MMTCA Newsletter February 2024

 

“To know yourself, you must sacrifice the illusion that you already do.”

-Vironika Tugaleva

 

Happy February, and on the 10^th, Happy Year of the Wood Dragon! Although challenging, the Wood Dragon year is full of prosperity and good fortune. All Dragon years are full of creativity, passion, courage, and confidence. Lots of energy and POWER! If it’s your year, don’t say no my Dragons!!!

Our schedule, curriculum, and class times remain the same.

We are celebrating Chinese New Year on the 10^th with a demo and banquet. Let me know if you didn’t get an invite.

Book suggestion- The Breathing Cure by Patrick McKeown

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-breathing-cure-patrick-mckeown/1141737200

There are only two spots open for the Twin Willows Retreat in June. Let me know if you want a space or are interested in going. Details are attached.

Paul Brennan= https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/answering-questions-about-taiji-taiji-da-wen/

Both new years are a time for renewal, reflection, goal setting, and dream making. Let your dreams become reality. Dream big, my friends, it’s still free, and legal!

-Sifu Ray

“I’ve built my life around my practice.”

-Master J. Richard Roy

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,

2715 Nathan Lane N

Plymouth, MN 55441

 

#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

 

Twin Willows T'ai Chi will be hosting a retreat in in June of 2024 at Pinebrook Retreat Center in East Stroudsburg, PA.  Lodging, meals, and instruction in a beautiful scenic area for just $500.  The retreat will be in the spirit of the Deer Mountain and Warm Springs retreats.  The agenda and additional information below and in the attachment.  Space is limited and there are only a few spots left.  Please contact me soon to reserve your spot.

 

 

 

T’ai Chi Retreat with Ray Hayward

June 20, 21, 22, and 23 – 2024

 

Thursday, June 20th 5:00PM On

Room Selection, Introductions, and Orientation

We will be lodging with 3 people in a room.  Pick your roommates and your room, and then gather in the Echo 3 Hall for Introductions and orientation.

 

Friday, June 21st 8:00AM-10:00AM

TCC Workout

Each morning will start with a complete workout.  We will do warm-ups, meditation, forms, and weapons.

 

Friday, June 21st 10:30AM-12:30PM

Praying Mantis Sticking Hands

Learn Praying Mantis two-person drills (similar to the Hsing-I two-person).  Learn to incorporate Sensitivity, Sticking, and Technique.

 

Friday, June 21st 2:30PM-4:30PM

Pa Kua Sword – Part I

Learn the straight sword form of the Pa Kua system performed on the circle.

 

Friday, June 21st 6:30PM On

T'ai Chi/Liang Lineage

Learn the origin of T’ai Chi and the Yang Family Lineage with specific emphasis on Master T.T. Liang’s teachers.  Learn from where and from whom all the forms we do come.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 8:00AM-10:00AM

TCC Workout

Warm-ups, meditation, forms, and weapons.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 10:30AM-12:30PM

Advance T’ai Chi Two-Person Drills and Training

Learn advanced Pushing Hands drills and practices beyond the basic 13 drills.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 2:30PM-4:30PM

Pa Kua Sword – Part II

Continue learning the straight sword form of the Pa Kua system performed on the circle.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 6:30PM On

Video Night

Watch video of Cheng Man-Ch’ing, T. T. Liang, Wai Lun Choi, Paul Gallagher, Ray Hayward and many others doing T’ai Chi, Pa Kua, Hsing-I, Liu Ho Pa Fa, Praying Mantis, and much more; with commentary by Ray and Bryan.

 

Sunday, June 23rd 8:00AM-10:00AM

TCC Workout

Warm-ups, meditation, forms, and weapons.

 

Sunday, June 23rd 10:30AM-12:30PM

Pa Kua Sword – Part III

Continue learning the straight sword form of the Pa Kua system performed on the circle.

 

Sunday, June 23rd 2:30AM-4:30PM

Open

This session will be discussed at the retreat.  It is available if people want to stay and continue to study and practice.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Cost

$500 (includes Lodging, Meals, and Training) / $100 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit due immediately to reserve spot.  Limited availability.

