Business Details
Master Tai Chi & Internal Martial Arts in Hyattsville
At Wu Shen Tao Tai Chi Kung Fu Center, we specialize in teaching authentic Chinese internal martial arts, including Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, Bagua Zhang, and Xing-I Chuan. Our curriculum emphasizes health, self-defense, and personal growth through traditional methods rooted in centuries of Taoist practice. Sifu Paul Ramos, a dedicated instructor with extensive experience, brings over two decades of expertise to students in the Greater Washington, DC metro area. We welcome individuals of all experience levels, offering personalized training tailored to your goals and pace. Remote private instruction via Zoom ensures flexibility for those unable to attend in person. Our philosophy centers on cultivating softness over hardness, using mindful techniques to develop internal energy and practical skills without reliance on brute strength.Whether you seek physical fitness, mental clarity, or effective self-defense techniques, our programs are designed to meet your needs. We are committed to preserving the integrity of traditional martial arts while making them accessible in modern life. Our locations in Hyattsville, Takoma Park, and Gaithersburg provide convenient access to group classes and specialized workshops. Experience the transformative power of internal martial arts with a free introductory classno obligations, no pressure.
Services
Tai Chi
Qigong
Bagua Zhang
Xing-I Chuan
Push Hands
Sword Play
Self-Defense Applications
Children's Programs
Online Instruction
Highlights and features
- We teach authentic Chinese internal martial arts developed over centuries.
- Our curriculum integrates health, self-defense, and mindfulness training.
- Private Zoom instruction offers flexible learning options for remote students.
- Sifu Paul Ramos brings decades of experience in traditional martial arts.
- Workshops cover specialized topics like Push Hands and Wudang Qigong.
Services
Tai Chi
Authentic Tai Chi Chuan instruction focusing on health benefits, self-defense applications, and internal energy cultivation. Our Yang-style curriculum develops balance, flexibility, and mindfulness while preserving traditional movement patterns. Classes cater to all skill levels with progressive training from foundational forms to advanced partner exercises.
Qigong
Traditional Wudang Qigong practices designed to enhance energy flow, physical vitality, and mental clarity. Students learn meridian-opening exercises from the Dragon Gate lineage, combining breathing techniques with precise movement patterns to improve health and longevity through optimized Qi circulation.
Push Hands
Push Hands instruction emphasizing softness over hardness, combining theoretical understanding with practical applications. Training develops sensitivity, balance, and internal power transfer through progressive drills that transition from form practice to real-world self-defense scenarios.
Sword Play
Traditional sword techniques integrating Tai Chi principles with practical combat applications. Students practice both non-contact forms and controlled contact drills using wooden swords to develop precision, timing, and tactical awareness in weapon-based self-defense.
Self-Defense
Comprehensive self-defense training covering awareness, de-escalation, and physical techniques. Programs address street survival strategies, family protection, and age-specific scenarios while emphasizing mental preparedness alongside physical techniques for real-world effectiveness.
People
Paul Ramos
Chief Instructor
Sifu Paul Ramos teaches authentic Chinese internal martial arts with over two decades of experience. He offers personalized instruction in Tai Chi, Qigong, and self-defense applications, serving students in the DC metro area through multiple locations and remote learning options.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, Bagua Zhang, Xing-I Chuan, and associated self-defense applications.
Are beginners welcome?
Yes! Our curriculum accommodates all experience levels with customized instruction for new students.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. Private and semi-private sessions are available via Zoom and at our Gaithersburg location.
What locations do you serve?
We operate in Hyattsville, Takoma Park, and Gaithersburg, serving the Greater Washington, DC area.
Are there workshops available?
Yes. We offer specialty workshops on topics like Push Hands mastery, Wudang Qigong, and sword techniques.
Reviews (5)
Linda Krakaur PhD
Dec 25, 2018
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Paul is a Master Teacher. He is kind, generous, specific, inspiring, and maintains high standards while also communicating that he believes everyone can grow. Paul believes in good form which will allow us to elevate our capacity physically, spiritually, and mentally. I entered his class two years ago with a bad back, two bad knees, and a torn tendon in my shoulder. I am now in the best shape of my life, and I have greater skills to access in all aspects of my life outside of tai chi. As for the post by Emily, as an eye witness to the events, I would say that is an inaccurate representation of
Emily Prince
Nov 25, 2018
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Perhaps this is great studio for some, but if you have physical disabilities, this is not the studio for you. If you are trans, this is *explicitly* not the place for you.
Sifu Paul Ramos called me a primadonna for respecting the limits my physical therapist had suggested given severe muscular issues. That alone would be rude, but sometimes people are rude. However, something to consider if you have injuries or disabilities that prevent you from moving in the way he expects you to be able to move.
Sifu Paul Ramos, also, in what was simultaneously to my novice eyes a masterstroke of tij
Sifu Paul Ramos called me a primadonna for respecting the limits my physical therapist had suggested given severe muscular issues. That alone would be rude, but sometimes people are rude. However, something to consider if you have injuries or disabilities that prevent you from moving in the way he expects you to be able to move.
Sifu Paul Ramos, also, in what was simultaneously to my novice eyes a masterstroke of tij
Andrea Koo
Jan 27, 2018
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Paul Ramos, the head sifu of the Wu Shen Tao school, to me is a hidden gem in Takoma Park. It's unassuming outward appearance, is really a force in the tai-chi and martial arts community. Paul is full of knowledge on martial arts and goes into great details on the forms with dedication. His philosophies are imparted on more senior students who carry the rigor as Paul. The Wu Shen Tao community fostered by Paul has students of all levels helping one another in various forms from beginning to more advanced forms. It's the place to be for those who are martial arts enthusiasts - in particular, tai
David Noto
Nov 14, 2017
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I've been taking Tai Chi classes at Wu Shen Tao for almost 4 years now, and I have enjoyed it immensely. Paul is a meticulous teacher with outstanding knowledge and experience. A lot of people seem have preconceived notions that Tai Chi is some sort of Chinese equivalent to yoga, for old people with bad knees to do to improve their balance. A few weeks of classes at Wu Shen Tao ought to dispel that notion forever. Paul teaches Tai Chi as a martial art and works in all sorts of applications to the different forms. Its very helpful to understand why you need to perform a certain maneuver just so
Linda K.
Feb 19, 2017
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As a former athlete and frequent visitor to physical therapy, I was looking for a new way to get my body in shape so as to reduce future chances for injury. What I found was so much more. Tai Chi at Wu Shen Tau has elevated my spirit, expanded my community, and provided me with a pathway to focus my energy on sustainable practices to ensure physical and psychological health and well being. Paul is a gifted instructor who maintains high expectations for technique and artistry while always making me feel like I can achieve my goals through patience, focus and good faith. There is no better time or
