SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS
CLOSED Monday October 9 for Columbus Day holiday
October 22 – Sui Lum Pai Push Hands Workshop, Delaware
US CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT
On August 12-13, 2023 the US Wushu Academy headed by Master Christopher Pei held the US Challenge Tournament at the Washington Education Zone in Lanham MD . This 2-day event showcased Modern Wu Shu, external form and combat soft weapons divisions on Saturday while the internal events took place on Sunday. The large spacious venue was more than sufficient for the competitors and spectators to feel comfortable. The skill level was moderately high in the advanced divisions and the judges were experienced and fair. This event has grown significantly after its absence related to COVID 19 cancelations. With the increase in interest, competitors, and events, it appears this may become one of the premiere tournaments of the mid- Atlantic region during the next couple of years. We are planning to attend next years’ event and hope that many of you may join us for the 2024 edition of the US Challenge tournament.
WUDANG DRAGON GATE SECT CELEBRATES 30 YEARS in the U.S.
A group of 25 individuals attended the 30th Anniversary of the Wudang Dragon Gate’s growth in the USA. The event was held at the Bethesda MD restaurant Q by Peter Chang on Saturday August 19, 2023. The group was lively and talkative with 3 generations of WDLM members there. GM Liu Xiao Ling spoke about the current level of growth and encouraged attendees to continue to spread the principles of health, consciousness expansion, and martial arts for health and self-protection into the future. After consuming the varied and excellent selections of Chinese cuisine the group watched a picture show showing Masters Liu and Gao as well as George, myself and other Americans who were there in Shanghai in 1993 and 1994. This led to photos of GM Liu’s arrival to the US in 2000 and continued forward to the present. Disciple ceremonies, group pictures over the years and pics showing current and past members were shown. The display concluded with archival video footage of Great GM Pei Xi Rong performing the Staff, Fan, and Wudang Yuan Gong sets. He was about 80 years old at the time and was an inspiration to us youngsters who attended. The festivities concluded with a group picture and multiple conversations. Participants all seemed to have enjoyed the gathering and we look forward to having similar events every 5 years.
COMBAT SWORPLAY WORKSHOP
The workshop was canceled due to the timing of the workshop. Many who wanted to participate could not attend due to trips and the final attempts at vacationing before the summer officially ended. The workshop will be rescheduled most likely in October or November of 2023. We are excited to conduct this event at a later time for those who really wanted to attend but could not because of previously scheduled events. Updates will follow in the next newsletter(s) or by contacting Paul at longmen987@gmail.com .
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
I learned that the moment you want to slow down is the moment you should accelerate.
James Dyson
He who has a why in life can tolerate almost any how.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.
African Proverb
