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
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 February 1 at a time and location to be confirmed in the January 2025 Newsletter.
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
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