FEBRUARY 2024 Wu Shen Tao NEWS

 SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Internal Self Defense Intensive Workshop – January 27 12-4 PM

Green Dragon Year begins February 10

Closed February 20, 2024 -Presidents Day

INTERNAL SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP- JANUARY 27, 2024

On Saturday January 27th, 2024, Paul Ramos conducted 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.  15 participants worked on various methods and exercises geared at increasing personal awareness and transmitting power from the legs to the hands so as to maximize the amount of power generated while using the least amount of effort.  The focus was on using physics and leverage so that participants can quickly and effectively neutralize physical threats.  Footwork and distance exercises were a bit challenging for many but they persevered until they were able to understand and feel the concepts involved.

The workshop was held at our Hyattsville location (3811 Nicholson St, Hyattsville).  It is a beautiful space with high ceilings and a nice view and many appreciated the site. The next workshop will be in March of 2024.  The topic TBA soon.

YEAR of the GREEN  WOOD DRAGON

2024 is the Year of the Green Wood Dragon which begins February 10 and continues for 16 days.  This holiday brings friends and families together to say goodbye to the previous year and to set goals and positive attitudes for the year beginning. During this time period people also visit their parents, offer prayers, let go of held taboos, and connect with distant and not so distant relatives. The Dragon symbolizes power, nobleness, honor, luck, and success in Chinese culture.  Those born in dragon years need to be careful of their heath and in all aspects of their lives due to an over abundance of dragon energy which causes imbalance and a need for caution and attention. We wish everyone a healthy and prosperous year of the Green Wood Dragon!

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

In order to grow, you need diversity — of experience, opinion, and perspective. Diversity will always be at the core of change. It’s the only way people will find new opportunities, surmount new challenges, and gain new insights.

= Frans Johansson, writer and entrepreneur

Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinion. What a man thinks of himself, that it is which determines, or rather indicates, his fate.

-Walden," Henry David Thoreau

I don’t really care so much what people say about me because it usually is a reflection of who they are.

=Prince

Everyone has their own experience. That’s why we are here, to go through our experience, to learn, to go down those paths and eventually you may have gone down so many paths and learned so much that you don’t have to come back again.

-Prince

Special Advanced notice on an incredible Upcoming Sword Experience!

JANUARY 2024 WST NEWS

WU SHEN TAO January 2024 NEWS

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Closed January 15, 2024 for Martin Luther King Holiday

Internal Self Defense Intensive Workshop – January 27 12-4 PM

Green Dragon Year begins February 10

Closed February 19, 2024 -Presidents Day

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 exercises will also be done. The footwork will focus on transmission of power from the legs to the hands by harmonizing footwork with breath and hand technique. 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, Hyattsville) from 12-4pm on January 27th . 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.

YEAR of the GREEN  WOOD DRAGON

2024 is the Year of the Green Wood Dragon which begins February 10 and continues for 16 days.  This holiday brings friends and families together to say goodbye to the previous year and to set goals and positive attitudes for the year beginning. During this time period people also visit their parents, offer prayers, let go of held taboos, and connect with distant and not so distant relatives. The Dragon symbolizes power, nobleness, honor, luck, and success in Chinese culture.  Those born in dragon years need to be careful of their heath and in all aspects of their lives due to an over abundance of dragon energy which causes imbalance and a need for caution and care

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

 He who asks a question might be a fool for five minutes; he who doesn’t ask a question remains a fool forever.

Chinese proverb

 I can resist everything except temptation.

Oscar Wilde

The art of life is not controlling what happens to us, but using what happens to us.

Gloria Steinem

WU SHEN TAO DECEMBER 2023 NEWS

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

NOVEMBER 2023 WST NEWS

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Tampa Bay Push Hands Retreat- November 11 & 12, 2023 at the Maddox Ranch in Lakeland Florida

SCHOOL CLOSED- Saturday November 25, 2023 for Thanksgiving Holiday weekend

SCHOOL OPEN Saturday Nov, 11 for all classes

 PUSH HANDS WORKSHOP AT SUI  LUM PAI SCHOOL

On Sunday October 22, Sifu Paul Ramos conducted an intensive training seminar at the Sui Lum Pai Kung Fu school in Haverton PA. This seminar covered aspects of structure, force generation, and sensitivity training. We then moved into using specific Tai Chi postures to break the opponents root within a push hands context. The goal was to truly work towards developing the skill of “using softness to overcome hardness” as expressed in many of the Tai Chi Classics.  Sifu Stephen Genus assisted throughout the training as we explored how to utilize methods such as Ward off, Wipe and Push, Needle to the Sea Bottom and other methods in a realistic fashion. The information was well received, and we all had a good time as we expanded our definitions of Push Hands and how to take it from “pushing” to becoming a physical expression of Tai Chi principles.

Those interested in obtaining information on scheduling your own event or receiving info on upcoming events should contact Paul at 301-651-3617 or email him at longmen987@gmail.com

ANNUAL TAMPA BAY MA CLUB RETREAT

On November 11 and 12th, 2023 the Tampa Bay Martial Arts Club will be conducting its 11th Annual Push Hands Retreat. Thie event attracts many of 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 is 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. Several teachers and many enthusiasts from this area will be attending to include several members of the WST/ Wudang community. We look forward to participating and will report back after the events’ completion.

HYATTSVILLE LOCATION

Our Adult 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 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

 We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.

Stevie Wonder

To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.

Henry David Thoreau

Creativity is part of human nature. It can only be untaught.

Ai Weiwei