JANUARY 2020 WST NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Multi-Positional Meditation Seminar- January 19, 2020

CLOSED MONDAY JAN. 20th for Martin Luther King Holiday

Chinese New Year- Jan.25, 2020

Chinese New Year Lunch Gathering- Jan.26, 2020 at Sichuan Jin River Restaurant

Year of the Yang Metal Rat- begins February 4, 2020

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We here at Wu Shen Tao Health & Martial Arts Centers sincerely Thank all of our students, faculty, friends, and supporters who have been there throughout this last and previous years studying, helping, and enjoying the various events and gatherings that we have been a part of.  We have built up a friendly nurturing, and detail- oriented curriculum and training progression that has produced many accomplished practitioners within any of our programs.

This year we look forward to continuing our high standards of information dispersal and look forward to the many social and industry related events that are coming in 2020.                     

Whether it be the annual Playful Dragon Cookout, the Tai Chi Festival, the Wong People or Kuoshu Chinese Martial Arts Championships, we strive to be a positive addition to whatever events we partake in.

New events this year include a field trip to the Zhang San Feng Festival this Spring in Colorado, The Tai Chi Farm gathering in upstate NY and perhaps even our hosting of a Tai Chi and Push Hands tournament locally in the Fall.

2020 promises to be another exciting, fun, and informative year for us and we hope to see you there with us at many of these social, cultural, and informational events.

 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2020

2020 is the Year of the Yang White Metal Rat. According to the Chinese astrology calendar, the 2020 Chinese Zodiac Year starts on February 4, 2020, in China's time zone. The first day of the Chinese astrological year is different from Chinese New Year Day, which is from the Chinese lunar calendar. 2020 Chinese New Year Day is on Saturday, January 25, 2020. in China's time zone.

The sign of Yang Metal Rat is a ship traveling on the ocean. That implies that we need to patiently wait for the time to arrive at the destination. It's time to become well-prepared for the next coming performance. The fully armed Rat is ready for battle. The other sign of Yang Metal Rat is strong wind stirring up the water or a potential hurricane. Water represents danger in the I-Ching. Hurricane could damage the properties and cause disputes. A smart person should stay alert and don't drop into the ocean of argument. Therefore, the sign of 2020 is a windy and rainy day. It could become a rainstorm or hurricane that might cause flooding and property loss.      This is not the most positive forecast but it warns us to prepare for a bumpy ride.

 CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH GATHERING

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE- We will be having our Chinese New Year/ Year of the White Metal Rat gathering on Sunday January 26th at 1:30 PM at the Sichuan Jin River Restaurant located at 410 Hungerford Dr, Rockville, MD 20850. This restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes, many of which are not found at most other restaurants. Join us for good food, conversation, and fun.

Let us know if you / and or a guest(s) will be joining us so that we can arrange to sit in our own section at the restaurant. ( longmen987@gmail.com or 301-651-3617).  We hope to see you there!

 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

This year our first offering is an analysis of Lying down/ Sitting/ Standing/ Walking Meditation methods. These techniques derive from Buddhist, Taoist, and Shamanic traditions. This workshop will consist of 4 hours of techniques looking at methods beginning from stationary through active versions of mindfulness meditation techniques. There will be two 1 ¾  blocks of instruction separated by a 20-30 minute break. It will take place at Roda Movement Center located at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912.  The cost is $110 with a discount to WST students and to those who up pay up to 10 days in advance of the Sunday January 19 event date, Start time is 11AM. Please bring a Yoga Mat or a blanket for the lying down techniques.

Our second Seminar for 2020 is Bagua and Xing-I Martial Applications. These arts, which are related to Tai Chi and based upon the same essential core principles, utilize different footwork and intention to carry out their self -defense objectives. The differing mindsets create interesting variations in relation to internal applications. This 4 hours of training will show how each of the main 3 Chinese internal arts address the same stimuli so that participants may get a better perspective of how each style differs from or is similar to, each other. This Seminar is scheduled for March 15th  2020, at 11 am;  also at the Roda movement Center. It will also be $110 with a similar discount offered to those who enroll by March 5, 2020.

The workshops will be taught by Paul Ramos who has trained in Asian Martial Arts for over 45 years and who has specialized in Internal Martial Arts for the last 30 years. Feel free to call him at 301-651-3617 with questions, concerns or if you wish to preregister and to receive a 10% discount. You may also email him at longmen987@gmail.com

 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.

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. NEW POST FOR 1/26/2020

 JANUARY SWORDPLAY CLASS

We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday January 15th, 2020 from 7:30-9 PM.   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 call us at 301-651-3617 or contact us at longmen987@gmail.com if you have questions or concerns.

 QUOTES OF THE MONTH

“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”

-Mother Teresa

“Leadership has been defined as the ability to hide your panic from others.”

-Author Unknown

“It isn’t sufficient just to want- you’ve got to ask yourself what you are going to do to get the things you want.”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN 2020

These are the next 2 Workshops to be conducted by long-time Tai Chi/ Wudang teacher Paul Ramos.

Passive and Active Meditation

This workshop explores Sitting, Standing, Moving/ Walking Meditation methods. This workshop will consist of 4 hours of techniques looking at methods beginning from stationary and progressing through active versions of mindfulness meditation techniques. There will be two 1 ¾  blocks of instruction separated by a 20-30 minute break.  Bring a yoga mat or blanket for the lying down methods.

