MMTCA October Newsletter 2024

 

“I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So, I like best of all autumn, because its leaves are a little yellow, its tone mellower, its colors richer, and it s tinged a little with sorrow and a premonition of death. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor of the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and is content.”

-Lin Yutang

 

Glorious October! What an amazing Fall we are having! Although the weather is still lovely, we are taking classes back inside at St Sahag’s beginning this month. Times and place are the same as last year:

Tuesday 6-8 St Sahag

Wednesday 630-730 Zoom

Thursday 6-8 St Sahag/Zoom

Saturday 9-11 St Sahag

We’ll be continuing with learning and refining the 3^rd Section of the Long Form, finish the 4^th Section of Sanshou and start the 5^th section (the longest!), and work on Saber Fencing. For pushing hands we’ll review the 8 Basic Methods, 5 Advanced Drills, and get prepared for Willow #4! Bagua will be continuing with the 8 Palms, sword, deer horns, and some sensitivities. Xingyi will be learning more of the spear, stationary 5 Elements and Lightning Hands. And Chinese New Year is coming…

The 40^th Anniversary book and my pushing hands book are both coming closer to publication. I’ll keep you posted and will hold a book signing party when we they are available.

Speaking of party, I’m asking for volunteers to come and help paint the Dance studio at St Sahag some Sunday afternoon in November. Let me know if you can help and what dates work best for you.

Book suggestion and Brennan translation this month are Yiquan themed.

Book suggestion= The Complete Book of Yiquan by C.S. Tang

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Yiquan-C-Tang/dp/1848192258

Paul Brennan= https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/the-correct-path-of-yiquan/

 

The Hybrid class starts the 3^rd of this month. The monthly pushing hands and the book club will start up again in November.

 

FYI my Patreon page has a free membership option, please consider supporting by simply being a member.

 

A glorious and fun-filled Autumn to you all!

-Sifu Ray

 

“Releasing what no longer serves you is an act of courage and self-respect.”

-Brene Brown

 

Contact info

my phone- 1-218-341-9894

 

email= skrayhayward@gmail.com

 

my Patreon page= patreon.com/rayhayward

 

 blog= rayhayward.com

 

website=  mindfulmotiontaichi.com

 

facebook= Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

                Ray Hayward Enterprises

 

YouTube= Ray Hayward, the Inspired Teacher

 

                 Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

Twitter- Ray Hayward 1988

 

my books at Lulu= lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward

 

my books on Amazon= amazon.com/author/rayhayward

 

Instagram= Ray Hayward, or, ataoistsufitemplardruidviking

 

School shirts-        https://www.zazzle.com/single_whip_chakra_tee-235016484610969225

 

My address,

5140 W. 102^nd St

#307

Bloomington, MN

55437

 

 

#rayhayward#taiji#taichichuan#bagua#xingyi#sword#qigong#yichuan#wudangsword#chinna#standingmeditation#taoistmeditation#taoistlove#semenretention#masterttliang#wailunchoi#mindfulmotiontaichiacademy#rayhaywardtheinspiredteacher#inspiredteacher#rayhaywardblog#sanshou#prayingmantis#karambit# #pushinghands#fajing#imsak#rosslynchapel#druidry #lulubooksrayhaywardauthor #patreonrayhaywardtheinspiredteacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MMTCA September 2024 Newsletter

 

“Reject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears.”

― Marcus Aurelius

 

A warm and glorious September to you! Outside classes and practices are continuing to deliver pure joy! Not to mention eagles, hawks, bluejays, cardinals, etc.etc.etc.

 

Our schedule stays the same for September, we will be outside at Bohemian Flats, until October. Speaking of October, we will resume the monthly online pushing hands classes, and, we will be offering a book club, more like a verse/passage/paragraph club, lead by Rondi Atkin. We will explore and discuss readings from the Art of War, Tao Te Ching, Taiji Classics, and select Taiji books. Invites and more next month.

This month’s Paul Brennan translation is the Taiji Saber book by Fu Zhongwen. Master Liang relied heavily on the book, as well as his Wudang sword training, to teach us this short but amazing saber fencing set.

https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/yang-style-taiji-saber-according-to-fu-zhongwen/

 

Speaking of books, it’s been a book year. I made a small contribution to my teacher Master BP Chan’s legacy book, my 40^th Anniversary book should be out soon, and my Pushing Hands books is finishing a huge round of edits. Stay tuned!

