MMTCA November Newsletter 2025

Prof. Zheng Manqing, showing the perfect foot and navel alignment for Golden Rooster.

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.”

~Richard Bach

 November is upon us, the days grow short and nights are getting longer, and darker. A good time for reading, meditation, and going deep inside yourself with your practice. You are a seed, deep in the Earth…

Thank you to my subs during my Delaware Seminar, I always get good reports back on your teaching, and I’m grateful. Thank you, Margo, Julie, and Fred.

Thursday Hybrid classes start November 6^th. Here is the link and you will find the links regularly on my Patreon Page. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82282055017?pwd=La4FMOBq15lNbKJurldJNKFTUh7JbW.1

 It is with a heavy heart and a grateful spirit that I inform you of the passing of my classmate, brother, friend, and medicine man/shaman, Robert “Bob” Klanderud. Bob used to drive me to St Cloud for class with Master Liang in the early 80’s. Bob was generous in sharing his knowledge about Native American healing and spirituality. I’ll see you on the other side Hoka Hey!

No classes on Thanksgiving, Nov 27^th , but there will be classes Saturday, Nov 29^th.

People have been asking me about astrology and getting their charts read. I recommend Karen Barton, my astrologer for many years. Call Karen and make an appointment to have your chart read, get a deeper understanding of astrology, and find out some amazing things about…YOU! 

Karen Barton 612-819-8943

 

Paul Brennan translation= The Study of Xingyi Quan by Sun Lutang

https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/the-xingyi-manual-of-sun-lutang/

 

 I don’t usually share videos of clips in the newsletter, but this one is pure gold! It gets to the difference between pushing and punching, something we’ll be exploring in Willow #4.This is from Joe Lewis, the pioneer of full contact karate and kick boxing, and a teacher par excellence. Grandmaster Joe Lewis founded American Karate and catalogued his extensive career as a professional fighter in a system that is being taught today, years after his passing. Learn and enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eYK7wtGi2wQ

 

Book suggestion= I’ve recommended this book many times. If you don’t own it, you are in for a treat! If you already have it, take it out and give it another read, you’ll be surprised! My suggestion is,

Tai-Chi Chuan and Meditation by Da Liu

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31353852039&dest=usa&ref_=ps_ggl_18382194370&cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade0to10-_-product_id=COM9780805240115USED-_-keyword=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17190383930&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Y6gvl-V55XTS72D_-SBNTc5BKL&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxATLcSPmYGSnyOWpgNy3i6HNcw67fN7hxgdlB0bRzgV41C22xW2W2waAnP8EALw_wcB

 

The monthly Pushing Hands Zoom class begins Monday , November 24^th. I’ll send out an invite closer to the date. If you haven’t been receiving an invite, and want to be included, email or text me.

Niu Chunming, right, student of both Yang Jianhou and Yang Chengfu.

Thank you all for journeying with me on the inward path to relaxation, awareness, and self-discovery, otherwise known as Taiji.

-Sifu Ray

 

“Help us to be ever faithful gardeners of the spirit, who know that without darkness nothing comes to birth, and without light nothing flowers.”

~ May Sarton

 

 

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

Grandmaster Wang Ziping teaching his grand daughter the sword.

 

Another question and answer for # 8 of Master Liang's "musts."

 

Hi Sifu,

I'm curious about the explanation for number 8, "You must invest in loss".

I only have a vague sense for what this refers to. It feels broadly related to the concept of yielding and not focusing on/expecting immediate benefits. Is this the right line of thought? Is there a way to apply this "must" in the context of practicing the solo form for instance?

Thank you,

Peter

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your question. At first look I was going to give the simple answer of yes, Master Liang was referring to Pushing Hands and all that we gain from our losses and failures. He always said in the beginning, it was better to lose and stay relaxed, than win and be tense. My upcoming book on Pushing Hands goes into great depth on this concept. Now, your addition was most profound and unlocked insight into a deluge of losses in my Solo Form!

How many times have I lost my place? Forgot where I was in the Form sequence, or transitioned to a different/wrong section or part?

When and where have I lost my balance? When was my step heavy and uncontrolled, or I had to ground my foot without fully kicking? When did tension rise up quickly, cause me to gasp, and make me "fall up?"

