Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we are currently facing we find that it is prudent to cancel Thursday night Pushing Hands workout until further notice. We did not make this decision lightly and apologize for any inconvenience that this action may have on our participants. Check back on this web site to see when we will resume these Thursday night Push Hands sessions
MARCH 2020 WST NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Bagua / Xing-I Applications Workshop- March 15, 2020 11 am at Roda Movement
Tien Shan Pai 2020 Legacy Tournament- Delta Hotel- Hunt Valley MD, 9 am
BAGUA / XING-I CHUAN APPLICATIONS WORKSHOP
Our next scheduled Seminar for 2020 is Bagua and Xing-I Martial Applications. These arts, which are related to Tai Chi and based upon the same essential core principles, utilize different footwork and intention to carry out their self -defense objectives. The differing mindsets create interesting variations in relation to internal applications. These 4 hours of training will show how each of the main 3 Chinese internal arts address the same stimuli so that participants may get a better perspective of how each style differs from, or is similar to, each other. This Seminar is scheduled for March 15th 2020, at 11 am; at the Roda Movement Center. Entry fee is $120 with a 10% discount to Wudang and WST students.
The workshops will be taught by Paul Ramos who has trained in Asian Martial Arts for over 45 years and who has specialized in Internal Martial Arts for the last 30. Feel free to call him at 301-651-3617 with questions, concerns or if you wish to preregister to receive a 10% discount. You may also email him at longmen987@gmail.com
TIEN SHAN PAI 2020 LEGACY TOURNAMENT
Tien Shan Pai Legacy Tournament Sunday, April 26, 2020 10:00 AM
Delta Hotels Baltimore Hunt Valley 245 Shawan Road Hunt Valley, MD 21031
This is a good event that is meant to be a warmup competition before the Summer/ Fall competition season begins. It’s a bit smaller and less expensive than their National level event which takes place the last weekend of July 2020 at the same location.
Below are some important details to note:
• Online registration begins Saturday, February 1 at www.tienshanpai.org
• All on-line registrations and payments must be received by Friday, April 24, 2020.
• Early registration discounts end on Thursday, March 26.
• Registration forms and payments can also be sent (and/or faxed) to:
U.S. Kuo Shu Academy 10999 Red Run Boulevard, Suite 214 Owings Mills, MD 21117 Phone: 443-394-9222
• Only cash payments will be accepted at the door this year - no credit cards or checks.
Please make every effort to pre-register for your events.
• Events include: Kids 5 and under forms; beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions for kids, youth, teen, and adult kung fu forms and weapons; two person sets; kids, youth, teen and adult sparring; beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions for tai -jiquan forms; beginner-intermediate, and advanced divisions for other internal (xing yi, ba gua) forms and weapons; and free style and restricted step tai ji pushing hands.
Hope to see you there as a competitor or as a spectator!
SIFU CHARLES CASHELL JOINS THE TAO
It is with great sadness that we report that Charles Cashell, friend , workout partner, Tai Chi teacher, former Push Hands National Champ, and Martial Art researcher passed away on January 28th from complications related to his Diabetes. He was a member of the original Wu Shen Tao competition team of the early through late 1990’s that wracked up a dozen National Champion titles in various Internal and External events. He was an energetic and enthusiastic member of the Greater Washington DC/ Baltimore Tai Chi community and judged at a variety of Competitions through the late 1990’s through the 2010’s.
He trained hundreds of students in Tai Chi Chuan over the years and influenced many of the the advanced practitioners of today. His charm, wit, martial musings and knowledge is already missed. We thank him for his positive influence on many of us here in the Mid- Atlantic region.
Charles Cashell and Paul Ramos demonstrating Sword Sparring in Silver Spring MD in 1995.
NEW POSTINGS of SOMETHING TO MEDITATE ON
Long time friend, collaborator, and kindred spirit Henry C. Brennan has resumed his ongoing postings related to meditation and consciousness expansion on our Qigong page. Feel free to check it out and check every few weeks to obtain the latest nuggets of insight into the realms of higher consciousness. You may also ask questions and have comments sent to him via the accompanying info provided.
CLEAR CIRCLE HOLISTIC TRAINING CENTER
Our sister school Clear Circle Holistic Training Center is located in Gaithersburg MD at 329 B Main Street in the lower level suite, below the Rose Spa and Salon in the Kentlands’ complex. The space 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 in 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
As stated above the next installment of “Something to meditate on”, after a hiatus, continues 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 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.
MARCH SWORDPLAY CLASS
We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday March 18th, 2020 from 7:30-9 PM. Bring a wooden 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 and in the Greater Washington DC/ Baltimore Martial Art scene. 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 adjacent to 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 call us at 301-651-3617 or contact us at longmen987@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
Well begun is half done. -Aristotle
Nothing is easy to the unwilling. -Thomas Fuller
Be a friend to yourself and others will be so too. -Thomas Fuller
FEBRUARY 2020 WST NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Year of the Yang Metal Rat- begins February 4, 2020
Closed Monday February 17th – Federal Holiday- President’s Day
Happy 70th Birthday Grand Master Liu Xiao Ling!
