13 “Musts” from Master T.T. Liang.

 

13 “Musts” from Master T.T. Liang.

When I was studying with Master T.T. Liang, he used to tell me, “Young man, you must do, or you must have, or you must try to, etc.” In the last few weeks, I heard myself repeat a few of them in class, so I thought I’d share some with you.

1.      You must relax.

2.      You must sink your chi to the dantien.

3.      You must have a root.

4.      You must unify your body.

5.      You must become sensitive and alert.

6.      You must learn all the forms and practices on both the right and left sides.

7.      You must learn the complete system.

8.      You must invest in loss.

9.      You must practice every day.

10. You must get a good teacher.

11. You must try to make it correct.

12. You must follow the Taiji Classics.

13. You must become a rebel.

I had intended to write Master Liang’s explanation for each and offer my insights as well. Instead, I’m going to make this interactive, or not! If you write to me and ask, I will follow up for the one you are asking about. If you say all of them, no soup for you!

If one of these “musts” calls to you, or you have no idea what it means, or how to accomplish it, write to me. I will publish each one as I do them. Or not!

Answers published on my Patreon Page:

https://www.patreon.com/c/rayhayward

MMTCA August Newsletter 2025

 

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

~ Alice Walker

 

What can I say? Outside practice, early mornings mostly, are SO awesome and beautiful. The air, the light, the temperature all contribute to amazing rounds and practices. Try to get up one morning a week to start, and get outside and practice something, anything, and you’ll feel amazing. Classes outside are also at another level of awareness and perception, not to mention relaxation.

Our schedule and curriculum stay the same throughout August. We will be moving to Bohemian Flats Park on August 14^th. Also, the last Wednesday of July and the first Wednesday of August, I will be taking the Zoom classes off for my Summer vacation. We’ll resume August 13^th with more Right Side review.

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

 

We will be having our school camping retreat August 22-24^th. RSVP to me or Margo for space availability. In addition to hikes and group practice, I’ll be covering Taiji Post Training.

 

I’ll be on vacation from July 24^th to August 7^th. You will have substitute teachers to guide you through your practices and lessons.

 

Book Suggestion= A Tooth From the Tiger’s Mouth by Tom Bisio

https://www.alibris.com/search/books/isbn/9780743245517?invid=18466129885&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NMPi&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20865478211&gbraid=0AAAAAC92pG7cq4XBQy21eK1hc77p1D_O-&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhO3DBhDkARIsANxrhTr39-rKNaZwTy8cSiurvz0zUucN1H3yKISI_PEdtOAiPGdMdQJ53dcaAt1TEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

A fantastic layman’s guide to Chinese healing and theory. Thank you, Good Dan!

 

Please consider writing reviews for any of my books you bought from Lulu. It doesn’t have to be long or wordy. Just have it come from your heart!

https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Ray_Hayward?srsltid=AfmBOoqXUWP5xg_6Kk19I2M7vVxfHZs6wYQErOW7VPMatFXuGoMEznr5

 

Paul Brennan Translation= From Master Liang’s teacher, Shi Diaomei.

https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2024/09/30/shi-diaomeis-baduanjin-instructions/

 

Thank you all for exploring this amazing art with me.

-Sifu Ray

 

“Learning more is a smart person’s favorite form of procrastination.”

~ Mark Manson

"In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired.

In the pursuit of the Tao, every day something is dropped."

~ Tao Te Ching, verse 48.

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

10 Taiji Books When You're Stuck on a Desert Island.

"The more that you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

~Dr Seuss

For years, I've been  doing this mental exercise, what 10 Taiji books do I take if I'm stuck on a desert island. This is good for me to ponder; what books give the most or the deepest concepts, principles, and theories? Which ones catalogue the most about Taiji for me? What books cover the classics or the history? What books do I reference the most, reread, or gain insights with every reading? It's also a good study for when people ask for book suggestions. 

I'd say half of them firmly remain on my list, while the other half have moved up the ranks, been swapped out,  or added to over the years. With the fantastic translations of Paul Brennan, I've had so many more books to consider. Here is my current list. Some are readily available, and some, good luck on your quest!

