SCHOOL CLOSINGS and SPECIAL EVENTS
SCHOOL CLOSED- December 24- January 2, 2024 for Holiday break
Closed January 15, 2024 for Martin Luther King Holiday
Internal Self Defense Intensive Workshop – January 27 12-4 PM
ANNUAL TAMPA BAY MA CLUB RETREAT
On November 11 and 12th, 2023 the Tampa Bay Martial Arts Club conducted its 11th Annual Push Hands Retreat. Thie event attracts many teachers, students, and fans of Tai Chi in general and Push Hands in particular. This retreat is unique in that there are no workshops, classes, or formal instruction of any kind. It was 2 days of open sharing of push hands, and any variation of Tai Chi form or weapons work in an unstructured and free flowing way. A group of seven from the DC-MD area got together and shared a house and SUV during the trip. Among our group were 3 teachers, Alexander King, Dante Gilmer, and Paul Ramos.
The event itself was excellent. It was reported that 63 people registered and close to 50 of them were teachers. This brought the baseline skills of the group to a higher than average level than what is experienced at most push hands gatherings. Everyone was polite without over aggressive participants. A general rule was that everyone should hug after a match which diffused any ill feelings. The location was at the Maddox Farm in Lakelands Florida under large, canopied trees while the temperature was in the mid-80’s. There was a food tent and many cases of water, all of which was freely available to the participants. There was a good number of skilled male and female practitioners which allowed most to elevate their skills throughout the weekend. People did stationary, restricted step, moving step and free-style push hands with any additional allowances as decided by both parties involved prior to touching hands. Empty hand and weapons forms as well as sparring was also done. We met many new friends and we all agreed that we enjoyed the occasion and highly recommend it to any Tai Chi practitioner.
This event takes place in the Spring and Fall and we look forward to returning once a year to this friendly, informative, and fun event.
INTERNAL SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP- JANUARY 27, 2024
On Saturday January 27th, 2024, Paul Ramos will conduct a 4-hour workshop focusing on Self Defense strategies and methods derived from the internal kung fu systems of Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang, and other internal styles. We will look at postures from various forms and practice at least 3 ways of using each technique in realistic martial ways. The focus will be on using physics and leverage so that participants can quickly and effectively neutralize physical threats using the least amount of movement and strength to accomplish the maximum effect against the opponent. Footwork and distance control will be a significant part of thr workshop as well. Since these methods will be rather straight forward and reduced to their most efficient form; it would be able to be performed by beginner through advanced level practitioners.
The cost will be $100pp and will be held at our Hyattsville location (3811 Nicholson St). Space is limited to 20 participants so contact Paul at 301-651-3617 or via email at longmen987@gmail.com for inquires or to reserve your place at this workshop. Although all methods will be carefully controlled to avoid injury, eye and groin protection may be used at the participants’ discretion.
HYATTSVILLE LOCATION
Our Adult classes have moved from Takoma Park to 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 10 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 training block which runs until 2 PM.
The address for the location is:
3811 Nicholson Street
Hyattsville MD, 20782
Be aware that the space is on the right side of the residential building across the street from the Vanadu Museum.
Also be aware that the Children’s Kung Fu program will continue to take place at the Dance Exchange in Takoma Park on Saturdays from 12-1 PM.
WU SHEN TAO-CLEAR CIRCLE TRAINING CENTER, GAITHERSBURG
The Clear Circle Training Center located at 329 B Main Street, Gaithersburg MD continues to host private and semi-private instruction throughout the week in a variety of health and internal martial arts disciplines. Instruction in Qigong, Tai Chi, Xing-I, Bagua, weapons, and self-defense training are just a few of the options available there. Call Paul to discuss your needs and schedule availability by calling 301-651-3617 or by emailing to Longmen987@gmail.com. More information may be obtained on our website : DCMDTaichi.com
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.
Victor Hugo
I cannot express how important it is to believe that taking one tiny — and possibly very uncomfortable — step at a time can ultimately add up to a great distance.
Tig Notaro, "I'm Just a Person," 2016
Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught.
Ai Weiwei
