Grandmaster Doug Cook Appointed President of United States Taekwondo Association

December 12, 2017
With the passing of Grandmaster Richard Chun on Nov. 15, 2017, Grandmaster Doug Cook, 7th degree black belt, and owner of Chosun Taekwondo Academy, Warwick, NY, was recently named president and CEO of the United States Taekwondo Association (USTA).
Cook was appointed by the grandmaster to succeed him shortly before his passing. Reached for comment, Grandmaster Cook stated that, "While I am honored beyond measure to accept this esteemed post, it comes at great cost with the death of my mentor and master. Grandmaster Chun was like a father to me in many ways and I will miss him dearly with all my heart."
Founded in 1980 by martial arts pioneer Grandmaster Richard Chun, USTA is a national organization whose mission is to "promote the traditional and evolving art of taekwondo."
USTA provides professional guidance in establishing national standards for technical practice and competition, testing, and accreditation for its many members. It also assists in organizing curricula for affiliate schools and offers services in web design and social media marketing. Additionally, the organization oversees tournaments, hosts seminars, arranges training tours to South Korea, and provides testing and legitimate accreditation of black belts through the Kukkiwon in Seoul, South Korea.

"Compression Locks" article by Andrew Zerling featured in Black Belt Magazine

September 26, 2017
Andrew Zerling, author of the YMAA award-winning book Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts: Winning Clinches, Takedowns, and Tactics, has published a new article, "Compression Locks," in the Oct/Nov 2017 issue of Black Belt Magazine, The World's Leading Magazine of Martial Arts.
Zerling's article is about compression locks. "Find out how sneaky grappling moves like the biceps slicer are done and why they're so effective, then read what Dr. Joseph Estwanik, the original ringside physician for the UFC, has to say about the medical implications," said Zerling. Black Belt magazine is available in print and eBook formats.  It can also be purchased on Amazon.
Andrew Zerling is a black-belt martial artist with over two decades of experience in a variety of styles. His work has appeared in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts and Black Belt Magazine with Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Renzo Gracie. Andrew has also earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Temple University in Philadelphia and has been a technical writer for the food and drug industry. Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts: Winning Clinches, Takedowns, and Tactics is Andrew's first book. Andrew Zerling resides in Rumson, New Jersey.

Celebrating a Grand Opening with New Office Space

March 16, 2017
YMAA Publication Center, Inc. recently moved its corporate office within the city limits of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.  The company hosted a “grand opening” reception where local businesses, staff, and friends were invited.   The company originated in Boston, Mass. in 1984 and 12 years ago moved to Wolfeboro, N.H.
“We rented for many years in Wolfeboro and just came off our best year ever after 32 years in business. When this fabulous space came on the market, we had to take the opportunity. Who wouldn’t love to work lakeside in an office environment?  We are, after all, in the lakes region of New Hampshire,” said David Ripianzi, publisher.
YMAA serves its customers as an online business with sales of books and DVDs to those interested in martial arts, self-defense, health products, weapons, apparel and sports equipment. 
As YMAA is a virtual office, at the new location will be staff members, David Ripianzi, publisher, Sara Scanlon, customer services manager, Diane Mork, bookkeeper, and space for interns.  The other team members are Tim Comrie, production manager, and David Silver, video manager, both located in Massachusetts, and Barbara Langley, publicist, located in Missouri.  The editing staff, TG LaFredo, resides in Nevada and Leslie Takao resides in New Hampshire.

