Zhou, Xuan-Yun in Washington DC Events

Dec 27, 2012
YMAA author Zhou, Xuan-Yun will lecture and perform in Washington, DC Jan. 31 - Feb 4, 2013. On Thursday, Jan 31, Master Zhou will be the lead performer in the Chinese New Year Celebration of the Chinese Embassy of Washington, DC. On Friday, Feb 1 at 12 noon Xuan Yun will give a lecture/demonstration about the Wudang Daoist arts at the United States Library of Congress. Acting as the Wudang representative in America, Xuan Yun will make the official donation of a collection of pictures, videos, and printed materials about Wudang Mountain that will be made into a special collection at the Library of Congress. On Saturday, Feb 2, 10am to 4pm, Master Zhou will lead workshops highlighting the health, wellness, and Wudang martial arts forms. On Sunday, Feb 3, there will be a closed meeting of Wudang martial artists from around the U.S. to discuss goals and strategic planning for the benefit of Wudang Daoist internal martial arts. And on Monday Feb 4, Master Zhou will be staying in the D.C. area for an extra day in order to meet the demand for private lessons and classes. Those interested in scheduling time with him can contact Stephanie_Mayer @ bullis.org. Please visit Master Zhou's website, DaoistGate.com.

YMAA Author Rory Miller Discusses Reality of Violence on The Survival Podcast

Dec 19, 2012
Jack Spirko, The Survival Podcast, interviewed Rory Miller on Dec. 18 on the topic of the reality of violence, which unfortunately is an applicable topic in lieu of today’s headlines. Miller’s philosophy on violence can be summed up this way…“It is better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die.  The very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed.” Rory Miller has been a Corrections Officer, a Sergeant, a Tactical Team member and a Tactical Team Leader. He has taught corrections and enforcement personnel skills from first aid to physical defense to crisis communication and mental health. Miller is also the author of Scaling Force: Dynamic Decision-Making Under Threat of Violence, Force Decisions: A Citizens Guide to Understanding How Police Determine Appropriate Use of Force, Facing Violence: Preparing for the Unexpected, and Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training and Real World Violence.

Lisa B. O'Shea Qigong Seminars in Florida, Feb & March

Dec 19, 2012
Lisa B. O'Shea, YMAA author and certified Qigong Master, will be offering a weekend seminar on Qigong exercise, hands-on Qi Healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and meditation in Palm Coast, FL Feb. 23-24, 2013. Lisa is also offering a weekend Qigong seminar in Vero Beach, FL Mar. 2-3, on women's health covering: TCM, women's health issues, Healthy Balance Qigong, Qi Healing techniques, meridian points, nutrition, meditation, energy issues relating to emotions and relationships, and mindfulness. Seminar is open to both men and women. 14 CE hours awarded. She is the Founder of the Qi Gong Institute of Rochester and has been teaching Qigong and Tai Chi for over 18 years. Lisa was the first to receive full Master-level certification in Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming's Qigong program. Ms. O'Shea is also a certified Qi Healer through the Chinese Healing Arts Center. Early Bird Bonus if registered in early Jan 2013. For more details please visit her website. Lisa is also featured in a new article in the Examiner by Violet Li discussing her latest DVD, "Qigong for Women".

YMAA Authors Attend Loren Christensen Book Signing in Seattle

Dec 12, 2012
YMAA "street defense" authors, Kris Wilder, Lawrence Kane, and Rory Miller, attended Loren Christensen's book signing for Dukkha—The Suffering at the Seattle Mystery Bookshop on December 8. This is Christensen's first novel, but he is well schooled in his writing craft with over 45 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles. In addition to writing, he has earned 11 black belts and is a retired police officer. Learn more about Loren Christensen, his new book, Dukkha—The Suffering, A Sam Reeves Martial Arts Thriller, and his other writings on Martial Secrets, hosted by Kris Wilder and Lawrence Kane.

