YMAA Retreat Center Newsletter - Issue #1

Progress

Dr. Yang began this project in 2004. The 10-year training program is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2008. Here is a list of some of the progress made thus far:

• After searching around the country for some time, Dr. Yang found and chose this property in Northern California.
• In 2004, Dr. Yang formed the California nonprofit organization, YMAA Retreat Center.
• The Retreat Center is now recognized by California as an Educational Facility.
• A road was built into the property and covered with gravel (4-wheel drive is still required to get up the path).
• A solar panel array has been installed to provide the main electricity supply. The property is "off-the-grid" and completely self-sustaining.
• A water well has been dug and the water pumping system has been installed.
• A cabin and larger house have been built on the top of this "small mountain."
• Dr. Yang and volunteer students travel to the Retreat Center twice a year to continue preparations.
• The program has been publicized, and applications from interested students are now being reviewed. Applications will be accepted until April 2008.
• Inside Kung-Fu magazine will have a story on Dr. Yang and the Retreat Center in 2007.

Project Goals

• Dr. Yang plans to transmit his entire knowledge of the arts to the students selects for the program. He will be teaching the next generation of YMAA masters.
• The expanded curriculum is to include Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Qigong, weapons, horseback riding, massage, meditation, Chinese language, cooking, culture, and philosophy.
• Dr. Yang intends to raise the standard of Chinese martial arts training in the world.
• All accepted students will learn to demonstrate an exceptionally high level of skill, morality, humility, and spirituality.
• The Retreat Center will exhibit the true depth of Chinese Healing and Martial Arts.
• The program is estimated to cost $500,000 per year. Our fundraising goal is to "break even" by raising $5.5M. Our ultimate fundraising goal is $10M, in which case the Retreat Center would be able to continue on for generations more.