EVENTS/ CLOSINGS
8 Immortal sword form workshop 16 & 17 March taught by GM Liu Xiao Ling
Tien Shan Pai Invitational Legacy 2019 Tournament April 14 at Delta Hotel, Baltimore
8 -Immortal Sword Form Workshop
GM Liu Xiao Ling, an 18th Generation Grand Master of the Wudang Long Men Pai system (and Paul’s teacher), will be conducting a 2 day workshop on this rare, traditional Taoist sword form. It displays methods related to the classic 8 Immortals known throughout Chinese culture. Do not miss this rare opportunity to learn an older traditional version of this much sought after sword routine. See flyer above to get more information or to register for one of the limited spots available. See Flyer above for details.
COMBAT SWORDPLAY WORKSHOP
On February 10, 2019, Paul Ramos taught a 5 hour workshop on swordplay. The attendees trained in hand work, footwork, and in solo and paired training practices. They also worked distance, timing, and in multi-option exercises. Swordplay theory, strategies and safety concerns were also discussed. The final hour consisted of rotating bouts with other students and training assistants who were there. Although some participants felt 5 hours of swordplay would be too arduous to complete, all students made it to free- bouting so that they were able to practice putting the skills that they learned together into a more realistic scenario. All participants stated that they enjoyed the drills, exercises, and detailed information given and that they not only learned a lot but that they enjoyed the experience thoroughly.
TIEN SHAN PAI TOURNAMENT
Wu Shen Tao has once again been asked to attend this invitational tune up event prior to the usual Tournament season which normally begins in late Spring and early Summer.
This year it has moved to a larger venue which is also the long-time home of their annual International Kuoshu Federation National level tournament in Hunt Valley MD. It will take place on Sunday April 14 and the first event is scheduled to begin at 10 am. There are discounts for early registration and free volunteer scorekeeper/timekeeper training available at 9 am prior to the start of the event.
This tournament is a smaller version of the national event with less expensive entry fees but many of the same judges so it would be an excellent way to simply get feedback from experienced judges or to assess where one’s current skills are if they are intending to do any competitions this coming summer. It would also be a good event to spectate if you’d like to see some classmates compete and to see what other local schools are teaching at their facilities.
GAITHERSBURG LOCATION NEWS
Our sister school Clear Circle Holistic Training Center remains in Gaithersburg MD but now resides at 329 B Main Street in the lower level suite, below the Rose Spa and Salon in the Kentlands’ complex.
The space is larger than our former location and is also close to two outdoor training areas when the weather permits. This space is dedicated to private, semi-private and small group classes only. Instruction available there ranges from Qigong/ Neigong, Tai Chi and other Internal martial arts, Swordplay, Meditation, Self Defense, Contact Fight training, nutrition and other skills related to those mentioned above.
Call 301-651-3617 or email: longmen987@gmail.com to inquire or to register for your introductory lesson.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Winter is here and with it comes a variety of situations that unfortunately lead to challenging transportation, health, and mindset concerns.
Realize that when Montgomery County schools close related to bad weather, impassible roads etc.- Wu Shen Tao will also be closed. Should the weather/ roads clear up by class time everyone should look to our website (DCMDTaichi.com), for updates and any changes to our normal policy. Every effort will be made to update the site as soon as possible. Announcements and changes would be found on our Home page and the News/ Events page.
Secondly, the Winter season also encourages the usual spate of colds, Flu’s and other health issues. As much as we love to see you all in class at every opportunity; please stay home if you are ill! We like to share your company but do not wish to share any viruses or other pathogens. Rest up and get back to us when you are feeling better.
Also, realize that if you sweat and train hard in class you will probably open up your circulation and pores so take a little time before your leave to cool down. Bring in a change of shirt/ clothes if you need to so that you are not walking in the frigid temperatures wet and tired. This may temporarily diminish your immune system which may lead to being more susceptible to the pathogens surrounding us. Let’s have a healthy and productive winter season.
NEW ONGOING FEATURE ON OUR WEB SITE
The next installment of “Something to Meditate On’ is available on our Qigong / Meditation Page (DCMDTaichi.com). It is produced by long- time collaborator, training partner and good friend Henry Brennan. He has an extensive background in the martial and energy arts beginning about 45 years ago. His specialty is energy cultivation with a focus on passive and active work along with methods and strategies of how to apply these skills in one’s daily life.
He shares some of the concepts of the work by providing snippets of wisdom and knowledge monthly on our Qigong/Meditation page.
Interested individuals can also now begin online training with him and learn to use the distilled exercises and methods of this path. I recommend that you feel free to check in bi weekly for the next nugget along this path toward potentiating oneself.
MARCH SWORDPLAY CLASS
We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday March 13th, 2019 from 7:30-9 PM. Bring a sword, eye protection and groin protection (optional). All students are encouraged to attend regardless of experience.
WEB SITE CONTACT PAGE –
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FREE COMMUNITY PUSH HANDS -
Our weekly Community Tai Chi and Push Hands Open workout is alive and well (27 years and counting). We hold the Free Takoma Park Community Workout, 3 blocks away, at the Roda Movement Center which is located at 7014 Westmoreland Avenue (just off Carroll Avenue) in Takoma Park, MD. It is located just behind the Gazebo located on Carroll Avenue and across from the House of Musical Traditions. The workout takes place on Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Feel free to contact us at longmen987@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
" The opposite of anger is not calmness its empathy. "
Mehmet Oz
“It is not the end of the physical body that should worry us. Rather our concern must be to live while we're alive - to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are. "
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
" Language... has created the word 'loneliness' to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word 'solitude' to express the glory of being alone. "
Paul Tillich
