OCTOBER 2020 WST NEWS

M.U.S.T. Intensive Seminar Series

Since COVID-19 has changed the way we communicate, learn, and live these days, our group of experienced teachers have decided to consolidate our efforts in order to bring essentail aspects of several martial arts to the public. The Martial Unity Special Training series will focus on sharing information concerning the essentials of the arts covered.

The Zoom format allows participants to learn from the comfort, safety, and convenience of one’s home or one’s own designated training space. 15 minute breaks between segments allow participants to get rest, snack, or to write down questions which can be passed forward to be answered at the final segment of the day.

This gathering will include information on Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Chen Style Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang, and Wing Chun Kung fu. These intensives are taught by experienced instructors who have taught for over a quarter century each. If you are looking to deepen your knowledge concerning arts that you already do or wish to get foundational information on arts that you have been curious about then this is a great opportunity to learn from these experienced and deeply knowledgeable teachers.

The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, New York time. There will be 4 sessions of 1 hour each, with 15 minutes between and a Q&A session at the end.

Here are the instructors (Alphabetical order):

Sifu Kenneth Edwards is the owner and Chief Master of Shan Tung Kung Fu. With over 3 decades of martial arts experience, he is one of only three people to learn the complete Eagle Claw system under Grandmaster Shum Leung. He has also completed the Wu style Tai Chi Chuan system. He has appeared on the cover of Inside Kung Fu Magazine and in action films such as Mortal Kombat 1. For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit http://www.kungfuusa.com/

Shifu Billy Greer is the owner and Head Instructor of the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi. He began his study of combat sports in 1973. He is one of only three USA In-chamber Disciples of Grandmaster Chen ZhengLei and is a 12th generation inheritor of Chen Family TaiJiQuan. He is also an Indoor Disciple of Grandmaster Willy Lin and a Third Generation inheritor of Tian Shan Pai Gong Fu. For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit https://www.jingying.org/

Sifu Paul Ramos is the Director and Chief Instructor of Wu Shen Tao Health & Martial Arts. He has practiced several martial arts including earning a national ranking in Olympic Style Saber Fencing, and deeply studying Asian/ Chinese Martial Arts for over 45 years. He has a passion for the internal martial arts of Tai Chi, Bagua, and XingYi. He is a 19th generation disciple of Wu Dang Long Men Pai and the first American to be recognized as a master of the system. For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit https://www.dcmdtaichi.com/

Sigung Norman Smith is the owner and Head Instructor of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy. He began his study of martial arts in 1966, studying several styles and emphasizing full-contact fighting in his early days. He has produced many instructional videosHe is an Indoor Disciple of Grandmaster Willy Lin and a Third Generation inheritor of Tian Shan Pai Gong Fu. Under Grandmaster Ark Y. Wong, he learned the art of Tiger-Crane (Five Animal/Family Pattern Style) and a Village Style of Wing Chun. He also learned Traditional Wing Chun under disciples of GM Hawkins Cheung. For a more complete bio and information on programs offered, visit https://northernshaolinacademy.com/

Time Schedule:

These times are stated using Eastern Standard Time Zones. Make adjustments according to the particular time zone that you are tuning in from.

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: Seminar 1

2:15 pm to 3:15 pm: Seminar 2

3:30 pm to 4:30 pm: Seminar 3

4:45 pm to 5:45 pm: Seminar 4

5:45 pm tp 6:00 pm: Q&A with all instructors

To register, go to:https://bit.ly/MUST-VW

COVID-19 UPDATE

Most students remain reluctant to resume indoor training within closed spaces. Therefore, we are continuing to offer training in group of private formats via Zoom. We are also continuing to schedule Outdoor group and private instruction throughout the week for those students wishing to learn in this manner. Call Paul at 301-651-3617 (or email at longmen987@gmail.com), to obatain information on current online or in-person training, or to reserve your ongoing personal time slots to advance your training.

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you. - Cynthia Kersey

Success comes before work only in the dictionary. - Author Unknown

Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success. - Dale Carnegie

SEPTEMBER 2020

Latest COVID-19 Related Class News

As we all know COVID -19 continues to keep everyone on edge and keep many quarantined. Student polls reveal that most are still not comfortable to be in closed spaces with others yet. Therefore we have not had any group indoor classes at our Takoma Park facility. We are hoping that if there is not a second wave of flu type maladies to deal with, then perhaps we may resume indoor classes in early or mid October. Time will tell.

Fortunately, our online Zoom classes remain very popular. Group Tai Chi classes on Mondays and Wednesdays continue from 6-7 pm, as well as our group sitting Meditation/ Qigong classes that meet at noon on Fridays. Should you need the links to be part of these classes, call Paul at 301-651-3617 or email him at longmen987@gmail.com to get information concerning the classes and/ or to get the links that allow entry to these group classes.

Many students have opted to utilize the normal monthly fee to schedule ongoing private Zoom classes to obtain one on one instruction. Options include but are not limited to; 30 -minute classes once per week, 40 minute classes every week and a half or one hour private sessions every other week. Call or email to get more information on these and other options.

