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