https://www.eightstepmantis.org/past-seminars daily 0.75 2020-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585549084472-FWMRW9NXBF2OFGZW5KY6/DSC_1196.jpg Past Seminars - Women’s & Adult Self Defense Jan 19 & 26, 2020 We had a fantastic turn-out (a full class) for our first women’s and adult self defense seminar! I was inspired by three of our current students to teach this course, and they were right - the demand is high. I was very touched by how open and supportive this first class was. The questions and feedback inspire us to continue teaching these vital life skills to those who need it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585548870028-TS8RZM6IITRNORWH5JUB/DSC_0958.jpg Past Seminars - Children’s Safety Education Seminar: radKIDS Sep 28-Oct 6 2019 This was a great first radKIDS class with the children already in our Kung Fu class! I was so happy we could offer this to them, especially since many of these children have been with us for years. We have watched them grow significantly over the years, and I am certain the Kung Fu they already knew helped them with these radKIDS safety skills. They had a ton of fun with the seminar (so many goofy and laugh-out-loud moments throughout such a serious topic). A couple of them have already volunteered to be assistants in the next seminar we teach! Learn more about radKIDS. https://www.eightstepmantis.org/classes daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585518199023-IREYBHLR9OKRZG1Z48L4/Frame-29-03-2020-02-40-40.png Classes - Adult Kung Fu Class Your training begins with a short meditation to clear your mind of the thoughts and worries of the day. We then focus on warming up the body. Many traditional stretching exercises are used to increase flexibility and tendon strength. We follow with strength and endurance exercises that improve leg, upper body, and core strength, as well as cardiovascular performance. We then practice punching or kicking techniques which reinforce proper form through repetition. Next, we drill two-person applications that train basic self-defense and countering techniques. This is when you develop your skills to fit real world defense and fight situations. We finish up class with intense form training. Here you learn traditional forms that train flexibility, coordination, balance, fluidity and strength - all core qualities of a good martial artist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585536225753-IPEDSQAGJKFROFF81GAN/Frame-29-03-2020-05-31-22.jpg Classes - Taiji Class Through Taiji you learn to build and control your internal energy. We start class with any number of cleansing Chi Gong exercises. We warm up the body with traditional stretches. You learn to focus, coordinating your movements to your breathing. Gain an incredible ability to sense the weight shifts in your body as you transition from one stance to the next. Learn the single movements that eventually make up the entire Health Set. Students get a lot of one-on-one guidance with the instructors, who pride themselves on their patience and caring as much as their own Taiji abilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585511803752-6ZZSOY3INBB6BS20OYSZ/IMG_8409.jpg Classes - Children’s Kung Fu Class Our Children's Class is designed to give kids the cardiovascular and strength workout they need. In a fun, safe environment, our kids learn the mental and physical discipline that gives them a head start in life! And they learn KUNG FU! What kid doesn't want that! The emphasis in the class is on teaching forms and techniques gradually, with sash levels signifying their achievement. We are very proud of our Children's Class, as they are the future of our school. Classes are recommended for children ages 8 to 12. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585536936998-U1823J96VKTI6O5H9JWJ/Frame-29-03-2020-07-52-13.jpg Classes - Gold Mantis Program Advanced students have the opportunity to join a 2-3 year intensive training program to become certified instructors. In this program, students will learn advanced two-person techniques, including throwing and joint lock techniques. Upon completing the program, Sifus open their own schools, and continue to learn new concepts and techniques for decades to come. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Red Sash level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585611531150-5FNC9UHIK8BY5PGJ1IZO/DSC_0924.jpg Classes - Children’s Safety Education Seminar: radKIDS radKIDS: Nationwide program to empower children with active skills to resist violence, abuse and bullying. Build self esteem and safety awareness. Learn to build and maintain healthy boundaries. Foster creativity & resourcefulness in dangerous situations. Covers all aspects of safety, including fire, water, bicycle safety, and more! Two age groups: 5-7 yrs old 8-12 yrs old https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585612016635-BRT8SZN95NDKM8NX2XXY/DSC_1144.jpg Classes - Women’s & Adult Self Defense Seminar Learn how to create and enforce healthy boundaries Increase your safety awareness Practice physical skills to resist violence Gain strategies for extracting yourself from dangerous situations * This seminar is designed for first time students, and absolutely no experience is necessary. https://www.eightstepmantis.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://www.eightstepmantis.org/our-instructors daily 0.75 2025-04-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/8734f4bd-7d9c-4bc0-b757-3d2c1413e23c/IMG_0646.jpg Our Instructors - Master Alan Nakamoto Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585454045263-HUH69ID146ZUEZHZ874X/DSC_1199.jpg Our Instructors - Master Jenny Hsiao-Nakamoto I have been teaching Eight Step Mantis Kung Fu & Taiji as a Shifu since 2011, originally at the San Francisco school, and am currently a 5th duan Master. I love interacting with adults and children, helping them to become more coordinated in both mind and body. The changes we see in people even after just a few classes often influence their daily lives in small but impactful ways, helping them use their bodies with more effortless power and intention. In 2019 I became certified to teach radKIDS, a children’s safety and empowerment course. This has led me down a path that includes women’s and adult self defense. This is a passion that I feel so grateful to have found, and to have the background to be able to make a powerful impact. https://www.eightstepmantis.org/home daily 1.0 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1f0cab95-d80d-4d6f-a941-214510b5b338/Frame-29-03-2020-05-31-37.jpg Home - Adult/Teen Taiji Saturdays 10-11am 14 yrs and older $95/mo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/7d4863fa-f86f-4830-bf61-4b6da6c2d36f/IMG_0470.jpg Home - Adult/Teen Kung Fu Saturdays 11am-12pm 14 yrs and older $95/mo Children 8+ yrs old are welcome when accompanied by an adult. If there is enough interest, we can start a dedicated children’s class. https://www.eightstepmantis.org/location daily 0.75 2025-03-11 https://www.eightstepmantis.org/about daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/1585614131461-8Q52T1A1O26PWVOMS273/IMG_9368.jpg About - Who We Are & What Drives Us Master Alan and Master Jenny are a husband/wife team. We love sharing our passion for Shyun Style Eight Step Preying Mantis Kung Fu and Taiji. We enjoy helping people unlock the potential in their bodies and minds by promoting a balanced, safe, and healthy practice of martial arts. On the surface, you will learn blocking, punching, kicking, etc., but within a few classes we hope you realize that our true mission is to increase body awareness, coordination, control and ultimately power. We also offer seminars for self-defense. We feel deeply driven to increase awareness and teach safety skills for the general public. We hope to curb the cycle of violence by empowering students to prevent and stop dangerous or abusive situations. https://www.eightstepmantis.org/safetyself-defense-seminars daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/c27c0d2c-41e5-445d-8301-908f45532fc1/DSC_1199.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7fda0ba84d1844d8e6917f/b31a4433-bd94-48f5-a246-38193ac6a7df/DSC_1196.jpg