A vibrant community of teachers and students committed to making a difference through martial arts and cultural education.
To inspire and transform lives through the power of discipline, culture and community.
The Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute (HTCMLI) is a nonprofit martial arts school in Washington, DC. Our purpose is to promote health, keep students in school and steer them away from the criminal justice system. Founded by Executive Director Rahim Muhammad in 1995, the institute places paramount importance on well-being, health and safety. When life presents inevitable challenges we teach our students to tackle them with hard work, a focused mind and the wisdom passed down through generations.
HTCMLI is a distinguished 501(c)(3) organization registered in Washington, DC. We are grateful for the continued support of local businesses and foundations, including Ben's Chili Bowl, DC City Funds and Learn24.
Sifu Abdur Rahim Muhammad made a plan not so long ago. Teach fitness, focus, and self-defense to the youngest around us in the heart of Washington, DC.
When the school first opened in 1995, a large portion of the block was owned by WMATA, the city public transit system. Much of the block was a sort of urban desert, parched, fenced-off. It was a city block one passed through to somewhere else, with a quickened step when the sun began to set.
In a previous era, the area was the birthplace of Duke Ellington, and the center of Black Broadway. But by the 1990s, the neighborhood was better known for crime and neglect than culture and creativity.
That's when Sifu Rahim opened the doors to Hung Tao Choy Mei, bringing martial arts, discipline, and hope to a community that needed it most.
Participation in our programs and classes empowers individuals of all ages to cultivate invaluable life skills, instilling positive values, purpose, and resilience in the face of adversity. Through rigorous training, participants develop physical prowess, mental acuity, and a moral compass to navigate life's complexities with integrity and excellence.
We believe that preparation for a meaningful life extends beyond martial arts proficiency: it encompasses the development of character, leadership, and community responsibility.
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.