Clinch Fighting: Past, Present, and Future

January 18, 2017
YMAA author Andrew Zerling has written an article that is posted in "MMA Uncaged" Issue 40, January/February 2017.  In this article, Zerling says, "Know your roots. History is a great teacher. This article deals with the history behind clinch fighting from Ancient Greece and feudal Japan to today's mixed martial arts (MMA) and beyond. But first, what is clinch fighting and why is it so important in hand-to-hand fighting?"  The author states in his article "that the clinch occurs when there is some sort of gripping between the combatants while they are standing and there are numerous different types of clinches.  For example, the standing clinch is one of the three major phases used in hand-to-hand fighting and MMA.  Combatants usually clinch when one of them is defending a takedown or as they strike each other.  It may not be as well-known as the free-movement phase (standing strikes with no grips) and the ground fighting phase, but it is just as critical.  To read the complete article, visit "MMA Uncaged." Some material in this article is drawn upon from the book Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts: Winning Clinches, Takedowns, and Tactics by Andrew Zerling (YMAA, Oct. 2016).

Congratulations to Michelle Lin from YMAA Andover

January 5, 2017
Michelle Lin began her training as a child at YMAA Andover in Massachusetts. She is now a student in the intensive kung fu program at the YMAA Retreat Center, training kung fu, tai chi, and Chinese culture in daily lessons with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming in Northern CA. After being spotted on YouTube performing kung fu in a martial arts tournament, she was selected for a role in the film "Assassin's Creed". She spent 12 weeks filming in London as the Northern Shaolin character Lin, a quiet and deadly assassin. The film debuted in theaters last week, fighting against a new Star Wars film for viewers, and earned over $30 million in its first week. Watch the video that got her discovered and read more in this interview from our friends at Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine.

YMAA Books Receive Award Recognition

December 13, 2016
Five YMAA books received award recognition from Best Book Awards. This awards program is in its 13th year and attracted 2,000 entrants. Two winners are: Krav Maga Professional Tactics by David Kahn in the "Sports" category and Training for Sudden Violence: 72 Practical Drills by Rory Miller in the "Self-Help General" category. Three finalists are: Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming in the "Sports" category, Redemption: A Street Fighter's Path to Peace by Michael Clarke in the "Autobiography/Memoir category," and The Mind Inside Yang Style Tai Chi: Lao Liu Lu 22-Posture Short Form by Henry Zhuang in the "Spirituality-General" Category. David Ripianzi, publisher of YMAA Publications, offers his congratulations and kudos to these fine authors.

YMAA Schools 34th Anniversary

October 6, 2016
YMAA Schools celebrated their 34th anniversary on October 1st. YMAA was founded by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming in 1981 when he quit his engineering job and dedicated his life to teaching the traditional Chinese arts of kung fu, tai chi, and qigong. In the early years, classes were taught in Dr. Yang's garage, and then at a YMCA on Huntington Ave in Boston. The school was eventually established in Jamaica Plain, MA at the end of the subway line. In 2005, Dr. Yang moved to CA to undertake another dream project at the YMAA Retreat Center. Students there are now in their 7th year of an intensive 10-year training program. Dr. Yang continues to teach in seminars around the world and week-long classes in CA. Congratulations to all at YMAA!

Baby Boomers Embrace Qigong

By Jane Spencer, The Wall Street Journal, Aug. 13, 2016
The Wall Street Journal article explains the benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong for the general population but in particular for the baby boomer generation.  "Two millenniums later, the ancient practice is returning—showing up alongside disco, yoga and aqua aerobics as the hottest trend in stress relief at American spas and health clubs," writes Jane Spencer, staff reporter of The Wall Street Journal.  Read more about this old wisdom becoming a new trend.

Master Helen Liang featured at Banyen Book & Sound Store, Vancouver, Canada

April 13, 2016
Join Master Helen Liang for a special tai chi performance and the introduction of two new DVD releases, Simplified Tai Chi for Beginners: Learn the 48 Form and Simplified Tai Chi for Beginners: Learn the 24 Form. This free event will be held at Banyen Book & Sound Store, 3608 West 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC, Canada V6R1P1 (604) 732-7912 on Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
"Both of these forms, Tai Chi 48 or Tai Chi 24, are based upon an ancient art often described as 'moving meditation,' because it stimulates your mind, body, and spirit," said Liang.
She is the eldest daughter of Grandmaster Liang, Shou-Yu. Originally from Sichuan Province in China, she began training in traditional Wushu at the age of 4 under the strict guidance of her father. In 1985, she immigrated to Canada and in 1989 became an official instructor at the Shou-Yu Liang Wushu Taiji Qigong Institute in Vancouver. Today, she is the owner/director of the school.
During her years of training, she participated in many national and international competitions and won a great number of gold medals. She has been featured in many media events including, television, in China and in Canada as well as in several newspapers and magazines worldwide.

