Monday, December 9, 2019

MMTCA December Newsletter 2019


“Snow was falling,
So much like stars
filling the dark trees
that one could easily imagine
its reason for being was nothing more
than prettiness.”

 -Mary Oliver

Happy Holiday Season! The dark is at full power, the cold is here, and white is the color so far. I hope you and yours take time to reflect, go inward, and enjoy your company.

We will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

I visited Master Paul Gallagher last month at his home in Asheville N.C. We had many great talks about life, our long relationship, and all things Tai-Chi. I learned so much and will gladly share with you all in the upcoming classes.



Tuesday, December 17th I'm suspending classes and inviting you to a movie night at the Academy. We will watch movies and clips featuring Master Liang, Master Choi, Prof Cheng and others. We'll start with a round of the form at 6:10, then settle into movies (and commentary) and snacks! Join us!

“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”  
J.R.R. Tolkien

We will be celebrating Chinese New Year early this year. Even though the Year of the Rat starts January 25th, we will have our demo and banquet Saturday, January 18th. More details next month.

Book suggestion-Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg

Our very own Karen Barton, who has been studying and reading astrology charts for years, has been selected by her astrology teacher, Dennis Acrea, to carry on his teachings and work. Dennis is retiring and has groomed Karen to be his successor. Karen will be teaching classes as well as continuing reading charts. If you are interested in Astrology, or want more information, contact Karen Barton at 16128198943

Movie suggestion- Meetings With Remarkable Men

"A country's strength or weakness lies with its people. Strength or weakness of its people lies in their physical prowess. This determines winning or losing, surviving or perishing. This is why martial arts must be revitalized."
-Jiang Rong Qiao 1928
( Master Choi's grand teacher)


2019 was a busy and rewarding year for me and the Academy. The classes and schedule have been varied and interesting. The progress I've seen this year has been amazing. Also, I am now sharing the space with Lindsay Forsythe, a local dancer and teacher.

Work on the revised, expanded edition of my book Real Gold, about Master Choi, is nearing completion, and I've had many deep and informative talks with Master Choi about his life and teaching. With help from Julie, Sharon, John S, and David Choi, I hope to have it done and ready by February 2020.

I opened two altars this year, one in Margo's home, and the other in Wanda's home. Both were moving experiences for me, and I felt the presence of Master Liang as we connected to our lineage. Myself, Margo, and Julie traveled to Delaware for a retreat with Diane Cannon's Ming Tao Tai-Chi. At Diane's home, we three also offered incense and respect at Diane's altar. I was struck, again, by the extent and far-reaching influence Master T.T. Liang still exerts through his teachings and lineage.

 
 





I moved to Duluth this past February, helped by over 20 academy members. I am driving a lot, with my Carleton classes, MPLS classes, and my new class in Duluth. Whew! Thank you for all your support, help, and commitment.

Preliminary filming has begun on my Home Study Course for Pushing-Hands. David Brewster has filmed many tests shots, and editing and proof-reading are in the works. Stay tuned! I am also in the process of  making a youtube channel to archive and document the many films I have of my teachers. Once it's up and running, I'll give you a password to access the historical  movies and other films there.

I want to thank a few people here for there invaluable part in making the past year a smooth, successful, adventure! I bow from the waist to:

Julie Cisler
Margo Bock
Fred Sparks
John Stitley
David Brewster
Diane Cannon
Dan Polsfuss
Spencer Chandler
Sharon Nyberg
Bryan Davis
Rondi Atkin
Rob Jones
Wanda Koehler
Matt Barrett
Kerry Kapuan
Scott Filipovich
Bob Klanderud
Paul Ittner
Mike Clemens
Dave Kielkof
Master Paul Gallagher
Grandmaster Wai-lun Choi
And my Anam Cara, Jane Shockley
If I've missed anyone, it's because of the abundance of amazing helpers, and the feebleness of my memory!

Thank you ALL for a wonderful year full of relaxation, practice, and learning, three of my favorite things!

-Ray

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

Monday, October 28, 2019

MMTCA Novembar Newsletter 2019



"Civilization is organized kindness,”
-Bill Foege

Happy Halloween! I hope you get lots of treats!