Where did I lose my breath, or hold my breath, or interrupt my breath? When did I override my wise breathing center to force an exhale when my body wanted to inhale? At what point did I let my breathing become short, shallow, uneven, and in my chest?

What made me lose my flow, my smooth movement, my reeling silk? When did I stop, splice, or disconnect, forgetting to use my whole body?

When did I lose my meditation, my focus, my intuitive movement? What made me “wake up” and say, where am I?

Here’s one that really threw me, which forms, practices, techniques, training methods, and even styles, have I lost? I used to know the required 10 Hand Forms of Northern Shaolin. Now they are gone…

So, with all this loss, what’s my investment? When I lose my place, I try to find out what made me lose focus, or shift from meditation and intuition to conscious thought? I see if I lose my place at the same part of the Form, or what external distractions call me from my meditative state.

Losing balance, I can check to see if my alignment was off, or if I hurried before I was ready.

Using breath as a gauge or meter, I can see when my movement is harmonious and my breath becomes automatic and perfect, or if my postures are disjointed, jerky, and bothering my breathing.

The times I’m not smooth, flowing, or effortless, I can learn from them and see what is off in my balance, mechanics, concentration, etc. and make corrections and refinements.

I have now learned what meditation, focus, and intuition FEEL like, through those times I lost it in my Solo Form. I noticed how my sight changed from when I was in a meditative state and then came out to my rational, analytical mind. When I stopped looking inward, lightly gazing at my surroundings, to when I switched to actively seeing, identifying, and naming what was outside me.

As far as the forms, techniques, and skills I used to possess, I know they are deep inside and still inform my body, mind, and spirit in some way. I just might not be able to show or explain as clearly as I can my main practices and skills.

Thank you again for your question, feel free for a follow up!

MMTCA October Newsletter 2025

 

"Low stance strengthens the muscles and bones, high stance shakes the enemy's soul."

~ Unknown

Glorious and luscious October, Rocktober! It's been such a great outdoor class and practice season, I hate to see it go! We are officially indoors starting in October, not because of the temperature, but because of the fading light. I will practice outside until hypothermia drives me inside...

We'll be starting both the Hybrid Thursday Night class, and the monthly Pushing Hands Zoom class, in November.

For our Taiji curriculum, starting in October I'll be covering some basics for the Solo Form, like alignment, relaxation, breathing, mindfulness, and unity. It's lung season so we'll review Taiji Qigong, and learn how to add the two sounds of Hun and Hah to the set.

Door Guard, Hah, with abdomen expanded.

Door Guard, Hun, with abdomen contracted.

Pushing Hands we'll do a review of Willows 1,2,and 3, and then dive into Willow 4. This is where we'll explore the free-style attacking for pushing, and the striking and self defense aspects of Taiji as a martial art. I'll teach this in a safe and friendly manner. Bring your notebook! We'll start the Wudang two person fencing form, continue with Double Saber drills, and press forward in our pursuit of the Sanshou sequence.

Xingyi will continue with the Five Fists and Spear, and introduce two partner forms. Bagua will continue with Basics and Qinna, complete the right side of the sword, and begin the Swimming Dragon Form.

Grandmaster Wai-lun Choi, Wild Goose Leaves the Flock, Swimming Dragon Bagua Zhang.

Dues and tuition will be changing in November. I'm redoing the "tiers" and will let you know about updates. Most of you will not be affected, but double check to make sure you are at the correct tuition for your attendance.

In class we were talking about the feeling, as opposed to the thought, of being in meditation. How do we know if we are meditating while doing the Solo Form? Do we think we are meditating, or are we feeling it? We also talked about seeing while in meditation, because we usually have our eyes open when we do Taiji. I have some charts to help you with the sight of meditation, how you see when you are in a meditative state. Look at the images. Is the picture moving or not? If it's moving, you are in your rational, conscious mind. If you can make it still, you are in your meditative, intuitive mind i.e. meditating. Try doing your Standing Meditation and Solo Form with this relaxed, gentle, inward gaze, and you'll feel your meditation deepen and your mind become still.

http://brainden.com/eye-illusions.htm

Book suggestion- Lone Sword Against the Cold Cold Sky by Adam Hsu

https://www.plumpub.com/Lone/LS_sale.htm

Thank you all for those wonderful classes at the river and the church. The eagles, a coyote, hawks, and Canadian geese were all welcome visitors as we moved gracefully, silently, intentionally, and rootedly through our forms and movements. Same again next year?

