Latest News and Events

8 September 2009

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and the Retreat Center students held a small but enjoyable Supporters Festival on August 22, 2009. The festival began with a tea ceremony, followed by a questions-and-answers session. Sponsors had the opportunity to get to better know the Retreat Center, the students, and Dr. Yang one-on-one.

Topics discussed included: the application process, how students were selected, and student feedback about the first year of training, including individual questions for each student. Students revealed their tentative plans on what they want to do after graduating and why they feel so compelled and passionate to continue the program now. Several of the students seek to teach seminars, classes, or possibly open a school of their own once they complete the 10-year program.

7 September 2009

The YMAA Retreat Center has completed its second annual summer seminar season. Participants from several different countries attended this year, including Brazil, Chile, Spain, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Seminar attendees gathered together at the YMAA Retreat Center in Humboldt County of California to listen to and learn from Dr. Yang.

Photos have been posted in the photo gallery.

We were delighted to have the recent construction of the semi-enclosed outdoor training facility completed in time to accommodate the seminar participants this season. In between watermelon breaks and lying in the sun, students practiced diligently with each other and the disciples as Dr. Yang oversaw each training session.

Each seminar spanned a period of 5-days, allowing for a relaxed learning pace and a deeper quality of instruction. The seminar format allowed Dr. Yang to spend more time with students for feedback on their training progress. After the difficult training of each week, participants finished each seminar in good spirits and with a new wealth of knowledge.

24 August 2009

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming will be in Santa Cruz, CA on the weekend of September 19th and 20th to teach seminars on Qigong. The topics will be Embryonic Breathing and Four Seasons Qigong.

Dates:
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009

Time:
9:30am - 5:30pm

Location:
Santa Cruz Chi Center
21511B East Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 465-9088
info@santacruzchicenter.com
Click here for map and website!

Cost:
$150 (1 day) or $250 (both days)

Dr. Yang will also be doing a free booksigning and talk on Embryonic Breathing at Gateways Bookstore on Friday, September 18th, 7-9pm. Gateways is located at 1126 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, (831) 429-9600.

6 July 2009

The YMAA Retreat Center disciples have completed their second video project, which provides a glimpse into the difficulties and successes of their first year of training. Included in the video are clips of gymnastics drills (flips, rolling, jumping), brick catching (30 lbs. concrete block), mountain running (with a 50 lbs. load), jumping over rails, arm speed training, arm/wrist conditioning, and Jin practice.

Congratulations to the disciples on finishing their first year of training and on their continued progress in the training program. Throughout the 9 months of the first two semesters, the remaining disciples have withstood the test of time, strength, and dedication, bearing through the physical and mental struggles of the challenging training exercises and the isolation of the woods. The first year has been filled with much success, struggles, and discoveries, as well as a few additions, such as a semi-enclosed training facility, a dog Xiao Hu, and a kitten Mr. Meowgi. With the first year down, Dr. Yang and the disciples now have a better idea on how to approach and plan for the remaining 9 years of the program.

Click Read More for a larger view.