 

John Myerson, Dr Leung Kay-chi, and myself 1980.

And more books! My dear friend, esteemed brother, and most excellent training partner, Master John Myerson has been writing for years about his experiences with healing, shamanism, martial arts, and life challenges. The founder of New England School of Acupuncture, Harvard Kung-Fu Club instructor, martial arts extraordinaire, John is the middle brother with myself as younger brother (my first Chinese name was Shao Di, little brother) and Paul Gallagher as elder brother. Check out John’s books:

https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AJohn+G.+Myerson&s=relevancerank&text=John+G.+Myerson&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

 

9/9 marks the 4^th anniversary of the launching of my Patreon page. I have lessons and posts planned to include beginning the Advanced Pushing Hands drills, Taiji Classics, and Bagua to name a few. I’m also expanding my horizons and am going to try my hand at Vlogging!

https://www.patreon.com/rayhayward

Thank you all for your support and attendance. 

(Shameless plug, go to the Renaissance Festival if you get a chance, tell the Feastmaster I sent you! https://renaissancefest.com/)

 

-Sifu Ray

“People are often surprised when I tell them the most important thing I learned in the CIA is situational awareness.”

-Jason Hanson

 

Contact info

my phone- 1-218-341-9894

 

email= skrayhayward@gmail.com

 

my Patreon page= patreon.com/rayhayward

 

 blog= rayhayward.com

 

website=  mindfulmotiontaichi.com

 

facebook= Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

                Ray Hayward Enterprises

 

YouTube= Ray Hayward, the Inspired Teacher

 

                 Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

Twitter- Ray Hayward 1988

 

my books at Lulu= lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward

 

my books on Amazon= amazon.com/author/rayhayward

 

Instagram= Ray Hayward, or, ataoistsufitemplardruidviking

 

School shirts- https://www.zazzle.com/single_whip_chakra_tee-235016484610969225

 

My address,

5140 W. 102^nd St

#307

Bloomington, MN

55437

 

 

#rayhayward#taiji#taichichuan#bagua#xingyi#sword#qigong#yichuan#wudangsword#chinna#standingmeditation#taoistmeditation#taoistlove#semenretention#masterttliang#wailunchoi#mindfulmotiontaichiacademy#rayhaywardtheinspiredteacher#inspiredteacher#rayhaywardblog#sanshou#prayingmantis#karambit# #pushinghands#fajing#imsak#rosslynchapel#druidry #lulubooksrayhaywardauthor #patreonrayhaywardtheinspiredteacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“

 

 

 

  

4th Anniversary at Patreon

 

September 9th is the Four Year Anniversary of the opening of my Patreon page. Paul Gallagher help me with the date, choosing an auspicious day and deity to help with my beginnings. It began as a way to stay connected, and be supported, after my school was closed due to the Covid19 lockdown, and the George Floyd riots. It was also a major learning curve and additional facet to my various teaching methods and modes. Now after four years, my page stands as a valuable addition and medium for sharing the arts we so dearly love and practice.

My current plans for the page are to begin offering advanced pushing hands drills and material, finish the Bagua 8 Palms, and share two Taiji Classics with some explanation and demonstration:

"To withdraw is to attack; to attack is to withdraw..."

and

"If you pay full attention to your spirit and ignore your breathing, your striking force will be as string as pure steel..."

I have filmed my Solo Form for both demo and instruction, and have started to share those already. I've also filmed my 37 Posture Short Form, and my 72 Movement Fast Form and they will be offered as well. And I'm exploring Vlogs and will share some short lessons and thoughts with you starting in October.

I want to thank you all for supporting my art and my teaching of the art.  To see you make a breakthrough, to see a lightbulb go on over your head, to get one of those questions from your deep dive into personal practice, to watch you fend off multiple pushes and attacks in Willow #3, all makes my heart soar! Again, thank you for your support and appreciation. I leave you with this line from the Taiji Classics:

"Carefully examine what the ultimate purpose is- the enhancement of longevity, rejuvenation, and immortality."

MMTCA August Newsletter 2024

 

“Wisdom, unlike enlightenment, is continuous.”

