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On March 6, 2010, Paul Ramos will be awarded the prestigious United Fellowship of Martial Artists 2010 Tai Chi Master of the Year award. This award recognizes those teachers who have shared their knowledge of Tai Chi for over 20 years and whose students have gained local and national recognition for their high level of skill exhibited at regional and national level martial arts events.


Paul, who was not notified until one week before the event stated “ It is always nice to be recognized for one’s achievements in the martial arts. Recognition is usually connected with some special event or group. I hadn’t really known of this organization prior to being informed a few days ago and it is an honor to be cited for the many years of training and sharing with others, of an art that I feel so positive and strongly about. I can only hope that one day my students themselves become equally acknowledged at some point for all of the time, perseverance and dedication that they have consistently shown in the acquisition of their own skills”

The event will take place at the Joy Tsin Lau Banquet Hall in Philadelphia, PA at 6pm.

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In February, Paul started his Instructor / traditional training program. This program goes well beyond the standard martial arts curriculum currently taught. Our standard program goes into depth and fine detail in Tai Chi, Xing I, Bagua, Shaolin, Eastern and Western Swordplay, and Qigong. This new program uses that in-depth base and adds greater emphasis on mental, energetic and other physical trainings not normally found in martial arts systems. The new areas of training include teacher training, perceptual training, the application of energetics in daily life, ancient warrior training and metaphysics. Those persons who wish to challenge themselves and who dare to go beyond the accepted view of the world will get a new perspective on life, themselves and the world around them. Interested persons should contact Paul at 301 270-0665 ASAP for more information, scheduling options and costs.

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This year marks the 25th anniversary of Paul teaching martial arts in the Greater Washington area. We have tentatively scheduled Saturday June 12th, 2010 as the event date. We will have a public open house that will demonstrate various martial arts that we teach as well as inviting several guest teachers to show their own styles. We are also considering having an after party with a DJ, dancing, food, fun and prizes. The tentative start time will be at 6pm for the Open House with the party to start at about 9pm.


We are seeking volunteers to set up, breakdown, demonstrate and be WST good will ambassadors.

In a field of endeavor whose average life expectancy is 3-5 years we at Wu Shen Tao have shown that we have perseverance, skill, and innovation. The 27+ National titles that our students have earned over the years says’ that our instruction is beyond the average standard and that we consistently produce high quality practitioners. Join and party with us as we celebrate the last 25 years and look forward to the next 25 years of skill, growth and friendship through martial arts and self cultivation.

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Paul has only a couple of hours still available for those wishing private instruction in a variety of skill sets. These range from any aspect of Tai Chi, Xing I, or Bagua, Eastern or Western Sword Play, Body work, Qigong or various meditations, Self Defense and shamanic energy cultivation. Prices vary dependent upon the experience of the practitioner and the subject taught. The duration of the blocks of instruction vary from 3-12 months, also dependent upon the subject and the depth of detail sought.


Contact Paul in class or via phone at 301 270-0665. Space and time is very limited so confirm your schedule ASAP.

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We again wish to remind everyone that when Montgomery County schools are closed due to bad weather- we are also closed. Call 301 270-0665 if there are any questions or if the weather clears up and you wish to make sure that classes will not take place. Also remember to stay home and allow yourself time to be well if you are feeling ill. We like to share information and skill but we do not need to share the flu or other communicable illnesses.

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Sword Sparring continues as part of the Saturday application class. It is now happening every other week (special events permitting). This month’s sword classes are scheduled for March 6th and 20th, 2010. The class will focus on hand, leg, and movement drills then continue into push sword, skill sword and free sword play work. Eye protection and a padded sword are required. Various types of sparring weapons are available and prices run from $30-$40 each depending upon the style of the weapon. Protective eye wear is $10 each.

