I cannot speak enough praise for how much I love the peaceful dragon and the family that has come with it, for how much it has changed my life overall. I have severe anxiety to name just a few of my struggles and yet the people here have managed the challenging feat of balancing: (1) Pushing and encouraging a person to move forward just as far as you don't think you can go, without pushing you to your breaking point, (2) all while supporting and encouraging you along the way in a compassionate way; until little by little you are doing things you never thought you could do. The peaceful dragon has always pushed me past my comfort zones, and has never let me get away with living my life saying "No, I can't do that." And more than anything they've never given up on me or let me give up on myself. Every year I grow a little more and walk out with a more enhanced perspective on life. I genuinely don't think I'd be where I am today without their gentle guidance and encouragement and that is worth the tuition it costs to attend a school that will build you up into a person you and others around you can be proud of. This year, is my second year and I am in awe beyond words for how many who have come before me to whom I aspire to, people who have been here 20, 14, 10 even 7 and 5 years. Some began as adults some grew up practicing here from the time they were children now headed to college. It has to be so amazing to be able to watch your students grow and transform. I can't help but look up to all of these people who have loved, supported and adopted me and others like me as family in the 2 years that I've been here and that was without me having any history in martial arts under my belt. I hear some people gawk at the price. I make less than 9k/year and yet I still have found ways to attend. I know some people who have given up (literally) everything just to come here with no regrets. And so I've always believed that people find ways to afford things that matter to them, if something matters to you enough you'll find a way to make it happen. To that end it's not about the money. It's about keeping a tradition and a school alive. Money is a tool needed to grow and maintain the school whose rent we all share. If you walk into the school you'll see pictures of the peaceful dragon being built; and if you listen to the teachers who have been there for 14 or more years you'll hear them talk about when they were all out practicing together in parks. You can't know what it's like to have a roof over your head to practice until you've had to practice without one. How many people can say they started out learning in a park only to see those funds reinvested to build a bigger and better building made just for them and future students like them to practice in. How many schools can say that their students grow on to become teachers with them or others if they so choose to walk that path? How many people can go to a school where the students grow to become teachers, and where each member is not just a 'member' but a part of a family? And how many schools have teachers where teachers, students and their families are recognized and honoured for all that they do to keep the spirit of the martial arts tradition and school alive? That is genuinely a combination of good leadership and community. For *me* to be able to practice in a school like this one among family like this one is a privilege and a honour. To be among people who have been training here since before there was a building to practice is equally a privilege. I love my school, and I know that not only am I lucky to attend a school that offers all that it does but that my continued success as a student is dependent on the success of my school. If you decide to be a student and are locked in on "why can't I have dirt cheap prices", I do hope that you're able to grow from a "me-first gimme gimme what can I get at bargain prices" mindset to a how can we help each other, how can I help my family succeed mindset, because the two are interdependent. I went in with a me-first mindset and I've come out with a sense of connection and otherness that I wouldn't have otherwise had without this school. I could go on but I'll stop and hope that that leaves anyone who might read that with enough food for though. read more

I have been attending The Peaceful Dragon for almost two years now as a "yoga-only" student. It has been my saving grace and I absolutely love it! My original purpose for signing up was stress management, but two side benefits were increased strength and weight loss. Another "yelper" complained that it was only for experts, which I completely disagree with. It is true that they don't have separate classes based on skill level. However, the instructors provide various modifications to accommodate all skill levels. It is up to you to do what is right for your body based on how you feel that day and your skill level. The poses are not the objective. The whole point of the class is to focus internally on yourself and your breathing. It shouldn't matter what the person next to you is doing. Everyone has to start somewhere, but in time you will improve. I have grown tremendously in my practice and can do poses that I could only dream of doing when I first started out. And yet there are still many things that I am still trying to achieve that others can do with ease. This is why it is called a practice. It is the journey and not the destination. Many of the instructors remind us that "yoga is a spiritual practice disguised as a physical practice" and "going though the motions without breathing deeply isn't yoga." One of the other things that I love about these classes is they are challenging. I feel many times better after going to class versus doing a YouTube yoga video at home. I love the Peaceful Dragon yoga classes and couldn't imagine taking yoga anywhere else! read more

We are at the Peaceful Dragon 4-5 times per week for Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and seminars on Chinese medicine and philosophy. Our 10 year old has been going for 5 years and is now working towards his junior black sash. Our 7 year-old just started, and wants to take classes every time they are offered. Both are members of the Leadership Club and are currently reading "The West Point Way of Leadership" as part of their training. I have been taking Tai Chi and Kung Fu for a year now, and have lost 20 pounds, plus have gained much greater strength, stamina, flexibility, and confidence. Classes are more than what you might pay at a strip-mall martial arts school, but you are getting a richer, more vibrant community and a more robust training. read more