1. Tai-Chi Chuan for Health and Self Defense by Master T.T. Liang

2. Tai-Chi Touchstones, Yang Family Secret Transmissions by Douglas Wile. (revised edition)

3. Cheng-Tzus 13 Treatises on Tai Chi Chuan by Cheng Man Ching, translated by Benjamin Lo and Martin Inn

4. The Skills and Essentials of Yang Style Taiji Boxing by Huang Yuanxiu

5. Tai-Chi Chuan and Meditation by Da Liu

6. On Tai-Chi Chuan by T.Y. Pang

7. The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan by Yang Chengfu

8. Fundamentals of Tai-Chi Chuan by Wen-shan Huang

9. Explaining Taiji Principles by Yang Banhou

10 Yang Family Taijiquan by Chen Yanlin

Ok, ok, five honorable mentions!

1. Drawing Silk by Paul B. Gallagher

2. The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan by Jou Tsung hwa

3. Brain Aerobics of Tai Chi Chuan by Great Grandmaster William C.C. Chen

4. There Are No Secrets by Wolfe Lowenthal

5. Questions and Answers on Tai Chi Chuan by Chen Weiming, translated by Benjamin Lo and Robert W. Smith

My Guest Blogger, Wanda Koehler

 

Wanda, front and center. with Annie, and Renee.

Ancora Imparo (I am still learning)

 

     It is sometimes hard to believe that it’s been 26 years since I first began learning Master T.T. Liang’s Tai Chi Ch’uan Long Form.  From that very first lesson, I was hooked. While many other activities had been big parts of my life, the one that I have stuck with is Tai Chi.  Or maybe it has stuck with me.

 

     Tai Chi Ch’uan became my favorite activity. I have taught myself left side of every solo form; as well as, the left side of sword, saber and cane.  I have practiced in campgrounds, hotel rooms, waiting areas at Mayo Clinic and even an emergency room when my husband was taken out for tests.

 

     There were days when tiredness, activities or life got in the way of my practice.  A dozen years ago, multiple hospitalizations including three joint replacements, kept me from doing Tai Chi for 11 months.  I had to relearn it all with the help of classes, instructional materials and a little muscle memory.

 

     In the past few years, physical issues, declining eyesight, isolation and feelings of inadequacy made everything a struggle including my practicing.  Then came November 6, 2024.  With the an overwhelming feeling of sadness and that so many things were beyond my control, I decided to practice the Long Form both right and left side every day. It was something I could control.  As of the date of this writing, I have not missed a day. It’s not always easy to accomplish. Some days I am too busy to do the form, or so tired it’s hard to keep moving, or too emotional or I just don’t feel like doing it. I do the form anyway. This means my form is not always pretty. 

Even though I do my very best to follow the principles of Tai Chi and practice as closely as I can the form according to Master Ray Hayward’s teaching; sometimes my form looks more like a fast form. Some days I struggle to balance.  Sometimes my brain is so tired that I start parts over multiple times before I get through it.  And sometimes I finish a section and wonder if I missed a posture because I don’t remember doing it. I have learned that things don’t have to be perfect to be beneficial. 

 

     I cannot unequivocally say I will never again  miss a day of practicing the Long Form.  I can only try my best not to skip a day because the benefits I’ve gained, while seemingly small  and incremental, are very evident to me. The subtle, indescribable feeling I have when I’ve completed both sides has actually motivated me to spend more time practicing other forms and weapon forms.

 

     There is a plaque on my wall that says “Martial Arts: A few years to learn. A lifetime to master!”  In the past 26 years, I’ve gained so much in knowledge, technique, skill and insights into myself. I’m a long way from being a master, but I am still learning.                                                                ~Wanda Koehler

 

 

 

MMTCA July Newsletter 2025

 

“Knowledge increases in proportion to its use; that is, the more we teach the more we learn.”

~ Mme Helena Blavatsky

 

Glorious Summer to you all! Practicing outside is one of the best healing habits you can acquire. Avoid direct sunlight when it’s noon and early afternoon, and drink water.

