MMTCA Newsletter August 2020

"Dreams shed light on the dim places where reason itself has yet to voyage."
-Jordan Peterson

I hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and safe. All in my circle are fine and I'm grateful for that. If you haven't heard, the Ivy Building, where our Academy resides, will be closed for the rest of the year, possibly longer. The repairs to the roof and structure are extensive. I will not be renewing my lease. I have a few leads for a space for the Fall, but the virus will determine my next steps for a school. For now, practicing in the park feels safe so we will be outside. I will add Friday night to the practices starting August 7th.

Saturdays:
9-10 = Tai-Chi
10-11 = Weapons
11-12 = 5 Elements, 8 Palms, Pa-Kua Sword, 12 Animals Linking Form

Fridays:
6-730 = Tai-Chi, Karambit, Man Chiang Hung Sword, Hsing-Yi Spear

Book Suggestion- The Study Havamal by Carrie Overton

Where to find videos of forms and practices:

- MMTCA website 
https://mindfulmotiontaichi.com/home/media/
-MMTCA Facebook Page 
https://www.facebook.com/Mindful-Motion-Tai-Chi-Academy-306669573022438/videos
- MMTCA youtube page
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvdgzbaPsg6OoHqMx9QQs0g/videos
- your e-mail, let me know if you are not receiving videos in your e-mail.

I did receive my Kult Of Athena Tai-Chi sword. My quick review is that the blade is excellent! However, the handle is too small, short, and light to accurately balance the wonderful blade. My friend is going to construct a new handle. Would I buy it again? No. Here is a reliable, affordable Tai- Chi sword:

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2008&name=Hanwei+Practical+Tai+Chi+Sword

I have ordered another wooden practice sword from Little Raven and will give you a review when it arrives. https://www.little-raven.com/product/ching-jian/

And as far as reviews go, I just got a fantastic knife from Ragweed Forge! It is a Sami inspired belt knife. For $49.00 plus shipping, the craftsmanship and detail are amazing! Tell Redbeard I sent you! Here it is:

https://www.ragweedforge.com/wj-v13.jpg

This is the ax I recommend, the Viking Belt Axe. Great for throwing, and camping, and Orcs...

https://www.ragweedforge.com/23G.jpg

I will be launching both my Patreon and youtube pages on September 9th. I'll give you a reminder closer to the date. With all the support, and time due to CoViD and the RIOTS and FIRE, I have been at work making Tai-Chi more accessible through videos and books, as well as my blog. I hope to share this art with people outside of the upper mid-West. More later, but for now, thank you for all your support, encouragement, knowledge, inspiration, and appreciation. I am truly blessed and will continue my teaching in many more forms and mediums besides classes and seminars.

Thank you so much for your tuition, support, gifts,and especially your letters. To hear how Tai-Chi is helping you through this difficult and uncertain time makes me feel good, knowing you are practicing, and getting centered. Not to mention, stress relief. I keep all your notes and letters and read them when I need a boost, so thank you!

A bow from the waist to you and yours,
-Sifu Ray

"We have different voices, different perspectives, different worldviews, and we are all united through a love of nature ."
-Eimer Burke, Chosen Chief of OBOD