www.ThePeacefulDragon.com July 2015 704-504-8866

Inside

Upcoming Events Students of The Month

Peaceful Dragon School News Disciple’s Forum

Did You Know? Students Ask Master Sbarge

Children’s Program News Holly’s Recipe Corner

Welcome New Students Classifieds

2014 Winner of TWO Charlotte Observer Reader Awards! Best Martial Arts Studio

Best Yoga Studio Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePeacefulDragon

At a Glance…

What The Peaceful Dragon Offers

Adult Programs

Tai Chi

Kung Fu

Zen Meditation

Yoga

Asian Culture and Philosophy

Children’s Programs

Kung Fu and Leadership Classes

Other Services

Seminars and Presentations

School Field Trips

Community Demonstrations

Corporate Team Building

Tai Chi, Martial Arts, Yoga and More

The Peaceful Dragon For the Contemporary Mind, Body and Spirit

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Message from Master Eric Sbarge

The Chinese have a saying, “The height of stupidity is to search for the donkey that you’re riding on.” You’re of course too smart for them to be talking about you. But have you ever found yourself searching for happiness? If happiness had big ears, it just might be the donkey you’re riding on.

You can travel around the world searching for happiness, but it’s not listed on any map or navigation system. And that’s because there is no place to go to find happiness. Lots of people are stuck wallowing in misery or unhappiness, but they’re standing right next to people and doing the exact same things as people who are joyful and very happy. It’s really not about going other places or doing other things – happiness has to be found right where you are, and within yourself. Why are some people seemingly always happy regardless of place or circumstance? Awareness, and attitude. Be aware of the potential beauty and happiness that surrounds you at every place, in every moment. Have an attitude of appreciation for that beauty that is always there. Like discovering you are already on the donkey, when you discover you already have all the ingredients for happiness within you then you can stop searching, and enjoy the ride.

If you are not a current student of The Peaceful Dragon, there are many ways to improve your mind, body and spirit through the programs available at The

Peaceful Dragon. Visit www.ThePeacefulDragon.com and click on Adult Classes or Children’s Classes. You can then register for a Free Semi-Private,

No-Obligation Introductory Class and an Introductory Tour.

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Upcoming Events

Time is Running Out to Make Your Reservations for Our

Awesome China & Taiwan Tour This October!

Group shot at local tai chi school in legendary Wudang Mountains from our 2011 tour. This

year we return to the Shaolin Mountains and Temple!

Open to all students, family and friends of The Peaceful Dragon of all ages, this promises to be a

once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tour includes visits to numerous top cultural and historic

attractions as well as natural wonders and scenic destinations throughout China and Taiwan.

Experience chic Taipei, the magnificent Taroko Gorge on Taiwan’s east coast, China’s beautiful

Guilin River and quaint town of Yangshou, the world-famous Shaolin Temple where our kung fu

and Zen practices originated over 1500 years ago, and Western China's bustling metropolis of

Chengdu with its famed Panda Research Center, plus more! The itinerary also includes the

chance to join daily morning practice in tai chi and kung fu with our own Master Sbarge and

teacher-level instructors, plus training with local masters and visits to several spiritually-uplifting

temples and monasteries.

We hope you can join us for this custom-designed, first-class tour to experience the awe and

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wonders of China and Taiwan for yourself. If you have any questions contact Master Sbarge,

otherwise go ahead and make your reservation now!

For tour details and Registration Form see http://www.thepeacefuldragon.com/2015-taiwan-

china-tour/

Children’s Promotion Ceremony Saturday, July 11

th, 11:00am

Makeup Day Thursday, July 23rd

, 5:30pm

Congratulations to all our promoting children. Please fill out a testing application no later than one week before testing. Applications are available at the front counter. Please note: These promotions and all new sashes and chevrons are FREE as always! While we have been a bit lax the past few promotions, if your child misses both promotion dates there is a $30 fee to schedule a private promotion for your child to stay on track.

Parents Night Out “Water Fight Night” Friday, July 17

th, 6:30-9pm

Prepare for an exciting night like no other – Water Fight Night! Your child will receive a class learning how to focus on their surroundings and be respectful to everything. Then we will begin the war of water to put that focus into practice. Please register your child by no later than Wednesday, July 15th so we can properly staff this great event.

Quarterly Cleanup Day Saturday, July 18

th, 9am-2pm

Please join us as we work to make our school sparkle. Every bit helps, even if

you just have a few minutes before or after your class. We appreciate all help!

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Adult All Block Testing Saturday, July 23

rd, 11:00am

Makeup Day Wednesday, July 29th

, 6:30pm

Good luck to all of our testing teens and adults! Please fill out a testing application no later than one week before testing. Applications are available at the front counter.

Check out our complete 2015 Special Events Calendar at

http://www.thepeacefuldragon.com/specialevents/ and mark your own planning calendar now!