Interview with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming by Matt Apsokardu for Ikigaiway

Dec 12, 2012
Matt Apsokardu of Ikigaiway blog, recently interviewed Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming about his early life, coming to America knowing he would no longer have access to his instructors, thoughts about his willingness to share ancient methods openly both in teaching and in writing, his future outlook for tai chi and qigong, and his latest project, YMAA Retreat Center. It's a fascinating two-part interview with some new light on Dr. Yang's past and his prognosis for the future of traditional Chinese arts.

YMAA Books Receive Awards from USA Book News

Dec 12, 2012
USABookNews.com announced that three YMAA books were selected to receive awards. This year's recipient books are Force Decisions: A Citizen's Guide to Understanding How Police Determine Appropriate Use of Force by Rory Miller as a winner in the "Current Events" category. Two winners announced in the "Sports:General" category are Krav Maga:Weapon Defenses by David Kahn as a winner and Taekwondo: Defense Against Weapons by Kim, Bok Man as a finalist. Over 400 winners and finalists were announced in over 100 categories covering print, e-books and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2011 and 2012. USABookNews.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community.

YMAA Author, Lawrence A. Kane, Quoted in "Don't Get Jacked Around by Carjackers"

Nov 26, 2012
Lawrence Kane, YMAA author, was quoted in the article “Don’t Get Jacked Around by Carjackers” in Car Insurance Quotes, by Gina Roberts-Grey. The article stated that according to the Federal Bureau of Justice statistics, there are about 38,000 carjackings in the United States annually with three-fourths of them involving a gun, knife, or other weapon. Kane said these jackings are often a result of gang initiation, a source of quick cash for drug addicts, or a quick thrill for teens. There is also a seven-point list to reduce your odds of becoming a victim. Lawrence Kane is a martial artist, author of Surviving Armed Assaults: A Martial Artists Guide to Weapons, Street Violence and Countervailing Force, and co-author of several other award winning books. Listen to Lawrence Kane's comments about carjackings on Martial Secrets.

YMAA Author on Tour: Loren Christensen Book Signing Event in Seattle Dec. 8.

Nov 26, 2012
YMAA author, Loren W. Christensen, author of Dukkha—The Suffering, A Sam Reeves Martial Arts Thriller will hold a book signing event on Saturday, Dec. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Seattle Mystery Bookshop, 117 Cherry St., Seattle, Wash. (206) 587-5737. The storyline for Dukkha comes from the author's years of experience as a martial artist, Army Military Police Officer, and as Portland Police Officer in Oregon. The book is a high-octane martial arts mystery thriller that will have you gripped from the start. In the course of one week, everything Detective Sam Reeves believed in, everything he knew and trusted, would be put on the line, for a family he never knew he had. You'll never complain about a hard-week again. Christensen has been a professional writer since 1978 and has written 40 books, dozens of magazines articles and edited a police newspaper. This is his first novel. Can't make the book signing? Here's how you can preorder a signed copy and have it shipped.

YMAA Author Rory Miller on Fox 40 WICZ News

Nov 26, 2012
Did you ever wonder how you would react if you were assaulted or attacked? YMAA author, Rory Miller, answers this question and demonstrates other real life situations in a seminar hosted by “The Power of One MMA” in Vestal, N.Y. Watch some of the action on video at Fox 40 WICZ.com and learn more. Rory Miller is an internationally recognized expert in preventing and de-escalating violence. He also served as a corrections officer and tactical team leader. His current book co-authored with Lawrence A. Kane is Scaling Force Dynamic Decision-Making Under Threat of Violence, which emphasizes “Use too much force and you are going to jail; use too little force and you’re in for a world of hurt.”

Lisa B. O'Shea Certified as Qigong Master

Nov 15, 2012
Lisa B. O'Shea has received the first-ever YMAA Qigong Master certification from Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Lisa began her studies with Master Yang in 1997. Lisa says: "I'm very proud to be a student of YMAA and I feel extremely fortunate to have Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming as my teacher. I've been studying with Dr. Yang for 15 years and every time I study with him I learn something new. He is constantly developing his depth of knowledge. My trip out here to YMAA CA Retreat Center has been amazing and rewarding." Congratulations to Lisa and Dr. Yang on this great accomplishment. Lisa is the author of the YMAA DVDs "Qigong for Healing" and "Qigong for Women".