There are a few students who choose to come to the gaithersburg school or to other local outdoor areas near there to get their private lessons where social distancing, masks, and other precautions are in place. Any subject not requiring contact may be taught at these times so if you are interested call Paul at 301-651-3617 to get an idea of what can be taught and to see which times remain available for these one-on one sessions.

Stay Safe and hope to see you all either in person or online soon!

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

If you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you are right.

-Henry Ford

In a gentle way, you can shake the world

-Mohandes Gandhi

I believe the greater the handicap, the greater the triumph.

-John H. Johnson

JUNE 2020 Wu Shen Tao NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS  

Tien Shan Pai 2020 Legacy Tournament- CHANGED to October 18, 2020  Delta Hotel- Hunt Valley MD, 9am

Wong People Championships-  Trinity University WDC Sunday June 28, 2020 CANCELED

ICMAC Championships-   Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando Florida  Rescheduled to End of October

US Kuoshu Championships-  Delta Hotel, Hunt Valley MD July 28-30, 2020- CANCELED

 COVID-19 UPDATED

With COVID now progressing well into its second month not much has changed with various restrictions and staying safe and smart is still of paramount importance.  Some states are starting to loosen restrictions and many feel that this may cause an uptick in cases and deaths. Time will tell but we all need to remain vigilant and err on the side of caution whenever possible.

ZOOM CLASSES CONTINUE

Wu Shen Tao training in Tai Chi is now only available through online sources such as Zoom (Tai Chi – Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 PM, and Friday daytimes at noon.).   Private one on one instruction is also available via FaceTime, SKYPE, and Zoom in a variety of other subjects. Call Paul or email him at 301-651-3617 or longmen987@gmail.com to get the link to join these classes which replace in- studio classes for the time being.

Our Classes in Takoma Park remain canceled but that may change as Montgomery County has announced a phased return to semi- normalcy beginning on June 1st. Further information will be forwarded as it becomes availabe.

The online Tai Chi classes have gone to a greater depth of detail pertaining to Choreography, Principles and Theory. Students of every level have found new concepts of movement and thinking which has been reported to advance the level of students’ practice.

  COVID HEALTH STRATEGIES

Here are preventive recommendations that have been passed forward as of this point by the government and various health organizations.

Stay Hydrated

Keep 6 feet away from others to avoid airborne spread  (social distancing)                                                   

Stay at home except to buy food, medicines, or other essential items or appointments.    Being out in the fresh air will become more prevalent as restrictions are eased but remain at a safe distance and continue to use masks since new studies have shown that they really do decrease the incidence or severity of symptoms.                                              

If in a group, keep it less than 10 people with the safe distance of 6 feet between attendees  IBUPROFEN or medications containing it should not be used (It apparently worsens the virus). Remain calm and keep your immune system strong (Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation, good diet etc.), IT has also been found that Dextromethorphan, which is found in many cough syrups and cold and allergy medications has been shown to increase the viral activity of the COVID virus and should NOT BE USED as well.   Hot fluids are to be consumed throughout the day at the first signs of infection. Vitamin D supplements are also being tauted as being helpful in combatting the virus. Work on strengthening the body and mind.                                                                                   

Be smart, stay home and occupy yourself, - stay safe!

 TiEN SHAN PAI 2020 LEGACY TOURNAMENT

With the COVD-19 situation as it is and self- quarantine is still imposed by the Governor of MD in some surrounding areas, changes invariably occur.  At present the US Kuoshu Federation has canceled its’ July Tournament and has moved its’ Legacy event to October 18, 2020. Check back on this website (DCMDTaichi.com), for any changes   .

The Legacy Tournament is a good event that is meant to be a warmup competition before the Summer/ Fall competition season begins. It’s a bit smaller and less expensive than their National level event which normally takes place the last weekend of July 2020 at the same location.

Below are some important current details to note:

• Registration forms and payments can also be sent (and/or faxed) to:

U.S. KuoShu Academy

10999 Red Run Boulevard, Suite 214

Owings Mills, MD 21117

Phone: 443-394-9222

• Only cash payments will be accepted at the door this year - no credit cards or checks.

Please make every effort to pre-register for your events.

• Events include: Kids 5 and under forms; beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions

for kids, youth, teen, and adult kung fu forms and weapons; two person sets; kids,

youth, teen and adult sparring; beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions for tai ji

quan forms; beginner-intermediate, and advanced divisions for other internal (xing yi,

ba qua) forms and weapons; and free style and restricted step tai ji pushing hands.

Hope to see you there as a competitor or as a spectator!

  CLEAR CIRCLE HOLISTIC TRAINING  CENTER

Classes currently canceled until further notice.

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.

  ONGOING FEATURE ON OUR WEB SITE

Due to COVID -19 complications , Something to meditate on is canceled for the time being.

AS Stated above the next installment of “Something to meditate on”, after a hiatus, will continue 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.

