APRIL 2026 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Cabin John Park Push Hands Gathering -April 11, 2-6pm

Kuoshu Legacy Tournament - -April 19, 2026, 9am -4pm

World Tai Chi Day -April 25, 2026

Fiesta Asia WDC event and demonstrations -May 16, 11am-7pm

Application Workshops- Jing Ying Academy -May 17, 2026, 9:30 am-6pm

QUARTERLY PUSH HANDS GATHERING

On Saturday April 11, 2026 Joanne Chang of Wu Wei Tai Chi will host this edition of the quarterly Push Hands gathering at the Tai Chi Court in Cabin John Park located at 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda MD 20817. This gathering, held outdoors for almost 20 years was first instituted by Joanne’s late husband David Chen. It seeks to bring together Tai Chi push hands enthusiasts from any and all styles of Tai Chi or internal martial arts systems . We have supported and attended it since its first year and we enjoy pushing in the lovely surroundings upon the large Yin Yang symbol located there. Women only may practice from 1-2pm and then it opens up to all participants from 2-6pm. It is usually an enjoyable experience and we look forward to attending this months event.

TIEN SHAN PAI LEGACY TOURNAMENT

The Legacy event starts the 2026 Tournament season with its annual event which is a good warmup for upcoming events that generally begin in June. It includes Tien Shan Pai external forms and Tai Chi empty hand and weapons forms. Check in begins on Sunday April 19th at 9 am with the divisions scheduled to begin at 10am. It will take place at the Notre Dame Prep Gymnasiun located at 815 Hampton Lane, Towson MD 21286. It is a good way for people with limited competition experience to perform in a smaller, less stressful environment. It’s also good for experienced competitors who want to see where their skills are currently so that they can work on any deficiencies prior to the main season’s events. Spectators are free so come experience it if you are able. ( tienshanpai.org/legacy-tournament)

FIESTA ASIA STREET FESTIVAL

This yearly event which has run for 20 years in Washington DC, is a large event which showcases stages for music and cultural dancing. It always has a large cordoned off area where martial arts demonstrations happen all day long. WST has performed there for most of the events occurances and will do so again this year. Although we have not received our performance time slot as of this writing we usually demonstrate sometime beyween 11am and 2 pm. It also features a variety of food, clothing and vendors of other wares. It is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, WDC between 3rd and 6th streets NW on Saturday May 16th, 2026. It is a fine event and we look forward to attending, demo-ing, and eating some of the excellent foods offered. (fiestaasia.org)

MARTIAL UNITY SPECIAL TRAINING (M.U.S.T.) WORKSHOP

On May 17, 2026 the MUST group will present its next installment of its Bi-Annual Seminars in various aspects of Chinese Kung Fu. Sifu Norman Smith will present a block of instruction on Wing Chun fighting applications, Sifu Billy Greer will present Upright Grappling of Chinese Wrestling, and Sifu Paul Ramos will present Combat Swordplay drills and a free sparring segment. It will take place at the Jing Ying Academy in Annapolis MD and will begin at 9:30 am and continue all day. Participants should bring a wooden or foam sword and casual attire. For more information contact Sifu Greer at www.jingying.org or by using
* Registration for the Seminar:
https://cp.mystudio.io/e/?=JingYing/3031/812246//1774666328

SHAOLIN KUNG FU

Wu Shen Tao offers training in traditional northern-style Chinese martial arts forms and techniques passed down through the Wudang Dragon Gate lineage, as well as Tien Shan Pai and other Shaolin styles. Sessions include intense physical workouts which build strength, balance, mind/body coordination, and skills for self-defense. Training is tailored to each individual, so beginners of all ages are welcome. Classes are led by Lao Shr Jeff Bandy who has taught our Shaolin program for more than a decade. If you are interested, or have questions, please reach us via email, wstkungfu@outlook.com

• Kids Kung Fu at Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in Takoma Park), Thursdays 4:45-5:45pm and Saturdays 11:45-12:45pm

• Adult/Teen Kung Fu - Contact us for details at wstkungfu@outlook.com

HYATTSVILLE LOCATION

Our Adult group classes are located in Hyattsville, MD. Our Community Tai Chi Push Hands gathering takes place there from 7:30-9:30 pm each Thursday evening. This free community gathering focuses on developing the skills of using the least amount of force to accomplish the maximum effect. This is known as the classic “Use softness to overcome hardness”.

