Meet Tai Chi Ray
Raymond Ming Lee, also known as “Tai Chi Ray”, is a dedicated Tai Chi teacher committed to enriching the overall well-being of New Yorkers. He is a multilingual and multicultural scholar and practitioner of martial arts, sharing their ancient origins while demystifying them in the context of contemporary developments in science and technology. Born into a family with a rich history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spanning more than five generations, Ray has been practicing martial arts since the age of seven.
Tai Chi Ray is a licensed personal trainer and fitness consultant with extensive experience in helping clients of all ages, lifestyles, and fitness levels achieve their goals. He holds certifications and licenses from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Senior Fitness Specialist (SFS), and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).
Having taught Tai Chi since 2018, Tai Chi Ray has developed a teaching style that is gradual, enjoyable, and tailored to American audiences. His approach balances results with minimizing the risk of injury, which aligns with the Tai Chi philosophy of embracing both Yin and Yang elements. Unlike the traditional “copy-your-instructor” exercise method, Tai Chi Ray’s teaching style is both creative and traditional. Tai Chi Ray is a practitioner who integrates Western anatomical and biomechanical knowledge, traditional Chinese medicine, Eastern philosophical ideas, and healing practices. He believes that Tai Chi is a simple and enjoyable practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life.
Ray was invited by Lincoln Center to lead an “Art of Wellbeing” workshop at the Summer for the City festival in 2024, attracting over 300 participants. He has been invited back to deliver the workshop again in 2026.
In addition, Tai Chi Ray’s four-week workshop series for AARP (offered in 2022, twice in 2023, and annually from 2024 through 2026, with the next session beginning May 1st, 2026) has consistently received strong participant feedback, leading to ongoing invitations for recurring programs.
Ray has also performed at major cultural venues, including the Lunar New Year Celebration (2019, 2023) at Landmark on Main Street and Changes – the Union of Man and Nature (2019) at Flushing Town Hall, as well as at various libraries and schools. His performances are widely appreciated for their ability to engage audiences and create a sense of connection and enjoyment.
For updated events, please check: linktr.ee/taichiray