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2020
2020 is Year of the Yang White Metal Rat. According to the Chinese astrology calendar, the 2020 Chinese Zodiac Year starts on February 4, 2020, in China's time zone. The first day of the Chinese astrological year is different from Chinese New Year Day, which is from the Chinese lunar calendar. 2020 Chinese New Year Day was on Saturday, January 25, 2020. in China's time zone.
“ The sign of Yang Metal Rat is (represented by) a ship traveling on the ocean. That implies that we need to patiently wait for the time to arrive at the destination. It's time to become well-prepared for the next coming performance. The fully armed Rat is ready for battle. The other sign of Yang Metal Rat is strong wind stirring up the water or a potential hurricane. Water represents danger in the I-Ching. Hurricane could damage the properties and cause disputes. A smart person should stay alert and don't drop into the ocean of argument. Therefore, the sign of 2020 is a windy and rainy day. It could become a rainstorm or hurricane that might cause flooding and property loss.“.
This is not the most positive forecast but it warns us to prepare for a bumpy ride.
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY GRAND MASTER LIU
Paul Ramos’ wishes his teacher and 18th generation Wudang Dragon Gate Grand Master Liu Xiao Ling, a happy and enjoyable 70th Birthday! He along with his Kung Fu brother Grand Master Gao Tie Niao were the people that took Paul’s Internal knowledge and abilities from advanced student to the level he currently enjoys as a knowledgeable teacher and 19th generation master within the Wudang Long Men lineage.
GM Liu’s friends, students, and disciples will be honoring him at a celebration on February 22, 2020 in Maryland. We look forward to learning more from this top- level GM as we begin the next 70 years of training!!
CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH GATHERING
On Sunday January 26th, a group of Wu Shen Tao Students, family members and Wudang Long Men members attended our annual Chinese New Year gathering held at the Sichuan Jin River Restaurant located in Rockville, MD. This restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes, many of which are not found at most other restaurants. The food was excellent and the conversations were lively and varied. It is always good to share good food and camaraderie with like- minded people. We wish everyone a productive and healthy year of the Metal Rat!
May everyone have a healthy and enlightening year of the Metal Rat!
WORKSHOPS
On January 19th 2020, there was a Multi-Positional Meditation workshop presented by Paul Ramos. It took place at Roda Movement Center located at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave, in Takoma Park, MD. We explored lying down methods, sitting methods, standing methods and walking methods of Mindful meditation. By the end of the 4- hour workshop the students had identified their favorite techniques among the various methods taught. The participants all expressed their enjoyment of the techniques and they hopefully will continue to practice those techniques that resonated most strongly with them.
In todays stressful world it is imperative that we find healthy ways to reduce stress and to attempt to find balance in our lives. With all of us juggling activities such as school, jobs, relationships, and life in this current economic and political environment; we need to set aside time to heal and balance our minds and bodies. Activities such as Tai Chi Chuan, Meditation, thoughtful diet, and regular exercise, become paramount in retaining good health. We urge everyone to take stock of their stressors and anti- stressors so that we can move forward in a healthy and productive ( and hopefully a bit more joyful), manner.
Our second scheduled Seminar for 2020 is Bagua and Xing-I Martial Applications. These arts, which are related to Tai Chi and based upon the same essential core principles, utilize different footwork and intention to carry out their self -defense objectives. The differing mindsets create interesting variations in relation to internal applications. These 4 hours of training will show how each of the main 3 Chinese internal arts address the same stimuli so that participants may get a better perspective of how each style differs from, or is similar to, each other. This Seminar is scheduled for March 15th 2020, at 11 am; also at the Roda movement Center. The cost is $120 with a 10% discount to WST and Wudang members.
The workshops will be taught by Paul Ramos who has trained in Asian Martial Arts for over 45 years and who has specialized in Internal Martial Arts for the last 30. Feel free to call him at 301-651-3617 with questions, concerns or if you wish to preregister to receive a 10% discount. You may also email him at longmen987@gmail.com
CLEAR CIRCLE HOLISTIC TRAINING CENTER
Our sister school, Clear Circle Holistic Training Center is located in Gaithersburg MD 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 Gaithersburg 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 in 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”, after a hiatus, continues 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 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 discover 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.
FEBRUARY SWORDPLAY CLASS
We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday February 19th, 2020 from 7:30-9 PM. Bring a wooden 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 adjacent to 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 call us at 301-651-3617 or contact us at longmen987@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
Be sure to put your feet in the right place; then stand firm.
-Abraham Lincoln
Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.
-John F. Kennedy
Impatience never commanded success.