On Saturdays from 9:30 am-11am we continue with our Tai Chi Form and basics class followed by Tai Chi Pushing Hands instruction at 11am. Beginning at 12 noon, we begin the Xing-I Chuan / Bagua Zhang training, as well as our advanced practitioner / specialized training block which runs until 1:30 PM.

The address for the location is:

3811 Nicholson Street

Hyattsville MD, 20782

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.

John Wooden

You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.

Joyce Meyer

Ask yourself the question: “Will this matter a year from now?”

Richard Carlson

March 2026 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

Wu Shen Tao 2026 Chinese New Year gathering

SWORDPLAY WORKSHOP

On Saturday February 7, 2026, WST presented a workshop on practical Swordplay. It was taught by Paul Ramos who has studied and taught Swordplay of several styles for over 50 years. A group of enthusiastic students took part in the event which spanned 4 hours of continual training and practice methods. The workshop covered the essentials of combat swordplay. The training included hand drills, footwork methods, stationary and moving 2 person reflex training as well as more advanced methods of feinting, compound attacks, and distance and timing drills. The workshop finished with rotating sword sparring sessions where participants worked against training partners of different sizes and varying levels of skill. It took place at the Hyattsville studio, (3811 Nicholson St Hyattsville MD 20782). It has been requested that a followup workshop be scheduled. We will most likely have the followup workshop sometime in May 2026.

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026

In many Kung Fu Schools around the world it is customery to celebrate both the US and the Chinese New Year. In China and in many other asian cultures this 2 week festival seeks to increase connection to family and bring positive energy forward into the coming year.

The festival date changes every year because it follows the lunar calandar which is based on the movement of the moon. Usually, it begins on a day between mid-January and mid-February. In 2026, this year it falls on Tuesday February 17th.

Traditionally there is a family and friend reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's Eve which is a big feast to commemorate the past year. This is the considered the most important time to be with family

The celebration is also called "Guo Nian".

“Nian”is the Chinese word for year. In folk culture, the Spring Festival celebration is also called “Guo Nian” (meaning “passing a year”). In the traditional Chinese New Year story, “Nian” is a fierce and cruel monster which eats livestock and kids, but it is scared of red color and the fire cracker sound. Therefore, people use red decorations and fireworks to drive away “Nian”.

Credit to Herworld.com for following information (Feng Shui perspective)

Traditionally, a Horse year is associated with speed and action. It encourages independence and adventures as well as creativity and spontaneity. It can be a time of rapid change and unpredictably but also helps to strengthen social energy. Usually zodiac signs that like speed and boldness (Horse, Tiger, Monkey and Dragon) excel in the Year of the Horse, those that prefer calm and stability (Ox, Rabbit, Goat, Snake and Rooster) may need to adapt in order to appreciate the year’s energy.

The experts at Way Fengshui note it’s going to be an interesting year, with economic fluctuations and social unrest which is already in process. Despite this, there are hidden opportunities, thanks to the year’s fiery nature that will encourage passion and energy. Still, it’s important to stay cautious and avoid pitfalls that can be the result of impulsiveness. The One White Star in the Central Palace signifies potential growth in career and wealth. To navigate shifting tides, stay humble, pragmatic, and collaborative to weather storms and steer towards a brighter year ahead.