YMAA 30-Year Anniversary Celebrated Around the World

Nov 8, 2012
YMAA schools recently celebrated 30 years as an association of martial arts schools around the world during October 2012. A Facebook page collected many greetings and videos from YMAA students and school directors, which were then shown to Dr. Yang as a surprise as he completed a teaching tour across Europe. You may find a YMAA school closest to you on the official school list. Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and son Nicholas Yang offered a message regarding the anniversary, and an update of current news and upcoming events. Photo: YMAA Venezuela.

YMAA South Africa Students Win Gold

Sep 20, 2012
The students of YMAA South Africa recently competed in a Sanshou tournament and two of them received gold medals. Watch this excellent video of their warm up, training, and competition, produced by Sean van Eeden, and get a look inside YMAA South Africa with school director Corlius Birkill, who started studying with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming in 1995.

Sunset Tai Chi Receives Silver Award

Sep 17, 2012
Sunset Tai Chi—Simplified Tai Chi for Relaxation and Longevity by Ramel Rones with David Silver received the Silver Medal Award from the Living Now Book Awards in the category of “Exercise/Fitness/Yoga.” The Awards celebrate the innovation and creativity of newly published books in lifestyle categories from cooking and fitness to parenting and spirituality. In all, 94 medals were awarded in 29 categories, chosen from 488 total entries submitted from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Sunset Tai Chi is part of the Sunrise/Sunset series of books and DVDs to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Ramel Rones is a world-renowned martial artist and author. He is a qigong instructor at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a consultant of mind/body therapies at Harvard and Tufts medical schools, and at Children’s Hospital Boston. His current research includes studies on tai chi for rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, prostate cancer, and cystic fibrosis.

YMAA Author David Khan Interview on Edge Radio Sept. 14

Sep 12, 2012
Joseph O'Brien of Edge Radio interviewed YMAA author David Kahn about his new book, Krav Maga:Weapon Defenses. It will air Friday, September 14 at 9 p.m. AEST. (New Zealand time) Listeners can hear the broadcast or can download the iPhone app. David Kahn is the United States Chief Instructor for the Israeli Krav Maga Association. Israeli Krav Maga is the Israel Defense Force's official self-defense system. He has trained all branches of the U.S. military in addition to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

YMAA Summer Camp in South America with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

Sep 5, 2012
The YMAA South American Summer Camp will be held in Pucon, Chile from February 13th - 23rd, 2013. Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, Nicholas Yang, Jonathan Chang, Daniel Chadud (YMAA Southamerica HQ director) and other YMAA instructors will teach lessons in Qigong (Chi Kung), Meditation, and Tai Chi Chuan. Everybody is welcome to attend, from any school, any discipline, and any level of experience. Over the years, YMAA Chile has received visitors from several different countries, including Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, and Ecuador. The YMAA International family will celebrate a fantastic meeting together! The training, practice, and activities during these 11 days will be a unique and unforgettable experience. We have a limited number of spaces, which we expect to fill up very quickly, so please try to plan fast and reserve as soon as possible.

Doug Cook Comments on New Olympic Rules for Taekwondo and Awards

Aug 21, 2012
In a recent telephone interview, YMAA author, Doug Cook, 6th dan black belt, spoke to Univision News about the new rules for Taekwondo at the Olympic London games. Cook told Univision that these rules were set into place since the Beijing Games. He said the contest mat had been reduced from 10m x10m to 8m x 8m to ensure that athletes do not run away and avoid the fight. Higher scoring points will go to special spin kicks to the opponent's head. He believed that the new rules would bring more action to the sport. The article stated that Taekwondo is a full contact sport, where the object is to land kicks and punches on your opponent's scoring zones. Cook is certified as an instructor and is ranked by the United States Taekwondo Association. Paige McPherson and Terrence Jennings each took bronze medals for the United States. Neither Steven nor Diana Lopez were able to gain the podium.
Doug Cook is author of Taekwondo—A Path to Excellence, Traditional Taekwondo—Core Techniques, History, and Philosophy, and Taekwondo—Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior.