Our Summer schedule is outside except for rain, then we’ll be inside at the church. Taiji classes are going to take a walk on the wild side, I mean, the right side. We'll continue refining Taiji Sword, learn four Double Saber drills, and solidify Pushing Hands. I’m also making a push to learn a bunch more in section 3 of Sanshou, and to work on some Solo Form applications. Xingyi will continue learning 5 Elements, Spear, and Sticking Hands. Bagua will continue with Sensitivities, Qinna, and Sword. That’ll keep us busy!

We are having our retreat August 22-24 at St Croix state park. My theme is” Taiji Post and Beyond.” You can come and camp with us or join us at the park. We have a few spaces reserved already and we are anticipating more people than last year, so, RSVP ASAP!

https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/st-croix-state-park/8274

Book suggestion= The 8 Immortals of Taoism by Man-ho Kwok and Joanne O’Brien

My Pushing Hands book is in the layout design stage, and I hope to have more news for you soon.

If you go to my YouTube page and watch any of my video lessons and interviews, please do three things to help my algorithms:

1, Subscribe

2. Like (thumbs up) the video

3. Watch the whole thing or let it play completely

https://www.youtube.com/@rayhaywardtheinspiredteach8246

 

In addition to the Paul Brennan translation, for which I am deeply grateful and appreciative, I’d like to point out an additional source for translations. Check out Chen Faxing.

https://www.plumpub.com/kaimen/chen-faxing-translations/

I had the pleasure of teaching at the Twin Willows Retreat in Stroudsburg PA last month. The weather was a little rainy, but the accommodation, food, and attendees were fantastic! We spent around 6-8 hours a day on Taiji and related material like sword fencing, Willow 3, Taoist games, and group practices as well as Xingyi 8 Styles form and Bagua Sensitivities. I don’t know where we will be next year, but Bryan and I have penciled in June for another seminar or workshop, stay tuned!

 

Chen Yuxia, daughter of Grandmaster Chen Fa-ke, Chen Style Taiji Sword.

A HUGE thank you to those amazing substitute teachers who covered my classes while I was out East! I bow from the waist…

 

Blessed Summer everyone, filled with light, fresh air, grilling, hikes, camping, and outdoor practice. Namaste!

-Sifu Ray

 

“Gently to hear, kindly to judge.”

~ Shakespeare

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

My 7 Star Praying Mantis and Eagle Claw Kung Fu teacher, the late Lo Man-biu/Law Man Bill, with his teacher Grandmaster Law Fat-mong. The current Grandmaster, Lily Lau, is seated on front on the right.

Excerpt from "Mindfulness In Motion, Celebrating 40 years of Sifu Ray Hayward's Taiji in Minnesota"

(Some photos missing, for the complete essay get my book at Lulu.com)

Photo Essay. 

By Ray Hayward

“Now you know this solo form. Externally it is ok, but internally a lot of things you have to remember. Externally the postures may be correct, but internally quite incorrect. Something may not be quite right. You must presume you have an opponent in front of you. Some energy must be at the top of your head all the time to suspend it. Also, use intrinsic energy, do not be double-weighted – a lot of things. You have to know how to breathe, at what point do you inhale or exhale, what time to push -a lot of things you have to know.”

-Master T.T. Liang (quote about my solo form from 1981)

Sifu Ray's first Push photo in Lynnfield Mass 1977.

On Labor Day of 1984, I had a set of photos of my Solo Form taken at East River Flats Park. I wanted to see my Solo Form from the outside and make corrections and refinements. I have taken other sets throughout the years, and my Sword Form a few times as well. This year, 2024, I’m taking another set of photos again for corrections, refinement, and something else, to catalogue and witness what 40 years of learning, practicing, and teaching Taiji has done to my form and my body. Of course it’s only the outside you can see, but I can tell you about some of my inner changes. Some of my oldest friends, classmates, and students can address any changes to my personality and temperament. Here is some of what I see from both looking at the outside and knowing myself from the inside.