2026 Wudang Dragon Gate Year of the Fire Horse gathering

- Paul Ramos has been interviewed by Voyage Baltimore magazine concerning aspects of his martial arts journey. Anyone interested in viewing it can go here: https://voyagebaltimore.com/interview/check-out-paul-ramoss-story

SHAOLIN KUNG FU

Wu Shen Tao offers training in traditional northern-style Chinese martial arts forms and techniques passed down through the Wudang Dragon Gate lineage, as well as Tien Shan Pai and other Shaolin styles. Sessions include intense physical workouts which build strength, balance, mind/body coordination, and skills for self-defense. Training is tailored to each individual, so beginners of all ages are welcome. Classes are led by Lao Shr Jeff Bandy who has taught our Shaolin program for more than a decade. If you are interested, or have questions, please reach us via email, wstkungfu@outlook.com

• Kids Kung Fu at Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in Takoma Park), Thursdays 4:45-5:45pm and Saturdays 11:45-12:45pm

• Adult/Teen Kung Fu - Contact us for details at wstkungfu@outlook.com

  HYATTSVILLE LOCATION

Our Adult group classes are located in Hyattsville, MD. Our Community Tai Chi Push Hands gathering takes place there from 7:30-9:30 pm each Thursday evening. This free community gathering focuses on developing the skills of using the least amount of force to accomplish the maximum effect. This is known as the classic “Use softness to overcome hardness”.

On Saturdays from 9:30 am-11am we continue with our Tai Chi Form and basics class followed by Tai Chi Pushing Hands instruction at 11am.

Beginning at 12 noon, we begin the Xing-I Chuan / Bagua Zhang training, as well as our advanced practitioner / specialized training block which runs until 1:30 PM.

The address for the location is:

3811 Nicholson Street

Hyattsville MD, 20782

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

None of us is as smart as all of us.
— Ken Blanchard, author and business consultant

In order to grow, you need diversity — of experience, opinion, and perspective. Diversity will always be at the core of change. It’s the only way people will find new opportunities, surmount new challenges, and gain new insights.
— Frans Johansson, writer and entrepreneur

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.
— Andrew Carnegie, industrialist and philanthropist

February 2026 WST NEWS

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

SWORDPLAY WORKSHOP- Saturday February 7, 12-4pm

CHINESE NEW YEAR-February 17, 2026

SWORDPLAY WORKSHOP

On Saturday February 7, 2026, we will be presenting a workshop on practical Swordplay, It will be taught by Paul Ramos who has studied and taught Swordplay of several styles for over 50 years. This workshop will cover the essentials of combat swordplay. The training will include hand drills, footwork methods, stationary and moving 2 person reflex training as well as more advanced methods of feinting, compound attacks, and distance and timing drills. The workshop will finish with rotating sword sparring sessions where participants can work against training partners of different sizes and varying levels of skill. It will take place at the Hyattsville location (3811 Nicholson St Hyattsville MD 20782). The cost is $100 per person and will take place from 12 noon- 4PM. It is recommended that participants wear exercise attire and wear eye protection. Groin and head protection is optional and bring a foam sword for the sparring segment. A wooden sword may also be used for the earlier drilling segments of the instruction. No experience is necessary. We will review all fundamentals as we progress toward free play. Foam swords ($30 each), may be obtained by pre order by contacting us at 301-651-3617 or via email at longmen987@gmail,com prior to January 17, 2026. Swordplay workshops are always fun and instructional and participants have always expressed their enjoyment at previous events. Space is limited to 14 participants so contact us asap to secure your spot at this event

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026

In many Kung Fu Schools around the world it is customery to celebrate both the US and the Chinese New Year. In China and in many other asian cultures this festival seaks to increase connection to family and bring positive energy forward into the coming year.

The festival date changes every year because it follows the lunar calandar which is based on the movement of the moon. Usually, it falls on a day between mid-January and mid-February. In 2026, this year it falls on Tuesday February 17th.

Traditionally there is a family and friend reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's Eve which is a big feast to commemorate the past year. This is the considered the most important time to be with family

The celebration is also called "Guo Nian".