Last month I traveled to Delaware to conduct a retreat at Rehoboth Beach. We covered 8 Brocades, Fast Form, Wu-Dang Wu-Li Sword, Pushing-Hands Etudes, Karambit, and lots of history. We are planning to do it again next year, I'll keep you posted.

We will have day classes Wednesday, Nov 27th, but no evening class on Thanksgiving Eve. Classes will resume Saturday, Nov 30th (St Andrew's Day!)

Beginning Saturday, Nov 2nd, the 900AM Pushing-Hands class will be open to men and women, beginner and advanced.



Book Suggestion: This month it's not a book, but a periodical. The Pa-Kua Chang Journal was the most informative newsletter I have ever read. It covered Pa-Kua and its history, techniques, lineages, and covered many aspects of Chinese culture and martial arts.

https://pakuachangjournal.com/






To find my books, go to both Lulu.com, and Amazon. If you have bought any of my books, please write a review. It doesn't have to be long!

Two financial items for you. One, if you take time off, or plan to miss a month, please consider a partial or full payment. The rent on the Academy is monthly based. Help me insure a big, beautiful place to take class! Also, consider direct deposit. You can make a direct deposit of your tuition into the Academy account. If you are interested, I can give you more information.

Grad News:

Solo Form-

Michael Newman
Jason MacGrath

San-Shou-

Spencer Chandler
Jeannie Li
Robert Wozniak

Hsing-Yi 5 Element Linking Form-

Margo Bock
Julie Cisler
Wanda Koehler
Paul Ittner
Tony Lanners
Kieran Morris
John Feely

I have been so behind on publishing all your amazing progress and milestones. If I missed any grads please forgive me, it's not your fault!

I am planning to spend Thanksgiving with the #1 Big Brother, Master Paul Gallagher. I will bring your greetings and best wishes with me. Classes will run as usual in my absence.

I am truly grateful for all your enthusiasm, commitment, and hard work. may you reap every single benefit of these amazing arts and sciences. Namaste!

-Ray

 “Be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods.”
 –Unknown





Monday, September 30, 2019

MMTCA Newsletter October 2019







"I am not simply a human being. I am a human becoming."
-Samuel Avital


Fall is here and it feels good to be back at regular classes. Our schedule remains in place until next year.

I am off to Delaware the beginning of October for a four day seminar and retreat. I'll give you an update when I get back.

Lindsay Forsythe, the dancer and teacher who shares our space, has two Contemplative Movement classes, Tuesday and Thursdays 10-11AM.       Featuring meditation, contemplation, authentic movement, and sharing. This class would be a great addition to your Tai-Chi practice.

Book suggestions, two apprenticeships:
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Magician Apprenctice by Raymond Feist

Check out the intro movie made by David Brewster using students from our academy! It's on the home page of the Academy website.

Thank you for all you do,

-Ray

"A catastrophe of Dragons.'
-Robin Hobb

contact info 612-404-7320
 skrayhayward@gmail.com
 rayhaywardblog@gmail.com
 mindfulmotiontaichi.com
My Blog: The Inspired Teacher (rayhayward.com)
Facebook: Ray Hayward, Ray Hayward Enterprises, Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy
My books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward https://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/pe/courses/


Monday, September 2, 2019

MMTCA September Newsletter 2019



"Tomorrow owes you the sum of your yesterdays."
-Robin Hobb

As the Summer ends, 2nd Summer looms, and Fall is whispering to us all, I'm grateful for all the outside practices and classes this year. I'm also feeling a gratitude attitude to my subs and helpers, for giving time to vacation and rest. Thank you Julie, Fred, Margo, and all the other helpers. Namaste.

Our Fall schedule starts Monday,September 16th. Also, the 14th will be our last outdoor classes for this year. Here is some of what you can expect from the upcoming schedule:

*Tai-Chi Classes will continue to teach the 72 Movement Solo Form, and we  will begin section 3 of the Fast Form. For Qi-Gong, I will be teaching Master Choi's 8 Brocades.( I'm planning on adding an applications class for the Winter. Thoughts?)