NFL Worried Concussions May Lead to Bad Press: When Companies Start to Take Brain Injuries Seriously, They will look to Martial Arts for Answers. By Jason Thalken, PhD

March 21, 2016
Author, Jason Thalken, of Fight Like a Physicist discusses the recent Volkswagen fraud of installing deceptive software systems and compares it to the NFL situation when Dr. Bennet Omalu published results from the autopsy he performed on former Pittsburg Steelers center Mike Webster. Webster suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Both companies wrongly viewed these fiascos as a PR problem.

Thalken claims you still can't trust major companies to fix these problems. The NFL's CTE problem is rooted in the center of scientific and medical processes that we still don't understand. Perhaps martial arts has the answers.  Read more about this interesting article at Kung Fu magazine.

New Cancer Wellness TV Program by Ramel Rones and Jeff Sirlin

December 30, 2015
YMAA author, Ramel Rones, is one of the practitioners associated with the newly created Cancer Wellness TV.  This program will provide a free online platform providing video, articles, and easy-to-prepare recipes. In addition, there will be content about cancer complementary therapies including, tai chi, yoga, nutrition, mediation, art therapy, music therapy, survivorship support, and much more.  On this TV program, there will also be some of the top experts in the world of cancer integrative therapy, including, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, mind-body practitioners, oncologists, psychologists, survivor advocates and others whose life work is with cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.  These professionals will share their knowledge with those who need it.

"Now people dealing with cancer will finally have access to complementary therapies without having to leave their homes," said Rones, an expert tai chi/qigong master, author of the Sunrise and Sunset Tai Chi books and DVD series.  "And best of all this service is 100 percent free."

For immediate access for more information and videos, please visit, Cancer Wellness TV.  Other information may be found on its official blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

What Physics Can Tell Us About Martial Arts— A scientific approach can reveal much about combat sports, and football

By: Inside Science Editorial Team Inside Science, December 7, 2015
(Inside Science) -- Jason Thalken has a Ph.D. in physics and also practices martial arts. He's the author of "Fight Like a Physicist: The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts." A data scientist who works in industry, he has studied and competed in eight martial arts, and has a black belt in hapkido. His book investigates and discusses how to use to science to gain an advantage, why safety equipment can backfire, and why center of mass, pi, and momentum are all important to those who practice martial arts.
The book is written to appeal to readers regardless of their scientific background. Fans of other sports, including football, will also be interested to read the chapters on brain injuries and concussions. Readers might not expect a martial arts book to discuss football, but to a physicist like Thalken, exploring the way safety gear, collisions, and technique influence brain injury makes a lot of sense...(continue to full article text)

Five Books Receive Recognition From USA Book Awards

November 30, 2015
YMAA Publication Center announced the receipt of five awards from 2015 USA Best Book Awards. Fight Like A Physicist—The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts by Jason Thalken, PhD received the "Winner" in the "Sports" category from USA Book Awards.
Finalist Awards:
Conflict Communication: A New Paradigm in Conscious Communication by Rory Miller in the "Social Change" category, Tai Chi Chuan Martial Power: Advanced Yang Style by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming in the "Sports" category, The Mind Inside Tai Chi: Sustaining a Joyful Heart by Henry Zhuang in the "Self-Help" category and First Defense: Anxiety and Instinct for Self-Protection by David Hopkins, PhD, in the "Self-Help" category.
Jeffrey Keen, president and CEO of USA Book News said, "USA Book News.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community. Now in its twelfth year, it received 2,000 entries in 100 categories, which was narrowed down to 400 winners and finalists. These five books were part of the 400 winning titles."
More information about YMAA Publication winners may be found at The 2015 USA Best Book Awards.

