Monday, March 3, 2025

Book Review by John Stitely

 


I write this review as one of Sifu Hayward’s devoted and grateful

students, so a certain bias should be expected. The new book,

Harmony in Motion, is a retrospective of a forty year career of Ray

Hayward teaching Tai Chi Chuan. Forty years is a full career in most

professions, though to my knowledge he intends to continue. This

represents a milestone of one teacher in the eternal process of learning,

developing and passing on skills to a new generation, as has been done

since time immemorial. The acquisition of these skills has always

required a huge amount of time and dedication. As modernity has

advanced the number of people who can teach these skills has shrunk

with each generation. Sifu Hayward is one of the few from the second

half of the 20th Century who have learned those skills from the previous

generation. He has diligently taught the willing to produce another

generation.

 

The bulk of the book consist of essays by his disciples That represent

the Seventh generation of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. In it they describe

their experience of both his depth and extraordinary quality of teaching,

and that his character and kindness is on par with his skill. His teaching

has been transformative for many more people whose voices appear in

the book. The book itself is the product and inspiration of several of his

disciples who urged the creation of the book and did a very large

amount of the actual work. As such, it is largely a testimonial of his

students in honor of their Teacher.

 

About a third of the book is Sifu Hayward’s comments and a summary of

his system of teaching the skill of pushing hands. One of Sifu

Hayward’s many skills is the rare ability to both perform at a high level

and teach clearly to those who do not have the skill. His section on

push hands is itself remarkable. It does not reveal unknown practices,

but does present those skills in an organized progression. His method is

teach these skills into five progressive stages so that the drills are

learned in a comprehensive and comprehensible fashion. I am

unaware of anyone who has laid out push hands training in this sort of

clear format. This alone may be worth the price of the book for many

serious students of Tai Chi Chuan.


https://www.lulu.com/shop/margo-bock-and-ray-hayward-and-julie-cisler/harmony-in-motion/paperback/product-84k78q9.html?srsltid=AfmBOoounZPT_AwT3JxUaSRp6Eao1QKh4RSMpeleHN2D5-YiLG7Yklc0&page=1&pageSize=4




MMTCA March Newsletter 2025

Grandmaster Yip Man and his most famous student, Bruce Lee.


“Help the weak and vulnerable. Use your martial arts skills for the good of humanity.”

~ Yip Man

 

March is upon us! February flew by and Spring is around the corner, carpe diem!




A heartfelt thank you to all who made our Chinese New Year Demo and celebration a huge success! Thank you to our three MCs, Julie, Fred, and Margo. To our altar narrators: Julie, Margo, Fred, John S, Paul I, Rondi, and Karen. Thank you to the demonstrators:

Solo Form-Group

Sanshou- Julie and Margo

Willow #3- Group

Taiji Sword- Group

Sword Fencing- 4 Dragons, 4 Phoenix’s

Art of Sword Drawing- Domenic, Robert, Darren

Taiji Saber-Group

Taiji Cane-Rondi

Saber Fencing- Karen and Margo

Two-Person Cane- Rondi and Fred

Karambit-Paul D

5 Element Change Form- John S

Two-Handed Saber- Keith

5 Element Linking Form- Dave

Xingyi Sword- Julie

Kwan Do- Paul I

Chut Yu Lin Ji- Margo

8 Yin Fu Palms-John S

64 Mother Palms and Applications- Robert, Margo, Paul I, Bad Dan

Deer Horn Knives- John S

Bagua Large Saber- Good Dan

Bagua Sword-Margo

 

Thank you, Dan Dale, for composing the music we performed Taiji Solo Form to, and Margo and Mark, for decorating. Thank you all for the red envelopes and generous gifts. Gong Hay Fat Choy!

 



As I write this, the text of my Pushing Hands book is finished, edited, and now awaits a few photos and drawings! Then I’ll pass it on to Julie to make her layout and design magic. Thank you Rondi and Michelle for your amazing editing and help. I couldn’t do it without you!

 

Transparency Taiji Music, composed by Dan Dale. He wants to share it with you all! Email me and I'll share it with you, or go to my Patreon Page.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/transparency-by-122492142


If you are teaching beginners, or know someone looking for beginner classes, I’m putting Julie in charge of coordinating these classes. Please send your teaching schedule to her. You’ll find her complete schedule at the end of the newsletter.

