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"Here I Stand" Award Gala

HTCMLI in past years produced a program at the Historic Lincoln Theatre on U Street NW that presented an award, in the spirit of Paul Robeson, to an outstanding artist activist. 

An artist activist is one that makes no distinction between their work as an artist and their life as a human being, to paraphrase Paul Robeson.

The award program included pre-program events, usually a lion dance or an awakening of a new lion, or a drum circle at a local venue such as Ben's Chili Bowl. 

Following these smaller events, a multi-hour program consisting of local performing arts groups, including Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute's Lucky Lions, as well as nationally recognized artists entertained the audience in between an interview with the recipient of the HTCMLI "Here I Stand" award.

The goal of the award ceremony was to join community efforts of the present with the powerful vestiges of U Street's Black Broadway, a birthing place of world-shaking musical and performing talent, and artist activism. 

Our nonprofit president prepared the show and hosted the awardee. Students trained. Volunteers drove honored guests around DC, ran pre-production and post-production tasks included the hauling of scores of large drums from our headquarters down U street to the theatre. Skilled Lincoln Theatre stagecrew ensured that the mammoth show went on. 

"Here I Stand" Award Artist Activists:

Harry Belafonte 2005

Dick Gregory 2006

Dr. John Hope Franklin 2007

Judith Jamison 2008

Rita Moreno 2009

(2010)

Spike Lee 2011

Common 2012

Chuck D 2013

Our History

Our History

Serving Washington, DC communities since 1995

Before 1995, before all the bars, multistory condo and apartment buildings, Mr. Woods operated his auto repair business out of the building on the right. Decades later the city opens a Metro station in 1991. HTCMLI gets started four years after U Street Cardozo metro opens up.

Sifu Rahim Muhammad in front of Emperor Jones. Learn your strengths and weaknesses so you don't lose your way.

Owner Clay Woods bought this building and moved his auto repair and paint business onto U Street NW. The second floor was unoccupied when Sifu Muhammad explained he wanted to rent and open a martial arts studio teaching local kids. Decades later it has fully emerged as you see it today.

Home

Training at School

Free programs for DC kids!

We provide free programs to DC schoolchildren, made possible through generous funding from DC city funds and Learn24(link is external). Children aged 6-18 are introduced to Kung Fu, Chinese Lion Dance, Chinese Thunder Drumming, and African Djembe Drumming, fostering teamwork and cultural appreciation through participation in gala events and educational excursions to historical landmarks and museums during the summer months.

When school starts we run an after school program called Out-of-School-Time (OST). It runs after school until 6pm on most weekdays.

Are you interested in after school care and transportation?

Kung Fu Warrior Take on Lucky Lion, Fiesta Asia 2024

Take a Free Trial Adult Class

We offer Jow Ga Kung Fu classes tailored for adults of all ages. Our classes for adults are flexible and allow you to train at your own pace and schedule. Practice whenever it fits into your busy life Monday through Friday. Show up any weekday before class time at 6:30p. Wear sport shoes and loose clothing. No prior experience in martial arts is necessary. Stop in and check us out.

What our community is saying...

"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!"

-Claudine
Student, Adult Program

"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."

-Katy
Parent

"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."

-Jake
Student, Adult Program

Who we are...

Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute (HTCMLI) is a distinguished 501(c)(3) organization in Washington, DC, dedicated to nurturing lifelong skills and leadership qualities in both children and adults. Since its inception in 1995 and incorporation as a nonprofit in 2003, HTCMLI has revitalized the essence of community within martial arts, placing paramount importance on well-being, health, and safety.

Empower the next generation of leaders

Your donation is an investment in our community and directly benefits the free children's programs we provide to DC kids. Together, we can expand our reach and empower more young leaders.

Donate

Udvar-Hazy Center, National Air and Space Museum 2019

DONATE

Thank you for supporting DC's next generation of leaders.

With low overhead and a small staff, donations directly benefit our children's programs and go a long way at the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute. Your support helps us leverage one of the most valuable assets around our school -- the community. 

Donating to Hung Tao Choy Mei allows us to teach more to kids by leveraging expert local talent and bringing in local DC professionals to enrich our core curriculum .

Thank you for your support!

Free Summer Camp

FREE CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

Summer Camp 2027

Free Summer Camp program for DC children ages 6-18 begins June, 2027. Students learn Kung Fu, lion dance, dragon dance, meditation, African drumming, Chinese thunder drumming. They stretch, drill on techniques, memorize movements and learn how to particpate with others in class so everyone moves ahead.

Two story building with an alleyway

DETAILS: SUMMER CAMP 2027

Our free summer camp for DC residents ages 6-18, starts June 2027. This program is an opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in a variety of enriching activities and learn new skills in a fun and supportive environment.

  • Dates: June to August 2027
  • Days: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Time: 9:00AM to 5:00 PM
  • Age Group: 6-18 years old
  • Location: HTCMLI, 1351 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
  • Kung Fu, Lion Dance, Dragon Dance, drumming, Mandarin, Field Trips

How to Enroll

To enroll your child in our program, please fill out and return the following forms:

For questions or to learn more about the after-school or summer program, please contact Sifu Abdur-Rahim Muhammad at htcmrahim@aol.com.

Many thanks to Learn24 and DC's Out-of School Time (OST), and Department of Public Works for making these programs possible.

Empower the next generation of leaders

Your donation is an investment in our community and directly benefits the free children's programs we provide to DC kids. Together, we can expand our reach and empower more young leaders.