Book Signing Event at Barnes & Noble, Seattle for Fight Like A Physicist: The Incredible Science Behind Martial Arts by Jason Thalken, PhD

September 24, 2015
Dr. Jason Thalken will be featured in a book-signing event on October 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Pacific Place, 600 Pine Street Suite 107, Seattle, Wash. 98101, (206) 264-0402. You may purchase a book at Barnes & Noble and have Dr. Jason Thalken autograph it. Please feel free to bring your helmet, your child and helmet, and Dr. Thalken will be glad to offer his opinion on correct fit and usage.
About the book: Make physics your advantage in the ring and on the street. See through the illusion of safety provided by gloves and helmets. Reduce traumatic brain injury in contact sports. Give the esoteric side of martial arts a reality check.
Jason Thalken has a PhD in computational condensed matter physics from the University of Southern California, and bachelor's degrees in physics, mathematics, and philosophy from the University of Texas. Dr. Thalken has studied and competed in more than eight different martial arts styles since 1995 and has a black belt in hapkido under Grand Master Ho Jin Song. He resides with his family near Seattle, Washington.

Enzan: The Far Mountain Receives GOLD recognition from Benjamin Franklin Awards

June 17, 2015
John Donohue, author of Enzan: The Far Mountain, A Connor Burke Martial Arts Thriller, published by YMAA Publication Center, received Gold recognition in the Mystery/Suspense category from IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards.
David Ripianzi, publisher, YMAA Publication Center, presented Donohue with the award at the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) booth space during Book Expo America (BEA) at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
"I'm honored to have my novel Enzan receive a gold medal from the Benjamin Franklin IBPA award," said Donohue. "It's fantastic recognition for the fifth book in a series that has been a real labor of love. I'm grateful for the recognition as well as for the great support I've received from the team at YMAA, who continue to see the potential in my work and provide the editorial, marketing and public relations support that frees me up to keep writing."
There are 55 categories recognizing excellence in book editorial and design. The Benjamin Franklin Awards is regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers.

YMAA Participates in World Tai Chi & Qigong Day

April 20, 2015
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day (WTCQD) will be celebrated on April 25, 2015 at 10 a.m. in every time zone around the world. You can participate in this global day of peace by yourself or with your local tai chi or qigong group by simply practicing at 10 a.m. As the day passes, a wave of energy will encircle the globe through the hearts and minds of practitioners on every continent throughout hundreds of cities in 80 nations.
YMAA Publication Center supports this day and many of its schools and authors worldwide, Poland, Italy, Iran, Chile, U.S.A. will participate. To name a few, Aihan Kuhn, YMAA author of Traditional Chinese Medicine, will sponsor a free event, at Bay Front Park (Island Park) across Rt. 41 and Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Fla. YMAA Taiji Master, Roger Whidden, of Whidden School of Fitness, 822 Webster St., Marshfield, Mass. will host a demonstration. Shermin Rezaei-Dorji, YMAA Iran Director, advised that the Iran Wushu Federation will support the Iranian Taiji schools and plans to hold an event at the Water and Fire Park in Tehran estimating 50 or more participants.
Bill Douglas is the creator of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. After 17 years, the event has grown to include millions of tai chi and qigong practitioners who share a common vision of hope and healing. In addition, read about the origin of WTCQD at a YMAA interview with Bill Douglas.
Check the WTCQD web site and see if there is a free event scheduled in a park, school, or community center near you.

