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