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.

  • With new skills, synchronized drummers learn how to work together and help each other learn the rhythms.
  • National Zoo panda naming ceremony: may not be available in your location.
  • Given the opportunity, even the youngest quickly realize the rewards of practice.
  • Public performance trains the mind to stay calm.
  • 1351 U St NW, Washington DC
  • Dragon's rings which we borrow for training.
  • Rest is a part of training.
  • Siblings who are now chasing their stars.
  • Take the door next to the dragon.
  • This is our graphic narration of the birth of Jow Ga Kung Fu
  • Lion Dance is part of the curriculum.
  • The first painting of the giant Paul Robeson mural.
  • Summer program takes off.
  • Field trips for summer campers
  • Funk Parade Dragon