APRIL 2019 NEWS

WU SHEN TAO HEALTH & MARTIAL ARTS NEWS

APRIL 2019

  EVENTS

Tien Shan Pai Invitational Legacy 2019 Tournament- Sunday April 14 at Delta Hotel, Hunt Valley MD

Tai Chi Gala- May 31-June 2 in Henryville, PA in the Pocono Mountains

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), conducted a 2- day workshop on this rare, traditional Taoist sword form.  It displays methods related to the classic 8 Immortals known throughout Chinese culture.                                       About 14 students took part in the workshop held at the O’Day Training Center in Hyattsville MD on Saturday and Sunday March 16 & 17th, 2019.  This challenging and beautiful sword form kept the participants focused and engaged throughout the two- day event. A video of the portion taught should be available in the near future. All participants expressed how much they enjoyed the form and the experience.

Tien Shan Pai 2019 Tournament

Wu Shen Tao has once again made the cut to be able 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.

 TAI CHI GALA

Tai Chi Gala occurs at the 175-acre retreat property of “Lindenmere” (Henryville, PA).

Tai Chi Master Jou Tsung Hwa originally founded the event and named it the “Zhang San Feng Festival,” after the legendary ancient founder of tai chi chuan, Grandmaster Zhang San Feng. The purpose is to UNITE all those interested in: tai chi, qigong, Taoist internal arts, self-defense, and the intuitive/holistic arts in a spirit of sharing, and FUN.  All lineages and non-lineages WELCOMED and HONORED.

 This event has been ongoing for more than 2 decades. It was the first ‘Zhang San Feng Festival’ which led to many similarly named events around the country.  It has a reputation for being a fun, informative, laid back gathering with many high-level teachers who come and share some of their knowledge and experience.

  Paul Ramos has been asked to present there this year. He will do seminars on Internal Push Hands and on Push Sword as well as leading the Sunday AM qigong gathering. He also has a valid Discount code (19PR), where participants may receive a $50 discount off from the weekend’s festivities.  An added bonus is that meals are included in the cost of the weekend fees.

To see the full line up of workshops and teachers or to register go to Taichigala.com

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.

NEW ONGOING FEATURE ON OUR WEB SITE

The next installment of “Something to meditate on” is available on our Qigong/ Meditate page (DCMDTaichi.com). It is produced by long time collaborator, training partner, and good friend Henry C. Brennan. He has an extensive background in Martial and Energy arts beginning back in the 1970’s. His specialty is energy cultivation with a focus on passive and active work along with methods and strategies of how to apply these skills to one’s daily life.

He shares concepts of the work by providing snippets of wisdom and knowledge each month on our Qigong/ Meditation page.

Interested individuals can also now begin online training with him 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 the path toward potentiating oneself.

APRIL  SWORDPLAY CLASS

We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday April 17th, 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 –

Sign in to get newsletters and other information concerning the latest goings on in and around our schools. Also see us also for our latest great video additions, messages, and new innovations on health and martial arts under Wu Shen Tao on our Facebook page.

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

‘Half of the failures in life come from pulling one’s horse when he is jumping.’

-Thomas Hood

‘If you would live your life with ease, do what you ought- not what you please’.

-Author unknown

‘Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.’

-Thomas Edison

PUSH HANDS CANCELED THURSDAY MARCH 21, 2019

The Community Push Hands Gathering will not take place on March 21 because the Floors are being maintained that week, See you the previous and following Thursdays. Call 301-651-3617 for more info or to ask questions.

WST News and Events... 8 Immortal Sword - March 2019

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 –

Sign in to get newsletters and other information concerning the latest goings on in and around our schools. Also see us also for our latest great video additions, messages, and new innovations on health and martial arts under Wu Shen Tao on our Facebook page.