 

Check out Margo Zi Yan’s new Patreon Page, Nature of Taiji+ for Kids

https://www.patreon.com/c/purpleswallowarts/about

 

The June Retreat sponsored by Twin Willows Taiji in the Pocono Mountains has a few openings. You will find the info at the end of the newsletter. Let me know if you want to attend.

 

Yang Chengfu far left, Li Jinglin 6th from right.

Paul Brennan Translation: Dong Huling was a friend of Master Liang’s and visited him in NYC

https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2017/01/27/dong-hulings-applications/

 

Dong Huling Taiji Sword

Monthly zoom Pushing Hands will be on Monday, March 31st, invite to follow. We will continue with Vertical Methods and the beginning of the Pushing Hands section of Sanshou.

 


I am excited to make this the “Year of the Sword” (YOTS) by teaching and refining Taiji Sword, teaching the Wudang 13 Techniques, and returning to Freestyle Fencing. Draw…. SWORDS!

-Sifu Ray

“Each thing I do I rush through so I can do

something else. In such a way do the days pass—

a blend of stock car racing and the never

ending building of a gothic cathedral.

Through the windows of my speeding car, I see

all that I love falling away…”

~ From the poem Pursuit, by Stephen Dobyns


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. 102nd 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

 

Julie Cisler Contact Info and Class Schedule:


Mondays 11:30am-12:30pm this class is a virtual-only class on Zoom.

Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm at the Black Forest Inn Banquet building

1 East 26th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404

The Banquet building is on the east side of the Black Forest Inn's patio seating. Enter through the restaurant, or I can let you in through the door on 26th street.
Parking is available on the street and in the restaurant’s parking lot, which is just south of the restaurant on Nicollet Ave.

 

Wednesdays 12:00-1:30pm at The New City Center

3104 16th Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55407

We practice in their beautiful sanctuary space! There is plenty of street parking available.

 

Fridays 3:30-5:00pm at the Black Forest Inn Banquet building.

This is the same location as the Tuesday evening class.

Saturdays 12:00-1:30pm at Christ Church Lutheran,

3244 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Street parking is available. We practice in their huge lower-level gymnasium.

 

Questions? Contact Julie Cisler

juliecisler13@hotmail.com

612-876-7915


 Retreat Info

 

Complete Agenda T’ai Chi Retreat with Ray Hayward June 12, 13, 14, and 15 – 2025

 

Thursday, June 12th 6:00PM-8:00PM

Move Into Rooms and General Area Orientation

We will be staying with 2 people in a room.  Your roommate and your room have been assigned, so move in your stuff, decide who sleeps in which bed, and get to know the area a little.

 

Thursday, June 12th 8:00PM-10:00PM

Bonfire, Orientation, Introductions, and Expectations

At 8:00PM will be having a bonfire near the lake.  While there we will do further introductions and talk a little about our T’ai Chi personal history.  Ray would also like everyone to talk a little about what their expectations are for the weekend.

 

 

Friday, June 13th 7:00AM-8:00AM

TCC Workout Warmups, Meditation, Solo Form, and Weapons

Each morning starts with a workout - warm-ups, meditation, solo form and weapons.

 

Friday, June 13th 8:15AM-9:00AM Breakfast

Eat breakfast in the dining hall or stay out and do your own thing.

 

Friday, June 13th 9:00AM-9:45AM

Willow 3 Part I

Willow Bends 100 Times in the Wind – The most important 2-person exercise in T’ai Chi.  These 3 sessions will focus on Yielding, Rooting, Lines, Generation of Power, and Neutralizing.  Important training for beginners and advanced.

 

Friday, June 13th 10:00AM-12:00PM

San Tsai Sword Fencing Part I

San Tsai (3 Powers – Heaven, Earth, Man) Sword Fencing is Section 2 of Wu Tang Sword Fencing.  You do not have to know Section 1 as this is also a standalone Two-Person Sword Form as well.  Perfect training for all skill levels.