Charlotte's only Chang-style Tai Chi Chu'an and Kung Fu school offers programs for children and adults, including Yoga, Meditation, and the Zen Weight Loss Boot Camp. I've been attending for a year and a half and have seen tremendous improvement in my balance, stress levels, focus, and general well-being. The instructors at The Peaceful Dragon have to complete a ten-year training period before teaching others... this is NOT your fly-by-night strip mall martial arts school, but they make Tai Chi and Kung Fu accessible to all ages and abilities. read more

The Peaceful Dragon - Martial Arts Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Another place on my "why I moved to Charlotte" list, and my first retroactive 5 star review. Brunch here on Saturdays back in aught-three was amazing. French pressed black grounds of shockingly dark coffee for cheap - before CLT knew anything other than Dilworth and Starbucks. Vegan sausage, homemade. Farro for brekkie, before it was Batalified. It was a long, long drive but 100% worth it, and a lot of the time, you had to wait, so I guess we weren't the only ones that didn't care. Alas, by time my toukas made it to crown town, they'd put the kybosh on nosh and focus now on martial arts classes, etc. Used to be, post face-stuffing, you'd catch the end of the Kiddie class through the huge windows, and feel kinda guilty that the only reason you ever came was for food. Not that guilty, tho. I miss you, PDBr. read more

18 year old son signed up for Tai Chi classes here. He was able to go for about a six weeks regularly before his school and work schedules changed and it became pretty much impossible for him to attend. By that time we were locked into the 12 month contract and had to pay regardless. I tried to talk to George(?) on the phone in December 2017, but he pretty much told me unless we moved out of town, they were in no way willing to let us out of the contract. Now, $2400, I wish I had never signed him up. Just keep this in mind before you sign up, it's your money they want. I am living on a fixed income as it is read more

I gave it 2 stars only because the teachers are great if you are an experienced yoga student. If you are not, save your money as this place has no classes for beginers or even intermediate students. They will gladly take your money ($197 a month) and they want you to allow them auto withdrawals from your bank account. The man that ownes it named Eric (but he prefers to be called "Sifu"), is clearly interested in your money and not your progress or happiness as a student.Their karate classes for kids seem to be quite popular, but there are dozens of good yoga studios in South Charlotte where you don't have to sign a 1 year contract read more

Customer service is horrible. Unless you owe money, nobody even speaks to you. The only thing the lady at the front has ever said to me is "You pay today?" My schedule changed at work which prevented me from going to class. After reaching out for over a month, they finally told me it didn't matter whether I could come or not, I still had to pay. Guess I should quit my job and just train. Ridiculous. read more

Join and have not been give what they said they would teach, You must be a advanced student......So if your a beginner, or old your SOL. They don,t care all they want is the money. Hex when I was there last week they about kill over a old man who was trying to get in shape in yoga..... I don't think we will ever see him again.....I would not be here but I stuck, they already got me in too deep to leave, after 3 days you can't get out of their contract. This place is good only if , Like i said your not a beginner.....If you are there is no classes for beginners here for you... They don't Care, and I mean they really don't care!!!! Stay away and spend your 2400, plus 200++ up front total of 2600 on a good gym or a another studio. :( :( :( I sorry to said it is turn out to be scam for new members. read more

Peaceful Dragon is a true Chinese Martial Arts program, teaching much more than the physical form. It is run with integrity, organization and humanity. From staff to students, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. read more

It's kind of funny. I love to spend my time reading reviews. This one really struck me as hilarious!. I gave this place a 5 Star because after reading all the reviews I noticed two absolutely bogus reviews hahahaha... CHECK IT OUT :D The ONLY two bad reviews don't even come from Charlotte NC where this school is located. These two must either be superhuman or maybe one of those martial arts heroes you see in the old Chinese movies, you know, the ones that can fly? hahaha. These two superheroes come from TN LOL That would be Tennessee. Seems like a bit of a long distance to commute back and forth to a martial arts school to me. If you could do this, you probably don't need martial arts, what you need is a blue leotard with a big red S on the front :D One guy even said he was so concerned about how much he was being charged OMG! HAHAHA, Dude, 197 bucks is a spit in the bucket to what your commuting expenses must be, considering your in Franklin TN hahaha Then I said WAIT! this guys was complaining about Yoga, then it dawned on me... maybe he was trying to cut his commuting expense down by learning to fit himself into one of those tiny FedEx boxes. That would certainly save him money. Now he could commute via FedEx express package and not an expensive airline ticket hahahaha. the other guy who is from Antioch TN (I am guessing this is the "pilot" brother) because he said his schedule changed at work and prevented him from going to class? OMG! hahaha How many hours is it to fly from Antioch TN to Charlotte NC? hahaha, I think you two ought to get together and do stand up comedy. I almost peed my pants reading your coments hahaha Don't you just love YELP?! I know I do :D read more

