OCTOBER 2024 WU SHEN TAO NEWSJoin us

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Potluck Fall Fun Gathering- Indian Springs Terrace Park- October 13, 2024 10a-4pm

Columbus Day Federal Holiday- October 14, 2024 -NO Classes

Internal Street Defense Workshop- Hyattsville, MD school, October 19, noon -4pm

Wong People Internal Style Tournament- Chinatown Cultural Center WDC, Oct. 26 10a-4pm

12th Fall Tai Chi Push Hands Retreat-Lakeland, Florida November 23 &24

FALL GATHERING 2024

On Sunday October 13, 2024 we will host a Potluck Gathering at the Indian Springs Terrace Activity building located at 9717 Lawndale DR, Silver Spring, MD, 20901, from 10 am-4 pm. Prior to COVID closings we conducted this gathering yearly to welcome new students and to celebrate with current students, family and friends. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish or something to cook on the barbecue. The building has bathrooms, a small kitchen area, an open room for gathering as well as an outside area for talking, exercising, playing games, doing the arts, or enjoying the weather. There is a children’s play area nearby also. On occasion students have brought drums and other instruments to have an informal jam session which is always a lot of fun. Those of you wanting to attend should contact Paul or Kristen Fang so that we can have an accurate headcount to ensure sufficient food, utensils, plates etc. We will also have a sign up list for those who can assist with set up at 10 am and cleanup at 3:30 pm. The event has normally been a lot of fun and we hope to see you and yours there!

STREET DIRECTED INTERNAL SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP

On Saturday October 19th, Paul Ramos will conduct an Internal Self Defense Workshop whose aim is to practice classic Internal methods, techniques, and options, geared toward defending against common street attacks. In the past internal self defense was shown as applications and variations pulled directly from Tai Chi Chuan, Xing- I Chuan, and Bagua Zhang forms. This workshop will adapt the essence of these methods so that they may be useful against grabs, holds, punches, and other frequently encountered scenarios taken from real life situations. The cost is $100 pp and will take place at our Hyattsville location at 3811 Nicholson Street, Hyattsville MD from 12 noon to 4 pm. Spaces are limited to the first 20 who register for the event. Contact Paul at either 301-651-3617, via email at longmen987@gmail.com or in person at either the Hyattsville or Gaithersburg MD locations.

WONG PEOPLE TAI CHI / INTERNAL M.A. TOURNAMENT

This all internal style event will take place on Saturday October 26 beginning at 10 am at the Chinese Cultural Center in Washington DC, located at 616 H Street, 2nd floor, Chinatown. (Gallery Place Metro station). Push Hands begins at 10 am followed by empty hand and weapons forms. This event has no fees so come as a spectator or competitor in this rare free event.

AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL

On Saturday September 14, 2024 WST celebrated the Mid Autumn Moon Festival Holiday. It was a double event in that it also celebrated Paul Ramos’ birthday which happened the week prior. The gathering took place at the Sichuan Jin River Restaurant in Rockville, MD. A group of 15 participants ate, drank, and were merry while enjoying a wide variety of sumptuous Asian dishes. The conversations were lively and lasted throughout the two hour meal. It appeared that a good time was had by all. Our next such event will be for Chinese New Year which will be on January 29th this year and will bring in the year of the Green Snake. Our celebration will take place on the weekend before or after since the 29th falls on a Wednesday in 2025. The exact gathering date to be announced later.

Autumn Moon Lunch Gathering 2024

Tai Chi Push Hands Fall Retreat

The Tampa Bay Martial Arts group is hosting its 12th Fall Tai Chi Push Hands retreat and we are bringing a group of interested individual to participate. Last years event was fun and friendly and with many skilled participants attending . The attitude was warm and each bout ended with a hug. This year the event takes place on November 23rd and 24th with a welcome dinner on Friday the 22nd at a local Restaurant. We are looking to raise funds to cover some housing and transportation costs to make the road / Air trip a rare and enjoyable experience for all. All donations will be accepted beginning at our October 13th Fall Gathering or on Saturdays during class hours. We had a great time last year and we hope to see many of you there!

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 11:45 AM -12:45 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

I realized that I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life.

Kerry Washington

Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

Malawi saying

Talent is a pursued interest … Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do.

Bob Ross

SEPTEMBER 2024 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Monday CLOSED for LABOR DAY September 2, 2024 – Classes WILL be held Saturday August 31

Autumn Moon Festival – September 17, 2024

CAPITOL CLASSICS/ CHINA OPEN

On Saturday August 3, 2024, the Gaylord Resort at the National Harbor, hosted the 2024 China Open. The event is co-run during the second day of the Karate Organization, NASKA ‘s national points event. Paul Ramos served as Chief judge for the internal events. They were highlighted by a team of youthful competitors from China whose internal skills and flexibility helped them win most of the medals presented. Improved organization was notable.

US CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT

The US Challenge tournament was held at the Washington Education Complex in Lanham MD on August 10th and 11th. The two day event’s first day featured Modern and Traditional Wu Shu as well as padded sword fighting divisions. The second day was all internal events and weapons forms. The turnout was good and the event proceeded in a smooth and relaxed manner. Kristen Fang from our school received Gold Medals in empty hand Tai Chi and in Tai Chi Sword. She also qualified for the US team which is eligible to compete next year in Xi’aan China at the World Tournament. Another notable occurrence was the first 2 day judging assignment for Sifu Stephen Genus. He joined other judges George Harris and Paul Ramos for the internal events. This event has an impetus on learning and sharing vs being adversarial as in most competitions. We will bring our team next year to support this event

AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL

In China, the Mid-Autumn festival celebrates through family reunion. On this day families appreciate and admire the Moon in the evening. This is because on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar-solar calendar, the moon is at its fullest.

The Mid-autumn Festival (or Zhong Qiu Jie in Mandarin), is also known as the Mooncake Festival. Farmers traditionally brought in their harvest to celebrate with families and friends and to be thankful for another year of their fruitful bounty. This year it falls on September 17th and is celebrated in the US and in Asian countries around the world.

WST will have a gathering on Saturday September 14 at 3 pm in Rockville, MD. Contact Paul for details if you’d like to attend.

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 11:45 AM -12:45 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

If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.

T.D. Jakes

Go out on a limb — that’s where the fruit is.

Bob Ross

Courage involves pain, and is justly praised; for it is harder to face what is painful than to abstain from what is pleasant.

Aristotle

AUGUST 2024 Wu Shen Tao News

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Capitol Classics/ China Open tournament August 2-3, Gaylord Hotel, National Harbor

US Challenge Tournament, August 10 & 11, in Lanham MD

US KUOSHU FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024

On July 13-14, 2024, the US Kuoshu Federation hosted its annual championships at the North Bethesda Marriott in Rockville MD. The venue was large and luxureous as was the hotel itself. The new location saw a few technical / computer issues but despite a late start it was on shecdule by the evening show. The event featured hard style Kung Fu hand and weapons forms, sword sparring, light contact sparring, Full Contact Lei Tai fighting, all the internal styles as well as push hands and Wing Chun Chi Sao. Our Team consisted of Kenny Chrzanowski, Kristen Fang, Alex Zito, Toba Adewusi, Erick Dubois, Michael Daryabeygi, and Michael-Kascic Ramos. All team members medaled in various form, weapons and push hands divisions.

Notably, we took 3 out of 4 medals in Yang Tai Chi empty hand (Michael Darabeygi -1st, Toba Adewusi 2nd and Alex Zito 4th); Ist in Tai Chi Sabre (Erik Dubois). We swept Light Heavy weight restricted step push hands ( Erik-1st, Alex -2nd and Michael D -3rd). Toba Adewusi earned 1st in the middle weight Moving push hands as did Michael Kascic-Ramos in his moving and restricted step divisions. They also medaled going up in weight to challenge the Super heavyweight Moving Step competitors. Kristen Fang earned a Silver medal in CMC Tai Chi empty hand form in her first major tornament. Stephen Genus, our perennial Gold medalist, served as team manager making sure everyone was where they needed to be and interceded with the Chief judge during a scoring mix up. Paul Ramos and his Kung Fu brothers George Harris and Alexander King all participated as judges.

Overall the event went well with a moderate to high level of competitors and a good organizing and judging staff. We look forward to bringing another team next year to continue sharing our martial skills with the community and challenging ourselves to become better and better with time.

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

Paul Ramos will be Judging at the last 2 listed events within the tri-state area. The first is the China Open, a subdivision of the NASKA A rated Capitol Classics event which has been a regular event for about 40 years. Paul will Chief Judge the Tai Chi Divisions and any other internal events as needed. It will take place at the Gaylord Hotel and Resort at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill MD.

He will also judge at Sifu Chris Pei’s US Challenge event in Lanham MD on August 10 and 11th. This event features traditional and modern Kung Fu empty hand and weapons forms as well as Swordfighting divisions. We hope to have a few competitors there to compete in Tai Chi and other internal events as well as in the Swordplay Divisons.

HYATTSVILLE LOCATION

Our Adult classes have moved 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. Begnning 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

Change — real change — comes from the inside out.

Stephen Covey

He who has a why in life can tolerate almost any how.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Life engenders life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.

Sarah Bernhardt

JULY 2024 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

Tournament Season is here- Are you ready to join the action!

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

US Kuoshu Championships July 12-14, Bethesda MD

Capitol Classics/ China Open tournament August 2-3, Gaylord Hotel, National Harbor

US Challenge Tournament, August 10 & 11, in Lanham MD

ICMAC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

On June 28-30th, 2024, the ICMAC National Tournament took place in Orlando Florida at the Caribe Royale Resort. This beautiful venue hosted 600+ competitors in a variety of external. Internal, Modern Wu Shu, and application based divisions. Paul Ramos and Alexander King both represented the Wudang Longmen system as Chief judges in several Internal martial arts events. The event had a Master’s demonstration on Saturday evening with Sifu King performing a well done combined internal style demo which was well liked by the spectators present.

The tournament was well organized and ran smoothly due to an experienced admin staff and a well experienced and motivated set of judges.

Unlike many events this one started on time and for the most part ended according to schedule.

The level of the competitors was similar to that seen at the US Kuoshu Championships which will be held July 12-14th at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel.

The experience was very good and we hope to bring a team of competitors next year to participate in this high level event.

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

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

James Baldwin

Don’t count the days. Make the days count.

Muhammad Ali

Inner peace is the key: If you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.

Dalai Lama