Silver Dragon was founded in September 2001 by George Hoffman as a vehicle to bring the great arts of Tai Chi and Qi Gong to others so that they could also realize the health benefits associated with their practice.  Our mission is to offer clients and other practitioners the tools necessary to maintain ongoing health and treat periodic energetic imbalances using Qi Gong and Tai Chi.  Our goal is to deliver value that exceeds expectations and to refer clients not able to fit into Silver Dragon schedules, classes and private lessons to other competent, qualified schools and instructors.

George Hoffman, Director 

George has 11 years of teaching experience and 16 years of study in the Chinese arts of Tai Chi and Qi Gong.  He has successfully developed and continues to deliver classes in both arts for a number of organizations including municipal recreation departments, corporate fitness centers, health-focused healing centers and as guest instructor for a  Connecticut Tai Chi Cooperative.  His goal is to give students the tools with which to reap the ongoing health and self-healing benefits associated with Tai Chi and Qi Gong by offering group classes and individual instruction at your location.  His strengths in teaching and coaching facilitate students’ ability to learn these health-enhancing exercises rapidly and with confidence.  His belief in the power of these ancient arts comes across in his teaching style, patience, compassion and his students’ success.

What's New?

EXCITING NEWS!

CEUs - Silver Dragon classes and workshops offered in conjunction with the Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies (CIHS) are now eligible for Continuing Education Units provided by The Connecticut Chiropractic Association.  Additionally,  Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.  This includes Silver Dragon Qi Gong workshops and Tai Chi programs offered at CIHS which will now be granted Continuing Education Hours by the NCBTMB.  See Workshop Schedule for dates and times.

TWO NEW LOCATIONS!

Silver Dragon is proud to announce Tai Chi Classes  and Qi Gong Workshops are now being offered in collaboration with the Colchester Federated Church in Colchester, CT and Breathe...more in Tolland, CT.

Colchester Federated Church, 60 Main St in Colchester, CT.

Daytime Tai Chi for Adults - New cycle of classes begins Tuesday, November 4th, 3:30 PM.  8-week session, price: $65.  See Class Schedule for details.  Come on down and join us!

Breathe...more, 68 Tolland Turnpike (Rte 30) in Tolland, CT.  See Class and Workshop schedules for details.

Qi Gong Fundamentals and Balancing the Body's Energy - Friday, November 7, 2008.  6:00-8:30 PM   Fee $45

Daytime & Evening Tai Chi at Breathe...more - Beginning in January 2009

Come see us at our new locations!

FIRST ANNUAL SILVER DRAGON TAI CHI PICNIC

On August 21st, a number of Silver Dragon First Year and Intermediate students from a number of classes met for our first annual Tai Chi picnic at beautiful Mansfield Hollow State Park to celebrate beautiful weather, a wonderful summer and all things Tai Chi.  Potluck offerings included a number of wonderfully tasty dishes prepared by our members, various teas and sodas and some spectacular desserts.  We chatted, played Tai Chi, got to know each other a little better and just generally chilled and had a relaxing and enjoyable time.  Next year we promise to hold this event earlier in the summer to increase the amount of daylight available for the festivities.  Click here for pictures of the event (provided by Kelly Shepard - thanks Kelly!).

WORLD TAI CHI & QI GONG DAY SUCCESS & PICTURES

Our 10th anniversary World Tai Chi Day event was a major success with more than 150 attendees, 23 teachers offering 32 workshops and more than 20 sponsoring and participating schools.  Cloudy skies and a cool ocean breeze couldn't darken the spirits of the participants and the warm afternoon sun made for a perfect day. 

See some great pictures courtesy of Kim Walker (of Walker Guitars  fame): http://www.walkerguitars.com/taichi2008/

What  is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi, or Taiji Chuan, is an 800 year old Chinese martial art with roots that can be traced back even further.  For centuries, the secrets of this gentle art were passed down in oral tradition to prevent them from being revealed to “outsiders.”  In the past century, Tai Chi has evolved from a family and village-focused source of protection into a worldwide health & fitness movement and a moving meditation while still remaining a martial art. 

The gentle movements of this soft flowing meditative exercise system direct the life force, “Chi”, to achieve balance, increase flexibility, provide more efficient breathing and enhance circulation.   Tai Chi’s focus on developing internal power and wisdom separate it from the hard external arts of Karate, Tae Kwon Do and others.  Its slow motion movement, inner focus, and health benefits make it an ideal, low impact, health enhancing exercise system for people of all ages.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong (Chi Kung), literally “Energy Work”,  is the widely practiced art of moving and balancing Chi (life force energy) throughout the body to maintain health and prevent illness.  The practice includes body postures and movements, breathing techniques and focused intention.  It has been practiced in China for more than 4000 years, and like Tai Chi, was held as a family or village art and not shared with outsiders until the mid twentieth century.   

Qi Gong - considered the fourth arm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - is practiced to provide the body with energetic balance in the same ways that TCM uses the sister arts of Herbal remedies, Acupuncture and Chinese Massage (Tui Na).

What’s it all mean?

The ancient arts of Tai Chi and Qi Gong present a unique set of tools with which we can return our bodies to a healthy balance and maintain a superior quality of life as we age. 

The deep rhythmic breathing, slow deliberate movements and mental body-mind focus of these arts help us to improve balance and circulation, reduce falls, increase flexibility, loosen and lubricate joints, improve concentration and reduce stress. 

For centuries, the Chinese have known and understood the benefits these practices provide.  We now have the opportunity to incorporate them into our own lives.

Why Choose Silver Dragon? 

Silver Dragon takes the unique approach of designing and delivering classes at YOUR  location to meet your organization’s fitness and scheduling needs.  We use a combination of Qi Gong and simple Tai Chi movements to accelerate the students’ development and energy awareness.  Tai Chi’s martial postures and movements are used to “inform” the body of the optimal relationship of torso, limbs, mind and breath that enhance the internal movement of energy and maximize the healing benefits of Qi.  Our focus is on helping students improve their physical and energetic balance and recognize and adjust to changes in their movement, flexibility and mental focus.

George's 15 years of federal service (including 11 years in Air Traffic Control) and 25 years in corporate America give him a unique view of the need to manage stress and adopt healthy exercise habits to benefit employees' long-term health and maintain a healthy work environment.  Call us today to discuss your needs and the possibility of developing a program for your company or organization.