Please Tell Your Friends and Co-workers about The Peaceful Dragon

Referrals are the number one way new students learn about us, and we really

appreciate your help with this!

Equipment Needed for Classes

Adults

Shaolin none

Tai Chi none

Kids

4-12 year olds: White Sash and above: Full Sparring Equipment

8-12 year olds: Green Sash and above: Staff

JULY BIRTHDAYS

4th JP Dasher 19th Robert Beaver

8th Stuart Breidbart 19th Marco Maldonado

12th Carter Mixon 21st Cody Eidsness

13th Kim Nghiem-Lail 24th Katy Dennison

14th Sifu Eric Sbarge 25th Craig Spradley

14th Christine Lwin 26th Matthew McDonald

15th Aiden Lynch 28th Raymond Rutzell

15th Dru Drakeford 30th Michael Fomil

18th Bryan Davis 31st Susan Smith

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Monthly Classes, Seminars

and Discussion Groups

Yoga Seminar – Thursday, July 2, 6:30

Topic: Inversions: Purpose, Practice & Perks Presented by Yogini Mara Healy.

Open to all teens and adults: FREE for Peaceful Dragon students, $29 for guests. Note: There will be no regular yoga classes on the evenings of the monthly yoga seminars. Shuai Chiao Grappling – Tuesday, July 7, 6:30-8pm

Open only to Mastery Program students. Mastery Roundtable Discussion – Tuesday, July 7, 8-9pm Topic: Developing a Training Schedule and Routine to Deepen Your Practice Open only to Mastery Program students.

Jr. Mastery Program Seminar – Saturday, July 11, 12-1pm Topic: Winning vs. Losing Attitudes

Open only to Junior Mastery Program students.

Lecture and Discussion – Thursday, July 16, 8pm

Topic: Traditional Kung Fu Injury Medicines and Strengthening Tonics Presented by Master Eric Sbarge. Open to all adult and teen students.

Leadership Assistants – Saturday, July 18, 11am Open only to Junior Mastery Program students.

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Peaceful Dragon School News

Calling All Volunteers!

The Peaceful Dragon is looking for volunteers to show off their wu-de. We need students to sign up for our Cleaning and Maintenance Committee as well as our Office and IT Committee. Please sign up at the front counter if you would like to volunteer. Cleaning and Maintenance responsibilities include weekly or monthly tasks such as vacuuming, weeding, or taking out the trash. Office and IT volunteers will be called upon on an as-needed basis, with tasks ranging from website support to basic data entry.

Send Us Your Event Photos or Short Video Clips If you get some nice shots of Peaceful Dragon events please send them to Holly@thepeacefuldragon.com for display in our newsletter, social media pages and our new upcoming lobby-area TV!

Did You Know…

If you are trying to lose weight, exercise first thing in the morning before breakfast can often help boost your metabolism and improve your results?

Exactly ten years ago Master Sbarge was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “Outstanding Kung Fu Master”?

The most common occupation of adult students at The Peaceful Dragon is IT/Computer work?

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Children’s Program News

A Message from Mr. George

Summer break is officially here. I hope everyone enjoys the warm weather. Part of our martial arts training is to have a regular practice routine. For example, our Brown Sash student Brandon enjoys his Xbox games first thing in the morning before anything else. So Brandon’s mom gave him a “200 punches and 20 push-ups” practice required before the Xbox can be turned on. Good job Brandon and good job mom! As a kung fu instructor, I can only influence the kids during the class time here, and hope the “effects” from the class carry over to the young students’ everyday lives. The parents’ part is just as important as the martial arts lesson: Making sure the kids are doing their home practice, keeping their rooms clean and showing good character all the time. I look forward to see everyone receiving his or her Jr. Black Sash soon! Keep up the hard work!

Powerful Words

This month’s Powerful Word is Perseverance! Perseverance means not giving up, even when

there are challenges or obstacles. Dr. Robyn’s letter to the parents discusses how to teach kids

to develop grit.

Welcome New Students

Congratulations to all of our new students!

Tai Chi: Douglas Rink Cedrick McDonald

Kung Fu: Felipe Anthony Daniel Ruggiero Demico Guy Dan Nieshe

Yoga: Patricia Fortune Leslie Scott Lisa Moore Alanna Adams

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Student of the Month Recognition

Adult Student of the Month— Jim Webber

1st runner up— Mary Rea

2nd runner up— Aaliyah Perkins

Child Student of the Month— Tanusree Chepuri

1st runner up— Jacob Wittwer

2nd runner up—Aditya Patel

Disciple’s Forum

Dragon Summer

By: Gao Shou Marcia Ilardo

As summer comes we often find ourselves being pulled in so many directions with graduations,

weddings, vacations etc. We often neglect to focus on our martial arts. How are we going to

find time to practice forms when the whole family is there and doing something else? While I

can’t speak for you, it is so important for me to do something while I’m away even if it’s 20

minutes to focus on form or qigong to get my blood flowing or yoga. It’s easier to say I’ll do it

later but if you have gone on any of the China trips you will see that it is a wonderful way to

start the day, getting up and out before everyone else has its advantages. You not only increase

your energy, you might also find more peace in stressful situations, not that being with family

could ever be stressful!