” Only rebels can get something.”

-Master T.T. Liang

After years of learning, practicing, and teaching, I started to have my own ideas about my form. My experience started to influence how I moved. Studying with Master Liang, he always encouraged me to find my own way, my own Solo Form. He would point out how the Yang’s family and their advanced students all did their forms a little bit differently. The sequences were the same, the principles and the classics were the same, but the execution and flavor became personal.

“Do you still have a black and white T.V.?”

-Grandmaster Wai-lun Choi

When I began to study with Grandmaster Wai-lun Choi, he always taught that I should have my applications fit modern fighting, not the old-fashioned fighting of decades ago. For instance, he told me to adapt the applications for boxing and wrestling, plus Thai Kickboxing leg kicks, which is how most people fight nowadays. Not to teach applications for kung-fu strikes, or Bagua and Taiji attacks. He also encouraged me to investigate sports, health, and breath sciences so I could improve the training methods.

Studying with my two main teachers, I had the wonderful dilemma of having more than one right answer! Both masters, Liang and Choi, had different mechanics for movement, stances, and applications in the Solo Form. For instance, Liang’s methods were more for pushing, whereas Choi’s were more for punching. I blended Master Liang’s “Whole Body as One Unit,” which is mostly for pushing, with Master Choi’s “9 Joint Harmony,” (which I call 9 Joint Unity) mostly for striking.

Master Liang taught that the spine should be plumb erect. Master Choi said I should always be aware of the invisible plumbline of gravity going through my body and stance. I call these plumb spine and plumbline. For Liang, the plumbline and the spine were always together. For Choi, the plumbline and the spine were together when the weight was on the back foot, or you were standing up, otherwise the spine was forward of plumb.  Over the last twenty years I gradually synthesized both master’s methods into my own Solo Form, without violating the classics, the theories, the principles, or my master’s generous teachings.

1984- Looking at my postures, you can see that I was working on getting low, strong stances, gaining a root, and strengthening my legs. Master Liang always complimented me on my low stances and agile footwork. I was kicking high for strength and self-defense. I worked a lot on long power and every aspect of shifting and transferring weight. The other thing I worked on was getting the heights, measurements, angles, counts, and directions correct. My frame was large to medium.   I felt that if I got the externals correct, they would influence my internal and technique as well. Internally I was working on exact breathing patterns to circulate energy and had, and still have, many experiences of the movement of chi, and heat/cold/tingling/rushing sensations throughout my body during the form. I also worked on having the feeling and awareness of the presence of an opponent in front of me while I worked through applications in my mind.

Of the twin foundations of relax and sink, in those early days I was primarily working on sink.

2024- Looking at my postures today, you can see my emphasis is on how the postures feel, as opposed to how they look. I am working on unity, 9 Joint Unity, or whole-body coordination, which leads me to now work mainly on short power. I am not concerned with my spine being plumb, but I am working with the ever-constant plumbline of gravity passing through my body and structure. I’m more forward now, using Master Choi’s simple alignment of having my head over a foot. When I’m front weighted, I’m forward having a foot under my head. When I’m back weighted, I am plumb and have my head, hips, and foot in a vertical line.

I kick high now for flexibility and range of motion. I am working on “under breathing” and letting my natural breath patterns adjust to what they need. I try not to bother, interfere, or manage my breathing, and let my breath do whatever my Solo Form demands.

I have three ways I work my Solo Form, slow, flow, and low. The first decades I mostly worked on going slow, taking up to forty minutes to do the solo form and doing the stances as low as I could. Now I mostly work on flow, and that takes me between twenty to twenty-five minutes for a round. I also used to train holding postures for a long time, but now I hold for a much shorter time. My frame is mostly medium, and some small. Internally I am working on being natural, and letting my spirit guide my body. Witnessing chi movement as opposed to trying to direct or lead where it goes.

Of the twin foundations of relax and sink, these days I ‘m primarily working on relax.

 “Loyalty to a style or form keeps you from making changes for the better.”

-Grandmaster Wai-lun Choi

Raise the Curtain