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Saturday February 6th -No Classes due to Liz Lerman event


Closed Monday Feb.15th for Presidents Day

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The Year of the Tiger begins on February 14th. Drama, intensity, change and travel will be the keywords for 2010. Unfortunately, world conflicts and disasters tend to feature during Tiger years also, so it won’t be a dull 12 months for anyone. The Year of the Tiger will bring far reaching changes for everyone. New inventions and incredible technological advances have a good chance of occurring. For all of the Chinese horoscope signs, this year is one to be active – seizing opportunities and making the most of our personal and very individual talents. Everything happens quickly and dramatically in a Tiger year – blink and you could miss an important chance of a lifetime!


Join the WST family for a celebration of the Gold (metal) Tiger on Saturday February 13th, from 3-5pm, at the Bamboo Buffet Restaurant located at 2010 Viers Mill Rd in Rockville at the Twinbrook Shopping Center. (phone # 301 279-9600) The cost will be about $15 per head paid at the door upon arrival. The Restaurant has a huge selection of Asian foods, soups and dumplings that are sure to please anyone. Please let Paul know that you are coming no later than February 10th so that he may give the restaurant an accurate head count so that we may all sit in the same area. Dress will be casual and friends and family members may also attend. See you there!

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Beginning this month Paul starts the Instructor / traditional training program. This program goes well beyond the standard martial arts curriculum currently taught. Our standard program goes into depth and fine detail in any of the martial arts taught at Wu Shen Tao. This new program uses that in-depth base and adds greater emphasis on mental, energetic and other physical trainings not normally found in martial arts systems. The new areas of training include teacher training, perceptual training, the application of energetics in daily life, ancient warrior training and metaphysics. Those persons who wish to challenge themselves and who dare to go beyond the accepted view of the world will get a new perspective on life, themselves and the world around them. Interested persons should contact Paul at 301 270-0665 asap for more information, scheduling options and costs.

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This year marks the 25th anniversary of Paul teaching martial arts in the Greater Washington area. We are looking for volunteers to help set up an event that will include an open house, demonstrations, food and much fun. The event will take place in May or June 2010 and persons are sought who can scout venues, provide ideas and who can help implement the plan of action.


In a field of endeavor whose average life expectancy is 3-5 years we at Wu Shen Tao has shown that we have perseverance, skill, and innovation. The 27+ National titles that our students have earned over the years says that or instruction is beyond average standards and that we consistently produce high quality practitioners. Join us in planning this event and look forward to, and plan to attend, this celebration which we hope to make memorable and fabulous.

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Paul has only a couple of hours still available for those wishing private instruction in a variety of skill sets. These range from any aspect of Tai Chi, Xing I, or Bagua, Eastern or Western Sword Play, Body work, Qigong or various meditations, Self Defense and shamanic energy cultivation. Prices vary dependent upon the experience of the practitioner and the subject taught. The duration of the blocks of instruction vary from 3-12 months, also dependent upon the subject and the depth of detail sought.


Contact Paul in class or via phone at 301 270-0665. Space and time is very limited so confirm your schedule asap

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We again wish to remind everyone that when Montgomery County schools are closed due to bad weather- we are also closed. Call 301 270-0665 if there are any questions or if the weather clears up and you wish to make sure that classes will not take place. Also remember to stay home and allow yourself time to be well if you are feeling ill. We like to share information and skill but we do not need to share the flu or other communicable illnesses

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Sword Sparring continues as part of the Saturday application class. It is now happening every other week (special events permitting). This month’s sword classes are scheduled for February 13th and 27th, 2010. The class will focus on hand, leg, and movement drills then continue into push sword, skill sword and free sword play work. Eye protection and a padded sword are required. Various types of sparring weapons are available and prices run from $30-$40 each depending upon the style of the weapon. Protective eye wear is $10 each.

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Monday January 18th- SCHOOL CLOSED- Martin Luther King Birthday


Saturday February 6th -No Classes due to Liz Lerman event

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.On Sunday December 6th Paul Ramos taught the eight energy methods as passed down through the old Yang system. These eight energies are the basis of all Tai Chi and also have relevance to the Bagua systems as well. These exercises combined the eight energetic configurations with the 5 steppings’ to create the original 13 postures of Tai Chi.