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

WU SHEN TAO - Feb. 2019

  HAPPY YEAR OF THE EARTH PIG

                FEB. 5 2019

EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Year of the Pig Luncheon- Feb 2, 1 PM

Swordplay Workshop- Sunday February 10, 10:30-5:30PM

CLOSED – Monday February18 for Presidents Day

YEAR OF THE EARTH PIG

14 participants met at the Full Key Restaurant for a Year of the Earth Pig gathering on Feb 2, 2019. The group shared a 12 course sumptuous meal while socializing on many topics.  We had an excellent time and thank all those who attended.  

There are many traditions and customs associated with the Chinese New Year. Families thoroughly clean their homes in order to sweep away any ill fortune and to make way for good luck. Windows and doors are decorated with delicate red paper cutouts and poetic couplets—pairs of corresponding lines of poetry that express people’s joy and hope for the New Year.

Fireworks, firecrackers, red packages, the lion dance, the dragon dance, and lanterns with riddles are other common customs and traditions observed during the Chinese New Year period.

Many families gather for a big family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, and the Chinese people also visit their relatives as part of the New Year celebration.

The Chinese people believe the year of the Pig will bring wealth and prosperity. Besides having a stable income, they hope to make more money, and some believe it is an auspicious time to make new financial investments.

The year of the Pig is expected to bring joy, friendship and love for all the zodiac signs as the Pig attracts success in all the spheres of life.

 Happy New Year!

SWORDPLAY WORKSHOP

We will be hosting a level 1 and 2 Swordplay workshop.

The workshop will consist of a one hour review of fundamental skills and then proceed to more advanced skills of hand work, foot work, single- person and paired training drills, feinting drills, compound reaction drills and finishes up with 60-80 minutes of rotating sword sparring matches. This workshop is appropriate for anyone who has a strong interested in; anyone who has taken previous swordplay training, or those who have been in Martial arts for over a year.

It will take place at the Roda Movement Center located in Takoma Park MD at 7014 Westmoreland Ave.                                                                                                            

         On February 10, 2019, we begin at 10:30 am and this 5 hour intensive will end at 3:30 pm.   There will be a 20-30 minute break midway through so participants may bring food to eat or call for pickup at one of the several eateries nearby and around the corner. It is also highly suggested that participants bring extra water, eye and groin protection, and whatever other protective equipment they deem necessary. The cost will be $150 per person and includes a foam sword so that we all may be equally armed during the drills and sword sparring matches.  

Paul Ramos will be teaching the workshop and he has been training in, teaching, and sharing his expertise in Asian Swordplay, Medieval Swordplay (having previously taught swordplay to the street and stage performers at several MD Renaissance Festivals), and Olympic Style swordplay (having been a competitive Collegiate team member in NYC; as well as a former Nationally ranked Sabre Fencer), spanning 40 years.

If you are interested in attending you should contact us ASAP to be placed on the participant list and you will be updated as to all pertinent information associated with this event. The event is limited to 20 participants so you will need to secure your spot soon. To register or to gain more information feel free to contact Paul Ramos at 301-651-3617, or via email at longmen987@gmail.com. You may also find updates on our website DCMDTaichi.com.

Gaithersburg location news

It 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.

8 -Immortal Sword Form Workshop

GM Liu Xiao Ling, an 18th Generation Grand Master of the Wudang Long Men Pai system 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 long treasured sword routine.

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.

Some thing to Meditate on

Check in weekly for the next installment of “Something to Meditate On’ 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 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 3 times per month 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 (if possible), at least bi weekly for the next nugget along this path toward potentiating oneself.

FEBRUARY  SWORDPLAY CLASS

We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday February 6 th, 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 –

Sign in to get newsletters and other information concerning the latest goings on in and around our schools. Also see us also for our latest great video additions, messages, and new innovations on health and martial arts under Wu Shen Tao on our Facebook page.

FREE COMMUNITY PUSH HANDS -

Our weekly Community Tai Chi and Push Hands Open workout is alive and well (25 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

" That which you create in beauty, goodness, and truth lives on for all time to come. Don't spend your life accumulating material objects that will only turn to dust and ashes. "

-Denis Waitley

" Courage consists not in hazarding without fear but being resolutely minded in a just cause. "

-Plutarch

" Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind- it doesn't matter. "

-Mark Twain