Italian Heritage

Learn Kali at OSMA in Herndon, VA: a beginner-friendly Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) class that builds coordination, timing, and confidence. 🔥 Experience FMA training through **partner drills**, **movement flow**, and **practical self-defense applications**. In this session you’ll: * Train classic **FMA weapon systems** such as **rattan sticks**, **training knives**, and **empty-hand applications** of Kali and Arnis. * Develop **coordination**, **timing**, **range awareness** and **reflexes** through **practical drills** drawn from Filipino Martial Arts traditions. * Improve your **conditioning**, **speed**, and **agility**: FMA’s weapon-based flow patterns and hand-to-hand transitions push both **mind** and **body**. Join a supportive community of martial arts enthusiasts in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) \-\- whether you're new to weapons training or experienced\, this class is designed to **challenge** and **reward**. This class is **open to all levels** and emphasizes **safety**, **precision**, and **continuous learning**. Whether you’re looking to explore **Filipino Martial Arts** (FMA) for **[self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense)**, **coordination training**, **weapons fluency**, or simply finding a **unique**, **dynamic workout** in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) -- *this is your class*. 👉 Come build real **skills**, boost **conditioning**, and ***train with great people*** \-\- j**oin us today and explore the flow and discipline of [Filipino Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_martial_arts)!** The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, **payable on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** — let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest.

The [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/kidsbjj) (OSMA) Youth [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) program is designed to help children build **confidence**, **coordination**, and **practical [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) skills** in a **safe**, **structured**, and **positive environment**. This class is for students **six** to **thirteen** years of age and runs from **5:15 PM** to **6:00 PM**, providing a **focused**, **age-appropriate training session** that fits well into an after-school routine. Located in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia), OSMA is easily commutable from Oakton, Reston, Sterling, and [Great Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Falls,_Virginia), as well as other nearby [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) communities. Parents are welcome to **stay and watch** \-\- OSMA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the OSMA **guest WIFI** if they need an Internet connection. From a parent’s perspective, this class is about more than martial arts: children learn how to **move their bodies with purpose**, **stay calm under pressure**, **follow instructions**, **work with others**, and **build resilience**. Students are taught to apply [Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-based](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) self-defense concepts **responsibly**, with an emphasis on **control**, **safety**, and **respect**. What children will learn in this after-school program: * **Movement** and **coordination** drills * Practical **self-defense techniques** * Standing **takedowns** * **Ground techniques** and **positional awareness** * Position-specific **drilling** * Controlled **sparring** matches (age-appropriate and supervised) * **Games** and **fun activities** to keep kids engaged and motivated Whether your child is new to [martial arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts) or already active, this program offers a balanced mix of **skill development**, **physical activity**, and **confidence-building** \-\- all in a **supportive environment**. A **free seven-day trial** is available for non-members.

Beginner-friendly evening [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class [at OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥** *No experience is required* -- **new students** and **first-timers** are genuinely welcome. Classes focus on **practical**, **real-world fundamentals** taught in a **safe**, **technical**, and **highly supportive environment**. You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people. This **gi class** takes place every **Monday** and **Wednesday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **one hour of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Gis are available if you need one. **Drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

DONUT MISS THIS! 🍩 Join us at Station Auto Wash on March 16th for a sweet little surprise. Pull in for a wash and enjoy a fresh donut on us. It’s our way of saying thanks for supporting a local, family-owned car wash that believes a clean car and a good donut can make any day better. Swing by, get your shine on, and donut miss it.

Please join us for happy hour and board games at the Grape Escape wine bar in Gaithersburg. Feel free to bring your own food to pair with their nice selection of wine and beer. You can’t beat this cozy little place for fun on a Monday night! We'll have a couple games but please **feel free to bring a game of your own!** Come for the beverages, the games, the conversation, meeting new people, or all of the above. We'll be at the big tables in the middle of the venue. Look for GRASP table flyers and Eli's GRASP shirt. We can't wait to see you there!

Lights are back on at Chalet Woods so we can go back to our usual later time and hopefully more folks can make it after they get off work! ***Feel free to come earlier to ensure we have enough courts!*** **Remember to bring a can of new or lightly used tennis balls.** By signing up to this Meetup event, you agree * To practice effective social distancing and hold yourself 100% responsible for protecting yourself against exposure to Covid-19 and any other cooties. * To not hold anyone (including Meetup.com) liable should you be exposed to Covid-19 by attending this event. * To decline attending if you suspect you have any of the Covid-19-related symptoms (we can wait until you're better to show your tennis prowess). Please bring a can of NEW tennis balls. As usual, this meetup is cancelled if the weather doesn't permit us to play If you see others waiting to use the courts, please limit your play to one short set (best of 5 games), where the losing team rotates out. Thanks in advance!!