-Sifu Ray

Standing Meditation at Bohemian Flats, 2025.

"You are not your thoughts, emotions, your body, or even your story. You are the silent awareness behind them all."

~ Carl Jung

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

 

MMTCA September Newsletter 2025

 

Tao Ping-hsiang and Robert W. Smith, pushing hands at Master T.T. Liang's house, Taipei Taiwan.

"The reward of our work is not what we get, but what we become."

~Paolo Coeho

Wow! Where did the Summer go? Classes outside are still beautiful, just bring a coat or hoodie in case. I'll go until the end of September, then I'll move classes indoors due to the loss of light.

Wednesday Zoom classes are now being taught by myself and Julie Cisler. Julie is a teacher in her own right and teaches many classes a week, both in person, Zoom, and hybrid. I'll teach the 1st, 3rd, and when it happens, 5th Wednesdays, focusing on principles. Julie will be teaching the 2nd, and 4th Wednesdays, and she'll continue with sequence review and also teach principles and share training tips. Here is the first list I'm working from.

1. Alignment

2. Relaxation

3. Breath

4. Mind

5. Movement

My friend and brother, Elliott Monds is a martial artist, a professor, and an expert on many subjects. He is also a great source for finding rare and out of print books. And, he can tell you what is good, what is expensive, and what is a heck of a deal! Here is is website, tell him I sent you.

www.elliottsemporium.com

St Sahag, our home, is having their annual Armenian Festival September 13th and 14th. Go and get some amazing food and help support our lovely and historic home!

Brennan Translation= https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2025/04/11/yang-style-taiji-sword-according-to-jin-yitian/

Thank you to all my subs who kept our classes going while I was in the mountains. I bow to you!

I have a lot planned for Fall, so take this short newsletter as the calm before the...fun!

-Sifu Ray

"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good."

~ John Steinbeck

Twin Willows Taiji Seminar in Delaware 2025

T’ai Chi Seminar - October 24, 25, & 26

Friday, October 24th 7:00PM-9:00PM Session

Meditation and Orbit / Chi Circulation while doing the Solo Form

Learn how to breathe and have a meditative frame of mind while doing the solo form. In addition,

learn how to direct the Ch’i through the body in accordance with the postures.

Saturday, October 25th 8:00AM-10:00AM Session

Solo Form Refinement

Learn the details of the postures. Clean up the little aspects of your form. Add more

understanding of what you are doing while you do the Solo Form.

Saturday, October 25th 10:30AM-12:30PM Session

Solo Form Applications

Learn the basic applications of the postures of the solo form. See how the movement is used and

not just performed.

Saturday, October 25th 2:30PM-4:30PM Session

Willow Bends Version 3

Willow Bends 100 Times in the Wind – The most important 2-person exercise in T’ai Chi. This

session will focus on Yielding, Rooting, Lines, Generation of Power, and Neutralizing. Important

training for beginners and advanced.

Sunday, October 26th 8:00AM-10:00AM Session

Swimming Dragon - Part 1

Learn the first part of this beautiful Pa Kua form. Available to the beginner or the advanced.

Sunday, October 26th 10:30AM-12:30PM Session

How to Train Against the Mattress

This session will focus on using power in the correct T’ai Chi way while keeping you and your

partner safe.

Sunday, October 26th 2:30PM-4:30PM Session

T’ai Chi Sword Form Refinement

Learn the details of the postures. Clean up the little aspects of your form. Add more

understanding of what you are doing in the sword form. Must know T’ai Chi Sword.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cost – 1 Session - $40, 2 Sessions - $75, 3 Sessions - $100, 4 Sessions - $140,

5 Sessions - $180, 6 Sessions - $220, Entire Seminar - $240

---------------------------------------------------------------

Location – American Karate Studio, Branmar Plaza Shopping Center,

1812 Marsh Rd #421, Wilmington, DE 19810

----------------------------------------------------------------

Venmo (ID - @BryanDavis28), PayPal (ID - TinWindUp@yahoo.com), Cash, or Check

Make checks payable to Bryan Davis

Email bcdavis28@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance and expected sessions.

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