“Nian”is the Chinese word for year. In folk culture, the Spring Festival celebration is also called “Guo Nian” (meaning “passing a year”). In the traditional Chinese New Year story, “Nian” is a fierce and cruel monster which eats livestock and kids, but it is scared of red color and the fire cracker sound. Therefore, people use red decorations and fireworks to drive away “Nian”.

Credit to Herworld.com for following information (Feng Shui perspective) :
Traditionally, a Horse year is associated with speed and action. It encourages independence and adventures as well as creativity and spontaneity. It can be a time of rapid change and unpredictably but also helps to strengthen social energy. Usually zodiac signs that like speed and boldness (Horse, Tiger, Monkey and Dragon) excel in the Year of the Horse, those that prefer calm and stability (Ox, Rabbit, Goat, Snake and Rooster) may need to adapt in order to appreciate the year’s energy.

The experts at Way Fengshui note it’s going to be an interesting year, with economic fluctuations and social unrest already in process. Despite this, there are hidden opportunities, thanks to the year’s fiery nature that will encourage passion and energy. Still, it’s important to stay cautious and avoid pitfalls that can be the result of impulsiveness. The One White Star in the Central Palace signifies potential growth in career and wealth. To navigate shifting tides, stay humble, pragmatic, and collaborative to weather storms and steer towards a brighter year ahead.

We at Wu Shen Tao will be having at gathering for Chinese New Year on Saturday February 21 at 4 pm in Rockville MD. All Friends and WST family members are welcomed to join us. We do, however require an accurate headcount so that we can reserve a sufficient space for us all to eat together. The cutoff date to notify us as to whether you and/or a guest will join us is February 15, 2026.

Notable recent occurances-

- Kristen Fang has recently received an Outstanding Service Award from Montgomery County MD for her work with seniors using Tai Chi to improve health, mobility, and energy levels within the local senior community.

Wu Shen Tao celebrates its 35 years of offering Free Community Push Hands gatherings at its locations. We feel this has fostered positive community interaction and has done its part to raise the level of Push Hands skills in the Greater Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas.

Paul Ramos has been interviewed by Voyage Baltimore magazine concerning aspects of his martial arts journey. Anyone interested in viewing it can go here: https://voyagebaltimore.com/interview/check-out-paul-ramoss-story

SHAOLIN KUNG FU

Wu Shen Tao offers training in traditional northern-style Chinese martial arts forms and techniques passed down through the Wudang Dragon Gate lineage, as well as Tien Shan Pai and other Shaolin styles. Sessions include intense physical workouts which build strength, balance, mind/body coordination, and skills for self-defense. Training is tailored to each individual, so beginners of all ages are welcome. Classes are led by Lao Shr Jeff Bandy who has taught our Shaolin program for more than a decade. If you are interested, or have questions, please reach us via email, wstkungfu@outlook.com

• Kids Kung Fu at Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in Takoma Park), Thursdays 4:45-5:45pm and Saturdays 11:45-12:45pm

• Adult/Teen Kung Fu - Contact us for details at wstkungfu@outlook.com

HYATTSVILLE STUDIO

Our Adult group classes are located in Hyattsville, MD. Our Community Tai Chi Push Hands gathering takes place there from 7:30-9:30 pm each Thursday evening. This free community gathering focuses on developing the skills of using the least amount of force to accomplish the maximum effect. This is known as the classic “Use softness to overcome hardness”.

On Saturdays from 9:30 am-11am we continue with our Tai Chi Form and basics class followed by Tai Chi Pushing Hands instruction at 11am. Beginning at 12 noon, we begin the Xing-I Chuan / Bagua Zhang training, as well as our advanced practitioner / specialized training block which runs until 1:30 PM.

The address for the location is:

3811 Nicholson Street

Hyattsville MD, 20782

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

Restlessness is discontent — and discontent is the first necessity of progress.

Thomas Edison

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.

