Special Events
NO CLASSES MAY 21 AT DANCE EXCHANGE due to an event they are having - our apologies! Online make-up class held Monday May 23 at 6pm. Call or email for links. Sorry for the inconvenience
Tai Chi/ Internal Applications Workshop- Saturday May 28 2-6 pm- at Roda Movements in Takoma Park.
Grand Ultimate Training Seminar June 11 9am-6Pm at Jing Ying in Arnold, MD
ICMAC Championships July 15-17, 2022, , Rosen Plaza Resort, Orlando FLA
Kuoshu International Championships, July 29-31, 2022, Delta Hotel, Hunt Valley MD
TAI CHI/ INTERNAL MA APPLICATIONS WORKSHOP
On Saturday May 28, 2022 Paul Ramos will be teaching a 4 hour workshop on Tai Chi/ Internal Martial Art Applications. It will examine martial applications based upon Internal principles which are found in Tai Chi Chuan, Xing-I Chuan, and Bagua Zhang. Multiple applications of popular postures of Tai Chi Chuan as well as methods focusing on using spiraling forces will be discussed and applied. It will take place at Roda Movements located at 7014 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912 from 2-6 PM. The cost will be $100 per person This popular topic will fill quickly so contact us at Longmen987@gmail.com or via phone at 301-651-3617 to reserve your space at this informative and detailed event.
GRAND ULTIMATE TRAINING SEMINAR- Internal Martial Arts
Join us as we delve into the GUTS of the Internal Martial Arts with this special set of workshops bringing together different instructors from different styles!
Uniting four styles and four top instructors, you will learn some of the characteristics that differentiate styles of tai chi such as Yang, Sun, Wu and Chen. Not only will you get into the GUTS of what makes each of these styles unique, we will also explore their common foundation and how to apply their principles. Whether you are an expert in the art or a beginner, you will come away with new skills and a deeper understanding of these arts!
This workshop will be held at the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, near Annapolis, Maryland.
The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, EST. There will be 4 sessions of approximately 2 hours each, with demonstrations, explanations, hands-on practice, and Q&A time. With your registration, you will have access to all the workshops.
Let's introduce you to the instructors (Alphabetical order):
Shifu Paul J. Cote - teaches Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Okinawan Karate in Frederick, Maryland, as Academic Training Traditions. He is a member and instructor in several nationally and internationally recognized groups that promote various oriental martial arts. Beginning in 1974, Paul has spent 48 years in Okinawan Isshinryu karate under Dane Sutton, Hanshi, Judan (10th Dan), where he currently holds the senior title of Kyoshi, Hachidan (8th Dan) from the Isshinryu World Karate Association of Master Kichiro Shimabuku in Okinawa.
From 1987 to 2011, Paul developed as a student and instructor in the Chinese Internal Martial Arts of Hebei Xingyiquan and Gao Yisheng Baguazhang under renowned teacher and historian, the late Master Robert W. Smith. He continued study and research of these arts from 1995 to the present with Master Zhang Yun to include Yin Fu and Liu Dekuan Baguazhang, and also the Wu style Taijiquan of the late Grandmaster Wang Peisheng. Paul is currently a disciple and instructor under Master Zhang of the Yin Cheng Gong Fa group.
For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit https://www.academictrainingtraditions.com/bio.html
Shifu Billy Greer - is the owner and Head Instructor of the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi. He began his study of combat sports in 1973 when he began studying catch-wrestling, folk-style wrestling and Graeco-Roman wrestling, winning many championships through high school and college. He had his first coaching job in 1974 and he also gained valuable coaching experience as the team captain of his high school Cross Country, Wrestling and Gymnastic teams as well as his college Cross Country and Wrestling teams.
He began his formal study of Tian Shan Pai Gong Fu in 1987. He became an Indoor Disciple of Grandmaster Willy Lin (the person who brought the system to the USA) and a Third Generation inheritor of Tian Shan Pai Gong Fu in a traditional BaiShi ceremony. He has traveled to Taiwan to visit his teacher's hometown and the birthplace of the art.
Jing Ying Institute is currently the only official branch of the Chen ZhengLei TaiJiQuan Federation in the USA. Shifu Billy became an Indoor-Disciple of Grandmaster Chen ZhengLei and a 12th generation inheritor of Chen Family TaiJiQuan in a traditional BaiShi ceremony during a training camp in 2011. He was given the disciple name 陈德礼 – Chen DeLi.
During a special training camp held in Chen Village (the birthplace of tai chi) in 2018, GM Chen celebrated his 70th birthday, the 40th anniversary of his Chen ZhengLei TaiJiQuan Federation, and the opening of his new training and exhibition center. As part of the celebration, Shifu Billy was recognized with an award as an Outstanding International Teacher for his work in helping to share Chen Tai Chi. GM Chen also promoted his first ever In-Chamber Disciples (his highest level) from the USA. Shifu Billy was one of three selected for this special honor, was the only one not born in China, and was the first foreigner to undergo the In-Chamber BaiShi ceremony in China!