 

Friday, June 13th 12:15PM-2:30PM Lunch and Free Time

Lunch will be served in the dining hall.  When you are finished eating there is time to look around or just relax and write in your notebook.

 

Friday, June 13th 2:30PM-4:30PM

Hsing-I 8 Styles

Hsing-I 8 Styles is possibly the oldest of the Hsing-I forms, it combines 4 Elements with 4 Animals. (Short but really sweet!)

 

Friday, June 13th 5:15PM-6:30PM

Dinner and Free Time

Dinner will be served in the dining hall.  When you are finished eating there is time to look around or just relax and write in your notebook.

 

Friday, June 13th 6:30PM On

Taoist Games

Taoist Games will consist of the Tug of Peace, not War, Golden Rooster Pushing Hands, Bringing Chang San-Feng muse into your T’ai Chi, Group Poetry.

 

 

Saturday, June 14th 7:00AM-8:00AM

TCC Workout Warmups, Meditation, Solo Form, and Weapons

Each morning starts with a workout - warm-ups, meditation, solo form and weapons.

 

Saturday, June 14th 8:15AM-9:00AM Breakfast

Eat breakfast in the dining hall or stay out and do your own thing.

 

Saturday, June 14th 9:00AM-9:45AM

Willow 3 Part II

Willow Bends 100 Times in the Wind – The most important 2-person exercise in T’ai Chi.  These 3 sessions will focus on Yielding, Rooting, Lines, Generation of Power, and Neutralizing.  Important training for beginners and advanced.

 

Saturday, June 14th 10:00AM-12:00PM

San Tsai Sword Fencing

San Tsai Sword Fencing is Section 2 of Wu Tang Sword Fencing.  You do not have to know Section 1 as this is also a standalone Two-Person Sword Form as well.  Perfect training for all skill levels.

 

Saturday, June 14th 12:15PM-2:30PM

Lunch and Free Time

Lunch will be served in the dining hall.  When you are finished eating there is time to look around or just relax and write in your notebook.

 

Saturday, June 14th 2:30PM-4:30PM

Pa Kua Sensitivity

Pa Kua Sensitivity is Pushing Hands on a Circle!  Basic Pa Kua sensitivity, circle walk, hook/swing steps and more.

 

Saturday, June 14th 5:15PM-6:30PM

Dinner and Free Time

Dinner will be served in the dining hall.  When you are finished eating there is time to look around or just relax and write in your notebook.

 

Saturday, June 14th 6:30PM On

Video Story Night

Video Story Night will be running commentary and the backstory to some beloved T’ai Chi and related videos.

 

 

Sunday, June 15th 7:00AM-8:00AM

TCC Workout Warmups, Meditation, Solo Form, and Weapons

Each morning starts with a workout - warm-ups, meditation, solo form and weapons.

 

Sunday, June 15th 8:15AM-9:00AM Breakfast

Eat breakfast in the dining hall or stay out and do your own thing.

 

Sunday, June 15th 9:00AM-9:45AM

Willow 3 Part III

Willow Bends 100 Times in the Wind – The most important 2-person exercise in T’ai Chi.  These 3 sessions will focus on Yielding, Rooting, Lines, Generation of Power, and Neutralizing.  Important training for beginners and advanced.

 

Sunday, June 15th 10:00AM-12:00PM

San Tsai Sword Fencing

San Tsai Sword Fencing is Section 2 of Wu Tang Sword Fencing.  You do not have to know Section 1 as this is also a standalone Two-Person Sword Form as well.  Perfect training for all skill levels.

 

Sunday, June 15th 12:00PM

CHECKOUT

We need to check out of the rooms at 12:00PM, but lunch will be provided if you want stay, with a workout after lunch on the grounds.

 

Sunday, June 15th 12:15PM-1:00PM Lunch

Lunch will be served in the dining hall.

 

Sunday, June 15th 1:00PM-3:00PM

Book Signing and Review

Book Signing and Review

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Cost

$600 (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 https://pinebrook.org/

 

 

Meals Included

Meals are served buffet style in the dining hall on the premises.

Breakfast – 6:00AM-8:00AM

Lunch – 12:30-PM-2:30PM

Dinner – 4:30PM-6:30PM