Taekwondo Celebrates 60th Birthday

April 7, 2015
Taekwondo, the most popular martial art in the world today is a modern discipline with ancient roots and a multifaceted history. After the political turmoil and Japanese occupation in the first half of the twentieth century, the Korean government, seeking to reclaim a strong national identity, encouraged the different Kwans or martial arts institutes to unite under a common name.Today, most historians agree that it was General Choi Hong Hi (1918-2002) who, on April 11, 1955 created the name Taekwondo based on its close association with the indigenous Korean kicking art taekkyon. Following much debate and many political hurdles, consent was finally granted.
But to understand taekwondo's evolution lets start by defining the art...
"It is important to note the Taekwondo literally translated as "foot-hand-way," or "the way of striking with hands and feet,"...is not merely about kicking and punching. Rather it is an action philosophy that seeks to enrich the lives of those who diligently apply its honorable principles to their daily routine. For decades taekwondo has been the perfect medium for cultivating inner strength, extraordinary endurance, and an effective arsenal of defensive skills."Master Doug Cook from his book, Taekwondo - A Path to Excellence, published by YMAA Publication Center

How Steve Jobs Trained His Own Brain

March 20, 2015
Steve Jobs wasn't only a pioneer in computer technology. He was also a pioneer in the technology of the brain. This article appeared in Inc. 5000, March 19, 2015, where Geoffrey James, columnist, points out that Steve Jobs used the same meditation method as Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, to train his brain, reduce his stress, gain more clarity, and enhance his creativity. James said that Jobs was mostly known for his legendary ability to create innovative, groundbreaking products. What's less known, though, is that Jobs was a pioneer in what was once a rather esoteric "mind technology"--the use of mindfulness meditation. "The mind technology of meditation has since gone mainstream…and companies as diverse as Target, Ford, Google have begun to teach their employees the same kind of mindfulness that Jobs embraced decades ago. I learned mindfulness meditation from world-renowned martial artist Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. From what I can tell from Jobs' description of his meditation, Yang's method is either identical or closely related to Jobs' own practice." Read more of this interesting article.

YMAA Video App in New York Times

February 20, 2015
The YMAA video app "Yang Tai Chi for Beginners Part 1" has been featured in a recent New York Times article and video. The article by Kit Eaton says "Yang Tai Chi for Beginners is a comprehensive iOS and Android app for learning one of the more popular forms of Tai Chi. It uses video-based lessons to talk you through the precision movements of the form. The video demonstrations are backed up with text-based instructions and explanations of correct posture and what the movements are for and what they mean. The app has a short sample of its content available free, but the full content requires an in-app payment of $10. There's also a second app that completes the lessons." View the complete list of YMAA video apps here.

Zhou Xuan Yun Guest Speaker on NQA Qi Talks

January 2, 2015
YMAA author, Zhou Xuan Yun, will be the featured guest speaker on National Qigong Association's "Qi Talks!" on Thursday, January 8, 2015 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. EST. Vicki Dello Joio will host the interview which will be filled with qi information. Zhou Xuan Yun is a Daoist priest and will talk about the role of qigong in Daoist practice. He will discuss his personal experiences growing up in a Daoist temple on Wudang Mountain as well as the years he spent "cloud traveling" as a wandering monk. His interview will also include Daoist history and philosophy, and how Daoism has been practiced in China over the years. The event is free, but you must register in order to participate. Zhou Xuan Yun belongs to the Orthodox Unity sect of Daoism. He is the author of Wudang Kung Fu: Fundamental Training, Wudang Sword: Tai Yi Daoist Form and Applications and others.

YMAA Publication Center Celebrates 30 Years

December 18, 2014
YMAA Publication Center is celebrating thirty years in business. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the survival rate of small businesses over 15 years old is about 25 per cent. Technological developments have put many publishing companies in stress or out of business. But YMAA Publication Center, a small company focusing on books and DVDs of Asian martial arts mostly—Chinese Martial Arts—has survived and continues to grow and thrive. Violet Li, columnist, The Examiner, writes an interesting blog article about this growth with early photos of Dr. Yang and David Ripianzi, publisher.

