UPCOMING EVENTS
CLOSED Thursday November 28th and Nov.29th for Thanksgiving Holiday
Classes resume Saturday November 30 on the usual schedule.
US CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT
This years’ event took place on October 13, 2019 at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Hotel. Many of our students refused to compete there this year due to irregular judging practices displayed by one of last years’ judging staff. This year the situation was rectified in that this particular judge was not invited back to judge and several other, more highly qualified judges attended, judged, and the event proceeded smoothly and efficiently. The sole Wu Shen Tao competitor, Joseph Dudley did compete and took home gold with his Tai Ch Sabre routine. We will encourage our students to attend next years’ event now that the previous problem has been resolved.
NEW WUDANG DRAGON GATE DISCIPLES
On Saturday October 5, 2019 Sifu Paul Ramos brought in his 3rd group of 20th generation disciples into the 700+ year old Wudang Long Men Pai (Wudang Dragon Gate), system. This famous lineage is descended from the Wudang Temple on Wudang Mountain in China and has a long and storied past of helping to defend China during various conflicts. Simultaneously it has a history of passing on an abundance of Martial, Medical, and Taoist theoretical teachings.
Members of this system vow to become avid practitioners of the teachings, methods and techniques passed down to them, while also agreeing to one day pass this knowledge on to the next generation. They must also set a good example of how to be strong, caring, and educated individuals.
The incoming group consisted of Stephen Genus, Rodney Schmidt, Evan Colton, Alexander Zito, and Olutoba Adewusi. We welcome them warmly and look forward to great things coming from them in the years to come.
2019 PLAYFUL DRAGON GATHERING
This years’ gathering (the 5th consecutive year), took place on Saturday October 12 from 2-6 PM at Norwood Park (4700 Norwood Drive, Bethesda, MD 20815). This was the first time that we met at this location. Although it was a bit smaller than our previous venue the group of at least 50 participants remained comfortable. Some remained indoors while others stayed mainly outside to enjoy the warm beautiful day. Food was plentiful with many people bringing in such exotic fare as two types of Gumbo, various side dishes and a wide selection of fruit and deserts. Our ongoing grilling manned by WST student Bob Burmeister kept the chicken, burgers and hot dogs coming. There were 6 demonstrations which included Tai Chi empty hand, Xing-I Chuan, Bagua Zhang, Taoist Straight Sword, Tai Chi Sabre, and culminated with a portion of the Yang Mi Chuan (Secret Yang form), demonstrated by Sifu Dante Gilmer. After the demos, beginners as well as experienced practitioners paired off for friendly push hands play.
Between the lively conversations, great food, laughs, demos, and great weather we’d have to say that this year’s event was a rousing success! We want to thank all of the students, family members, old and new friends and teachers that participated and helped to make this years event another memorable one!
CLEAR CIRCLE HOLISTIC TRAINING CENTER
Our sister school Clear Circle Holistic Training Center is located in Gaithersburg MD at 329 B Main Street in the lower level suite, below the Rose Spa and Salon in the Kentlands’ complex.
The space is larger than our former Gaithersburg location and is also close to two outdoor training areas when the weather permits. This space is dedicated to private, semi-private and small group classes only. Instruction available there ranges from Qigong/ Neigong , Tai Chi and other Internal martial arts, Swordplay, Meditation, Self Defense, Contact Fight training, nutrition and other skills related to those mentioned above.
Call 301-651-3617 or email: longmen987@gmail.com to inquire or to register for your introductory lesson.
NEW ONGOING FEATURE ON OUR WEB SITE
The next installment of “Something to meditate on”, after a short hiatus, will continue soon on our Qigong/ Meditate page (DCMDTaichi.com). It is produced by long time collaborator, training partner, and good friend Henry C. Brennan. He has an extensive background in Martial and Energy arts beginning in the 1970’s. His specialty is energy cultivation with a focus on passive and active work along with methods and strategies of how to apply these skills to one’s daily life.
He shares concepts of the work by providing snippets of wisdom and knowledge each month on our Qigong/ Meditation page.
Interested individuals can also now begin online training with him to use the distilled exercises and methods of this path. I recommend that you feel free to check in bi-weekly for the next nugget along the path toward potentiating oneself.
NOVEMBER SWORDPLAY CLASS
We may meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday November 13h, 2019 from 7:30-9 PM. Since Paul the usual instructor of this class will be unavailable, the substituting instructor will decide if the class will take place this day or not. IF so, bring a wooden sword, eye protection and groin protection (optional). All students are encouraged to attend regardless of experience.
WEB SITE CONTACT PAGE –
Sign in to get newsletters and other information concerning the latest goings on in and around our schools. Also see us also for our latest great video additions, messages, and new innovations on health and martial arts under Wu Shen Tao on our Facebook page.
FREE COMMUNITY PUSH HANDS -
Our weekly Community Tai Chi and Push Hands Open workout is alive and well (27 years and counting). We hold the Free Takoma Park Community Workout, 3 blocks away, at the Roda Movement Center which is located at 7014 Westmoreland Avenue (just off Carroll Avenue) in Takoma Park, MD. It is located just behind the Gazebo located on Carroll Avenue and across from the House of Musical Traditions. The workout takes place on Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Feel free to contact us at longmen987@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
He who loses wealth loses much; He who loses a friend loses more: but he who loses his courage loses all.
-Miguel de Cervantes
He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat.
-Napoleon Bonaparte
The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
-William James