Preferred payment method – Venmo (ID - @BryanDavis28) or PayPal (ID - TinWindUp@yahoo.com)

Cash or checks accepted, make checks payable to Bryan Davis.

Email bcdavis28@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance.

 

Location

Pinebrook

5339 Pinebrook Road East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Pinebrook Bible Conference & Retreat in East Stroudsburg, PA

 

 

MMTCA January Newsletter 2024

 

Tian Zhaolin, right, a major promoter and teacher of Taiji Sanshou, and Master Liang's Grandteacher.

“Every now and then a man’s mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.”

-Oliver Wendall Holmes Sr

 

Happy New Year! I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2024!

Our Winter/Spring schedule remains the same, with a few minor tweaks to the times and the curriculum.

Tuesday 6-8PM at St Sahag, Solo Form, Willow #3, Sanshou, solo and two-person Taiji Cane, random weapons reviews, Bagua = 8 Yin Fu Palms and Sword.

Wednesday zoom 630-730PM Solo Form Review and Taiji Qigong

Thursday 6-8PM at St Sahag, Solo Form, Sanshou, solo and two-person Taiji Cane, Xingyi = Linking Form and Sword.

Saturday 900-1030AM at St Sahag, Solo Form, Advanced Pushing Hands Drills and Willow #3, solo and two-person Taiji Cane

Beginners class are Saturdays 1030-1130 AM at St Sahag.

Monday January 22^nd, 630-730PM Monthly zoom Pushing Hands- Wang’s Dalu and Willow#3.

Monday January 29^th, 630-730PM zoom Check In.

 

A little Willow #3 with the Professor!

Chinese New Year is on February 10^th, and we will be celebrating on the actual day. I have a demo planned and am arranging a banquet, more like lunch than dinner. Full details next month.

 

I’m teaching a retreat and seminar with Twin Willows Tai-Chi Studio. Retreats like this are a chance to immerse yourself in Taiji and the Taiji community learning, practicing, and reviewing. There are a few people who are signed up from the Twin Cities, only two spaces left. Let me know if you want to go and I’ll fill you in on a few travel options. All the details are attached at the bottom.

 

Paul Brennan - https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2023/09/30/yinfu-spear-manual/Book

 

My YouTube channel has surpassed 1000 subscribers! 1.6K to be exact. And I have five trolls! Thank you to all who subscribed and promoted my channel. I have a full year planned for videos, posts, interviews, and lessons.

 

Original artwork by Eli Chaisson

My book on Pushing Hands is even closer now! With a photo shoot under my belt, and many hours of editing, I’m close to handing it off to be designed and laid out by Julie Cisler. Believe me, I’ll let you know when it’s available!

 

Upward Split and Push at White Cloud Temple! Some photoshop fun from the photo shoot, thanks DD!

All the best to you and yours for the coming year!

-Sifu Ray

 

“I am rooted, but I flow.”

-Virginia Woolf

 

 

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,

2715 Nathan Lane N

Plymouth, MN 55441

 

#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

 

Twin Willows T'ai Chi will be hosting a retreat in in June of 2024 at Pinebrook Retreat Center in East Stroudsburg, PA.  Lodging, meals, and instruction in a beautiful scenic area for just $500.  The retreat will be in the spirit of the Deer Mountain and Warm Springs retreats.  The agenda and additional information below and in the attachment.  Space is limited and there are only a few spots left.  Please contact me soon to reserve your spot.

 

 

 

T’ai Chi Retreat with Ray Hayward

June 20, 21, 22, and 23 – 2024

 

Thursday, June 20th 5:00PM On

Room Selection, Introductions, and Orientation

We will be lodging with 3 people in a room.  Pick your roommates and your room, and then gather in the Echo 3 Hall for Introductions and orientation.

 

Friday, June 21st 8:00AM-10:00AM

TCC Workout

Each morning will start with a complete workout.  We will do warm-ups, meditation, forms, and weapons.