YMAA Books Receive FINALIST Awards

December 3, 2014
USA Book News.com, an online magazine featuring independent and mainstream publishing houses, announced that YMAA Publication Center received three Finalist awards for their books. In particular, Simplified Tai Chi Chuan 24 Postures with Applications and Standard 48 Postures by Liang, Shou-Yu and Wu, Wen-Ching received a Finalist award in the Health, Diet & Exercise category. Both Dukkha Unloaded—A Sam Reeves Martial Arts Thriller by Loren W. Christensen and Enzan The Far Mountain—A Connor Burke Martial Arts Thriller by John Donohue received a Finalist award in the Mystery/Suspense category.
Over 400 winners and finalists were announced in over 100 categories. Awards were presented for titles published in 2012-2014. Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year's contest yielded over 2,000, which were then narrowed down to over 400 winners and finalists.

Dr. Yang and Nicholas Yang Seminar Tour

October 10, 2014
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and his son Nicholas are traveling during October 2014 to teach Tai Chi, Qigong, Pushing Hands, Chin Na, Shaolin White Crane, and more. Most classes are open to the public and offered by YMAA Schools and seminar hosts in Iceland, Ireland, France, Poland, Italy, and Portugal. YMAA students and school directors also have an opportunity at this time for testing and form corrections. Watch the seminars page for the most current info. YMAA has just passed its 32 year anniversary, and Dr. Yang congratulated everyone in YMAA International with this message.

U. S. Taekwondo Association Announces Seminar Hosted by Chosun Taekwondo Academy at Monroe-Woodbury High School, New York

Sep 23, 2014
The United States Taekwondo Association announced that Chosun Taekwondo Academy, Warwick, N.Y. was selected to host the 2014 United States Taekwondo Association Special Taekwondo Seminar (USTA) at Monroe-Woodbury High School, Woodbury, N.Y. on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seminar will feature a variety of classes taught by Grandmaster Richard Chun, a ninth-degree black belt and one of the highest-ranking master instructors in the country. Open to all martial artists regardless of school, affiliation or rank, the comprehensive curriculum will include education in basic technique, self-defense, forms, sparring drills and breaking. Information about this seminar may be found by contacting Chosun Taekwondo Academy at [email protected], (845) 986-2288 or download a registration form at www.chosuntkd.com.
Master Doug Cook, head instructor of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy commented, "We are clearly delighted and honored to be given the opportunity to host a seminar of this nature rather than a competitive tournament." Chun and Cook, both YMAA authors recently published Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae Original Koryo and Koryo and a companion DVD.

YMAA Author, Doug Cook, Escorts Students to Train in South Korea

Aug 12, 2014
Few martial artists practicing today are given the opportunity to train in the country from which their chosen discipline has evolved. Yet, that is exactly what thirty students from the Chosun Taekwondo Academy, did this past July when they journeyed to South Korea the homeland of taekwondo under the leadership of Master Doug Cook, 6th degree black belt. This was Cook's seventh training tour of South Korea. This tour included nine days of physical, cultural, and academic training. The itinerary included instruction by world-renowned grandmasters at the new Taekwondowon in Muju, the Kumgang Taekwondo Center and Kukkiwon in Seoul, the World Taekwondo Instructor Academy in Yangsu-ri, Golgulsa Temple in Kyongju, and the Dongyang Taekwondo Academy located on Jeju Island. Participants also traveled to Kyongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom located in the southeast portion of the country.
Master Doug Cook stated, "It is an honor to provide our students with traditional training of this caliber mixed with the cultural exposure a martial pilgrimage offers; for that is truly what this adventure was – a path to enlightenment through the accumulation of ancient martial wisdom. I am already planning another excursion for 2016. I urge anyone interested in the traditional martial arts to join us."

