Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
"I want to lead Chinese martial artists in the West back to their roots and help them regain their original high level of skill and public respect. I also wish to bring Qigong training to the Western world and have it accepted by the Western medical society once and for all."
- Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming was born and raised in Taiwan, Republic of China. He began his extensive martial arts training at the age of 15, under his White Crane (Bái Hè 白鶴) master, Grandmaster Cheng, Gin-Gsao. After 13 years of study, Dr. Yang became proficient in barehand techniques, weapons, White Crane Qigong (白鶴氣功), Qin Na (擒拿), Tui Na (推拿) and Dian Xue (點穴) massage, and herbal treatment.
At age 16, Dr. Yang began to study Tàijíquán (Tai Chi 太極拳) and Qigong (氣功) under Grandmaster Kao, Tao. Through the practice of Taijiquan, he was able to make a full recovery from a chronic ulcer. Dr. Yang also studied the martial side of Taijiquan, and learned from other masters and practitioners. He eventually mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, two-person fighting sequence, pushing hands, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong.
During his undergraduate years, Dr. Yang began to study Long Fist (Chángqúan 長拳) under Grandmaster Li, Mao-Ching. He learned Northern Style barehand and kicking techniques, and numerous weapons.
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| Grandmaster Li, Mao-Ching | Grandmaster Cheng, Gin-Gsao | Grandmaster Kao, Tao | |
Dr. Yang earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics while studying in Taiwan. He later earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in Indiana.
After moving to the United States, Dr. Yang began to share his knowledge of martial arts. At the request of a few colleagues, he founded the Purdue University Chinese Gongfu Research Club in 1975. He also taught college-credited courses in Taijiquan.
In 1982, he moved to Boston and founded Yang's Martial Arts Association. He eventually gave up his engineering career to devote his time to the researching, writing, and teaching of Chinese martial arts and Qigong for health. The YMAA Publication Center was founded in 1984 with the goal of producing high quality books and instructional videos on Qigong and Chinese martial arts. After almost 3 decades of overseeing and directing YMAA International, Dr. Yang officially passed down the YMAA school legacy to his younger son, Nicholas.
In 2005, Dr. Yang established the YMAA California Retreat Center, a dedicated training ground for a small group of selected students. Located in the mountainous regions of northern California, the center was formed to host a 10-year training program, directed and taught by Dr. Yang himself. The 10-year program began in September of 2008. A new 5-year training program will begin in September of 2013.
The intensive program is comprehensive and thoroughly covers Chinese martial arts, martial philosophies, culture, and history. It is Dr. Yang's wish that through this effort, he will be able to preserve traditional Chinese martial arts to the same standards and quality of ancient times. Guests are welcome to visit the Center and train during the semester or during the summer seminars.
'If I Can Conquer Myself' from Ian Wittenber on Vimeo.
Below is a sample of Dr Yang's DVD's available at YMAA Publication
For info on Dr Yang's Seminars around the world click here.