Shifu Billy is currently an International Examiner and a Certified Instructor for the Chen ZhengLei TaiJiQuan Federation. He was one of three in the first examination group of USA instructors to be promoted to Level 9. He is also the East USA Director of the Chen ZhengLei TaiJiQuan Federation. He has participated in numerous training camps and trips to study in China and the birthplace of TaiJi. He has also competed nationally and internationally, winning numerous gold medals in sparring, push hands, forms and weapons.
For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit https://www.jingying.org/
Sifu Paul Ramos - is the Director and Chief Instructor of Wu Shen Tao Health & Martial Arts. In 1971, he began training in Sho Ryn Ryu Okinawan Karate prior to beginning Bronx H.S. of Science in New York City. In 1974 he began studies at Baruch College in New York City. and simultaneously began training in Tomiki Style Aikido, medium and full contact fighting, and Olympic Style Fencing. In 1978, Paul Ramos entered the US Army, training as a combat medic before advancing to higher levels of military medical training. He was stationed in Seoul Korea where he began training in Tae Kwon Do and Silk Weaving Kung Fu in 1979. Upon his return to the U.S. in 1981, he further trained in Medical Surgical practices while also resuming his focus on Olympic Style Saber Fencing. He received National ranking as an Olympic style Saber fencer in 1982.
From 1983-1992, Paul competed in and medaled at various local, regional and National open martial arts and Fencing tournaments. He also trained heavily in Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan and medium to full contact empty hand and weapons fighting. He became Assistant Head Instructor of Tai Chi, Weapons, and full contact fighting at Sun Mi Chuan Kung Fu School in Takoma Park, MD. By 1985 he Co-owned and operated SMC Kung Fu of Silver Spring MD and began training a competition team in Tai Chi events, while continuing his training in Olympic Saber Fencing and contact sparring. During the years of 1989-1991, he became a 3-time Heavyweight Tai Chi Pushing Hands National Champion.
Between 1991 and 2000, he trained 8 students who earned 27 US National Champion titles in Tai Chi/Kung Fu form, weapons and applications. In 1993 and 1994 he trained in Shanghai, China where he and his then top student (George Harris), became 19th Generation disciples of the Wu Dang Long Men (Dragon Gate) school of Taoist arts. Since then, Paul has concentrated on Tai Chi, Xing-I, Bagua Zhang, and Wudang martial arts. During 2011-2014, Paul also trained in and completed a 3-year program in Chinese Medicine specializing in Tui Na and Medical Qigong. He has produced over 60+ US National Champions in various aspects of Internal Martial Arts as well as World Champions in Tai Chi Chuan and Bagua Zhang.
For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit https://www.dcmdtaichi.com/
Sigung Norman Smith - is the owner and Head Instructor of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy. He started his practice in martial arts in 1966 where he trained in the Japanese art of Shoto Kan Karate. He continued his training in Korean arts under Master Parks, Master Jung Sa Lee and Master Han in the styles of Tae Kyun, Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido.
In 1973, he found his true love in Chinese Martial arts with Kung Fu and Tai Chi where he studied and trained under GM Ark Y. Wong in Five Animal system and a number of Masters and teachers in Wing Chun Kung fu such as GM Hawkins Cheung, Sifu Dennis Wong (Both Village style and Canton Style- IP Man style). After returning to the East Coast, he studied with a number of instructors such as Sifu Ki B. Young, Shifu Val Brown, Grand Master Willy Lin (in-door Disciple) in Tien Shan Pai and Tai Chi styles such as Yang, Sun and Chen styles.
He was one of the original board members of the famed North American Chinese Martial Arts Federation and Wushu/Kung fu Federation. He was inducted into the international Kung fu Hall of fame (Golden Warrior Award) for his full contact fighting and teaching a number contact fighters.
Master Smith promoted the "Martial Arts Extravaganza" 1989-1997 along with Mayor/Governor Ed Randall held at Temple University in Philadelphia where he had an all Kung fu exhibition with Top Martial artist from all over the United States to share in his dream of martial arts schools demonstrating their skills to the public for Racial Harmony & Women Organized Against Rape.
In 1996 He help sponsored "China's Wu-Shu Team Tour" from Beijing China. In 1998 he also Co-promoted and coached the United States Kung Fu Team which was broadcast on Comcast Cable (AKA Martial arts “Best of the Best”), which featured Top Black Belt Martial Arts Competition (from all over the world) at the Philadelphia 76ers Game, which featured the Shaolin Monks from China.