-Philip Carr-Gomm

 

It was 40 years ago that I moved from Massachusetts to Minnesota. I left around July 29^th and got into Minnesota at the beginning of August. I have a 40^th Anniversary book coming out soon, and I’ve begun filming and cataloging my solo form for instruction and legacy. Where did the time go? I feel like I’m just getting to know Minnesota and Minnesotans! There are a lot more memories and musings in my contributions to the 40^th book. I’ll let you know ASAP when the book is ready.

 

The schedule stays the same for August, but we will meet Thursdays and Saturdays at Bohemian Flats starting August 15^th. Tuesdays at St Sahag, and the church is always a rain backup. I have plans for the Fall schedule and will share those with you next month.

https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/bohemian_flats_park/

We are having a one day and one night camping retreat on September7/8. You don’t have to camp overnight; you can join us for the day Sunday. We have the group site and can accommodate 25 people! There is no fee, just that we split the cost of the site. Here is the itinerary:

Saturday Night- A talk on the five major styles of Taiji.

A look at our current lineage chart. (see below)

Taiji stories around the campfire.

Sunday -Morning practice, long luxurious glorious!

Updates and refinements on the 150 Long Form.

 

St. Croix State Park 

30065 St Croix Park Road 

Hinckley, MN  55037 

320-280-7880 

The park is located 15 miles east of Hinckley on State Highway 48, then 5 miles south on County Road 22. 

Group Camp - Site GC8
Stay: Sat 09/07/2024 - Sun 09/08/2024 (1 night)

 

Additional Info : 

• All vehicles entering a state park must properly display a valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit. Permits may be purchased at the park. 
• Modern restroom and shower facilities are not provided for this group camp, vault toilets and drinking water are available. 
• Up to 25 people may occupy this group camp. 
• Check-in is 4:00pm, but may be available earlier. Check-out is 4:00pm. 
• Consumption of intoxicating beverages in state parks is prohibited. 

I would like an RSVP by August 15^th. Whether you are coming and camping, or just attending Sunday. Thank you Mark and Margo for putting this together.

 

Book suggestion= Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life by Jason Hanson

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318328/spy-secrets-that-can-save-your-life-by-jason-hanson/

 

If you are not my patron, please consider supporting me on my Patreon page. If you are a patron, thank you for your support, please consider raising your pledge. I’m going to expand the page to include vlogs and blogs. Stay tuned! Thank you ALL!

patreon.com/rayhayward

 

 

Brennan Translation= https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/the-taiji-classics/

 

Pine Grove Open Space in Colorado 2024

Thank you to my tutors who subbed for me during my trip to Colorado. I only leave my classes in the hands of the best!

 

-Sifu Ray

 

“Technology changes all the time, humans hardly ever.”

-Ergeny Morozov

 

Contact info

my phone- 1-218-341-9894

 

email= skrayhayward@gmail.com

 

my Patreon page= patreon.com/rayhayward

 

 blog= rayhayward.com

 

website=  mindfulmotiontaichi.com

 

facebook= Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

                Ray Hayward Enterprises

 

YouTube= Ray Hayward, the Inspired Teacher

 

                 Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

Twitter- Ray Hayward 1988

 

my books at Lulu= lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward

 

my books on Amazon= amazon.com/author/rayhayward

 

Instagram= Ray Hayward, or, ataoistsufitemplardruidviking

 

School shirts-        https://www.zazzle.com/single_whip_chakra_tee-235016484610969225

 

My address,

5140 W. 102^nd St

#307

Bloomington, MN

55437

 

 

#rayhayward#taiji#taichichuan#bagua#xingyi#sword#qigong#yichuan#wudangsword#chinna#standingmeditation#taoistmeditation#taoistlove#semenretention#masterttliang#wailunchoi#mindfulmotiontaichiacademy#rayhaywardtheinspiredteacher#inspiredteacher#rayhaywardblog#sanshou#prayingmantis#karambit# #pushinghands#fajing#imsak#rosslynchapel#druidry #lulubooksrayhaywardauthor #patreonrayhaywardtheinspiredteacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MMTCA July Newsletter 2024

 

“Every person has a legacy. You may not know what your impact is, and it may not be something that you can write on your tombstone, but every person has an impact on this world.”

- Dara Horn

A glorious, albeit wet, July for outdoor practice. As long as it’s not cold, or too hard, practice in the rain. Be careful of slippery surfaces, that’s where empty stepping comes in, and take the jumps out of the weapons. Try it! Practicing in a light rain is magical and something you won’t forget.

