of our martial arts school.  Celebrate accomplishments together and form friendly competition to encourage each other to achieve higher.

Become more regimented through martial arts

Setting goals through your martial arts practice will also keep you focused and driven.  You will learn to patiently work towards a single goal or common goal with your martial arts friends.  To achieve your milestones in martial arts, you might have to alter other areas of your life, creating a more regimented routine.  Whether it’s in healthy eating, getting more sleep, practicing at-home martial arts in your downtime, or simply checking daily scheduled chores off your to-do list – martial arts can help you re-center a hectic existence.

Gain a sense of pride and self-satisfaction through martial arts

Through the teachings of authentica martial arts at The Peaceful Dragon, you will set and attain goals.  Achieving the next level in your journey will bring about a sense of accomplishment.  You will look forward to your next lesson as each will become a mile marker on your trek to success in your practice.

Are you ready to experience the soft benefits of martial arts with most renowned school in Charlotte?  Our martial arts school can offer positive ripple effects throughout all areas of your life.  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866

Choosing the Right Kung Fu Studio

Whether you are an experienced martial arts student or a beginner, who is in search of the right kung fu studio in Charlotte, The Peaceful Dragon invites you to visit our studio.

There are many benefits to joining a martial arts school, for both mind and body, which we often write about.  If you have found yourself in search of a kung fu studio, we encourage you to consider The Peaceful Dragon, for much of your overall experience will be dictated by the environment you choose.

kung fu studio

The Peaceful Dragon is so much more than just a kung fu studio.

At The Peaceful Dragon, you will find yourself in an immersive environment, where students and teachers strive to reach and maintain health and wellness.  We offer an array of martial arts courses to help you achieve your physical, mental, and spiritual goals.  What are some of the benefits of choosing our kung fu studio?

At the Peaceful Dragon, you are family.

By joining our martial arts school, you will become a part of our family.  At The Peaceful Dragon, we always strive to impress upon our students the importance of acceptance, encouragement, and loyalty.  You will always be met with respect and encouragement by our staff, as well as other members.  We foster an environment, where our students (family members) feel at home, at ease, and comfortable enough to receive mind, body, and spiritual offerings.  With our support, you will be relaxed and unafraid of becoming vulnerable.  You will be bold enough to try and fail and try again, because you will be accepted as you are, not judged for it.

kung fu studio Charlotte

Our martial arts class schedules are accommodating.

Life can be a whirlwind, personally and professionally.  We understand that our students cannot simply arrive at one or two statically-scheduled classes every week, week after week, year after year.  The Peaceful Dragon’s fluid class schedule will help you make martial arts a part of your regular routine, even if your calendar is ever-changing.  We offer classes seven days per week, at a variety of times, in four separate studio spaces.

Charlotte kung fu studio

Of course, we offer kung fu, but there is so much more.

At The Peaceful Dragon, you will find a robust offering of martial arts and yoga classes.  Our martial arts approach is steeped in the traditional teachings of Zen meditation, the Chinese philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism, the yoga sutras, and Tibetan tantric practices paired with physical exercise.  This means while you are improving your physical fitness and health, you will also be improving your mind and spirit.

Student Review: “After only a short time I have experienced the benefits of training here. Everyone has been helpful and welcoming to new students. The instructors are highly experienced in the arts they teach. The Peaceful Dragon offers much more than just a training studio. They are committed to multiple art forms and encourage good health and wellness. I look forward to continuing my training with everyone at the studio.”
-Brian P.

yoga studio

The Peaceful Dragon is led by experienced professional instructors.

Our martial arts classes are taught by instructors, who have dedicated their lives to the study and practices of martial arts, tai chi, Zen meditation, yoga, and much more.  Our Director and Head Instructor, Eric Sbarge brings more than 40 years’ training and experience to The Peaceful Dragon martial arts school, passing those attributes to the certified instructors at the school.  He is additionally versed in East Asian philosophies and cultures.  If you are in search of authentic, professional martial arts instruction in Charlotte, The Peaceful Dragon should be your choice.

Are you ready to embark on your own transformative journey with the best martial arts school in Charlotte?  Start today with a free semi-private introductory martial arts lesson and studio tour.  Call to schedule. 704-504-8866