*Weapons class on Saturdays will start the Tai-Chi Sabre. I will also teach something I've never taught before, the matching empty hand Bridge-Hands that correspond to the postures and techniques in the Saber Form. Whether you have completed the solo form or not, you may join this class on the 21st.

*12 Animals and Hsing-Yi will be reviewing the Dragon, Lun, and Pang for Animals. We will continue to refine the 5 Elements Linking From, learn applications for the Two-Handed Saber, and review the basic Five Fists. You can join this class on the 17th.

*Pa-Kua will be refining the Swimming Dragon, learn the Deer Horn Knives, and continuing two person work.

*Pushing-Hands on Wednesday nights will be open to all: men, women, beginner, and advanced.

Please check the full schedule for all details about class times and days.



Book Suggestion-My five favorite Taoist books!

1. Taoism: Road to Immortality by John Blofeld
2. Taoist Mysteries and Magic by John Blofeld
3. The Importance of Living by Lin Yu-tang
4. Tai-Chi Ch'uan and Meditation by Da Liu
 5. Drawing Silk by Paul B. Gallagher

Thank you for a great Summer, I look forward to a Fall full of relaxation, calm, and peace.
-Ray

"To my body I gave the power of my heart. Be, I said, love and create. Beat within. Be gentle. Radiate like sun."
From Awakening Osiris by
Normandy Ellis

contact info 612-404-7320
skrayhayward@gmail.com
rayhaywardblog@gmail.com
mindfulmotiontaichi.com
My Blog: The Inspired Teacher (rayhayward.com)
Facebook: Ray Hayward, Ray Hayward Enterprises, Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy
My books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward https://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/pe/courses/




Monday, August 26, 2019

It was 20 years ago today, actually...

It was 40 years ago this month that I met Master Paul B. Gallagher. I went to Omega Institute in Hoosick Falls NY with Master T. T. Liang as his assistant for 7 days of Tai-Chi classes in the Adirondack mountains. I drove out and back and had many hours with my teacher, listening to stories and learning so many facets of Tai-Chi.


                                   With Master Liang at Omega Institute, 1979

When we pulled up to the old boys school Omega was using as a campus at that time, we were greeted by a man and woman, Paul and Paula Gallagher. I had heard about Paul from Master Liang, how he was one of his three original students in Boston, the other two being Alice Crooks and Emile Beaulieu. Master Liang told me that without Paul's help, he would have never been able to write and publish his book. I had also heard from jealous classmates about how they would have to leave when classes were over but Paul got to stay. Maybe they never put together that that was book time, not student time.



When I went to NYC to study Hsing-Yi and Pa-Kua with Master B.P. Chan, he asked me if I knew Paul Gallagher. When I said no, he said, "You should meet him, he is my best Pa-Kua student."

                                                 
                                          Paul Gallagher and Master B.P. Chan in NYC

The first morning there, I went out to practice and as I began, and I saw some one watching me. I've had many people watch me start to practice, some have stayed for a bit, but very few watch my whole routine. ( Joe Lang in Scotland watched my whole 3 hour practice and said he learned a lot about me afterwards.) I noticed this person not only watched me, but stood in the Universal Post standing meditation position as I went through a 45 minute routine of Tai-Chi, Hsing-Yi, Pa-Kua and weapons!!

During that first day Paul came up to me and reintroduced himself and asked if we could meet that night after all the classes, meals and social time was over. I said yes, and that began my great good fortune. I had done a day of classes with Master Liang, had the dinner with hundreds of people, then went back for two hours of tea, talk, and time with Master Liang. At some point he wanted to retire and I made my way out into the night.

Paul was staying in one of the old ad-min buildings which looked like a castle. That first night we stayed up the whole night talking about Taoism, Tai-Chi, our teachers, Pa-Kua, just about everything!! Even though he was my senior in all ways and levels, he never talked down to me. I was nineteen and he was thirty six at the time. That night we did not go to bed! I went back as the sun  began rise to do my personal practice before I met Master Liang to go to the morning Tai-Chi classes.

That is how the whole week went pretty much. Sleep deprived bliss!  Paul was there teaching Taoism and I-ching, so I would pick his brain on those subjects. By the time we were saying goodbye, I had made plans to visit him at Wu-Ming Valley House in Hadley MA, just two hours away from me.