YMAA Author Rory Miller on Fox Morning News

Aug 14, 2012
YMAA author Rory Miller was slapped in the face on Fox morning news...to make a point. Mr. Miller is a self-defense expert and author who has received a great response to his books Meditations on Violence and Facing Violence, which discuss the difference between martial arts training and real-world violence. He explains how very often, the problem with self-defense involves getting past the intial mental freeze or delay in responding when you are attacked.

Training and Cultural Tour in Korea (by Master Doug Cook)

July 30, 2012
At one time or another almost every martial artist dreams of visiting the country from which their chosen discipline has evolved. To the karateka, that region is Okinawa; to the kungfu practitioner, it is China. But, to the taekwondoist, it is a peninsula rich in greenery with mountains masked in swirling mists that rush to meet the sky. This enchanted nation is called Korea: Land of the Morning Calm.

Couple this desire with the opportunity to train alongside revered icons in the martial arts community and you are presented with a winning formula for a highly rewarding adventure. Few people are given the opportunity to genuinely realize this dream. Yet, that is exactly what twenty students from the Chosun Taekwondo Academy, Warwick, New York, a local martial arts and hatha yoga center, did this July when they visited Korea – the homeland of taekwondo.

“This was our school’s sixth training tour of Korea and I am already planning another excursion for 2014. I urge anyone interested in the martial arts to join us,” said Master Doug Cook, head instructor and 6th degree black belt.

Rory Miller Podcast for Police-The Law Enforcement Magazine

July 16, 2012
Paul Clinton, web editor, Police-The Law Enforcement Magazine, interviews Rory Miller in the magazine's monthly author podcast. Miller is martial artist, award-winning author and veteran correction officer. In this podcast, he discusses his latest book, Facing Violence: Preparing for the Unexpected, which is a follow up to his earlier book, Meditations on Violence. In his interview with Police Mag he speaks about the seven elements that must be addressed to bring self-defense training to something 'complete.' He explains the "monkey dance," provides a counter-ambush strategy, and discusses how officers can break "the freeze" that may occur when engaging a violent suspect. This is a good interview for those interested in the context of self-defense.

YMAA Retreat Center Students Win at Martial Arts Tournament

July 10, 2012
The disciples of the YMAA Retreat Center long-term kung fu training program recently competed in Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine's annual martial arts tournament. Jonathan Chang was named Kung Fu Grand Champion in the 18 & over Advanced category. He also placed 2nd in both Traditional Long Weapons and Traditional Short Weapons. Nicholas Yang received 1st place in Advanced Traditional Kung Fu Southern Fist (performing Yao Gu + Tiger + Ba Mei Shou), as well as 3rd place in both Advanced Traditional Kung Fu Northern Fist and Advanced Traditional Kung Fu Short Weapon. Javier Rodriguez won 1st place for Taiji Sword, 1st place for Moving Push Hands, and 2nd place for restricted Push Hands. Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming was invited along with other Masters as a guest of honor, and he performed Northern Shaolin Sword at the Gala celebration.

Eddie Newsinger from the UK, a candidate student, received 1st place in both Traditional Northern Barehand and Traditional Long Weapons. Visiting guests Alex and Michelle Lin, Ruby Elliot, and Julian Cloete (YMAA NZ) also competed and placed well. Congratulations to all the competitors, and to our friends at Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine for their 20th anniversary. Excellent photos of the event by Kevin Ho and others are posted on Facebook.

Dr. Yang and the Disciples at the YMAA Retreat Center Offer Online Seminars

July 9, 2012
Dr. Yang and the disciples at the YMAA Retreat Center are preparing to offer online YMAA seminars and private lessons/consultations beginning as early as September 2012. This will allow interested practitioners from all over the world to participate in YMAA classes and lessons with just an Internet connection.