Let me tell you about my happy place. The staff and students at the Peaceful Dragon are friendly, supportive, and non-judgmental. They come in all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels, encourage you to excel and do your best, but don't pressure you to exceed your limitations. While progress and improvement may not occur overnight, better focus, calmer attitude, increased strength and flexibility sneak up on you with regular attendance. I've never regretted my decision to join. Come and sample all that the Peaceful Dragon has to offer. read more

I've been going to The Peaceful Dragon for about three years and it is the perfect combination of exercise and meditation for me. I'm calmer and more stable as a result. read more

I have been a tai chi student at The Peaceful Dragon for nearly 10 years now. The instructors are knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. The facility is excellent. It is a wonderful place to learn traditional Chinese arts. read more

This is a very wonderful place in Charlotte. If you have kids here, they will not only learn martial arts, but also moral skills and good character. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, including Sifu Eric and Debra. I highly recommend this place if you are looking to learn martial arts. read more

I've been taking classes at the school for 14 years. Excellent teachers, excellent students, traditional lessons. No "montage" training. You have to put your time in and make an effort in order to achieve your goals. Students have become teachers and opened their own schools after 10 years. Descended from the Shaolin temple and the next Abbot in line to the temple, Shi Guolin, has seminars once every other year if available to learn direct Kung Fu. The classes and styles offered are Traditional Kung Fu, Taichi, Excellent Yoga, Martial weapons. 14 Years ago when I started looking around researching other styles, I heard so many people talking about their children and their kids getting "black belts" in under a year with no prior training. I thought that was absurd, then I learned about "pay to test belt levels" and the scams run at many schools. Here, you don't even get a black belt until after Ten years because you have SO much to learn, AND you keep learning after that. I here so many people complain about the costs, which truly are not that bad, I'm on a fixed income being disabled and I can coming five days or nights a week. You truly get what you pay for. Would you pay 40 bucks for a BMW? How long do you think it would last? Then if your mind, body, spirit, and overall physical and mental health is important to you, the cost is minuscule. read more

After more than 10 years attending this school, Monday night class is still the highlight of my week. Pretty much everything good that has occurred in my adult life can in some way be traced back to my affiliation with the Peaceful Dragon. read more

Very disappointed in the Tai Chi program. Of the 5 times I went, 4 were taught by students. Paying almost 200 per month for training by students. Requested to get out of my contract and they refused. I would investigate very carefully before you sign on the dotted line with "The Peaceful Dragon". read more

I signed my kids up for the summer program. I had a family emergency where a family member fell sick. I had to travel back and fourth between charlotte and miami while this member was in the hospital. the family member passed and we went the travel stopped. I called kept the peaceful dragon in the loop the whole time. They never once told me there were no make up classes. I called on 2 occasions to reschedule the lessons. each time I was told the instructor had to call me back when he finally did he told me my kids cannot make up any of the classes they missed. mind you the classes were never scheduled. He offered to allow me to take 3 classes on the same week. my children had 8 lessons left and I paid up front. Not to mention I referred 2 clients here. I kindly told them no and I will take my money elsewhere for an establishment to not have any compassion, is beyond me. I wouldn't take another class here if they paid me! I will also be leaving a review on every site possible so people can know who they are dealing with. This school shows me they are all about the money. The core values that they preach and call there creed does not exist! avoid this establishment at all cost! If I could leave 0 stars I would unfortunately I cannot. read more

I started taking classes at The Peaceful Dragon about 7.5 months ago and I have never felt like I made a better decision. I did quite a bit of research before I joined, looking for a program that would push me, not only physically, but mentally, as well. The Peaceful Dragon has been an amazing fit for me. I have had the opportunity to take classes in Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Universal Yoga. While every class is different, and each art has its own qualities and benefits, what I feel is one of the postive aspects of every class are the instructors. The instructors will push you outside your comfort zone, while at the same time they are considerate, respectful, and patient. They all take the time to really get to know each student as an individual which helps each student learn. Every student is here for different reasons, but it doesn't stop the instructors from treating all students equally. As for the students themselves, they create an inviting and respectful atmosphere. They are welcoming and helpful. The Peaceful Dragon offers a great place to learn traditional Chinese martial arts. Whether your goal is to become a great martial artist, to become more physically fit, to help with stress management, or any other reason, you can find a place a place to belong. It doesn't matter if you have never taken a martial arts class before or if you have trained for years, there is a place for you read more

The Peaceful Dragon is not only a good school, it's a good community. Something for every age and fitness level. If you're looking for something to challenge your mind as well as your body, you'll get that too. I love it. read more

My daughter is going to the Peaceful Dragon for the past 6 years and she really loved it. Sifu and other instructors are really good and very understanding. Unlike other martial arts schools they are not confined to one art they cover multiple style like Shaolin , Tai Chi, Yoga and Meditation. read more