Social Sips & Bites family - it’s time to wear your green and bring your Irish spirit. We’re heading to Kalypso’s Tavern for a St. Patrick’s celebration packed with festive vibes, great company, and special deals on food and drinks. What to expect: • Irish favorites like corned beef & cabbage • Shepherd’s pie and other hearty classics • Guinness specials • A lively crowd and that classic SSB energy Whether you’re coming for the food, the drinks, or just the fun, this is one of those nights you don’t want to miss. Come hungry. Come social. Let’s turn Kalypso’s green together. 🍀

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

**It’s St. Paddy’s Day and you KNOW we’re not staying home... especially if Collective is on stage!!! Join us at Rai’s Rendezvous for a night of green drinks, great music, and dancing. Wear your green. Bring your lucky charm. And let’s turn Rai’s into the luckiest party in town.💚🍻🎶**

Reviewing volunteer opportunities and Civitan information…

Join us for the fabulous curry, ramen, and more at ***Karé Bar*** in Chantilly! ***From Northern Virginia Magazine:*** Some of the best dishes in the world are fairly recent innovations. The Vietnamese banh mi, for example, appeared only in the 1950s thanks to the introduction of the French baguette in Ho Chi Minh City and the innovative thinking of the Le family. Japanese curry is a bit older, tracing back to the late 19th century, when British sailors enchanted with well-spiced Indian sauces brought those traditions back to another part of Asia. Eventually, Korea also created its own adaptation of the thick, flavorful gravy. Score another one for the global food community. Actually, score two. Kare Bar opened in Chantilly on Metrotech Drive, making it easy to head to Shilla Bakery or Chateau de Chantilly after lunch or dinner. Score three? Of course, I wouldn’t be keeping score at all if the food weren’t excellent. It is, as is the caring service and bright atmosphere. Start with something uniquely Japanese like monkfish liver with ponzu or a grilled hamachi collar, or stick to an old reliable like the juicy chicken or seafood dumplings, united by a crispy lacework of fried skirt. I tried both the Japanese and Korean curries. The latter is labeled as “spicy” on the menu, but didn’t seem to have any more heat than the Japanese curry. I recommend sticking to the Japanese sauce for its more robust flavor. Order it with the meaty, crispy donkatsu (pork cutlet curry) or the hamburger steak curry, essentially a well-seared dish of Salisbury steak. Whichever curry you order, it will come with sticky rice topped with a crisp-edged over-easy egg and a slew of veggies, ready to be drenched in curry. A shredded cabbage salad is bathed in an exceptionally appealing creamy sesame dressing. As winter sets in, there are few more fulfilling meals than a rib-sticking curry. This is the place that will keep you feeling like there’s no need to hibernate. Check out menu [here](https://karebar.com/our-menu/) **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. In the future, we will vary the days of the week, geography and the cost of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GO WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding.Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will have their own tab to avoid any confusion. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with Meetup platform ($360/year) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate attendees. Thank you in advance for your understanding!\*\* If you are unable to join us in March, we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to seeing you at Karé Bar in Chantilly!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is a \~ 7 mile hike with \~100 feet of elevation gain in Algonkian Regional Park. We'll start on the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT) and hike downstream to the Algonkian Nature Sanctuary where we'll make a loop and then return to the start point. The Algonkian Regional Park Sanctuary consists of 30+ acres of wetlands on Lowe's Island adjacent to the Potomac River. The wetlands are a unique part of the Potomac that supports a variety of flora and fauna including Bald Eagles. There will be some hiking along the Potomac River, the golf course and recreation areas. We will start on the PHT near the parking lot at Volcano Island Waterpark in Algonkian Regional Park (GPS coordinates: 39.061784, -77.386796). Some of the hike is on trails, pavement and gravel road. We hike at a pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph while moving. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-31-2024-e5ae7b1?u=i&sh=iypgzx

***Join us for a fun evening of dancing with Michael Sims DJing and teaching a waltz lesson!*** **7:30 - 8:30 PM: Waltz Dance lesson by** **Michael Sims** **8:30 - 11:00 PM: Ballroom Dance music by Michael Sims** Michael always brings energy, great music and fun to the dance floor and best of all, you can sign up for a dance with him!!! $15 (cash or check) includes the lesson plus the dance, cold water and scrumptious snacks Dress is "ballroom casual." Please no cutoffs, T-shirts or jeans. Dress to Impress! No experience, reservations or partner needed. All Singles Welcome!! 1,850 sq. ft. beautiful oak dance floor. Plenty of free, safe parking *As always, there will be a big, delicious chocolate cake* *to celebrate birthdays of the month.* **Fun, Fun, Fun at Colvin Run!** *The 100-year-old dance hall is operated by the Colvin Run Citizens Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity. 100% of the proceeds from this dance will go to the operation and preservation of the historic dance hall.*

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-415512869177](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-415512869177)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT. DUE TO COVID. ABOUT THE EVENT Let us speak Italian and grab a drink or two. All levels welcome! Ci vediamo! PARKING INFO : Street Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service.