If you are interested in setting up an online YMAA seminar or private lesson, please click the button below. We will be in touch with you as soon as we can. Please make sure your email is correct when you fill it in.

David Kahn Holds Two Book Signing Events in New Jersey During July

June 26, 2012
David Kahn, author of Krav Maga: Weapon Defenses will hold two book signing events in New Jersey. Kahn is the United States Chief Instructor for the Israeli Krav Maga Association. He will be at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, July 14 at 3 p.m. at the Market Fair Mall, 3535 U.S. Rt. 1 South, Princeton, N.J. and on Friday, July 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the PX, 3452 Broidy Road, Joint Base McGuire-Dix, Lakehurst, N.J. In addition to signings, Kahn will discuss several chapters and also demonstrate techniques from the book. This defense system is simple, instinctive, adaptable, and can be brutally effective. These techniques are incorporated into the green, blue, brown, and black belt levels of the Israeli krav maga curriculum. And it is used in all branches of the United States military and law enforcement. However, regardless of strength, size, age, or gender, you can learn techniques at an expert level to fend off any armed attacker—swiftly, powerfully, and decisively.

YMAA Books Receive Awards from ForeWord Book of the Year

May 2, 2012
ForeWord Reviews announced that two YMAA Publication Center’s books, Shin Gi Tai—Karate Training for Body, Mind, and Spirit by Michael Clarke and Sunset Tai Chi—Simplified Tai Chi for Relaxation and Longevity by Ramel Rones with David Silver, were selected as Finalists in the Sports category for the “2011 Book of the Year Awards. In a written release, ForeWord Reviews stated that more than 700 publishers submitted works for consideration and that the finalists were selected from 1,200 entries in 60 genre categories. Librarians and booksellers, who are on the front lines, working everyday with patrons and customers, choose award winners.

New Video Interview with Dr. Yang

Apr 23, 2012
Ian Wittenber, formally a student at YMAA Andover from 1999 to 2003, recently visited Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and the students of the 10-year kung fu program at the YMAA California Retreat Center and produced this short video, "If I Can Conquer Myself". Ian works as a Media Producer making videos for CrossFit. This video is part of a feature about Dr. Yang and the Retreat Center for Again Faster Equipment.

Kris Wilder Seminar, Columbia, Mo. April 28-29

Apr 9, 2012
By return request YMAA author, Kris Wilder, will be holding a seminar on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at the Stephens Lake Activity Center, 2311 E. Walnut St., Columbia, Mo. Regardless of your style, the material arts Wilder teaches goes beyond system, and although he is a Goju-Ryu stylist, it makes no difference. He will teach two days of mechanics, application and strategy. You will go deeper into your art. Guaranteed.

Listen to the experts talk about Kris Wilder:
• " Kris Wilder is one of those rare martial artists who is highly-skilled and can also teach as well. While his (Wilder's) books are worth every penny, his hands-on instruction is beyond price. "—Lawrence Kane. Author of: Surviving Armed Assaults and Martial Arts Instruction
• " His (Kris') structural striking embodied the concept of short and simple ... I've seen a lot of these things done in static positions. Kris can do them moving ... "—Rory Miller, author of Force Decisions—A Citizens Guide to Understanding How Police Determine Appropriate Use of Force

David Kahn Intensive Krav Maga Seminar in Boston

Mar 28, 2012
YMAA author, David Kahn, will hold an intensive Krav Maga seminar with the U.S. IKMA (Israeli Krav Maga Association) in Boston, Mass. on Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Krav Maga Yashir, 393 Main St., Medford, Mass. The seminar is suitable for beginners and advanced students as well as those with no prior training experience. The first day will concentrate on solutions to unarmed assaults and teach the core combatives (punching, kicking and striking) along with escapes and ground survival tactics, with the second day looking more at defenses against weapons. Kahn trains local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies along with select military units including the U.S. Marines Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and United States Air Force security forces. He is certified by the State of New Jersey Department of Public Safety Criminal Justice Division Police Training Commission. David Kahn is the author of the upcoming book, Krav Maga—Weapon Defense, June 2012, YMAA Publication Center, Inc.

