2023 Sabre Camp With Master Yang (Advanced)

June 11-16, 2023, Blowing Rock, NC

It’s camp time once again. Let’s celebrate!!!
Camp plans are evolving. Check back later for more info!

“Training camps are always a great experience learning how to combine the energy of the universe and our bodies in a smooth and healthy manner.”
—Past Camp Participant

 

Learn Dr. Yang’s unique nurturing approach

  • Develop internal strength

  • Boost brain power and physical agility

  • Prevent pain and injury

 

Sample of the Chen 38 Saber Form.

 

For the 23rd year, camp will be held at the Blowing Rock Conference Center in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This retreat will cover Section III of Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang's version of the Chen style 38 sabre form, including forms 26-32. We will review forms 1-25. Students who have not done Sections I and II may begin saber form study with section III. This classic t’ai chi weapon routine will help participants build and clarify energy, improve agility and balance, enhance push-hand skill, and enjoy the aesthetics of dynamic martial art movements.

As always, push-hands and martial art applications will be integral to the training regime with the principles and applications extracted from the sabre form. Master Yang's instruction will focus on nurturing ourselves (yang sheng) and, in the case of push-hands, nurturing our training partners. In connection with this, we will again alternate between conventional upright training (in form, push-hands, and applications) and recumbent qigong exercises to restore energy and cultivate critical dimensions of deep relaxation.

Master Yang also will guide students through Functional Meditation sessions. This approach to meditation connects daily challenges with abiding truths of the human experience. It is drawn from centuries of Chinese wisdom, creating the conditions in which individuals can transform problems into means for achieving lasting tranquility and happiness.

Prerequisite

This course is for practitioners with some prior t’ai chi experience. In particular, those having practiced the Chen 48 Form, PaoCui, or EBQT are qualified to attend; but the retreat is suitable for other styles and traditions as well. If you have not studied with Dr. Yang previously, but are interested, please consider joining us.

Lodging and Meals

Lodging and meals will be arranged through the Blowing Rock Conference Center. You’ll be given a link and instructions to register for them at time of tuition payment. 

Lodging - There are three options for housing on-site:

  • Corriher Lodge - These are hotel-type rooms available as single or double rooms.

  • Cottages - There are four cottages with similar floor plans. Each has a small kitchen, dining area and living room and back porch. There is a master bedroom with a queen-sized bed which is ideal for couples and a second bedroom with two singles and one bunk bed. Each Cottage can accommodate 6 people for a maximum capacity of 24 people in the 4 cottages, and cottage spots are on a first come, first served basis.

  • Commuter - Alternatively, you may make your own reservations and commute to the conference center.

Meals - The Blowing Rock Conference Center serves group meals buffet style. The center can accommodate special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or dairy free. You can indicate these preferences on the camp application.

Pictures of the Conference Center and lodging options are available on the Blowing Rock Conference Center website.

Application Process

  1. Application Steps

    • Everyone must apply to participate in camp.

    • You’ll need a WaQi account to apply for camp. 

    • When you click the “Apply for Sabre Camp” link, you will first be taken to the WaQi Account Page. 

    • If you don’t have a WaQi account, you will be directed through the process. 

    • If you do have a WaQi account, you should sign in.

    • Once you’re logged in, you should complete and submit the application.

  2. Within 2-4 weeks of submitting your application, you'll be notified of your acceptance to camp.

  3. All participants, regardless of where they are staying at the Blowing Rock Conference Center or in a location of their own, must register with BRCC. You’ll be sent instructions to register after your application is accepted.

Tuition Payment Process

  1. Payment will open March 15, 2023.

  2. You'll be sent a link for payment when you’re approved for camp.

  3. If you haven’t paid by April 1, 2023, your space will be offered to others and you will be put on the waiting list.

Tuition Fees

  • Early Registration Discount: March 15 - March 31, 2023, tuition will be $980, paid in full.

  • Standard Tuition: Beginning April 1, 2023 tuition will be $1,030, paid in full.

Meals and Lodging

  • You’ll reserve your meals and lodging directly through the Blowing Rock Conference Center. Reservations can be made, beginning March 15, 2023. You’ll be sent a link and instructions after your application is accepted.

  • Prices include all taxes and fees.

Lodging + Meals

Single Occupancy Lodge Room = $637.81 per person

Double Occupancy Lodge Room = $440.50 per person

Cottage = $355.94 per person

Lodging Only

Single Occupancy Lodge Room = $467.01 per person

Double Occupancy Lodge Room = $269.70 per person

Cottage = $185.14 per person

Meals Only - $160

Training Schedule

  • Sunday, June 11: Check-in begins at 3:00 pm. Instruction from 6:30 - 8:30 pm

  • Monday-Thursday: 6 1/2 hours instruction (plus an optional training hour in the evening)

  • Friday, June 16: 8:00-9:00 am and 11:00 am -12:00 pm instruction/practice - check out by 12:00 pm

Getting to Blowing Rock from the Charlotte Airport

The "getaway" experience of camp is well worth the extra travel time from a major airport. For those flying into Charlotte, there are two options for getting from the Charlotte airport to the Blowing Rock Conference Center.

  • Renting a car from the Charlotte airport is straightforward. You may find the driving directions from BRCC website.

  • Hickory Hop Shuttle Service is a shuttle service that travels from the Charlotte airport to Hickory, Blowing Rock, and Boone. You can request the shuttle to take you straight to the Blowing Rock Conference Center with an extra charge. Please find their updated fares and schedule here .

NOTE: It is a two-hour trip. If you are taking the shuttle back to the airport, please be sure to leave camp at least three hours before your plane departure.

Refunds

If the Center for Taiji and Qigong Studies cancels camp, your payment will be refunded in full.

If, for any reason, you must cancel your registration, a $75.00 application fee will be deducted from your payment. Your payment will be refunded in accordance with the following policy:

  • If you cancel before May 11, 2023 your fee will be refunded less a $75 application fee.

  • If you cancel between May 11, 2023 and June 4, 2023 you will be refunded 50% of your payment.

  • If you cancel after June 4, 2023 you will not be eligible for any refund.

Covid-19 Policies

  • All participants must test negative for Covid as close to their arrival at camp and no further than 48 hours of arrival at camp.

  • Additionally, all participants must test negative for Covid upon arrival at camp.

  • Vaccination is not required.

  • If a participant tests positive for Covid-19 while at camp, he/she will have to leave.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: We are continuing to closely monitor and evaluate developments of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health and government authorities in North Carolina and New York. Please rest assured that we will only hold camp if we believe it is safe. The health and well-being of all of our students, friends and instructors are CTQS-WaQi's highest priority.

QUESTIONS? Please contact us at camp@wa-qi.com