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