Master Smith teaches at the Northern Shaolin Academy in Audubon PA (Near Valley Forge/King of Prussia at Audubon Square Shopping Center).
He continues Tai Chi & Qi Gong at several Business, Retirement & Rehab Centers in the Pa area. He is the owner of Total Martial Art Supplies and Northern Shaolin Academy in Pa. Master Smith is frequently asked to share his skills with the Martial arts Community in demonstrations and seminars.
For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit http://www.northernshaolinacademy.com/new/NsaSiteIntro.asp
Schedule:
Questions are encourage throughout the workshops to ensure students fully understand what is being taught. In addition, the end of each session will include some time for Q&A.
8:30 am - Check in and registration
9:00 pm to 11:00 pm: Seminar 1 -
11:00 am to 1:00 pm: Seminar 2 -
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: On-site lunch provided
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm: Seminar 3 -
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm: Seminar 4 -
7:30 pm - Banquet (additional charge)
Topics:
Push Hands according to the Tai Chi Classics
We will examine what the Tai Chi Classics espouse as desirable indicators of how to train and there will be various drills and training methods which seek to accomplish those aims. We will end with a period of Freestyle 2- hand Stationary Push Hands where participants can try to put into action some of the concepts and methods worked upon.
Wu Style 8 Methods and Two-Person Da Lu Form
For basics, Shifu Paul Cote will teach a short easy-to-learn solo form of the Wu style Taijiquan 8 methods. These include peng, lu, ji, an, and cai, lei, zhou, kao. He will then teach how these movements are used in the two-person stepping form from Wu style Taiji Da Lu. In the two-person set, 4 ‘offensive’ movements (peng, ji, zhou, kao) are paired against 4 ‘defensive’ movements (lu, an, cai, lei). The pattern is done in a straight line and repeated while stepping forward and backward so that both participants can practice the offensive and defensive aspects. This pattern is characteristic from the Wu style Taijiquan lineage via Yang Luchan, Yang Banhou, Wu Quan Yu, Wang Mao Zhai, Yang Yuting, and Wang Peisheng. The form elements and energies are comparable to those used in other styles of Taijiquan. Selected combative applications will be presented.
Harnessing the Spiral Energy of Chen TaiJi
We will introduce some basic exercises (silk-reeling exercises) for developing the spiral rotation power of Chen TaiJi (silk-reeling energy). We will then investigate how to apply the rotations to avoid, neutralize and redirect force and to intelligently apply our force to others. We will use partner work with applications from specific postures, Qinna techniques, throws and more.
Traditional Sun Style 98, Form, Drills and Applications
Explore movements from the Sun Style 98 form and practices drills derived from the movements and learn how to apply the movements in self-defense applications.
Cost
The fee for all four workshops is $170. Space is limited. Register by May 14 and use the code Early Bird and pay only $160 (save $10). Registration after June 10 will be $180.
To register, go to: https://bit.ly/GUTS-IMA
THURSDAY NIGHT PUSH HANDS
- is Bigger and better than it has been since pre-COVID times. Temps taken and masks worn.
Join us this or subsequent Thursdays at Roda Movement (7014 Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park MD 20912), between 7:30-9:30 PM. All invited! No cost.
DANCE EXCHANGE CLASSES CONTINUE on SATURDAYS
BE aware that there will be no DX classes on Saturday May 21 due to an event going on at the Dance Exchange- Sorry for any inconvenience. Online make up class May 23 at 6PM. Call for link.
Otherwise, Tai Chi form and basics at 10 am . Push Hands class at 11am Private Lessons in all subjects at 12 pm.
Tai Chi form and Basics group class at the Gaithersburg school (Clear Circle Training Center), continues to move forward on Monday mornings from 10:30-11:30am. Private in-person classes are also available in Gaithersburg for single persons or small group classes (up to 4 people). These classes are scheduled at times convenient to the instructor and the students involved.
Masks and taking temperatures are required to participate in these classes until Government mandates cease which are unpredictable at present..
Please contact Paul at longmen987@gmail.com to say whether you feel ready to get back to class whether in person or via Zoom online instruction.
We continue to offer Zoom classes in form, (Tai Chi, Xing-I, Bagua), conditioning, theory, history, principles and in Qigong/ meditation. There are also students who come to Gaithersburg to do private outdoor or indoors instruction in or outside of the Clear Circle location. Contact Paul via email or phone (Longmen987@gmail.com or 301-651-3617) to discuss options. There is also an ongoing Zoom Sitting Guided Meditation class that meets online each Friday from 12 noon to 1 PM. Contact Paul for links or for questions.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
It’s not enough to know your craft- you have to have feeling.
Edouward Monet
Take rest: a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop
Ovid
It is more difficult to be simple: it is easier to be more complicated.
Black Francis