UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS
World Tai Chi Day -April 25 We had a large group doing Tai Chi to commemorate it
Fiesta Asia WDC event and demonstrations -May 16, 11am-7pm
Application Workshops- Jing Ying Academy -May 17, 2026, 9 am-6pm
Presidential Wu Shu Cup -June 27, 2026 , Rockville MD
ICMAC International Championships -July 17-19, 2026, Caribe Royal Resort, Orlando FLA
KuoShu International Championships -July 24-26, Rennaisance Resort, Baltimore Inner Harbor
TIEN SHAN PAI LEGACY TOURNAMENT
The Legacy event started the 2026 Tournament season with its annual offering which is a good warmup for upcoming events that generally begin in June. It includes external forms and Tai Chi empty hand, push hands, and weapons forms. It took place at the Notre Dame Prep Gymnasiun located at 815 Hampton Lane, Towson MD 21286. It is always 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 events. There was a large group of competitors and the event lasted about 4 hours throughout 4 different rings. It was a good event and we encourage participation in next years event
WOMAN”S SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP at GW UNIVERSITY
On April 20th, Wu Shen Tao instructor Jeff Bandy led a 90-minute Women’s Self Defense workshop at George Washington University. A member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority reached out to WST and asked that we help to heighten defense skills and awareness for students. Lao Shi Jeff Bandy led the session of 10 young women through several scenarios which including grabs, chokes, hair-pulls, and bear-hugs to demonstrate how to create space from an attacker and deliver counter strikes in an effort to retreat to safety. In addition, a punch-dummy was included so participants could practice striking and kicking with full power. The high-energy group was engaged throughout the session and grew in confidence as they added proven self-defense strategies and techniques to their personal skill sets.
WST is often approached to do various seminars and workshops in subjects to include Tai Chi, Qigong, empty hand and weapons self defense, pushing hands, swordplay, various demonstrations and other health or martial related skills. Locations range from schools, job sites, community centers, and at outdoor events. We enjoy sharing our understandings with the surrounding community whenever possible
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 techniques, 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, eye protection and casual attire. Price is $150 before May 1, $160 after May 1. For more information contact Sifu Greer at www.jingying.org or by * Registering 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
Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.
Reed Markham,
That person is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.
Henry David Thoreau
What the superior person seeks is in themself; what the small person seeks is in others.