Three Million Views on the YMAA Video Channel

Aug 12, 2014
The YMAA YouTube channel has passed a milestone of over three million views on our preview trailers and streaming videos. The YMAA channel has over 100 videos, arranged into playlists sorted by subject. "YMAA Previews" features trailers for all YMAA DVDs, plus bonus clips. "Rent YMAA Videos" features 10 full-length video segments from various programs available for rent. Other playlists focus of specific authors, such as "Nicholas Yang", "Rory Miller", Zhou, Xuan-Yun", and "Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming", which features a collection of Dr. Yang videos from various sources dating back to the 1980s. Thanks to all those who have viewed the videos, and please subscribe to the YMAA video channel.

Year 6 Complete at YMAA Retreat Center

Jul 1, 2014
The students of the 10-year training program with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming at the YMAA Retreat Center just completed their 6th year. This comprensive full-time study program includes martial arts, qigong, meditation, weapons, Chinese language, publishing skills, and more. Dr. Yang says: "This year's training has been the most productive and smoothest of all the years so far. The new group of students who joined us last fall are full of promise, heart, and spirit. Together with the old group, I am confident that all students will be able to reach their training goals in the years to follow. Congratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication this year." Read more.

YMAA Author, Doug Cook, To Shoot Documentary in South Korea this July

June 17, 2014
Master Doug Cook, Chosun Taekwondo Academy, Warwick, N.Y. and YMAA Author, will be taking 30 students for a martial arts pilgrimage to South Korea this July 2014. According to Cook, this tour will be different. This time, there are plans in motion to produce an hour-long documentary, tentatively titled Taekwondo Training in Korea – Land of the Morning Calm, with plans to air on public television, commercial networks featuring travel content, and at various domestic and foreign film festivals. A producer was hired, professional equipment will be used, and a script was written to set the documentary in motion.
The film will focus on vigorous training at world-renowned venues such as the Kukkiwon – center of taekwondo operations worldwide, the all-new Taekwondowon located in Muju, and Golgulsa Temple situated high in the southern mountains. The documentary will be balanced by cultural opportunities on Jeju Island and Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.
"Because of the nation's innate beauty and the extreme challenges posed by a serious study of Korean martial arts, it has always been my desire to capture the dignity, strength and beauty of taekwondo in its nation of origin on film. Now, this dream will become a reality," said Cook.

YMAA School in Iran Celebrates World Tai Chi and Qigong Day

May 1, 2014
Shermin Rezaei-Dorji, director,YMAA School in Tehran, Iran, reports that students and followers of the ancient and valued art of taijiquan and qigong gathered together in parks and public places to move together in one breath and with a single heart with other people throughout the world. Rezaei said in a flyer that the basics of the global and national goals of the day include introduction of the significant benefits of this art to the public, and improving overall wellbeing and life skills. It was also a day to become sensitive to nature and the environment and improvements in green space and a day to unite the large family of taijiquan and wushu globally and nationally. This was their first participation. The group met at Ordibehest—Park Mellat, sponsored by YMAA and the Iran Wushu Federation.

What do YMAA, Garrison Keillor, Vincent Pratchett and Catch 22 have in Common? All are participants in World Book Night April 23, 2014

Apr 14, 2014
YMAA novelist, Vincent Pratchett, author of The Raven's Warrior has been selected to participate in World Book Night eve on Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at Talking Leaves bookstore, 3158 Main St., Buffalo, New York. The Raven's Warrior is a fantasy sci-fi book with a new twist on the Arthurian legend of yesteryear. Pratchett's award-winning debut novel has interesting references to internal and external martial arts interspersed with tales of Eastern mysticism. Celebrating the day, author, Garrison Keillor, will be appearing with other noted writers at the New York City Public Library. And Catch 22 is one of the 35 books being given away and delivered by 25,000 volunteers in 6,000 communities. There are 2,300 bookstores and libraries serving as community organizers.
World Book Night U.S. is a nationwide initiative celebrating the love of reading, person to person on April 23 –Shakespeare's birthday. Annually, an independent panel of librarians and booksellers choose about 35 books using lists compiled by experts in the bookselling and library world. This year, The Raven's Warrior, was one of the selections.