The exercises were physical routines that were a combination of moving stance work, qigong, and application training. There was also a discussion on the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of these exercises.

There were 10 participants who worked continuously for the entire three hours and who wanted more since the time seemed to go by so quickly.. There is much to be gained by understanding and practicing these exercises and we easily could have covered each energy by itself in three hours. Although a lot of material was covered, many who were present wanted to have a follow up session some time in the future to delve more fully into these important aspects of internal cultivation and application.

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2009 was a difficult year for many. The economy lost jobs, businesses closed and went bankrupt at an alarming rate, and stock prices plummeted. This helped many to lose their homes while at the same time many homes lost significant percentages of their value. Our new president seems to be attempting to live up to a percentage of his pre-presidential promises but many are still quite concerned and the economy shows only glimmers and hints of recovery at present.


In the health fields, gyms, martial arts schools and yoga centers are having a fairly rough time as well. Many feel that when the going gets tough, luxury items like health centers and vacations and organic foods have to be eliminated as unnecessary expenses. On the surface this may seem to be logical. Unfortunately, like many aspects of American culture, this too is an illusion. When times are stressful, doesn’t it make sense to continue to do the things that keep you de-stressed, healthy and allow you to experience the natural high of a self induced endorphin rush? When people cut back on stress reducing, mind and body enhancing activities, and activities that make them feel content; they only make life less fun, more stressful and less satisfying. Then you add that less exercise leads to poorer physical conditioning which then in turn decreases a person’s healthy immune responses and you get increased illness, increased medical bills with potentially less salary due to time off.

I am not saying that people should not pay rent, buy food and take care of their necessities but once those areas are adequately handled, maintaining one’s physical and mental health should be the next priority. We need to re-evaluate our priorities and make choices that will keep us strong for the long haul; just in case things do not turn around as quickly as we’d like. A healthy mind in a healthy body can overcome much adversity and still emerge relatively unscathed.

We at Wu Shen Tao have been fortunate enough to have not been seriously affected by current conditions but we have seen many of our friends and peers take a serious beating during these times. Perhaps it is due to the high amount of serious practitioners that are among our numbers. Perhaps it is because we have students who are highly skilled in their professions and therefore less expendable at work. Whatever the reason, we sincerely wish to continue the work that we do; for the community, for ourselves and for the future generations yet to come. Let us refocus, reinvigorate ourselves, remind ourselves of our goals and remain positive so that that positiveness can emanate from our center and help restore balance to all.

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We again wish to remind everyone that when Montgomery County schools are closed due to bad weather- we are also closed. Call 301 270-0665 if there are any questions or if the weather clears up and you wish to make sure that classes will not take place. Also remember to stay home and allow yourself time to be well if you are feeling ill. We like to share information and skill but we do not need to share the flu or other communicable illnesses.

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Sword Sparring continues as part of the Saturday application class. It is now happening every other week (special events permitting). This month’s sword classes are scheduled for January 16th and 30th, 2010. The class will focus on hand, leg, and movement drills then continue into push sword, skill sword and free sword play work. Eye protection and a padded sword are required. Various types of sparring weapons are available and prices run from $30-$40 each depending upon the style of the weapon. Protective eye wear is $10 each

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NO Classes Saturday DEC. 5th- see write up below

No classes Dec. 24th-Jan. 2, 2010 --Holiday Break

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On Sunday December 6th from 12:00 to 3pm a workshop will take place in Takoma Park. It will be taught by Paul Ramos and will feature the eight energy methods as passed down through the old Yang system. These eight energies are the basis of all Tai Chi and also have relevance to the Bagua systems. These exercises combined with the 5 steppings create the original 13 postures of Tai Chi. These energetic patterns also are seen throughout Bagua’s applications.


The exercises are physical routines that are a combination of moving stance work, qigong, and application training. All of these areas will be explored in depth. There will also be a discussion on the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of these exercises.

The cost for the workshop is $80 for Wu Shen Tao members and their affiliates. The cost will be $90 for non WST members who pay in full prior to the workshop date but $100 for them at the door. It is free for buddy month particpants.

