The Dragon is the most powerful, revered animal and symbol in Chinese culture and martial arts. It represents power, protection, good fortune, prosperity, wisdom, nobility and harmony with nature. It embraces the five elements and represents the height of mental, physical and spiritual attainment!

The Five Elements Dragon Cane training involves utilizing the Five Elements to train in the categories of Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire.

EARTH:

Earth Energy moves horizontally. Its directions are lateral, circular, strong, grounded, supportive, patient and nurturing. During the Earth Training phase we’ll practice Cane Play to enhance creativity during warmups and the mechanics of using the cane. Combined with stepping movements and patterns, this phase will help develop a strong foundation to build on. The concept of wholeness, training the mind, body and breath to move and respond as one, will also be introduced in this phase of training.

METAL:

Metal Energy is dense, magnetic, moves inward, pulls energy towards it, binds forces together and is sharp and precise. During this phase, you will learn a basic universal short cane form which will, with continued mindful practice, begin to unite the mind and body as one. Movements and patterns slowly become more accurate. The mind and body adjust to the input of new mental and physical knowledge. We use the influence of Earth Energy to provide the patience required to succeed.

WATER:

Water Energy descends, regenerates and motivates. Cane Qigong and Silk Reeling are introduced and practiced in this phase. We slowly relax into the movements and patterns, allowing the principle of “generated by the feet, directed by the waist, expressed through the hands” to manifest. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment, enhanced motivation and satisfaction. Meditation in motion is the focus of this phase as we flow from form to formlessness, and back.

WOOD:

Wood Energy expands outward and downward like the branches and roots of a tree. You’re learning to be strong yet supple. Wood element training helps develop your movements from a stance that is rooted, in harmony with the earth and your surroundings. You’re learning to be grounded in stillness and motion, mind and body in harmony.

FIRE:

Fire Energy rises, radiating energy outward from its source. It connects us to the universe and other beings. This phase of training is focused on self-defense: leading, redirecting incoming force to emptiness, and sending energy back to its source. Every offensive movement will be preceded by a defensive action while visualizing an opponent.

Dates:

March 1-2, 2025, 9am - 5pm

Location:

Crooked River State Park

6222 Charlie Smith Sr Hwy

Saint Marys , GA 31558

Website: https://gastateparks.org/CrookedRiver/

Park: 912-882-5256

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Cost: $275 - includes all video and handout support materials. Beverages & snacks included.

Contact Dan Jones: 517-927-9608

Email: djonesdragon@gmail.com

Participants are responsible for their own accommodations. Here are some options:

Crooked River State Park has a number of fully furnished cabins which you can reserve either via the website https:// gastateparks.org/CrookedRiver/ or by calling 800-864-7275.

There are a number of close-by hotels in Kingsland https:// visitkingsland.com/stay/ and St. Marys (https:// visitstmarys.com/hotels

There are also a number of vacation rentals through VRBO or AIRBNB Cane Details:

• Participants will need a walking cane preferably with a curved handle

• Wood canes or adjustable medical canes with curved handles wrapped in foam are acceptable

Cane Sizing Chart:

This sizing chart gives an approximate length for your cane.

• Height = 4’ 8” - 4’ 11” / Length of cane - 32”

• Height = 5’ 0” - 5’ 3” / Length of cane - 33”

• Height = 5’ 4” - 5’ 7” / Length of cane - 34”

• Height = 5’ 8” - 5’ 11” / Length of cane - 35”

• Height = 6’ 0” - 6’ 3” / Length of cane - 36”

• Height = 6’ 4” - 6’ 7” / Length of cane - 37”

Measuring Yourself for a Cane:

Stand up straight on a flat surface with your shoes on. Let your arms hang free and have someone measure you from the ground up to the bend in your wrist. Add one inch to that measurement for an accurate cane length. If this is not possible, pick a cane that feels comfortable, not too tall and not too short.