Ch’ang Dung Sheng
Great Grandmaster Ch’ang Dung Sheng was born in Hopei, China, in 1905. While still a small boy, he began to study Shuai Chiao, the Chinese art of grappling, possibly the earliest martial art for which there are records. Many Shuai Chiao holds and throws are hidden in what Westerners know as Kung Fu.
In 1933, then only 18, Great Grandmaster Ch’ang Dung Sheng become China’s National Heavyweight Shuai Chiao Championship. Even though he was not a heavyweight, due to his tremendous power and expertise, this China National Treasure remains undefeated in his lifetime.
In the 30s, Ch’ang taught at the Central Kuo Shu Institute in Nanking, which had been established by the government to preserve the national martial arts.
Ch’ang already 70 years old, was once invited to Morocco as a guest of His Majesty King Hassan the Second, in 1975. There he demonstrated his forms and techniques. During his demonstration, Ch’ang was unexpectedly attacked by a high-ranking black belt of another Asian fighting system. Ch’ang quickly back stepped and pivoted to his attackers rear, catching him with a strike and throw, which catapulted his attacker to the floor, rendering him unconscious. King Hassan presented Ch’ang with a rare sword inlaid with jewels in honor of his accomplishment. In Taipei, Ch’ang taught at the Central Government Police Academy for nearly 30 years. His defense techniques are now used by police agencies worldwide. These techniques are standing curriculum in law enforcement academies in New York and Texas.
Ch’ang learned Tai Chi Chuan from General LI Chien Lin in the 1930s, and because of his complete mastery of Shuai Chiao, was able to perfect the style called Ch’ang Shih T’ai Chi Chuan which incorporates the techniques of this ancient art of Shuai Chiao and is unique among Tai Chi styles for its combat potential. Ch’ang was also expert in the arts of Hsing-I, Bagua, and Shaolin Kung Fu.
Sigung Eric Sbarge
Sigung Sbarge founded his school, The Hall of The Peaceful Dragon in 1997, as full-time director and head instructor. Sigung Sbarge has trained intensively in traditional martial arts, qigong, yoga, and Taoist and Chan (Zen) Meditation for over 45 years. Sigung means Teacher of Teachers, a martial arts title of accomplishment.
On December 31st of 2023, Sigung Sbarge made the decision to close the doors of The Peaceful Dragon for the final time yet continues his training in his personal day to day life.
Sigung Sbarge was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Outstanding Kung Fu Master in 2005.
The start of his martial arts journey began training in Japanese styles eventually transitioning over the next 40 years with practice in the Chinese martial arts styles of Shaolin Kung Fu, Shuai Chiao grappling, Kenpo, Tai Chi and the related internal martial arts of Pakua and Hsing-i.
Having published dozens of articles on martial arts and related topics in leading magazines as Black Belt and Inside Kung Fu, he also assisted in the production of numerous books and videos on Tai Chi and Chinese Martial Arts. While living in New York, he competed in open martial arts tournaments for many years and frequently took first place at the advanced black belt level in forms, fighting, and weapons divisions.
Sigung Sbarge has been a featured speaker or presenter at dozens of national and regional companies and organizations, including B.F. Goodrich, Johnson and Wales University, UNCC, Discovery Place, the FBI, the U.S. Army, Wachovia, Bank of America. The Charlotte Asian Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools International House. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and many more.
Sigung Sbarge holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Economics and Media Studies and is a certified secondary school teacher with a concentration in Asian culture and history. Sigung Sbarge compliments his genuine expertise in the arts he teaches with equal expertise. In teaching, communicating, and motivating students to achieve their highest potential.
Sifu Tim Starnes
Sifu Starnes began training with his teacher, Grandmaster Sbarge, at his school, The Peaceful Dragon, in 2003, initially taking Kung Fu classes soon after joining the Tai Chi classes.
From a young age, Sifu was interested in martial arts, especially Kung Fu, due to the original run of the TV show “Kung Fu.” At the young age of 18, Sifu joined the US Navy and found himself in the South Pacific as his first duty station in the Port of Yokosuka, Japan which increased his interest in martial arts even more. Soon, transferring to Oahu, HI, where Tai Chi was predominant at the beaches, his interest grew to include those practices. Sifu Starnes is a 100% Disabled Veteran and encourages Veterans and those with disabilities to participate in whichever art they are most comfortable with.
Once Sifu Starnes joined The Peaceful Dragon, he learned and practiced Kung Fu and Tai Chi and discovered other arts thanks to Grandmaster Sbarge. Hsing-Yi, BaGua, Meditation, Qigong, Weapons, and more, eventually teaching them. Especially fascinated with the simplicity of Chin Na or joint locks.
Over the next 21 years, Sifu Starnes participated in CACMA (Carolina’s Association of Chinese Martial Arts) contests in open hands and weapons forms, taking home top honors. Now, he can be found judging and assisting at those same tournaments.
Sifu Starnes teaches with the certification and sanction of the Kuo Shu Federation of the Republic of China.
Sifu Starnes started the Shaolin Garden with the intent to continue in the lineage of his teachers and continue the tradition of spreading the arts of Shaolin and Tai Chi.