This workshop is highly encouraged for anyone wishing to more fully understand the basis of any style of Tai Chi Chuan and for those students of Bagua or any other art which is based upon internal principles.

Any questions should be directed to Paul by calling 301 270-0665 or via email at pushhands@aol.com.

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Liz Lerman’s Dance Exchange will be hosting a big event that will utilize the entire building throughout the entire day. Therefore, there will be NO WST classes held that day. The 8 energy workshop has been moved to Sunday December 6th from noon to 3pm.

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During the month of December we will extend our bring in a buddy month. Each student is encouraged to bring in a friend, family member or interested individual to participate as their guest for two weeks of free classes. Those students who participate and bring in at least two new visitors this month, qualify to participate for free at the eight energy workshop to take place on December 6th. If two visitors sign up, the person who brought them will not pay tuition that month as our way of saying thank you for the support and confidence that you have in us. See Paul for questions.

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The cold weather is again upon us and flu season has already made its presence known. At this time of year it is necessary to review our bad weather and seasonal policies. When ever the county closes schools for the day we will also be closed. If you feel sick or feel that a bug is starting to compromise your health – take care of it by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eliminating sugars from your diet. Although we want everyone to train as diligently as possible we ask that you do not come to class and share your virus’-etc., with your classmates. Take some time and return to class when you feel well. Bring extra clothing with you to class so as to not overtax your immune system after a good hard workout. Be sensible and thoughtful concerning your training and you can get through the Winter season without a break.

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Sword Sparring continues as part of the Saturday application class. It is now happening every other week (special events permitting). This month’s sword classes are scheduled for December 12 and December 19th ,2009. (no classes held on the 26th due to the Holiday break). The class will focus on hand, leg, and movement drills then continue into push sword, skill sword and free sword play work. Eye protection and a padded sword are required. Various types of sparring weapons are available and prices run from $30-$40 each depending upon the style of the weapon. Protective eye wear is $10 each.

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As is the case every year, the December holidays are a busy time of celebrations with friends and families. Since attendance is usually slight to non existent during the last two weeks of December; we will again have our usual holiday break. This year we will be closed from December 24th through January 2nd,2010. Classes will resume Jan 4th

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We would like to have a holiday party and are looking for a place to hold this event. If you would like to host a party at your home or somewhere else please let Paul know asap (301 270-0665). Normally we are looking at a laid back pot luck affair with friends, family and of course, health and martial arts videos, discussions and fun.

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Closed November 26-28th for Thanksgiving weekend

No classes Dec. 24th-Jan. 2, 2010 --Holiday Break

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WST and Wudang Martial Arts participated in the ICMAC National Finals that were held over the Columbus Day weekend. This event which attempts to go beyond the normal kung fu politics and infighting, hoped to produce a world class event which can hopefully highlight the skill and mastery of any school without the negativity which can be associated with similar events. The tournament took place at the luxurious Gaylord Hotel and Resort at Washington National Harbor. The turn out was substantial although it was probably less than the promoters would have liked. The two day event showcased many divisions of internal and external kung Fu.
The Saturday night Master’s demos lasted about 2 hours and had many good performances. Master Liu Xiao Ling performed his excellent Liu He Ba Fa form (He also judged), while Master Gao Tie Niao did a thunderous and impressive Xing I form. Other performances such as Praying Mantis and an excellent Filipino Martial Arts Demo helped make for an enjoyable evening of martial arts.
Alexander King, Paul’s kung fu brother, and fellow Wudang Long Men disciple won many events in the Xing-I, Bagua and Other internal events. Due to a technicality in the tournament rules he did not qualify to be Internal Grand Champion although he certainly won more than enough events to take the prize. His worthy opponent, Jonathan Wang, landed up taking Internal Grand Champion as well as Tai Chi grand Champ and the number 1 spot as ICMAC National Champ. Jonathan Wang also landed up in the finals in stationary, restricted step and then moving step push hands. His opponent throughout was WST’s own Daniel Nightingale who lost a close final match to Jonathan Wang in stationary push hands before defeating him in restricted step and moving step push hands. WST Shaolin teacher and also kung fu brother, Terance Nicholson competed and won using the Miao Dao and took the Bronze medal in Advanced Xing I. Paul Ramos, Chief judged during the tournament and fellow Wudang Long Men disciples George Harris, Christine Rice, and Thomas Johnson served as ring judges during the tournament.

