In ancient East practices, the prayer at the beginning of your day is called "Sadhana".
Another definition I learned from my mentors at Tian Tan Temple in Peru, was that "Sadhana" means to integrate body, mind, and spirit to live a life of peace and balance.
With the fast-paced, overwhelming, and stressful life in this country, I started cultivating more deeply the practice of Sadhana.
My day started at dawn with a prayer and Tai Chi and Qigong exercises to get ready for my long day. I worked until 7:00 pm and then I trained in martial arts and boxing.
After that, I immersed myself in a deep meditation that helped me put my mind and emotions in order.
During my first year in this country, I visited many martial arts schools.
There were students with excellent physical abilities, but the focus of the schools was only on a physical level. They didn't have a meditation practice, much less spiritual practice.
When I was thinking of a name for my center, I didn't choose a nickname like "The Tiger Schiaffino". I was looking for a name that would show what the practice of martial arts really means.
This is what my mentors taught me: the Martial Arts have a spiritual, mental, and physical background.
Many people think that to be a spiritual person is to be elevated above the rest of the people, secluded in a temple meditating all day and lighting candles praying for world peace.
Sadana Center opened its doors and its heart in 2001. I started teaching Tai Chi and Qigong at On Top of the world Community in Clearwater, FL.
Until today there were thousands of people who have come into my life in self-defense classes, meditation, external and internal martial arts classes, seminars, and workshops.
For the last 20 years of my life, opening Sadana Center to the community has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
Every day, I am still on this quest to find balance and inner peace.
My constant walk with "Teachers of the Life" gave me the tools to share, teach and show everyone that happiness is only a personal decision.
Every day we have the superpower to decide how we want to live our lives: 1. Regret what life didn't give us, or 2. Fully enjoy what you do have.
I'm not playing at being a monk, I'm a mortal like you.
What we teach at Sadana Center are not moves, punches, kicks, or certifications.
We teach the practice with love, discipline, and respect. I give my students the same tools and knowledge that I received at the Tian Tan Temple to balance their lives.
Today is a very important day because is my Master Yin Lung Tsa's birthday. He is turning 82. It's also the Tian Tan Temple anniversary, and tonight is our Promotional Sash and Rank Graduation at Sadana Center.
The Promotional Sash and Rank is a ceremony where we recognize our students for their efforts, hard work, and accomplishments in the Kwoon. Congratulations to all of them!
Tomorrow we will post pictures on our social media!
We cannot finish this post without a cute photo of my little dragon Salvatore, who has always been in the activities of Sadana Center. ;)
This picture was taken in March 2009 when we did a special Qigong class to celebrate the Spring Solstice.
Thank you very much for reading our blog!
If you have any questions about our Tai Chi and Qigong classes click here or call us at
(727) 458-9123. We opened a new class Mon & Wed at 7:15 pm. The new group is filling up!
May the practice of your Sadana today give you inner PEACE.
Love & Qi healing 🙏🙏
Master Shifu Orlando Schiaffino
Purchase the Tai Chi & Qigong trial class here or call (727) 458-9123
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