 
Paula at Wu-Ming
 
From that time on, I've been learning and sharing with Master Gallagher. He has introduced me to amazing people like J Richard Roy, Ken Cohen, John  Myerson, Paula Gallagher, Molly Malone, Rob, Annie, Joey, Mark, and so many others. He translated Tai-Chi texts for me, gave me first edition copies of All Men Are Brothers and The Importance of Living. He gave me so many books, ideas, practices and concepts. And he gave me the most valuable treasure, his friendship and brotherhood.
 

                                                 Practicing San-Shou at Wu-Ming 1979

Even to this day, I learn so much from this generous and kind teacher. He guided me through a prosperity course and we now work a great exercise, which I will share with you, about the study of fives. Paul asked me to list five books that changed my life. Not just five great reads or classics or amazing books, but five books that when I finished them, I was a different person. Here are my five:

Chinese Boxing: Masters and Methods by Robert W. Smith
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Journey to Ixtlan by Carlos Castenada
The Tao of Love and Sex by Jolan Chang
Our Life With Mr. Gurdjieff by Olivia DeHartmann

I learned so much about myself by seeing which books affected me so deeply and how I changed from that point on. We have done others lists of five, all with the idea that we are a different person after. Some have been five teachers, places, songs, movies, and teachers or teachings from people not alive who we have never met.

I could go on and on, how this person who could have taken advantage of me actually nurtured me. This person with the most amazing mind who let me in and shared so deeply his amazing life and lessons. So, I intend to do a follow up , but for now, I hope you got a glimpse at my friend, classmate, teacher, brother, and great treasure of my life!!

Thank you Paul Gallagher!!




Sunday, July 28, 2019

MMTCA Newsletter August 2019

MMTCA Newsletter August 2019





"Inner Power of steely strength.

Form perfected by a thousand years.

Okinawa’s heritage.

Seeking only to protect.

Man’s self respect."

-Grandmaster Meitoku Yagi

August is upon us! I know there have been some brutally hot days, but we have also had some lovely, cool and breezy classes in the park. I will be going to Colorado the first week of August. Classes will be held as usual. You can bring your tuition to the park and give it to either Julie, Fred, or Margo, or put it in the payment box at the academy. I am looking into direct-deposit as an option beginning in the Fall.

I now have some free times for private classes at the Academy. E-mail me for availability and cost.

Book suggestion: The Genuine Transmission of Bagua Quan  by Sun Xikun

There is still space for my retreat in Delaware on the beach this Fall! E-mail Sifu Diane Cannon for more details mingtaotaichi@gmail.com


Master Ray Retreat in Milford De
350 Bay Avenue, Slaughter Beach 19963- Beach Retreat House
October 4 - October 10, 2019

 
 

If you have bought any of my books from Lulu, please consider writing a review. Thank you!

Our Fall schedule will begin mid-September. I'll give you updates soon. If you have class suggestions, forms or training you'd like to see in the schedule, or just to ask about possibilities please don't hesitate to talk to me!

Enjoy the heat!

-Ray

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are."
-Marianne Williamson

contact info 612-404-7320
 skrayhayward@gmail.com
 rayhaywardblog@gmail.com
 mindfulmotiontaichi.com
My Blog: The Inspired Teacher (rayhayward.com)
Facebook: Ray Hayward, Ray Hayward Enterprises, Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy
My books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward https://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/pe/courses/

Friday, June 28, 2019

MMTCA July Newsletter 2019



"A life-affirming golden consciousness attracts gold in your life, invites heaven to shine down upon you, and produces an environment of wisdom and power. That, in a nutshell, is the alchemy of our lives."
-Dennis William Hauck

July is upon us! It's been great training and practicing outside with class on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Come join us!

Beginning July 1st, I have a new partner who will be sharing our space, Lindsay Forsythe. Lindsay is a Contact Improvisational dancer and will be using our space for her class and training.

I'll be taking some vacation time in August. Classes will be held as usual with subs to cover class.