Lisa B. O'Shea in Tai Chi magazine

Mar 26, 2012
Lisa B. O'Shea, YMAA author and certified Qigong Instructor, is featured on this month's cover of T'ai Chi magazine. Published since 1977, this excellent magazine features Lisa's article about "Qigong for Cholesterol" in their Spring 2012 issue. In addition, Lisa will be offering a series of weekend seminars on Qigong exercise, hands-on Qi Healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nutrition and the Standard Tai Chi Short Form. She is the Founder of the Qi Gong Institute of Rochester and has been teaching Qigong and Tai Chi for over 18 years and was the first to receive full instructor level certification in Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming's Qigong program. Ms. O'Shea is also a certified Qi Healer through the Chinese Healing Arts Center. She will be offering Summer seminars in a variety of locations: Boston MA, Chapel Hill NC, Old Lyme CT, Rochester NY, and Syracuse NY. For more details please visit her website.

Article "Devaluing the Black Belt" in TaeKwonDo Magazine By Doug Cook

Mar 20, 2012
When you achieve a black belt there is a belief that you have reached a certain level of proficiency that can be transferred from one dojang to another. Or is there? Doug Cook touches upon this question in his article, “Devaluing the Black Belt” in TaeKwonDo Times magazine. He also queries, should there be some allowance or margin for error when awarding a black belt? Are children sufficiently aware of the consequences of unbridled martial skill? Cook attempts to answer these pressing issues and points out that the World TaeKwonDo Federation and the International TaeKwonDo Federation have worked to unify the art under one banner so the curricula is the same whether you attend a dojang in a strip mall, one on the corner in your hometown, or at a major institution in a large city. Too often dollars trump tradition with black belt test fees tempting fodder for less than scrupulous instructors who push students through these ranks. This onerous practice not only cheats the student of authenticity, but devalues the black belt itself, that if earned, represents a birth certificate of sorts, genuinely welcoming the practitioner into the demanding and disciplined world of martial arts.

YMAA Retreat Center Students Win Gold in Martial Arts Tournament

Mar 7, 2012
YMAA Retreat Center students Jonathan Chang and Javier Rodriguez competed in the 2012 ICMAC martial arts tournament in Houston, TX, winning eight gold medals, two silver, and three bronze. Jon Chang was awarded Grand Champion for both the internal and external styles. Complete results: Jon Chang - Traditional Northern (Adv) - 1st, Traditional Weapons - Short (Adv) - 1st, Traditional Weapons - Other (Adv) - 1st, Traditional Weapons - Long (Adv) - 3rd, Yang Style Taijiquan (Adv) - 1st, Taiji - Other (Adv) - 2nd, Taiji Straight Sword (Adv) - 1st, Taiji Weapon - Other (Adv) - 1st, Traditional Northern Grand Champion, Taiji Grand Champion. Javier Rodriguez - Taiji Fixed Step Pushing Hands (<160) - 1st, Taiji Restricted Step Pushing Hands (<160) - 1st, Traditional Northern (Adv) - 2nd, Taiji Straight Sword (Adv) - 3rd, Continuous Sparring (Adv) - 3rd. Thanks to Nick Scrima for his continued efforts in promoting the traditional arts.

Dr. Yang Wins Reader's Choice Award

Feb 24, 2012
Over 11,000 readers voted to name Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming the "Best Author on Tai Chi Chuan" in the 2012 IMOS Journal Reader's Choice Awards. Dr. Yang has produced dozens of books and videos on the subject of Tai Chi, including his latest "Yang Tai Chi for Beginners". From Dr. Yang: "It's an honor to be nominated by IMOS Journal readers as a top writer of Taiji. It has been a long 30 years since I began this journey. When I quit my engineering job at 37 years old to embark on this path, I had no idea what to expect. It was a very difficult time, having no steady income and three children at home. I still remember doing my own typesetting, my own layout, and even self-developing my own photos in a dark room for the first few books I wrote. None of my success and YMAA's success would have been possible without the continued support of traditional martial artists worldwide, my readers, my students and friends, my children, and of course, my wife."