Anton Chekhov

Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.

George R.R. Martin

January 2026 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

NO CLASSES DECEMBER 24- JANUARY 1, Winter Break ; Classes resume January 2, 26

MLK HOLIDAY – Monday January 19, 2026 - No group classes

SWORDPLAY WORKSHOP- Saturday February 7, 12-4pm

SWORDPLAY WORKSHOP

On Saturday February 7, 2026, we will be presenting a workshop on practical Swordplay, It will be taught by Paul Ramos who has studied and taught Swordplay of several styles for over 50 years. This workshop will cover the essentials of combat swordplay. The training will include hand drills, footwork methods, stationary and moving 2 person reflex training as well as more advanced methods of feinting, compound attacks, and distance and timing drills. The workshop will finish with rotating sword sparring sessions where participants can work against training partners of different sizes and varying levels of skill. It will take place at the Hyattsville location (3811 Nicholson St Hyattsville MD 20782). The cost is $100 per person and will take place from 12 noon- 4PM. It is recommended that participants wear exercise attire and wear eye protection. Groin and head protection is optional and bring a foam sword for the sparring segment. A wooden sword may also be used for the earlier drilling segments of the instruction. No experience is necessary. We will review all fundamentals as we progress toward free play. Foam swords ($30 each), may be obtained by pre order by contacting us at 301-651-3617 or via email at longmen987@gmail,com prior to January 17, 2026. Swordplay workshops are always fun and instructional and participants have always expressed their enjoyment at previous events. Space is limited to 14 participants so contact us asap to secure your spot at this event.

Notable recent occurances-

- Kristen Fang has recently received an Outstanding Service Award from Montgomery County MD for her work with seniors using Tai Chi to improve health, mobility, and energy levels within the local senior community.

- Wu Shen Tao celebrates its 35 years of offering Free Community Push Hands gatherings at its locations. We feel this has fostered positive community interaction and has done its part to raise the level of Push Hands skills in the Greater Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas.

- Paul Ramos has been interviewed by Voyage Baltimore magazine concerning aspects of his martial arts journey. Anyone interested in viewing it can go here: https://voyagebaltimore.com/interview/check-out-paul-ramoss-story

SHAOLIN KUNG FU

Wu Shen Tao offers training in traditional northern-style Chinese martial arts forms and techniques passed down through the Wudang Dragon Gate lineage, as well as Tien Shan Pai and other Shaolin styles. Sessions include intense physical workouts which build strength, balance, mind/body coordination, and skills for self-defense. Training is tailored to each individual, so beginners of all ages are welcome. Classes are led by Lao Shr Jeff Bandy who has taught our Shaolin program for more than a decade. If you are interested, or have questions, please reach us via email, wstkungfu@outlook.com

• Kids Kung Fu at Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in Takoma Park), Thursdays 4:45-5:45pm and Saturdays 11:45-12:45pm

• Adult/Teen Kung Fu - Contact us for details at wstkungfu@outlook.com

HYATTSVILLE LOCATION

Our Adult group classes are located in Hyattsville, MD. Our Community Tai Chi Push Hands gathering takes place there from 7:30-9:30 pm each Thursday evening. This free community gathering focuses on developing the skills of using the least amount of force to accomplish the maximum effect. This is known as the classic “Use softness to overcome hardness”.

On Saturdays from 9:30 am-11am we continue with our Tai Chi Form and basics class followed by Tai Chi Pushing Hands instruction at 11am. Beginning at 12 noon, we begin the Xing-I Chuan / Bagua Zhang training, as well as our advanced practitioner / specialized training block which runs until 1:30 PM.

The address for the location is: 3811 Nicholson Street Hyattsville MD, 20782

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

Hard days are the best because that’s where champions are made, so if you push through the hard days you can get through anything.

Gabby Douglas

You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.

Sammy Davis Jr.

Be careful what you ask for because when you pray for rain, you have to deal with the mud as well.

Denzel Washington