 Our schedule stays the same, we are at East River Flats and the Church for July. For next month, Xingyi students have to think about this, do you want to learn Xingyi Spear or Xingyi Kwando? You don’t have to have a spear or Kwando; you can use a six-foot staff for now.

This is becoming a summer of books! The BP Chan book, which I contributed to, is out. The 40^th Anniversary book is shaping up. And my Pushing Hands book is getting edited and some parts re written to become my legacy book, and so much more.

We are having a one day and one night camping retreat on September7/8. You don’t have to camp overnight; you can join us for the day Sunday. We have the group site and can accommodate 25 people! There is no fee, just that we split the cost of the site. Here is the itinerary:

Saturday Night- A talk on the five major styles of Taiji.

A look at our current lineage chart. (see below)

Taiji stories around the campfire.

Sunday -Morning practice, long, luxurious, glorious!

Updates and refinements on the 150 Long Form.

 

St. Croix State Park 

30065 St Croix Park Road 

Hinckley, MN  55037 

320-280-7880 

The park is located 15 miles east of Hinckley on State Highway 48, then 5 miles south on County Road 22. 

Group Camp - Site GC8
Stay: Sat 09/07/2024 - Sun 09/08/2024 (1 night)

 

Additional Info : 

• All vehicles entering a state park must properly display a valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit. Permits may be purchased at the park. 
• Modern restroom and shower facilities are not provided for this group camp, vault toilets and drinking water are available. 
• Up to 25 people may occupy this group camp. 
• Check-in is 4:00pm, but may be available earlier. Check-out is 4:00pm. 
• Consumption of intoxicating beverages in state parks is prohibited. 

I would like an RSVP by August 15^th. Whether you are coming and camping, or just attending Sunday. Thank you Mark and Margo for putting this together.

“If you remember your lineage, you will never feel lonely.”

-Philip Glass

 

 

Speaking of retreats, I taught at Twin Willows retreat last month, at the Pine Brook camp/retreat site in the Poconos mountains in Pennsylvania. We had three days and nights of classes, presentations, videos, and fellowship! The venue is reserved for next year and we’ll have another retreat at the same place. I’ll give you more details in December, mark it on your calendar!

I’m fussy and particular about martial arts magazines and publications. I want to read about subjects and history that directly affects my training and understanding. For me, the standard is the Pa Kua Chang Journals. There was not an issue where I didn’t get some useful training tip, or another piece in the history puzzle, or saw a photo of some long ago master. I’m now cautiously optimistic about a new publication by Bradford Tyrey, Journal of Traditional Chinese Boxing and Taiji, old masters and their methods. I’ve read the first two editions, and they look really good. Check them out!

 

 

Brennan Translation, possibly the first or oldest book on Taiji.

https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/the-taiji-manual-of-xu-yusheng/

 

Thank you to all who contributed to the 40^th Anniversary book. I’ve seen most of it and it looks amazing! I’m planning a release and signing party a soon as it’s ready, stay tuned.

-Sifu Ray

 

“Tradition is a guide and not a jailer.”

- W. Somerset Maugham

Contact info

my phone- 1-218-341-9894

 

email= skrayhayward@gmail.com

 

blog= rayhayward.com

 

website=  mindfulmotiontaichi.com

 

facebook= Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

                Ray Hayward Enterprises

 

YouTube= Ray Hayward, the Inspired Teacher

 

                 Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy

 

Twitter- Ray Hayward 1988

 

my books at Lulu= lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward

 

my books on Amazon= amazon.com/author/rayhayward

 

my Patreon page= patreon.com/rayhayward

 

Instagram= Ray Hayward, or, ataoistsufitemplardruidviking

 

School shirts-        https://www.zazzle.com/single_whip_chakra_tee-235016484610969225

 

My address,

W 102nd St

apt 307

Bloomington, MN

55437

 

#rayhayward#taiji#taichichuan#bagua#xingyi#sword#qigong#yichuan#wudangsword#chinna#standingmeditation#taoistmeditation#taoistlove#semenretention#masterttliang#wailunchoi#mindfulmotiontaichiacademy#rayhaywardtheinspiredteacher#inspiredteacher#rayhaywardblog#sanshou#prayingmantis#karambit# #pushinghands#fajing#imsak#rosslynchapel#druidry #lulubooksrayhaywardauthor #patreonrayhaywardtheinspiredteacher