30 Years of Kung Fu &
Community in Washington, DC

"As a kid, I was very disruptive and distracting, and I just didn't know how to control that. No kid usually does, the best anyone can do is try to help them. And, honestly, Sifu did do that. I learned teamwork, meditation, everything takes time and patience...and understanding that it's okay to fail as long as, you know, you continue to try."

"Sifu was always welcoming, but he made sure that everything we did was done within discipline. You learn teamwork and about different cultures and, about different people integrating into one team."

"In a transient city like DC, it is difficult to find community spaces that are simultaneously close-knit and welcoming to newcomers or those just passing by. Somehow, Sifu Rahim has been able to create a place within Hung Tao Choy Mei that does both effortlessly. The instructors care for all the students while also paying attention to individual strengths, while the students support one another in and out of the classroom. The breadth of knowledge you gain of kung fu, Jowga history, drumming, and lion dance is incredible — no two classes ever feel the same!"

"This will be [my child's] third year of summer camp. It is a place where magic happens. The energy is very positive, just stepping into this space lifts my spirits every time. I love how the classes and camp bring children and teens of all different ages together, to work together, and learn from one another. It is really inspiring to watch the kids grow into positions where they can role model and demonstrate skills to others - you watch their confidence and poise grow too. Sifu Rahim Muhammad is such an amazing role model and teacher for the kids, as well as for their parents. He teaches discipline, kindness, non-judgmental behavior, and the importance of health and wellbeing. The physical skills my son has learned are awesome - they include coordination, speed, agility, mobility, strength, and endurance. Even more importantly, he has learned to be a good listener, patient, and a kinder person. He values the friendships that he has built here over two years. Our lives in DC are immensely better thanks to the efforts of Sifu and his team."

"I like that Jow Ga has a long history in the city...the school has a chill, family-like environment. It's open to all ages and they work with you depending on what your goals are, and I was able to learn a lot of forms - I kind of knew I wouldn't be able to stay in the city forever, but once you learn a form, you keep it in your head and can work on it wherever you find yourself."