Book suggestions from class discussions, using Taoist and Masonic numerology of three, five, and seven:

3 Pa-Kua books;

Pa-Kua Chinese Boxing for Fitness and Self-Defense by Robert W. Smith
Liang Zhen Pu Eight Diagram Palm by Li Zi Ming
BAGUAZHANG LIANXI FA Baguazhang Practice Method by Jiang Rungqiao trans by Joseph Crandall
* BONUS!! Pa kua Chang Newsletter/Journals, the best Martial Arts periodical I've ever read!

5 Hsing-Yi books;

Hsing-I Chinese Mind-Body Boxing by Robert W. Smith
XINGYI MU QUAN Xingyi Mother FistsMother Fists by Jiang Rungqiao trans by Joseph Crandall
Xing-Yi Nei-Gong trans by Dan Miller and Tim Cartmell
Shang Yun-Xiang Style Xingyiquan by Li Wen-Bin
The Xingyi Quan of the Chinese Army by Dennis Rovere

7 Tai-Chi books;

Tai-Chi Chuan for Health and Self-Defense, Principles and Practice by Master T.T.Liang
Cheng Tzu's 13 Treatises on Tai-Chi Chuan trans by Benjamin Lo
Yang Family Secret Transmission by Douglas Wile
Tai-Chi Chuan and Meditation by Da Liu
On Tai-Chi Chuan by T.Y. Pang
Fundamentals of Tai-Chi Chuan by Wen-shan Huang
The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan by Jou Tsung-hwa

Big Brother Paul Gallagher turned 75 on June 28th. Halfway to the middle level of Immortality!



Enjoy the Summer,
-Ray

"Why is it often hard for us to choose joy, even in moments when there are no painful circumstances in our lives?"
-Oriah

contact info 612-404-7320
skrayhayward@gmail.com rayhaywardblog@gmail.com
mindfulmotiontaichi.com
My Blog: The Inspired Teacher (rayhayward.com)
Facebook: Ray Hayward, Ray Hayward Enterprises, Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy
My books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward https://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/pe/courses/

Friday, May 24, 2019

MMTCA Newsletter June 2019

"To be old is to have less time before you and more mistakes behind."
-Abboud

Happy Mid-Summers on June 22nd! The shortest night and longest day happen this month.

A "Headstone Unveiling Ceremony" (the last act of burial in the Jewish faith) will be held at the grave of our beloved classmate Marty Kleinbaum on Sunday, June 2nd, beginning at 11:00AM at the Gemelus Chesed Cemetery, 7032 Penn Ave, Richfield.



Our Summer schedule is basically the same, with Tuesday nights and Saturday Morning held outside at East River Flats Park on the Mississippi River beginning Saturday June 22nd..

Tuesday 6-7 Solo Form, 12 Animals, and Hsing Yi
               7-8 Disciple's Practice
Saturday 10-11 Cane, Sword, Sabre, and weapons review
                11-12 Solo Form, and Fast Form

Grad News:

Hsing-Yi 7 Halberds Strung Like Pearls= Steve Peterson

Pa-Kua Swimming Dragon (learned and re-learned)= Margo Bock, Fred Sparks, John Stitley, Paul Dahlberg, Matt Barrett, Dave Kielkof, Steve Peterson, Jenny Graves, Conor Hatch

Hsing-Yi Five Fists/Elements (learned and re-learned)= Paul Ittner, John Feely, Bryan Steenerson, Margo Bock, Fred Sparks, John Stitley, Paul Dahlberg, Matt Barrett, Dave Kielkof, Jane Shockley, Steve Peterson, Conor Hatch, Wanda Koehler

The 12 Animals and Hsing-Yi class Tuesdays 7-8PM, will be covering the Tiger and the 5 Element Linking Form in June.

Book Suggestion- The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

I will have final information about staying in our space sometime this month. As it looks now, we will have our beautiful space for another year at least!

Get outside and breathe in that clean, clear Minnesota air!
-Ray

"Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal."
- Earl Nightingale

contact 612-404-7320
skrayhayward@gmail.com
rayhaywardblog@gmail.com
mindfulmotiontaichi.com
My Blog: The Inspired Teacher (rayhayward.com)
Facebook: Ray Hayward, Ray Hayward Enterprises, Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy
My books: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward