Trial Training & Interview Period

Stage 2: Trial Training & Interview Period

If you are selected as a potential candidate based on your written application, you must plan a minimum 1-month trip to the YMAA Retreat Center for your Trial Training & Interview Period, during which your qualifications for the Full-Time Program will be assessed. Please plan to be at the YMAA Retreat Center for your Trial Training & Interview Period period within the timeframe allowed. Applicants are responsible for travel expenses. Please note that if you are rejected as a candidate during any part of the Trial Training & Interview Period, you may be asked to leave.

The Trial Training & Interview Period allows us to better understand and learn about the following in potential candidates:

  1. Physical capabilities
    • Strength
    • Physical Endurance (Tolerance)
    • Physical Stability (Balance and Centering)
    • Physical Flexibility
    • Speed
  2. Mental characteristics
    • Self-discipline
    • Learning Ability (Pondering, Thinking, and Analyzing)
    • Alertness and Awareness
    • Protection of Public Facilities
    • Willingness to Accept Tasks and Challenges
    • Focus of Mind and Concentrated Efforts
    • Sincerity
    • Honesty
    • Modesty
    • Rebelliousness
    • Creativity
    • Selfishness
    • Falseness
    • Laziness
    • Jealousy
    • Objective Judgment
  3. Morality of Deed
    • Humility
    • Respect
    • Righteousness
    • Trust
    • Loyalty
  4. Morality of Mind
    • Will
    • Endurance
    • Perseverance
    • Patience
    • Courage
  5. Social Skills
    • Leadership
    • Public Relations
    • Cooperation
    • Sympathy and Sensitivity


Here is a brief overview of the testing methods that will be used to judge your candidacy and qualifications:

  1. Physical Test
    • Basic Stance Training (8 Postures) - Endurance and Strength
    • Standing on Bricks - Balance and Stability
    • Stretching and Kicking - Flexibility
    • Reaction Training - Speed, Alertness, and Awareness
  2. Spirituality Test
    • Meditation
    • Qigong Lecture and Discussion
    • Discussion of the Meaning of Life and Related Topics
  3. Language Test
    • Chinese - Learning Attitude and Ability
    • English - Speaking, Communication, and Discussion
  4. Mind Test
    • Learning Lian Bu Quan (Basic Long Fist Sequence) - Learning Ability, Will, Endurance, Perseverance, Patience
    • Observance of Daily Activities, Training Habits, and Behavior
  5. Morality Test
    • Observance of Daily Activities, Training Habits, and Behavior
  6. Social Skills Test
    • Observance of Daily Activities, Training Habits, and Behavior
    • Interaction with Dr. Yang and Peers
    • Respect and Attitude