DC Martial Arts History Showdown Summer Sightlines Saturday Feature Program

Calling all fighters and fans—past and present!

Since the 1960s, Washington, DC has been home to a powerful network of disciplines, communities, and practitioners of Asian martial arts.

Join us for a lively series of rounds where local competitors spar not with fists, but with stories--trading memories and insights in a respectful match over DC's martial arts history.

Moderated by Dennis Brown (Dennis Brown Shaolin Wu-Shu Center) and Raymond Wong (Wong People Kung Fu Association), with Christopher Moore (Simba Dojang) as the center referee, this not-to-be missed event will feature four invitational rounds of spirited storytelling.

Afterward, the floor opens for an open mic round--during which all contenders can take the mat to convey their favorite memories, pay tribute to their grandmasters, and shout out key details about places, people, and moments that merit collective recognition.

Stories shared will be recorded and archived at the Smithsonian.

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Moderators: Dennis Brown (Dennis Brown Shaolin Wu-Shu Center) and Raymond Wong (Wong People Kung Fu Association)

Referee: Christopher Moore (Simba Dojang)

List of participants forthcoming.

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Accessibility Information: The Smithsonian American Art Museum's McEvoy Auditorium is wheelchair accessible and includes elevator access. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided during the program.

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Summer Sightlines Saturdays are part of the exhibition, which showcases the historical, cultural, and creative connections of Asian Americans to Washington, D.C. Join us for a double-header in July--two special programs focusing on two central themes of the exhibition: martial arts and Chinatowns.

Reserve your free ticket(s) here for on Saturday, July 26.

The Sightlines exhibition is presented by the and on view at the through November 30, 2025.

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Photo: Jhoon Rhee's National Karate Championship program, 1968. Credit: Harry Lee Chow Collection, Maryland.

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Notice of Filming and Photography: Sightlines Saturday programs will be photographed, filmed, and recorded.

Also check out other Exhibitions in Washington, Sports events in Washington, Arts events in Washington.