Our immediate family is very fortunate since we all have our routines; either yoga or tai chi is

usually worked into the daily routine. We have had some people get pretty excited when we

carry our swords out to the back yard. While visiting family up north we were practicing the

broadsword and the neighbor called our family to see if they needed the police dispatched.

The response, no that’s just my sister and her husband no worries.

No matter what you do it is better than not doing anything. Also what a great time of year this

is to build our activity levels. In addition to your martial arts it’s a great time to branch out and

increase your endurance by walking, running, bike riding, swimming or weight lifting. Maybe

it’s time to joining a dodgeball or a baseball game or playing your kids. There is no time like the

present.

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“The most important thing I’ve learned so far came from one of Sifu’s emails – the thing that

determines how successful I will be in reaching my Tai Chi goals is my own determination and

commitment to keep at it. And I’m determined to do just that. I absolutely love coming here!”

~Natalie McBryant, 37, IT – Business Intelligence, Charlotte, NC

After 16 years of attending our wonderful school I am even more convinced that we really have

a treasure which is very rare, with all of our competent instructors, sifus and masters there is

enough material to cover two life times! While I may never be a great martial artist I will be a

happy student who loves the gem that we have. Thank you Sifu and Debra for giving us such a

wonderful gift.

Have a great summer.

Students Ask Master Sbarge

Question: Do you plan to open additional Peaceful Dragons in the future? Answer: No, we are a family-run school and I am happy to stay that way because I feel that way we can really focus on offering the best quality programs possible. I do want to see the arts we teach become available to as many people as possible, but instead of me opening additional schools I instead do whatever I can to support my students who become teachers and then go open their own schools.

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Holly’s Recipe Corner

Grilled Zucchini Roll-ups Two Ways

These roll-ups make a great appetizers for summer parties. Choose the Herbs and Cheese or

the Parmesan Pesto or both!

Ingredients

3-6 small zucchini

olive oil to brush

salt and pepper to taste

Herbs and Cheese Filling

1 ½ oz. fresh goat cheese

1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

½ tsp. lemon juice

2 oz. fresh baby spinach

⅓ c. basil leaves

Parmesan Pesto Filling

• 1 c. basil leaves

• 1 garlic clove

• ¼ c. toasted pine nuts

• ½ c. olive oil

• ¾ c. grated Parmesan cheese

• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Thinly slice the zucchini lengthwise and set aside the outer slices for another use.

• Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

• Grill zucchini slices until marked on both sides and tender, about 1 minute per side.

• Remove and let cool. Complete as below for each type of filling.

Instructions for Herbs and Cheese Filling

• In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, parsley, and lemon juice, mashing with a fork.

• Place ½ tsp. of the cheese blend about ½ inch from the end of a grilled slice.

• Top with a few spinach leaves and a small basil leaf.

• Roll up and place seam side down on a platter.

• Secure with a toothpick.

Instructions for Parmesan Pesto Filling

• Combine basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor, pulsing until blended.

• Gradually pour in olive oil and parmesan cheese, pulsing again.

• The pesto should be very thick. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

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• Spread 1 tsp. of pesto along one side of a grilled slice.

• Roll up and secure with a toothpick.

Tips

• The zucchini can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight

container in the refrigerator.

As always, any new recipes, tips, or tweaks you want to share with me would be

appreciated. Simply email me at holly@thepeacefuldragon.com at any time! Enjoy!

~Holly Field

Mission Statement for The Peaceful Dragon

Our mission is to help each of our students reach his or her fullest potential for physical, mental and spiritual development through the teaching of traditional Asian health arts and martial arts. We accomplish this by offering the most authentic and effective curriculum, by providing the best possible service to our students and their families, and by maintaining a warm and caring family environment in which every student, guest, and staff member is treated with respect, dignity and love.

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Classifieds

Your ad could be here! Text and graphics, a scan of your

business card, or artwork you submit. The cost is $5 for

students, $10 for the public. Send your copy to

holly@thepeacefuldragon.com. Pay at the front counter.

Planning to buy something for the house or garden, indulge a favorite pastime, or get that hot new DVD or the latest gadget? Consider shopping through Amazon first, where you’ll find competitive pricing on everything PLUS - through arrangement between The Peaceful Dragon and Amazon – a percentage of your purchase goes to help our school flourish. Get what you want and support your school, too! Go to: thepeacefuldragon.com/books.shtml and use Search Amazon.com in the upper right corner to find the products you want. Jennifer “Gigi” Frye ~ LMBT# 13005 ~ 980.224.3619

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