Interview and Testing Period

Sorry, formal applications are closed! Call us for more information (707) 502-8739.

Stage 2: Interview and Testing Period

If you are selected as a potential candidate based on your written application, you must plan a minimum 2-week trip to the YMAA Retreat Center for your Interview and Testing Period, during which your qualifications for the 10-year program will be assessed. Please plan to be at the YMAA Retreat Center for your interview well in advance of the starting semester. Applicants are responsible for travel expenses. Please note that if you are rejected as a candidate during any part of the 2-week timeframe, you may be asked to leave. If you plan to stay longer than 2 weeks, you will be required to pay food and lodging.

The Interview and Testing 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