-Edwin H. Chapin
JANUARY 2020 WST NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Multi-Positional Meditation Seminar- January 19, 2020
CLOSED MONDAY JAN. 20th for Martin Luther King Holiday
Chinese New Year- Jan.25, 2020
Chinese New Year Lunch Gathering- Jan.26, 2020 at Sichuan Jin River Restaurant
Year of the Yang Metal Rat- begins February 4, 2020
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
We here at Wu Shen Tao Health & Martial Arts Centers sincerely Thank all of our students, faculty, friends, and supporters who have been there throughout this last and previous years studying, helping, and enjoying the various events and gatherings that we have been a part of. We have built up a friendly nurturing, and detail- oriented curriculum and training progression that has produced many accomplished practitioners within any of our programs.
This year we look forward to continuing our high standards of information dispersal and look forward to the many social and industry related events that are coming in 2020.
Whether it be the annual Playful Dragon Cookout, the Tai Chi Festival, the Wong People or Kuoshu Chinese Martial Arts Championships, we strive to be a positive addition to whatever events we partake in.
New events this year include a field trip to the Zhang San Feng Festival this Spring in Colorado, The Tai Chi Farm gathering in upstate NY and perhaps even our hosting of a Tai Chi and Push Hands tournament locally in the Fall.
2020 promises to be another exciting, fun, and informative year for us and we hope to see you there with us at many of these social, cultural, and informational events.
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2020
2020 is the Year of the Yang White Metal Rat. According to the Chinese astrology calendar, the 2020 Chinese Zodiac Year starts on February 4, 2020, in China's time zone. The first day of the Chinese astrological year is different from Chinese New Year Day, which is from the Chinese lunar calendar. 2020 Chinese New Year Day is on Saturday, January 25, 2020. in China's time zone.
The sign of Yang Metal Rat is a ship traveling on the ocean. That implies that we need to patiently wait for the time to arrive at the destination. It's time to become well-prepared for the next coming performance. The fully armed Rat is ready for battle. The other sign of Yang Metal Rat is strong wind stirring up the water or a potential hurricane. Water represents danger in the I-Ching. Hurricane could damage the properties and cause disputes. A smart person should stay alert and don't drop into the ocean of argument. Therefore, the sign of 2020 is a windy and rainy day. It could become a rainstorm or hurricane that might cause flooding and property loss. This is not the most positive forecast but it warns us to prepare for a bumpy ride.
CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH GATHERING
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE- We will be having our Chinese New Year/ Year of the White Metal Rat gathering on Sunday January 26th at 1:30 PM at the Sichuan Jin River Restaurant located at 410 Hungerford Dr, Rockville, MD 20850. This restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes, many of which are not found at most other restaurants. Join us for good food, conversation, and fun.
Let us know if you / and or a guest(s) will be joining us so that we can arrange to sit in our own section at the restaurant. ( longmen987@gmail.com or 301-651-3617). We hope to see you there!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
This year our first offering is an analysis of Lying down/ Sitting/ Standing/ Walking Meditation methods. These techniques derive from Buddhist, Taoist, and Shamanic traditions. This workshop will consist of 4 hours of techniques looking at methods beginning from stationary through active versions of mindfulness meditation techniques. There will be two 1 ¾ blocks of instruction separated by a 20-30 minute break. It will take place at Roda Movement Center located at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912. The cost is $110 with a discount to WST students and to those who up pay up to 10 days in advance of the Sunday January 19 event date, Start time is 11AM. Please bring a Yoga Mat or a blanket for the lying down techniques.
Our second Seminar for 2020 is Bagua and Xing-I Martial Applications. These arts, which are related to Tai Chi and based upon the same essential core principles, utilize different footwork and intention to carry out their self -defense objectives. The differing mindsets create interesting variations in relation to internal applications. This 4 hours of training will show how each of the main 3 Chinese internal arts address the same stimuli so that participants may get a better perspective of how each style differs from or is similar to, each other. This Seminar is scheduled for March 15th 2020, at 11 am; also at the Roda movement Center. It will also be $110 with a similar discount offered to those who enroll by March 5, 2020.
The workshops will be taught by Paul Ramos who has trained in Asian Martial Arts for over 45 years and who has specialized in Internal Martial Arts for the last 30 years. Feel free to call him at 301-651-3617 with questions, concerns or if you wish to preregister and to receive a 10% discount. You may also email him at longmen987@gmail.com
CLEAR CIRCLE HOLISTIC TRAINING CENTER
Our sister school Clear Circle Holistic Training Center is located in Gaithersburg MD 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 Gaithersburg 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.
ONGOING FEATURE ON OUR WEB SITE
The next installment of “Something to meditate on”, after a short hiatus, will continue soon 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 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. NEW POST FOR 1/26/2020
JANUARY SWORDPLAY CLASS
We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday January 15th, 2020 from 7:30-9 PM. Bring a wooden 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 call us at 301-651-3617 or contact us at longmen987@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”
-Mother Teresa
“Leadership has been defined as the ability to hide your panic from others.”
-Author Unknown
“It isn’t sufficient just to want- you’ve got to ask yourself what you are going to do to get the things you want.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt