JANUARY 2025 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

January 1, 2025 Paul Ramos

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Holiday Break- December 24-January 2, 2025- Happy Holidays!!

Martin Luther King Holiday- NO Classes January 20, 2025

Lunar New Year Year of the Snake 2025- Wednesday January 29, 2025

Swordplay Intensive Workshop- Saturday February 1, 2025

BEST WISHES TO ALL FOR 2025!

2024 was a tumultuous year of ups and downs for many people. We at Wu Shen Tao know many have faced hardships and changes in health, finances and in personal and family situations. The hope is that this year will bring greater stability and insight into ourselves and our potentials. As we know life can be be an adventure and adventures have positives and negative aspects within it. If we focus on maintaining a positive attitude and keep moving forward we make ourselves stronger and more able to cope with life’s issues as they come.

The definition of Kung Fu, as we know, is higher skills developed through hard work, perseverance, and time. We will need to apply this strategy to whatever life tosses at us. If we do we should emerge wiser and more fit to handle the next round of change. Change is a constant whether we like it or not but our mindset and will to evolve positively can win the day. The adventure continues!

YEAR OF THE WOOD SNAKE

On Wednesday January 29, 2025 the Year of the Wood Snake begins. This period stands out for its wisdom, mystery, and transformation, emphasizing introspection, strategic planning, and personal growth. As per our custom we will be having a celebratory lunch to take place the afternoon of Saturday January 25th beginning at 3:30 pm. Those wishing to attend will need to contact us to be put on a guest list to ensure the correct number of reservations. This annual gathering is laid back and features good Chinese food, good conversation, and good camaraderie.

SWORDPLAY INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

On Saturday February 1, 2025 WST will be hosting a Swordplay Intensive workshop. It will cover fundamentals such as correct hand control, linear and circular footwork, direct and indirect attacks, combined offensive and defensive self protective methods and drills and several solo and two person exercises that can help one to truly understand the philosophies and methods of eastern and western swordplay. No experience is necessary and many of the exercises and training methods may be adapted or directly used for short and long weapon applications as well. It will take place at our Hyattsville location (3811 Nicholson Street, Hyattsville MD) between 12 noon to 4 PM. Space is limited so the first 20 participants who register only will be allowed to participate. Participants should bring a wooden or foam sword for practice and eye protection. Those wishing to order a wooden sword ($25), for the event should say so when registering. The cost of the Intensive is $100 up to January 25, 2025 or $120 at the door. Registration can be confirmed either by contacting Paul Ramos at longmen987@gmail.com or by calling directly at 301 651-3617.

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.

Scheduling for 2025 private and semi-private instruction begins January 2, 2025 and it is wise to schedule asap because there are only 5 available time slots left. More information may be obtained on our website: DCMDTaichi.com

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

Do not follow the path. Go where there is no path to begin a trail. African Proverb

When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things — not the great occasions — that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness. Bob Hope, comedian and actor

Always keep your smile. That's how I explain my long life. Jeanne Calment, - supercentenarian

DECEMBER 2024 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

December 8, 2024 Paul Ramos

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

Holiday Break- December 24-January 2, 2025- Happy Holidays!!

Martin Luther King Holiday- NO Classes January 20, 2025

Lunar New Year Year of the Snake 2025- Wednesday January 29, 2025

Tai Chi Push Hands Fall Retreat

The Tampa Bay Martial Arts group hosted its 12th Annual Fall Tai Chi Push Hands retreat in Lakelands, Florida. It took place at the Maddox Ranch the weekend of November 22-25, 2024. The event began with a group welcome dinner at the Mojo Federal Restaurant where about 45 people attended for food and to meet and greet. Our MD- DC group consisted of 9 people who attend the weekly Thursday night push hands open workout in Hyattsville. They were Alexander King, Thomas Roosens, Paul Ramos, Dante Gilmer, Stephen Genus, Toba Adewusi, Michael Kascic-Ramos, Erik Dubois and James LaCroix.

Saturday began at 8 AM with breakfast and push hands which continued until 5 PM. A casual lunch and dinner was also provided at the food tent near a stage area. This was followed a bit later with a bonfire where people had conversation, some drumming and dance, and had the opportunity to get warm by the fire. Sunday also began at 8 AM with a continental breakfast and push hands until 3 PM.

The weather was a cool 70 degrees with a fluctuating breeze which was preferable to last years’ warm and muggy experience. The participants were friendly and looking to assess their push hands skills with most leaving their egos at home. Some participants from last year returned while there were also many new people to meet and share with. It seemed like up to about 50 participants were pushing at any given time. At least half of the group were teachers with various amounts of experience. There was a universal agreement among the entire group that the event was enjoyable from a social, martial, and educational perspective.

Adding to the enjoyment was that the 9 of us shared a large comfortable, well appointed house for the weekend where we all had a bed to sleep in and outdoor spaces to enjoy around the house as well. All in all, our group enjoyed the trip, the camaraderie, the pushing, the participants and the environment. Some have already spoke of returning next year and we will set up a trip for November 2025. If you’re interested in going with us set aside time to attend next mid-month November’s event. It promises to be fun and informative.

Tha Maddox Farm/ Ranch, Lakelands Florida

The Welcoming Dinner at the Mojo Federal Restaurant and Bar , Lakelands Florida

YEAR OF THE WOOD SNAKE

HYATTSVILLE LOCATION

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

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

It’s better to look ahead and prepare, than to look back and regret.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.

Anonymous

In the depths of Winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.

Albert Camus

NOVEMBER 2024 WU SHEN TAO NEWS

October 30, 2024 Paul Ramos

SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS

CLOSED Monday November 11, Veterans Day Holiday

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

Closed Thanksgiving Day November 28, 2024

FALL GATHERING 2024

On Sunday October 13, 2024 Wu Shen Tao hosted a Potluck Gathering at the Indian Springs Terrace Activity building located at 9717 Lawndale DR, in Silver Spring, MD. Prior to COVID closings we conducted this gathering yearly to welcome new students and to celebrate with current students, family and friends. About 30 participants came to share food, drink, and interesting conversations. Alex Zito and Micheal Kascic- Ramos manned the grills and cooked Chicken, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Steak, much to the enjoyment of the hungry assembled group. Many contributions such as salads, vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes and deserts rounded out the varied and tasty dishes. The weather was warm and clear and made the event even more delightful. Students as well as family members and their children enjoyed the food and hospitable atmosphere of the venue and its surrounding grounds. Sifu’s Raymond Wong, Joanne Chang, George Harris, and Kung Fu siblings such as Camille Connelly joined us in the festivities. We’d like to thank Kristen Fang for her assistance in organizing and inviting some of her students to attend. Barring unforeseen circumstances we will go back to continuing our yearly gathering in 2025.

STREET INTERNAL SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP

On Saturday October 19th, Paul Ramos conducted an Internal Self Defense Workshop whose aim was to practice classic Internal methods, techniques, and options, geared toward defending against common street attacks. A good sized group worked on awareness training methods, footwork drills, pressure point striking exercises, emitting types of Jing and a variety of other mental and physical training methods. The 4 hour workshop seemed to fly by as people paired off to practice the various strategies and techniques presented. It took place at our location at 3811 Nicholson Street, Hyattsville MD. Those present all expressed their appreciation for the material presented and were happy with the information given. Our next Workshop will take place in early 2025 and will cover either Swordplay or Advanced Push Hands methods. More information to follow as we approach the New Year’s break.

WONG PEOPLE TAI CHI / INTERNAL M.A. TOURNAMENT

This all internal style event took place on Saturday October 26 at the Chinese Cultural Center in Washington DC, located at 616 H Street. The events started on time at about 10 am with the woman’s Push Hands competition. Kristen Fang from our school placed 2nd in this, her first push hands competition. This was followed by the Men’s divisions broken down into below 185 lbs and above 185 lb weight categories. Our students Toba Adewusi and Erik Dubois finished first and second place in the lower weight division while our Michael- Kascic Ramos won the heavier weight division against an opponent who outweighed him by about 100 lbs. Tai Chi forms followed push hands with Toba and Erik also coming in 1st and 2nd respectively in Men’s mixed Tai Chi forms. Kristen Fang came in 3rd in Women’s empty hand Tai Chi as well as in Women’s Tai Chi weapons. Eric also took second in the Tai Chi weapons division with his Yang Saber form. Kudos and honorable mention to Sam Lebovic who did not place but scored highly in the Men’s Mixed Tai Chi empty hand division during his first tournament experience.

Erik Dubois also came in second to a strong field in Mixed Bagua/ Xing-I empty hand form. The event finshed with Bagua/ Xing-I weapons. Students from Sifu Alexander King showed their good skills in the Xing-I/ Bagua divisions and noteworthy were the students of Sifu Chris Pei (apologies, I don’t remember their last names) Oleg and Michelle showed high skill during their Chen Tai Chi performances to win those events. The event was friendly, efficient and of good skill. The judges present were all very experienced and made the event run smoothly and without undue interruptions. Without them the event could have lasted hours longer. Joining Paul Ramos were Sifu’s- Edward Pratt, Stephen Genus, Dante Gilmore, Alexander King, George Harris, and Norman Smith.

After the tournament a group of us followed SiFu Wong’s advice and enjoyed good Cantonese food and great conversation at the Full Key restaurant a 5 minute walk from the venue. In my opinion it was a great way to end tournament season!

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 8 WST push hands regulars for a road trip down to Lakelands Florida to attend this inspiring and fun event. Last years event was friendly with many skilled participants attending. The attitude was warm with each bout ending 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. There will be 6-8 hours of free pushing on Saturday and a 4-6 hour session on Sunday. We had a great time last year and we’re looking forward to repeating the vibe this time too.

HYATTSVILLE LOCATION

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

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.

Suzy Kassem

Freedom is not just the absence of chains; it’s overcoming the brutality of reality and, despite it all, daring to be happy.

Mario Escobar

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

Maya Angelou

OCTOBER 2024 WU SHEN TAO NEWSJoin us

September 25, 2024 Paul Ramos

**Join us for our Fall Gathering October 13**

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.

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

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

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

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