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The entire month of November is bring in a "Buddy Month".  Each student is encouraged to bring in a friend, a family member or an interested individual to participate as their guest for two weeks of free classes. Those students who participate and bring in at least two new visitors this month, qualify to participate, for  free, in a workshop to take place in December. If two visitors sign up, the person who brought them will not pay tuition for one month as our way of saying thank you for the support and confidence that you have in us. Many people have frequently expressed how very pleased they are at the progress that they have made at our school. Spread the gift of health, good will, stress reduction and comaraderie with those who you feel need it during these challenging times.  See Paul for questions

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The cold weather is again upon us and flu season has already made its presence known. At this time of year it is necessary to review our bad weather and seasonal policies. When ever the county closes schools for the day we will also be closed. If you feel sick or feel that a bug is starting to compromise your health – take care of it by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eliminating sugars from your diet. Although we want everyone to train as diligently as possible we ask that you do not come to class and share your virus’-etc., with your classmates. Take some time and return to class when you feel well. Bring extra clothing with you to class so as to not overtax your immune system after a good hard workout. Be sensible and thoughtful concerning your training and you can get through the Fall and Winter seasons without a break

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Sword Sparring continues as part of the Saturday application class. It is now happening every other week (special events permitting). This month’s sword classes are scheduled for October 31st, November 7th and 21st. The class will focus on hand, leg, and movement drills then continue into push sword, skill sword and free sword play work. Eye protection and a padded sword are required. Various types of sparring weapons are available and prices run from $30-$40 each depending upon the style of the weapon. Protective eye wear is $10 each.

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On Saturday December 5, 2009 , Paul will teach a 3 hour workshop on the eight energies. These classic exercises combine stance work. qigong, and application of ward off, roll back, press, push, pull down, bend backwards, shoulder and elbow stoke as they pertain to Tai Chi and Bagua training. The class will cover the traditional moving drills, their purpose, application and how best to use them to improve your internal training. The workshop will take place from 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Liz Lerman's DX. The cost is $80 per person in advance, $90 at the door, and free to those bringing two guests to try intro classes from any programs during the month of November as part of our "Buddy Month" special. See Paul or call 301 270-0665 for more info.

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As is the case every year, the December holidays are a busy time of celebrations with friends and families. Since attendance is usually slight to non existent during the last two weeks of December; we will again have our usual holiday break. This year we will be closed from December 24th through January 2nd, 2010. Classes will resume Jan 4th.

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We are considering having a holiday party and are looking for a place to hold this event. If you would like to host a party at your home or somewhere else please let Paul know asap (301 270-0665). Normally we are looking at a laid back pot luck affair with friends, family and of course, health and martial arts videos, discussions and fun.

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Closed Monday October 12th for Columbus Day

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12 students took part in a 4 hour Tai Chi application and self defense combination seminar on Sunday September 26th, 2009. The participants ranged from beginners with less than one year of Tai Chi experience to teachers from North Carolina that had over 30 years of Tai Chi experience. The workshop explored the 8 energies of Tai Chi and then examined which postures arose from these eight forces. We then looked at what types of possible follow ups were available if the technique worked and what was the way to transform the energy should the technique be neutralized or was found to be insufficient. There was a very positive response to the workshop and most participants commented that their eyes were opened to the myriad self defense possibilities that Yang Style Tai Chi offered. They also were intrigued and excited about being able to grasp principles of transforming forces and techniques into other techniques found within the form. All commented that the workshop will make them look differently at their empty hand forms from this point on.