 

Friday, June 21st 10:30AM-12:30PM

Praying Mantis Sticking Hands

Learn Praying Mantis two-person drills (similar to the Hsing-I two-person).  Learn to incorporate Sensitivity, Sticking, and Technique.

 

Friday, June 21st 2:30PM-4:30PM

Pa Kua Sword – Part I

Learn the straight sword form of the Pa Kua system performed on the circle.

 

Friday, June 21st 6:30PM On

T'ai Chi/Liang Lineage

Learn the origin of T’ai Chi and the Yang Family Lineage with specific emphasis on Master T.T. Liang’s teachers.  Learn from where and from whom all the forms we do come.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 8:00AM-10:00AM

TCC Workout

Warm-ups, meditation, forms, and weapons.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 10:30AM-12:30PM

Advance T’ai Chi Two-Person Drills and Training

Learn advanced Pushing Hands drills and practices beyond the basic 13 drills.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 2:30PM-4:30PM

Pa Kua Sword – Part II

Continue learning the straight sword form of the Pa Kua system performed on the circle.

 

Saturday, June 22nd 6:30PM On

Video Night

Watch video of Cheng Man-Ch’ing, T. T. Liang, Wai Lun Choi, Paul Gallagher, Ray Hayward and many others doing T’ai Chi, Pa Kua, Hsing-I, Liu Ho Pa Fa, Praying Mantis, and much more; with commentary by Ray and Bryan.

 

Sunday, June 23rd 8:00AM-10:00AM

TCC Workout

Warm-ups, meditation, forms, and weapons.

 

Sunday, June 23rd 10:30AM-12:30PM

Pa Kua Sword – Part III

Continue learning the straight sword form of the Pa Kua system performed on the circle.

 

Sunday, June 23rd 2:30AM-4:30PM

Open

This session will be discussed at the retreat.  It is available if people want to stay and continue to study and practice.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Cost

$500 (includes Lodging, Meals, and Training) / $100 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit due immediately to reserve spot.  Limited availability.

Preferred payment method – Venmo (ID - @BryanDavis28) or PayPal (ID - TinWindUp@yahoo.com)

Cash or checks accepted, make checks payable to Bryan Davis.

Email bcdavis28@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance.

 

Location

Pinebrook

5339 Pinebrook Road East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Pinebrook Bible Conference & Retreat in East Stroudsburg, PA

 

Pinebrook Bible Conference & Retreat in East Stroudsburg, PA Pinebrook provides Christian and corporate groups with lodging, meeting space, and meals for events and retreats...

 

 

 

 

 

 

MMTCA 2023 in Review

 

Sanshou with Paul Gallagher at Wu Ming Valley House circa 1980

“Aspire to inspire before you expire.”

-Eugene Bell Jr

2023 has been an amazing year for the studio, the students, and me! Even though this year had a very sad, and dark time, the death of my brother, Master Paul B. Gallagher, still it was filled with light and learning. I had one of the longest outside practice streaks of my life. I even practiced in the rain one day. And I had so many partner practices filled with lots of sensitivity, two-person forms, sparring, and fencing. Truly, I look back on the year and I’m filled with gratitude for the time I got to refine my own art and practice, and see many of you improve, refine, and grow. Thank you all!

Chinese New Year was fun with a demo at St Sahag, which was zoomed out as well. Father Tadeos joined us to watch and cheer on the students. We had a delicious banquet at Peking Garden afterwards. 

Outside classes at both East River Flats and Bohemian Flats were spectacular this year! The weather was awesome, and we only missed one or two classes from May to October. We taught the Taiji Saber and reviewed Taiji Sword. Lots of Pushing Hands, Cheng’s Dalu, and Willow #2.

My YouTube channel surpassed 1000 subscribers and I learned a lot of ways to share videos and lessons with the public. Thank you to all who subscribed and promoted my channel. I’m taking tutorials during the break and will be posting even more videos and information for you all.

Original art by Eli Chaisson

“Every now and then a man’s mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.”