Tai Chi and Qi Gong Conference, Boston, March 2-4, 2012

Feb 14, 2012
The New England Tai Chi and Qi Gong Conference is set for March 2-4, 2012 at The Langham hotel, Boston, Mass. This weekend conference is for everyone, from those new to natural healing, to established practitioners. YMAA author, Dr. Aihan Kuhn, will be the instructor for two workshops, “Chinese Medicine for Everyday Life” and “Advanced Tai Chi Practice.” Other workshops will include “Qi Gong for Healing and Prevention” by Jeanne Donnelly, “Using Brain Gym for Personal and Professional Success” by Pam Formosa, “Beginning Tai Chi” and “Eight Brocade Qi Gong” by Joe Foley and “Five Elements Food Connections” by Maria Shea. For thousands of years, Chinese healing techniques and exercises have been used to treat certain conditions, stimulate the immune system and harmonize and balance the body's energy.

Doug Cook "Writer of the Year" in TaeKwonDo Times Hall of Fame

Feb 14, 2012
Master Doug Cook, a YMAA author and head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy, Warwick, New York, was recognized and inducted into the TaeKwonDo Times “2011 Hall of Fame” as “Writer of the Year.” Master Cook is 6th degree black belt. He is a traditionalist in the art placing great emphasis on the underlying philosophical principles and self-defense strategies surrounding taekwondo. His writings reflect these principles. He has shared this ideology with a column, “Traditions,” in TaeKwonDo Times for the past ten years, as well as numerous articles found in Black Belt magazine, Totally TaeKwonDo, and the United States TaeKwonDo Association Journal. He has authored three best-selling books entitled, Taekwondo—Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional Taekwondo—Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, and Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence, all published by YMAA Publication Center. A fourth book focusing on taekwondo poomsae, written in conjunction with Grandmaster Richard Chun, will be released in 2014.

Ikigaiway Interview with Author Loren Christensen is High-Octane

Feb 2, 2012
This interview found at Ikigaiway blog by Matthew Apsokardu gives some new insights into Loren W. Christensen, author of some 40 martial arts books, and many magazine articles as well as earning 11 black belts. Christensen is a multi-faceted writer based upon personal experiences from his teen years to his days as an MP in Vietnam, followed by years of service as an officer with the Portland Police Department. This interview not only touches upon his martial arts theories and self-defense training, but his honesty and love of writing comes through loud and clear. After reading this interview, it's understandable why he decided to write a martial arts thriller series about Detective Sam Reeves. The first book in the series is Dukkha—The Suffering (YMAA Publication). Sam Reeves is a veteran cop/martial artist suffering Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder who abruptly meets his father, a quirky, extraordinary martial artist. He thought his father died in a Vietnamese prison decades earlier. Son, father, and his beautiful American-Asian stepdaughter must battle a family seeking revenge on the son and battle thugs from Vietnam seeking revenge on the father. The interview brings Christensen's talents to the front page.

New YMAA Video Streaming

Feb 1, 2012
There are now ten videos available for streaming rental through the YMAA YouTube channel. YouTube has recently improved their video rental service and now includes worldwide streaming access. You do need to have a YouTube account to rent these videos. The price has been reduced to $3.99 for 30-day viewing access. Each full-length video features high-definition content from recent DVD releases, such as Kung Fu Body Conditioning, Knife Defense, and Qigong for Longevity. In most cases, this streaming video resolution is better quality than what is possible on YMAA DVDs, due to their length. The clip Qigong Meditation includes over an hour of guided one-on-one meditation instruction by Master Yang in the meditation gazebo at the YMAA Retreat Center in CA, as he teaches the progression from Embryonic Breathing through Four Gates Qigong to Martial Arts Grand Circulation Qigong. Based on the popularity of these initial offerings, we will continue to add more titles to this streaming video service. We welcome any feedback on this new YouTube feature.