Let us speak Italian and grab a drink or two. All levels welcome! Ci vediamo!

Cooking? On a Thursday? Honey, please! Toss aside the apron, gather your favorite queens and kings, and join your DTs family for some fierce Italian flavors and fabulous conversation at **[Piero’s Corner](https://www.pieroscorner.com/)** (13340 Franklin Farm Rd, Herndon, VA 20171) right after our Thursday night Happy Hour. 🌟 This spot slays with delicious Italian dishes—we usually have a fabulous crew of 15 or more amazing people! Let’s beat that record and make it even more glamorous! ✅ **RSVPs are essential, darling:** Please RSVP on our Facebook or Meetup pages so we can spill the tea to the restaurant about how many fabulous guests to expect. We always keep a few extra seats for our spontaneous divas, but trust—RSVPing is the move! We can't wait to see your gorgeous faces, share some laughs, and enjoy the pasta together—see you at the table, love! 💋🍷✨

Join us on this magical trip to Japan to experience the enchanting allure of spring, where nature paints the landscape with vibrant colors. We chose this season for the unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the country’s most iconic destinations at their best: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka. We will also visit the Japanese Alps with stays in Matsumoto and Kanazawa. Each city boasts unique attractions and seasonal charm that will captivate our senses and leave us with unforgettable memories. A true Meetup Experience! What is included: * 3 nights in Tokyo * 1 night in Matsumoto * 2 nights in Kanazawa * 2 nights in Kyoto * 3 nights in Osaka * Arrival and Departure Airport Transfers * Transportation throughout by Coach * English Speaking guide throughout the itinerary * Sightseeing tours with admissions fees per itinerary * Breakfast Daily * 2 lunches, 5 dinners Experience: * Visit to shrines, temples and castles with amazing Spring Blossoms * The Bullet train-Shinkansen * Sushi Making Class * Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony * Maiko Dinner (apprentice geisha) * Samurai Experience What is not included: * International Airfare * Tips for the guide and driver * Meals not listed in the itinerary * Items of personal nature Japan during spring is a feast for the senses, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban excitement. We will enjoy it all and this promises to be an unforgettable adventure with our fellow Meetup travelers! **Land Tour cost $5760 per person, double occupancy** **(we match roommates for those wishing to share)** **Solo occupancy additional $1050** **\*\*\*International Airfare not included\*\*\*** The only way to guarantee your spot for this meetup is a **$400 deposit.** **[CLICK HERE](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/TB7SYRJPHPT5A) for secure deposit link:** Upon submitting the deposit, please **[fill out this form](https://forms.gle/toSHuzqVMT92rutL7)** RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info. **RSVP DOES NOT RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** Deposit is the only way to hold your spot. **[Click Here for secure deposit link.](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/TB7SYRJPHPT5A)** Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure. For airfare and other info on the trip, [click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) [Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) to fill out our google info request form to receive detailed itinerary. We believe in good decent social. This event is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/299222593)for the main location of this event. Still have questions? We do a monthly [Q&A Travel Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) on all our events Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here for General Policies](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/) and useful info about our international trips. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

⚡ **What’s Your Go-To Dish?** The one you make when you don’t want to experiment. The one that always works. The one you trust. Bring that. Join us for a relaxed, small-group potluck lunch held in our "Startup Garage" — a spacious, bright, comfortable living-room style space inside a single-family home. Think couches, real food, and meaningful conversation — not an actual garage 😊 Many of us have a go-to move — in the kitchen and in life. If you’d like, share why it’s yours. Funny, practical, meaningful — your call. 🕐 1:00–4:00 PM (arrive between 1:00–1:30 PM) **What to Bring** 1. A dish (homemade or store-bought — no pressure) 2. A short explanation behind it (optional) **Who Typically Attends** • Professionals in their 30s–40s–50s • Entrepreneurs and builders • Divorced or separated individuals navigating what’s next • People who prefer substance over surface level talk **What You’ll Experience** • Smart, grounded adults • Humor, laughter and perspective • Conversation that flows naturally • A relaxed, low-key Sunday atmosphere No spotlight. No forced sharing. Just solid food and solid company. This is a free community event designed to strengthen real connection within the Midlife Reinvention community. Space is intentionally capped to keep it comfortable. **Full address (Ashburn - 20147) and parking details are emailed 2–3 days before the event.** 🌐 Learn more about the community: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

Bonsoir à tous! Venez nombreux pour causer autour d'un repas ou d'un verre chez La Madeleine. On n'a que deux règles: (1) qu'on y parle exclusivement le français et (2) qu'on achète quelque chose à boire ou à manger (c'est La Madeleine qui le demande). Merci et à bientôt!