-Oliver Wendall Holmes Sr

This year I got the first group through my 150 Posture Long Form, on the left side! I’ve got the counts pretty much standardized, and I’ve been working on uniting Master Liang’s Taiji with Master Choi’s Taiji, to express the amazing skills and knowledge of my two main teachers. I jokingly say that my form came from Master Liang’s form and Master Choi’s form getting together and having a baby, with Master William Chen as the midwife! Here are a few ideas on what I’ve synthesized to make my form.

The Five Steps/ Six Directions I learned from Master Liang break down as follows:

Forward and Backward comes from the legs.

Left and Right comes from the waist.

Up and Down comes from the legs.

The Five Steps/ Six Directions I learned from Master Choi break down as follows:

Forward and Backward comes from the legs.

Left and Right comes from the waist.

Up and Down comes from the spine/mid-back. Sometimes up comes from the legs and sometimes down comes from gravity.

I absolutely respect Master William Chen and his teaching that you bend, or tilt, in your postures to connect with the sub-conscious about what you are going to do. You “un-tilt” or straighten up when you go to do the action consciously! Master Choi teaches you to bend your back, or close your chest, to store energy. You straighten your back, or open your chest, to issue energy. I will be fleshing out this 9 Joint Unity for you in 2024. All I can say is I’ve never felt as much power, energy, and coordination!

Speaking of solo forms, the 150 Posture Long Form worksheet with the names, counts, and much more are now available. Email me and I’ll send you one.

The past year I’ve been hosting a monthly zoom Pushing Hands class. It’s been regularly attended and we’ve gotten through the 15 minute Pushing Hands basics workout and Wang’s Dalu. I’m going to continue through 2024 and introduce Willow #3 and some concepts and practice ideas for that.

Thursday Nights we’ve been hosting a hybrid zoom/in-person class. Taiji and Xingyi were featured. Some people have been learning the Taiji Cane form successfully online and I’m going to continue this hybrid type of class for 2024.

I’ve been saying this for years, but my Pushing Hands book is almost finished. Editing wizardry from Rondi Atkin, and Dan Dale guiding a photo shoot with many disciples, has brought my life’s work so close!

We had our first archivist meeting this year. People in many regions and schools are storing, cataloging, and preserving videos, movies, documents, and study materials for you and for the future. We are working on standardizing and cataloging the vast number of materials so we can have easy access to the wealth of the Taiji and related arts materials. For Minnesota, John Stitely and Dan Dale are keeping the archives. Bryan Davis and Chris Venaccio in Delaware. Jeff Chaison and Mark Deaver in Massachusetts. We are expanding and adding all the time and will keep you informed as we catalogue and document our systems and arts.

I’ve set 2024 as the year I teach the long version of the Taiji Sanshou, which Master T.T. Liang called “the Dance.” I’ve updated and refined many of the techniques and sections and am excited to share this treasure trove with you.

I was invited to both Massachusetts and Delaware for seminars and workshops. It’s such a treat to work with students who are more like family than seminar goers. And I was able to record some interviews with Sifu Richard Roy and Sensei Jeff Chaisson. You can find those on my YouTube channel.    

2023 saw the deaths of so many of Professor Cheng Man-ching’s American students. They are the generation that helped to spread the art and make it more accessible. R.I.P. Ed Young, Ken Van Sickle, Carol Yamaguchi, and Hsu Yee Chung, head of the Taiwan Shr Jung school.

This year saw the passing of another early pioneer of American Taiji, and my closest friend and brother in the world, Master Paul B. Gallagher. I met Master Paul when I was 19 years old, and I had the luxury and great good fortune to have him in my life for almost 45 years. I spoke with him weekly and talked with him the week before he died. I traveled to North Carolina for his internment, and to Massachusetts for his celebration of life. The loss is still so fresh for me, and I miss that I can’t just talk to him, share with him, or visit him in this realm. Rest In Peace dear brother…

I’d like to thank you all for your support, dedication, interest, and appreciation. I wish you a 2024 that is at least as full and rewarding as 2023. May the Wood Dragon bring you abundant health, energy, and purpose!

I bow to the floor,

-Sifu Ray

 

“Highest source of spirit.

For the highest good of all concerned.

With the light of perfect protection.

For something of greater or equal good.”
- an anonymous healer I know