Cost: $110

10% discounts to those prepaid/ registered, or who are Wu Shen Tao students, by January 9,2020.

The workshop will be held on Sunday January 19th, 2020 at 11 am at Roda Movement Center in Takoma Park MD.

Bagua and Xing-I Martial Applications.

These arts, which are related to Tai Chi and based upon the same essential core principles, utilize different footwork and intention to carry out their self defense objectives. The differing mindsets create interesting variations in relation to internal applications. This 4 hours of training will show how each of the main 3 Chinese internal arts address the same stimuli. Participants may then get a better perspective of how each style differs from or is similar to, each other.

Cost: $110

10% discounts to those prepaid/ registered, or to those who are Wu Shen Tao students, received by March 5th, 2020.

The workshop will be held on Sunday March 15th, 2020 at 11 am at Roda Movement Center in Takoma Park MD.

For more information on either Workshop listed above contact Paul at 301-651-3617 or via email at longmen987@gmail.com .

DECEMBER 2019 WST NEWS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 CLOSED DECEMBER 24- January 2, 2020- HOLIDAY BREAK

Classes resume January 3, 2020

Chinese New Year- Jan.25, 2020

Chinese New Year Lunch Gathering- Jan.25, 2020 at Hibachi Sushi Restaurant

Year of the Yang Metal Rat- begins February 4, 2020

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We here at Wu Shen Tao Health & Martial Arts Centers sincerely Thank all of our students, faculty, friends, and supporters who have been there throughout this last and previous years studying, helping and enjoying the various events and gatherings that we have been a part of.  We have built up a friendly nurturing, and detail- oriented curriculum and training progression that has produced many accomplished practitioners within any of our programs.

This year we look forward to continuing our high standards of information dispersal and look forward to the many social and industry related events that are coming in 2020.            

Whether it be the annual Playful Dragon Cookout, the Tai Chi Festival, the Wong People or Kuoshu Chinese Martial Arts Championships, we strive to be a positive addition to whatever events we partake in.

New events this year include a field trip to the Zhang San Feng Festival this Spring in Colorado, The Tai Chi Farm gathering in upstate NY and perhaps even our hosting of a Tai Chi and Push Hands tournament locally in the Fall.

2020 promises to be another exciting, fun, and informative year for us and we hope to see you there with us at many of these social, cultural, and informational events.

 

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2020

2020 is Year of the Yang White Metal Rat. According to the Chinese astrology calendar, the 2020 Chinese Zodiac Year starts on February 4, 2020, in China's time zone. The first day of the Chinese astrological year is different from Chinese New Year Day, which is from the Chinese lunar calendar. 2020 Chinese New Year Day is on Saturday, January 25, 2020. in China's time zone.

The sign of Yang Metal Rat is a ship traveling on the ocean. That implies that we need to patiently wait for the time to arrive at the destination. It's time to become well-prepared for the next coming performance. The fully armed Rat is ready for battle. The other sign of Yang Metal Rat is strong wind stirring up the water or a potential hurricane. Water represents danger in the I-Ching. Hurricane could damage the properties and cause disputes. A smart person should stay alert and don't drop into the ocean of argument. Therefore, the sign of 2020 is a windy and rainy day. It could become a rainstorm or hurricane that might cause flooding and property loss.      This is not the most positive forecast but it warns us to prepare for a bumpy ride.

 

CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH GATHERING

We will be having our Chinese New Year/ Year of the White Metal Rat lunch gathering at the Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet located in Gaithersburg, MD on Saturday January 25th at 1:30 PM. They offer a wide variety of Pan- Asian foods to choose from. The cost is $15 pp paid at the door. The restaurant is located at

8 Bureau Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 at Tel.: (301) 208-7305.  Let us know if you / and or a guest will be joining us so that we can arrange to sit in our own section at the restaurant. Hope to see you there!

 

ANNUAL JANUARY WORKSHOP

Each year in January Paul Ramos conducts a workshop on a health or martial arts topic. This year we have two choices.                                                                                                

Option 1. is Sitting/ Standing/ Walking Meditation methods. This workshop will consist of 4 hours of techniques looking at methods beginning from stationary through active versions of mindfulness meditation techniques. There will be two 1 ¾  blocks of instruction separated by a 20-30 minute break.                                                                                                               

 Option 2.is Bagua and Xing-I Martial Applications. These arts, which are related to Tai Chi and based upon the same essential core principles, utilize different footwork and intention to carry out their self defense objectives. The differing mindsets create interesting variations in relation to internal applications. This 4 hours of training will, at times, show how each of the main 3 Chinese internal arts address the same stimuli so that participants may get a better perspective of how each style differs from or is similar to, each other.                                                           

The cost will be $110 with a discount to WST students and to those who up pay up to 10 days in advance of the Sunday January 19 event date (held in Takoma Park MD).                                  The most votes will determine which of the two topics will be addressed in January. If the vote tally is close the second workshop will be scheduled in March 2020. Voting ends on January 12 so let us know your preference asap.

 

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.

 

 DECEMBER SWORDPLAY CLASS

We may meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday December 18h, 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

 If you care at all, you’ll get some results. If you care enough, you’ll get incredible results.

     -Jim Rohn

Leadership, like swimming, cannot be learned by reading about it.

     -Henry Mintzberg

Don’t aim for success; If you want it,  just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.

     -David Frost

NOVEMBER 2019 NEWS

 

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