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WST and Wudang Martial Arts will be participating in the ICMAC National Finals to be held over the Columbus Day weekend. This event which attempts to go beyond the normal kung fu politics and infighting, hopes to produce a world class event which can hopefully highlight the skill and mastery of any school without the negativity which is traditionally associated with similar events. It is a worthy goal and we endorse and support it fully. This event will also produce a top 10 list of circuit competitors which will be published in Inside Kung Fu magazine as well as other information avenues. Please plan to attend

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Sword Sparring has been added to the Saturday application class. It is now happening every other week (special events permitting). (Aug 29 and Sept 19th). The class will focus on hand, leg, and movement drills then continue into push sword, skill sword and free sword play work. Eye protection and a padded sword are required.. Various types of sparring weapons are available and prices run from $30-$40 each depending upon the style of the weapon. Protective eye wear is $10 each.

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Paul Ramos traveled to Ulm Germany for the 2009 Kuoshu World Championships held there the last weekend in September. The venue was new, spacious and beautiful. The host hotel, the Meritim was luxurious and made a great after tournament meeting place for competitors, judges, and their families. Alex Chek, the Tournament director arranged an event truly worthy of International status. 30 countries sent representatives to compete at the event and although the total number of competitors was below 400 it seemed as though everyone enjoyed the competition. Alex King, Paul’s kung fu brother along with Sifu John Green of Baltimore provided the nucleus of the Internal judging staff.

All in all, the Europeans seem to be less advanced in their level of Chinese martial arts skills. The adults were generally less advanced than what we see routinely here in the US. The Internal Division was a bit small but the forms competitors entered all of the events available. Push Hands was dominated by the French team who took Men’s upper and lower weight divisions and by the British team who took the women’s divisions. The brightest spots were the children’s divisions. Some of these kids were truly fabulous. They exhibited focus, empty hand and weapons mastery that usually far exceeded that of their adult team mates. It seems that although the current adult competitors are a bit lacking, it appears obvious that the next generation will be a force to be reckoned with. The German people were extremely warm and giving and I’d love to go back any time to visit those good people

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On Sunday September 20th, 2009, WST hosted a picnic at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD. About 30 people joined the festivities at the park which had a beautiful lake where children skipped stones and boaters floated by. Paul’s other Wudang Long Men teacher, Master Gao Tie Niao and his students Tom Nowalk and Marianne Dawes joined the festivities where large quantities of food and drink were consumed by all. Master Gao also discussed martial art theory and practiced a bit of Lu he Ba Fa and Wudang sword with Tom and Marianne respectively. He also gave feedback to several WST students in Tai Chi, Push Hands and Bagua. Master Gao will be participating in the ICMAC Nationals to be held October 9-11th at the Gaylord hotel at Washington National Harbor before his return to England and then on to Shanghai, China. Master Gao will also be teaching Wudang Fan form and Bagua applications the week of September 28-Oct. 2nd . He will continue to teach the fan form the following week as well as some other internal applications on October 7th and 9th at Liz Lerman’s. Call for info for either subject (301 270-0665).

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This class will be an intense and focused Tai Chi workout designed to strengthen the root in the legs, greatly improve ones central equilibrium, and increase the range of motion of the hip joint (Kua).  Knowledge of a Yang style or other form is not required but the routine is based on the 37-posture Yang short form taught by Cheng Man-ching.   Practitioners of all levels from any style will greatly benefit from the increased attention that this set of exercises places on the core Taiji principles.  The routine will consist of weight shifting and waist turning in low stances, holding static postures, and repetitive practice of Tai Chi's Peng Lu Ji An movements. Please come ready for a leg burning workout.
This class will be taught by Daniel Pfister, a disciple of Master Liu Xiao-ling, who spent over five years in Taiwan working on this set of exercises with his Tai Chi teacher Mr. Liu Hsi-heng.
This class will be taught from 6:30-7:30pm during the normal Tai Chi time slot on Monday September 21,2009. All WST students and friends are encouraged to attend without cost.

