The human is the most physically, mentally, and artistically capable being in our world.
The Martial Arts offer an opportunity to discover our own humanity.
The Club is led by Grandmaster Valery Prosvirov, a Hall of Fame Martial Artist who was honored by the United States government as a person with extraordinary abilities. He is the only person ever to receive a green card for his abilities as a Martial Artist.
“Tao (The Way) that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not an eternal name. Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth.
The named is the Mother of all particular things.
Thus, the constant void enables one to observe the true essence. The constant being enables one to see the outward manifestations.
These two come paired from the same origin. But when the essence is manifested, It has a different name. This same origin is called “The Profound Mystery.” As profound a mystery as It can be; It is the gate to the essence of all life.”
–Lao Tzu
Valery Prosvirov – Owner, Founder and Headmaster of the “Golden Dragon Martial Arts Club”.
Year of birth: 1966
My name is Sky Shachory. I first came to the Golden Dragon to enjoy some authentic Chinese tea. One week later, I tried my first Tai Chi class.
It was a humbling experience. I wasn’t strong, I wasn’t flexible. I couldn’t control my body enough to perform seemingly simple movements. The class left me exhausted, but I was inspired. I knew I could get better. I knew I could do it. After drinking tea with Valery, and seeing him in action, it became obvious that he knew something that I did not. I knew he could help me.
That was June of 2016. I have dedicated myself to my improvement ever since. Today, the Martial Arts are the focus of my life. Every day as a Martial Artist is better than the last. I am honored to be a part of this school. I teach Tai Chi.
“Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them.
Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn’t wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men?
He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral.”
-Tao Te Ching
Art is a manifestation of the soul. No matter what your age or physical condition is, it is available to you through the practice of the martial arts. It’s never late to start improving.
I began studying the martial arts when I was 8 years old. As a child, I practiced Karate-Do and Kyokushin Karate. Karate was my focus for 5 years–I won tournaments and had success in national competitions. Eventually, I lost interest in medals and belts, and I spent my adolescence pursuing other interests.
As I became an adult, my priorities changed. I felt the need to learn self-defense, and I was drawn back to the martial arts. My training began at The Golden Dragon in 2009. The training was difficult, but I quickly realized the Martial Arts are about so much more than the ability to fight. I started overcoming my weaknesses, discovering philosophy, and improving my health. I now dedicate my life to this wonderful art.
What is the connection between self-perfection and sidekicks?
Why do we all need to practice punches?
A good punch hits a precise target, with the proper fist, at the perfect time. This requires complete focus, and the entire body working in balance and unison. A steady hand requires emotional stability, and a determination that can only be found in the soul. Any practice of self-perfection must sharpen the mind, enliven the body, and awaken the soul in this way.
The ultimate goal of training is not to destroy an enemy or a target. The purpose is to heal and develop ourselves. The goal is to destroy our own delusions, and to mend the divide between our perception and our reality. The ability to defend yourself is a side-effect.
Physically, the martial artist is fast, coordinated, flexible, strong, and enduring. Mentally, the martial artist is creative, focused, strategic, and adaptable. Emotionally, the martial artist is confident, compassionate, honest, and without ego.
The efforts you learn in Tai Chi can lend themselves towards any action—whether it be moving a heavy object, resolving a disagreement with a loved one, or neutralizing an attacker.
Popular conception of Tai Chi is shallow, primitive, and generally incorrect. Tai Chi is not to be sold as the mystical cultivation and realignment of universal energy. Tai Chi is not the process of swaying awkwardly from pose to pose. Most “practitioners” today are either conmen, or the delusional/overly-esoteric types that buy their products.
Tai Chi practice develops an ability to focus the work we are able to do with our body. The roundness of Tai Chi movements express the functionality of the human body.
At our club, we practice Tai Chi in the traditional way: as a Martial Art. You must be ready to separate yourself from the pre-conceived notions and superstitions that hold you back. Do it consciously, and always stay in the present moment.
According to archaeological research, Chi Gong has been in existence for over 6,000 years.
When practiced correctly, Chi Gong is good for everything, and everyone. These exercises are very accessible for people of all ages and physical abilities. Chi Gong takes all different forms, ranging from mild to intense.
In Kung Fu, the whole training process is based on breathing. Chi Gong can be called the heart of Chinese Kung Fu.
To make the most of Chi Gong, you need to be aware of the main point. When the exercise involves movement, you must focus on connecting your breathing with your movement. This allows your mind, body, and spirit to work in unison. When a Chi Gong exercise is static, we must breath fully, and with purpose.
Make every breath count. You can spend a lifetime improving and refining these techniques. You can spend a lifetime reaping the benefits of this work.
12217 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite #206
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310-383-6622
Open Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed.
Membership at the Golden Dragon is thoroughly vetted.Please answer the following questions, and schedule your in-person meeting with our membership director.
Membership at the Golden Dragon is thoroughly vetted. Please answer the following questions, and schedule your in-person meeting with our membership director.
Meetings with our membership director are available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6pm. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am, and every Saturday at 12:30pm. Meetings are 45 minutes long.
© 2020 Golden Dragon Martial Arts Club.