New YMAA Tulsa School Now Open

Apr 14, 2014
Tom Bowman, a longterm student of Dr. Yang, has opened a new YMAA school located in Tulsa, OK, offering qigong classes four to six days per week. Tom has helped many students recover from various health issues, including autoimmune disease, pain management, depression, and breast cancer. Visit YMAATulsa.com for more information. There are currently over 50 official YMAA schools around the world.

CNN-US Article with comments by YMAA Author Kris Wilder

Feb 27, 2014
CNN-US, John Blake, interviewed YMAA author, Kris Wilder, and posted his comments in his article, "She survived a standoff with a gunman---could you?" It's the story of how a courageous woman, Antoinette Tuff, school bookkeeper, kept her cool and survived a school invasion by a gunman by "changing the mood." Wilder, a 30-year veteran of martial arts and award-winning author, said, "She had a unique, deep and profound skill set that she was able to bring to the situation." Tuff was the only one standing between the gunman and 800 children in an elementary school just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Kris Wilder began his martial arts training in 1976 in the art of Tae Kwon Do, he has earned black belt-level ranks in three arts: Tae Kwon Do (2nd Degree), Kodokan Judo (1st Degree) and Goju-Ryu Karate (5th Degree), which he teaches at the West Seattle Karate Academy. He is the author of The Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power and companion DVD and co-author of The Little Black Book of Violence.

YMAA Retreat Center students Win Gold at ICMAC Tournament

Feb 24, 2014
YMAA Retreat Center student Michelle Lin has published videos from the recent 2014 ICMAC martial arts tournament in Houston. Nicholas Yang was named "Grand Champion" in the Traditional Northern Advanced Men category, won 1st place in Advanced Men Fixed Step Pushing Hands, and 2nd place in four other categories. Michelle was 1st in Adv. Women Northern Long Fist. Jon Chang was 1st in Adv. Men Southern Fist and Adv. Men Open Weapons. Javi Rodriguez was 1st in Adv. Men Continuous Sparring (<165 lbs), 2nd in Adv. Men Yang Style Taiji, and 3rd in several other categories. And, Quentin Lopes won 1st place in both Adv. Boys Traditional Hand Forms and Adv. Boys Weapons (Bullwhip). Congratulations to all. Thanks to host Nick Scrima and all those who participated.

YMAA Publishing 30-Year Anniversary in January 2014

Jan 15, 2014
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming began self-publishing his own books in 1984, in the basement of his kung fu school in Boston, MA, USA. Since then, YMAA Publication Center has gained acclaim for its in-depth martial arts and health books and videos. In 2003, David Ripianzi, a long-term student of Dr. Yang from the early years, purchased the publishing company so Master Yang could free up some of his limited time and energy, and focus on the training at the YMAA Retreat Center in CA. As the publishing industry and economy have changed, YMAA has evolved and thrived, and our small staff of a half dozen people are still going strong. Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Yang, and to all of our customers and supporters over the years.

YMAA Author Vincent Pratchett Makes Headlines for World Book Night

Jan 15, 2014
The "People to Watch" article appeared in The Star newspaper in Toronto, Canada on December 29, 2013.
Vincent Pratchett, a Toronto, Canada firefighter for 23 years, is a first novelist whose book, A Raven's Warrior has been chosen for the United States' 2014 World Book Night.
Pratchett's novel is one of 38 new and established works that will be handed out free to some 550,000 occasional or non-readers across the U.S. on April 23, which is also Shakespeare's birthday. The book is already a winner of the 2013 USA Best Book Award for visionary fiction. The novel is set in 10th-century China. Its protagonist, a Celtic warrior, is taken in battle by Vikings and dragged and sold across Europe and Asia until he ends up a slave to a Taoist priest and his daughter in the Middle Kingdom. Under death's watchful eye, a new root of Arthurian legend takes hold.