Dr. Yang Visits Boston, February 2012

Jan 24, 2012
Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming is returning to the YMAA Boston headquarters school to offer seminars on the topics of Yang-style Tai Chi, Tai Chi Chin Na, Tai Chi Pushing Hands, Qigong theory, and Hard-style Qigong. The seminars page has more details on the classes, discounts, and lodging options. Dr. Yang will also offer weekly class in Qigong Healing and Tai Chi martial applications at YMAA Andover in February on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more info on the Andover class, call Alex at 978-475-2020.

Paying Tribute to a Legend… Honoring Grandmaster Richard Chun

Jan 23, 2012
Members of the United States TaeKwonDo Association and the Chosun Taekwondo Academy sponsored a long-overdue tribute to Grandmaster Richard Chun for his countless achievements and contributions to the art of taekwondo worldwide. In attendance were over 200 students and masters who participated in this surprise evening dinner this past December. In an article written by Master Doug Cook, an YMAA author, featured in the January issue of Totally TaeKwonDo at Page. 7, there is a complete account of the festive evening as well as a brief history of Grandmaster Chun's life and accomplishments. Cook's article gives kudos to this great man who influenced thousands of students worldwide and who continues to contribute greatly to the promotion of taekwondo both as a world sport and a traditional art. Grandmaster Richard Chun shares his knowledge through the written word, including Tae Kwon Do—The Korean Martial Art and Advancing in Tae Kwon Do both published by YMAA Publication Center.

Understanding the Range of Force by Rory Miller for LA Guardian Angels, Los Angeles Safety Patrols & Violence Prevention

Jan 11, 2012
In this article, posted on the LA Guardian Angels’ web site, YMAA Author, Rory Miller, describes appropriate force in citizen’s arrest and citizen’s options for violence prevention. You can talk about force as a matter of physics (F=MA) and you can talk, in interpersonal relationships, about coercion and manipulation and when and where in that fuzzy land of definitions ‘force’ or even violence, begins.

But for the purpose of this discussion, I’m going to use a simple definition: “When you make someone do something they do not want to do, or make them stop doing what they do want to do, you are using force.” By that definition, shooting someone to stop a rape in progress and the look your mother gave you when she saw you reaching for the cookie jar are both examples of force. If you intend to stop bad guys, whether in self-defense, defense of a third party, or under a duty to act as a sworn officer to enforce laws, you will be using force. And you will be expected and required, legally and morally to use the least force that you safely can.

Master Doug Cook Accepts Taekwondo Award from South Korean Ambassador

Jan 11, 2012
Master Doug Cook, head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy located in Warwick, New York, recently accepted an award for his editorial contributions to taekwondo from his Excellency, Duk Soo Han, Ambassador of the South Korea. The ceremony was Dec. 21, 2011 at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C.

At the urging of his instructor Grandmaster Richard Chun, Cook entered a national essay competition, “2011 Taekwondo Essay & Art Contest,” where he earned a first-place standing. A written statement issued by the Korean Embassy said, “The Embassy wishes to sincerely thank the more than 200 taekwondo practitioners who submitted entries this year, and to congratulate them on their accomplishments both in and out of the dojang.”

In addition to his many articles and monthly columns written for major martial arts magazines, Cook, a 6th degree black belt, has authored three best-selling books entitled: Taekwondo…Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Warrior, Traditional Taekwondo--Core Techniques, History and Philosophy, and Taekwondo–A Path to Excellence, all published by YMAA Publication Center. A fourth book focusing on taekwondo poomsae, written in conjunction with Grandmaster Richard Chun, will be released in 2014.

Welcome to New YMAA France School in Izernore

Jan 7, 2012
Yan Bellaunay, a long-time student of YMAA France has opened up a new YMAA school in Izernore, France. Yan will be offering classes in Taijiquan, Taijiquan Applications, and Qigong. He will be working closely with Victor Marques, the YMAA France Headquarters President. See the YMAA Izernore webpage.