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Please check out the new www.wushento.com website! This is part of a concerted campaign of applying the techniques of Search Engine Optimization. The goal is to help popularize the art of Chinese Kung Fu and bring in more eager students to the Wu Shen Tao school. Please be sure to check back regularly to read up on Sifu Paul Ramos' new Blog. Sifu Ramos will be expounding on the different Chinese Martial arts taught at Wu Shen Tao. This will be incredibly insightful. Also, please check out the Contact Us page for a future comments submission form. We would love to hear from you! Enjoy the new site!

Wu Shen Tao Web Master
- George Harris

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WST Picnic/End of Summer Gathering
September 20th Seneca Creek Park Gaithersburg, MD

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The 2009 edition of the US Kuoshu National Championships took place at the Hunt Valley MD Marriott Hotel. Despite the difficult economy it appeared that the event drew about the same number of total competitors as last year. International teams from Taiwan, Brazil, Spain, England and Canada were amongst the assembled masses who competed throughout the weekend of July 24th-26th. Paul Ramos Chief judged a variety of Tai Chi forms on Saturday and also Chief judged Freestyle Push Hands on Sunday. Paul’s kung fu brother and sister Alexander King and Christine Rice also judged throughout the weekend. Master Liu Xiao Ling and Master Su Li Zhi were honored guests and also judged during the competition. Terance Nicolson, also Paul’s Kung Fu brother and Chief Shaolin Instructor at WST, competed and took 4th in Advanced Mixed External kung Fu and took a Silver medal in Advanced Men’s Xing I Chuan. Daniel Nightingale, WST’s only competitor for this event, took 3rd Place in Advanced Yang Tai Chi form and took the gold medals in both Limited Step Push Hands and Freestyle Push Hands. Please congratulate them both on a job well done when you see them.

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Sword Sparring has been added to the Saturday application class. It is now happening every other week (special events permitting). (Aug 1 and 15th this month). We will begin there and may increase the frequency of class as dictated by consistent attendance and group interest. The class will focus on hand, leg, and movement drills then continue into push sword, skill sword and free sword play work. Eye protection and a padded sword are required. Those wishing to attend may purchase a combat practice sword or protective eye wear from Paul. Various types of sparring weapons are available and prices run from $30-$40 each depending upon the style of the weapon. Protective eye wear is $10 each. See Paul or give him a call at 301 270-0665 for any questions.

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Paul Ramos has been invited to judge at the Kuoshu World Championships which are to be held in Ulm, Germany during the first week of September next month. Alexander King has also been invited to judge as part of the highly recognized FreeStyle Push Hands judging crew that ran the Hunt Valley Event the past two years. All classes will be covered during his absence and he is looking forward to his first trip to Europe.

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On Saturday August 8th Master Z Bennett will continue his annual Martial Art Seminar Series held in Woodbridge, Va. The day consists of several high ranking Karate, Ju Jutsu, Goju, Kung Fu and other masters who each give 30-40 minute workshops on aspects of their respective arts. The experience is informative, and varied with much warmth and patience shown by all teachers, participants and staff members. Paul states that "They truly have the air of brotherhood through martial arts evident at every event that I have participated in". Every one is encouraged to attend. Obtain more information by looking at their web site www.sanyamabushi-goju.com or by speaking with Sensei Bennett at 703 926- 7579.

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On Sunday September 20th, 2009 WST will host an end of summer celebration at Seneca Creek Park located on Clopper Rd in Gaithersburg, MD. The picnic will take place at the Bobwhite picnic pavilion next to Seneca Creek lake. This state park offers fields for games, boat rentals, grills, horseshoe pits, hiking, fishing, bathrooms and water sports: and there is a parking lot adjacent to the picnic area. All are invited to attend. Bring a dish and share games, conversation and fun with the WST/ Wudang family. Beer, wine and non- alcoholic beverages are also encouraged. There is a $2 charge for MD residents and a $3 charge (non- MD residents) to enter the park. A sign up list is being started at the Takoma Park location so confirm your attendance asap. The event will take place from 10:30 am until sunset. Form and Push hands areas will be nearby and a playground for children is also nearby. Join us for one last summer fiesta before Fall sets in. Call Paul at 301 270-0665 for more info.