Ricky Crofts

Tim our friend and website organiser from Belgium has asked me to write a biography. Also what important principles i have learnt from Grandmaster Brian. Initially my feelings were reticent as I was brought up old school, self praise is no true recommendation. On reflection we all need to be in the present moment. Being honoured and trusted by Brian to carry the baton of his life’s work forward and to keep evolving. I shall do so. Born the year of the water tiger, in Newmarket. Having a strict and colourful upbringing. I left school at 16 years and 2 months. The next day I joined the military. After a decade of service, travelling to 14 countries. I returned to civilian life. I continued to train in several martial arts. It was during this time, thanks to a friend also called Tim. That I met Brian. After almost 3 decades training with Brian. Who has had the finest teachers from Asia. What principles and lessons have I learnt?

Tai Chi, The Mind and Life

Brian would say, Tai Chi or Life hinges on the Mind. The mind is potentially a wonderful Tool. Divinely given and if functioning from that inner peace which passes all understanding (intuition)can give human beings such potential and creativity. Like a skillful carpenter, who is not his or her tools. We are not our mind. We are consciousness or awareness. Our mind is a tool which if used skillfully can be utilised to create beautiful life art.
A wise carpenter keeps their hand and electric tools clean, rust free, sharp, serviced and oiled. Likewise our mind should be kept serviced in the moment. But for a large amount of our human family, the mind has built up the rust of a strong egoistic persona. An image or act we project on to the earthly stage. Individually and collectively. If we observe human history on this planet it’s working is all too evident.

Like the carpenters electric plane or saw, the mind tool has developed a major dysfunction. The on / off switch is often stuck on or faulty. A carpenter often leaves their tools in the workshop. We carry our mind tool everywhere, often as a constant voice in the head. Sometimes a dialogue or conversation in the head. We say I think! However if we observe our thoughts they regularly carry us like a roller coaster or strong wind. Unlike a skillful carpenter, we seldom seem to be able to naturally turn the switch off and stop them. We blame or criticise others with our faulty tool. As a poor carpenter blames their tools for unskillful work. The egoic mind has created a drama and fiction out of past and future. Which is seldom the reality of here and now.

All arts, crafts and creative hobbies are wonderful gifts to potentially bring the mind home to the inner peace of the present moment. To help us become skillful carpenters of the mind tool. We need to turn it off consciously at the mains. By skillfully watching as a good mother watches her baby or toddler. Also by practicing our art or craft we can develop presence and intuition.

The ego mind will say, ‘do it tomorrow.’ Tomorrow never comes, as it’s always today.
When we become the conscious controller of the mind tool and it’s switch. We become like the skillful carpenter able at will to calm or utilise it when required. We can then intuitively receive the Sacred plans and Divine drawings from the Supreme Carpenter. Who is in all space and stillness now. Constantly creating awe inspiring works of art. Called Life!

I would like to thank all the wonderful Souls who have appeared on this life’s journey. For teaching me valuable lessons.

  My Commando dagger and Tai Chi narrow sword. The dagger The epitome of Commando Spirit and narrow sword epitome of Tai Chi. Although different sizes, remarkably similar in shape.

  Whatever appears on life’s path, know that within You is a sanctuary and spirit more valuable than all the earthly treasures. Just go within to discover an infinite stillness and calm that’s always been there.

  While in 42 Commando I was part of an unarmed combat, martial arts and abseiling display team. Which travelled the south of England. Culminating with the military Royal Tournament at Earls Court, London. A 3 week display, 2 shows a day and 16,000 crowd each show.

Forward in the Now

Divine Love is recognising your own essence within another and they in you. The most painful lessons we unconsciously inflict upon our mirrored Souls and ultimately ourselves are often blessings in disguise. To awaken us to heal and fix our mind switch.

As Brian said in his book. ‘By constant practice of Daoist Yoga (Tai Chi). You will come to understand that Heaven is one’s nature, and earth is one’s life. You cannot help but go forward in the Now.

Namaste 🙏