JUNE  SWORDPLAY CLASS

IF we will meet for sword basics and application class this month, it will be on Wednesday JUNE 10th, 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. Check website or call Paul for latest updates.

 WEB SITE CONTACT PAGE –

Sign in to get newsletters and other information concerning the latest goings on in and around our schools and in the Greater Washington DC/ Baltimore Martial Art scene. 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 -

At present all Push Hands Gatherings are canceled until further notice but here are the details when these gatherings are resumed.

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 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

You cannot dream yourself into a character, you must hammer and forge yourself one.

-Henry David Thoreau

Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.

-James Thurber

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done, because they want to do it.

-Dwight D Eisenhower

May 2020 WST NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS  (?)

Tien Shan Pai 2020 Legacy Tournament- CHANGED to MAY 23 Delta Hotel- Hunt Valley MD, 9am

Wong People Championships-  Trinity University WDC Sunday June 28, 2020 CANCELED

ICMAC Championships-   Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando Florida  July 3-5, 2020

US Kuoshu Championships-  Delta Hotel, Hunt Valley MD July 28-30, 2020

  COVID-19 UPDATED

  With COVID now progressing well into its second month not much has changed with various restrictions and staying safe and smart is still of paramount importance.  Some states are starting to loosen restrictions and many feel that this may cause an uptick in infection cases and deaths. Time will tell but we all need to remain vigilant and err on the side of caution whenever possible.

Wu Shen Tao training in Tai Chi is now only available through online sources such as Zoom (Tai Chi – Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 PM, and Friday daytimes at noon.).   Private one on one instruction is also available via FaceTime, SKYPE, and Zoom in a variety of other subjects. Call Paul or email him at 301-651-3617 or longmen987@gmail.com to get the link to join these classes which replace in- studio classes for the time being.

The online Tai Chi classes have gone to a greater depth of detail pertaining to Choreography, Principles and Theory. Students of every level have found new concepts of movement and thinking which has been reported to advance the level of students’ practice.

That said, here are preventive recommendations that have been passed forward as of this point by the government and various health organizations.

Stay Hydrated .  Keep 6 feet away from others to avoid airborne spread  (social distancing).                                                                    Stay at home except to buy food, medicines, or other essential items or appointments.  If in a group, keep it less than 10 people with the safe distance of 6 feet between attendees  IBUPROFEN or medications containing it should not be used (It apparently worsens the virus) Remain calm and keep your immune system strong (Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation, good diet etc.) IT has also been found that Dextromethorphan, which is found in many cough syrups and cold and allergy medications has been shown to increase the viral activity of the COVID virus and should NOT BE USED as well.    Work on strengthening the body and mind.   Be smart, stay home and occupy yourself, - stay safe!

  TiEN SHAN PAI 2020 LEGACY TOURNAMENT

With the COVD-19 situation as it is and self- quarantine imposed by the Governor of MD and surrounding areas, it is doubtful whether this event will take place or not.  At present the US Kuoshu Federation has not canceled any of its forthcoming events. The Tien Shan Pai Legacy Tournament has been rescheduled for May 23, 20202. Check back on this website (DCMDTaichi.com), for any changes. 

This is a good event that is meant to be a warmup competition before the Summer/ Fall competition season begins. It’s a bit smaller and less expensive than their National level event which takes place the last weekend of July 2020 at the same location.

Below are some important details to note:

• Online registration began Saturday, February 1 at www.tienshanpai.org

• All on-line early registrations and payments must be received by Saturday, May 23, 2020.

• Registration forms and payments can also be sent (and/or faxed) to:

U.S. KuoShu Academy

10999 Red Run Boulevard, Suite 214

Owings Mills, MD 21117

Phone: 443-394-9222

• Only cash payments will be accepted at the door this year - no credit cards or checks.

Please make every effort to pre-register for your events.

• Events include: Kids 5 and under forms; beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions

for kids, youth, teen, and adult kung fu forms and weapons; two person sets; kids,

youth, teen and adult sparring; beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions for tai ji

quan forms; beginner-intermediate, and advanced divisions for other internal (xing yi,

ba qua) forms and weapons; and free style and restricted step tai ji pushing hands.

Hope to see you there as a competitor or as a spectator!

CLEAR CIRCLE HOLISTIC TRAINING  CENTER

Classes currently canceled until further notice.

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

AS Stated above 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 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.

 MAY  SWORDPLAY CLASS

IF we will meet for sword basics and application class this month, it will be on Wednesday MAY 20, 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. Check website or call Paul for latest updates.

  WEB SITE CONTACT PAGE –

Sign in to get newsletters and other information concerning the latest goings on in and around our schools and in the Greater Washington DC/ Baltimore Martial Art scene. 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 -

At present all Push Hands Gatherings are canceled until further notice but here are the details when these gatherings are resumed.

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 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

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.

-Samuel Johnson

Success is dependent on effort.

-Sophocles

It is not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.

-Mark Twain