Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy December Newsletter 2016

December MMTCA Newsletter 2016

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax."
-Mark Black

Greetings friends, family, and students of Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy! Classes have solidified, the gorgeous space is working out amazingly well, and I am ready to write!!

A quick update. After resigning from TCTCCS my future was vague and unclear. I knew I still wanted to teach and share Tai-Chi and that I had many people who were eager to continue. At first, I just wanted to sub-let a few nights a week, but then the Academy fell into my lap! I am so glad! Once I had the time and space, my vision for future teaching and sharing became crystal clear. I will be offering many new classes and times starting Jan 1^st, 2017!

Besides additional classes, plans for 2017 include an in-house one-day Tai-Chi Retreat, Chinese New Year Demo and Banquet, a seminar with Grandmaster Wai-lun Choi, a 2 day “Tai-Chi North” retreat on the North Shore, hosting a Modern Arnis workshop with Master J. Richard Roy, and a celebration of my 40th year practicing Tai-Chi. In the January Newsletter, I will post dates for most of these events.

I am happy to announce the first Solo Form graduate in our new academy, Stephen Peterson. Our first 1^st section grad Di Goodwin, and a group is rounding the corner on the 2^nd section as well.

Four long time students passed through a formal ceremony to become 7^th generation Disciples and lineage holders:

Karen Barton

Julie Cisler

Dan Polsfuss

Fred Sparks

I am so proud of them! Master Liang's dream of having Tai-Chi be accessible to the world is becoming a reality!

I have been to Western Massachusetts to conduct a weekend seminar and as I write this, I will be traveling to Delaware for another workshop spreading Master Liang's teachings and system.

A new website is in the works, but for now, check my blog for articles and updates. The new schedule for next year will be sent out shortly.

Let me clear up any questions about tuition. My idea about class blocks was confusing. Here is the simple breakdown beginning Jan 1st:

6 classes a week, 100.00 a month

8 classes a week, 125.00 a month

10 or more classes a week, 150.00 a month

Private classes sliding scale 75.00-125.00 an hour

Any questions, concerns, or hardships, please talk to me.

Thank you to all who have helped me in ways big and small to make our school so vibrant and successful in such a short time. Each and every one of you is dear to my heart. I enjoy being on our beautiful floor together making “moving art” with you. Thank you!!

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”—Lao Tzu

Wishing you the best of this holiday season,

Ray

contact

skrayhayward@gmail.com

rayhaywardblog@gmail.com

612-404-7320

My Blog: The Inspired Teacher (rayhayward.com)

Facebook: Ray Hayward, Ray Hayward Enterprises, Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

Disciple's Initiation 2016

Friday, November 11th was a special day for me. It marked the 28th anniversary of my passing through a formal ceremony to become a disciple of Master T.T. Liang. That was one of the best days of my life, and confirmed my vocation and life-mission.

11/11/2016 was also special to me, and four students, who passed through a formal ceremony to become 7th generation Tai-Chi disciples. Using a combination of the Confucian ceremony that Master Liang used, the elaborate Shao-Lin ceremony Master Mark used, and with insights and information from many teachers, I performed the ceremony to initiated four, long-time, dedicated students.

Julie Cisler

Frederick Sparks

Karen Barton

Daniel Polsfuss

I am so proud of these accomplished practitioners. It is an honor to teach, train, and practice with such dedicated people. They inspire me and my practice.

With four ceremonial witness' and over twenty family and friends, a milestone was reached, and a rite of passage performed. Gifts and congratulations followed,and after signing the disciple banner,a small group went to Keegen's for food and fellowship.

My personal mission is to preserve and pass on the important traditions within the art of Tai-Chi, while keeping my heart and mind open to innovations and evolution from the many generations that have passed this amazing art to the present. I seek to strike a balance between traditional and contemporary learning and teaching methods.

"Take what is good, disguard what is bad."
-Master T.T. Liang

My Books About My Teachers

I have been most fortunate in the teachers I have had and continue to have. As my cup runneth over, and my notebooks, I shared the amazing wisdom and knowledge in the form of books. I am currently working on my own books, but for now I'd like to remind you of the lore and experience available.Most are out of print for now, but I am working on getting them re-published.