SPECIAL EVENTS/ CLOSINGS
Swordplay Intensive Workshop- Saturday February 1, 2025
Wu Shen Tao Montgomery Mall Chinese New Year Demo February 8 2:15 pm
Presidents Day- Monday February 17 Federal Holiday- NO Classes
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. It will also be a year of change with ups and downs throughout the year. As per our custom we had a celebratory lunch that took place the afternoon of Saturday January 25th . Those who attended enjoyed a large banquet with various vegetarian and non-vegetarian traditional Chinese dishes. These delectable foods were served at the Sichuan Jin River Restaurant which, in our estimation, is one of the best Chinese Restaurants in the Rockville, MD area. The food and conversation was lively, interesting and fun and a good time was had by all. This annual gathering always 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 and who will be allowed to participate. Participants should bring a wooden or foam sword for practice and eye protection. Those wishing to order a wooden or foam sword ($25), for the event should say so when registering. Some weapons for sale will be available at the site. 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.
MONTGOMERY MALL CHINESE NEW YEAR DEMO
On Saturday February 8 between 2-3 PM, WST will be doing the closing demonstrations of martial arts at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda MD. We will be performing Tai Chi, Bagua, Weapons form and applications to end their week long celebration of the Year of the Green Snake festivities. Other demos from other locations precede us so if your interested in seeing a few demos of Chinese martial arts come by starting at 1 pm. Hope to see you there!
WE MOURN THE PASSING OF OUR KUNG FU BROTHER PETER O’DAY
19th Generation Kung fu brother Peter O’Day returned to the Tao on January 27, 2025 while awaiting an organ transplant. He was a life long martial artist, a skilled craftsman in home remodeling, and a curious and fun member of the community. We already miss his smile and jokes and send massive condolences to his wife Carmen and his large family, friends and all of his martial family as well. He will be missed. A Celebration of Life will take place on February 8 beginning at 4pm. The location is at 3811 Nicholson Street, Hyattsville MD 20782. In lieu of sending flowers, donations may be sent to the Christmas in April organization, where Peter donated his time and resources to assist the elderly
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
The chief prevention against getting old is to remain astonished.
Kevin Kelly
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
G.K. Chesterton
To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.
Elvis Presley