Hung Tao Choy Mei

The Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute is a 501(C) (3) leadership development
Organization founded in 1996 focusing on the youth of Washington DC. Our program “Martial Arts- Life Skills  Healthy Lifestyles” is a “life skills” and “leadership development” program with a special emphasis placed on fitness and healthy living.

We are extremely pleased that Carlos Amaya owner of Coppi's Organic Restaurant and senior Instructor of the Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute is providing a highly visible example through his work and business of the discipline, focus, and concern for the health and well being of his community by providing such a beneficial entity as Coppi's Organic Restaurant.  Instructor Carlos Amaya is now leading the way in helping the Leadership Institute become another “green” establishment in the historic U Street corridor.

The obesity rate for children 10 to 17 living in Washington DC is 22.8% the highest in the nation. The children in the nation's capital also have the lowest level  62%- of physical activity (1/2 hour per day).  The issues that we address with classes at the Leadership Institute are issues that are pertinent to helping young people gain control over their lives.

Some recent accomplishments include performing a traditional lion dance at the naming ceremony (Tai Shan) of the new baby Panda at the National Zoo.  We performed at the 2007 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade's Grand Finale.  We also performed opening the inaugural United Airlines flight ceremony for the Washington DC to Beijing direct flight which took place at Dulles Airport on March 28, 2007.  We presented Dr. John Hope Franklin with the Institute's “Here I Stand” award at the Lincoln Theater on April 22, 2007. Previous award recipients have been Dick Gregory in 2006 and Harry Belafonte in 2005.