UPCOMING EVENTS
Year of the Yang Metal Rat- begins February 4, 2020
Closed Monday February 17th – Federal Holiday- President’s Day
Happy 70th Birthday Grand Master Liu Xiao Ling!
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 was on Saturday, January 25, 2020. in China's time zone.
“ The sign of Yang Metal Rat is (represented by) 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.
HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY GRAND MASTER LIU
Paul Ramos’ wishes his teacher and 18th generation Wudang Dragon Gate Grand Master Liu Xiao Ling, a happy and enjoyable 70th Birthday! He along with his Kung Fu brother Grand Master Gao Tie Niao were the people that took Paul’s Internal knowledge and abilities from advanced student to the level he currently enjoys as a knowledgeable teacher and 19th generation master within the Wudang Long Men lineage.
GM Liu’s friends, students, and disciples will be honoring him at a celebration on February 22, 2020 in Maryland. We look forward to learning more from this top- level GM as we begin the next 70 years of training!!
CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH GATHERING
On Sunday January 26th, a group of Wu Shen Tao Students, family members and Wudang Long Men members attended our annual Chinese New Year gathering held at the Sichuan Jin River Restaurant located in Rockville, MD. This restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes, many of which are not found at most other restaurants. The food was excellent and the conversations were lively and varied. It is always good to share good food and camaraderie with like- minded people. We wish everyone a productive and healthy year of the Metal Rat!
May everyone have a healthy and enlightening year of the Metal Rat!
WORKSHOPS
On January 19th 2020, there was a Multi-Positional Meditation workshop presented by Paul Ramos. It took place at Roda Movement Center located at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave, in Takoma Park, MD. We explored lying down methods, sitting methods, standing methods and walking methods of Mindful meditation. By the end of the 4- hour workshop the students had identified their favorite techniques among the various methods taught. The participants all expressed their enjoyment of the techniques and they hopefully will continue to practice those techniques that resonated most strongly with them.
In todays stressful world it is imperative that we find healthy ways to reduce stress and to attempt to find balance in our lives. With all of us juggling activities such as school, jobs, relationships, and life in this current economic and political environment; we need to set aside time to heal and balance our minds and bodies. Activities such as Tai Chi Chuan, Meditation, thoughtful diet, and regular exercise, become paramount in retaining good health. We urge everyone to take stock of their stressors and anti- stressors so that we can move forward in a healthy and productive ( and hopefully a bit more joyful), manner.
Our second scheduled 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. These 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. The cost is $120 with a 10% discount to WST and Wudang members.
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. Feel free to call him at 301-651-3617 with questions, concerns or if you wish to preregister 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 in 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 hiatus, continues 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 discover 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.
FEBRUARY SWORDPLAY CLASS
We will meet for sword basics and application class this month on Wednesday February 19th, 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 –
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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 adjacent to 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
Be sure to put your feet in the right place; then stand firm.
-Abraham Lincoln
Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.
-John F. Kennedy
Impatience never commanded success.
-Edwin H. Chapin