Latest Articles

What is Taijiquan?

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, May 20, 2013

Let us see what is Taijiquan, as it was written down in the past. First, we must define what we mean by “taiji.” It is stated in Wang, Zong-yue’s (王宗岳) Taijiquan Classic “What is taiji? It is generated from wuji and is a pivotal function of movement and stillness. It is the mother of yin and yang. When it moves, it divides. At rest it reunites.” More >>

How Do the Chinese Treat Arthritis?

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, May 13, 2013

The best way to treat arthritis is to prevent it from happening. However, if it has already occurred, then the appropriate course is to prevent it from getting any worse, and then to rebuild the strength of the joint so that it can resume functioning normally. Generally speaking, if a case of arthritis has already reached the stage of serious physical damage, special treating is needed before any rebuilding can proceed. More >>

Be Mindful on Mother's Day

Lisa B. O'Shea, May 6, 2013

Happy Mother's Day! Mother's Day is an interesting institution. In the act of honoring women who have children, we can inadvertently bring up heavy emotions. Some women are left feeling that "something is missing" on Mother’s Day. More >>

The Ground. The Dirty, Filthy, Dangerous Ground

Lawrence A. Kane, Kris Wilder, April 29, 2013

The Raiders fan had biceps that could put Hulk Hogan to shame and a physique that was nothing short of awesome. He stood out in a bar full of average guys, not only because he was ripped, but also because he was the only person cheering for the other team, the only one doing it vociferously anyway. More >>

YMAA Celebrates World Tai Chi & Qigong Day on April 27

Barbara Langley, April 22, 2013

Celebrate World Tai Chi & Qigong Day (WTC&Q Day)on Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m. all over the world. Beginning in New Zealand, this event will spread time zone by time zone across the globe, and will include 70 countries. More >>

Thoughts On Tai Chi Form And Drills

David Silver, Ramel Rones, April 15, 2013

During my twenty plus years of training full-time with world-renowned Chinese masters and leading Yoga teachers has rewarded me with gold medals in the solo Tai Chi form and Tai Chi sword, as well as in fighting competitions in North America, and Europe, in China, as well. More >>

From Whence We Came: Some Okinawa Cultural Icons

Michael Clarke, April 8, 2013

At a little over 26 degrees north of the equator, Okinawa enjoys a subtropical climate, and for much of the year its inhabitants live under clear blue skies. However, during the early summer months, typhoons sweep in off the Pacific Ocean bringing with them strong winds and huge seas often resulting in damage to property, and sometimes loss of life. More >>

The Writing of The Raven’s Warrior-A Novel

Vincent Pratchett, April 1, 2013

We share a common interest – martial arts. That interest however, is as unique as every individual who has trained and sweated through any art pursued. We bring a modern western perspective to an ancient eastern discipline. More >>

My Experience at The YMAA Retreat Center in Miranda, California Part 2

Jonathan Michael Rivera, March 26, 2013

At some point in my stay, a potential five-year candidate named, Nathan Rosen, flew in from France for a short stay. I drove with Dr. Yang and Jonathan Chang to pick him up. More >>

My Experience at The YMAA Retreat Center in Miranda, California Part 1

Jonathan Michael Rivera, March 19, 2013

It was a quiet Monday morning in Bronx, N.Y. at 5 a.m. when I made my usual stop at the deli by the local train to New York City. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the former UFC Lightweight Champion, Frankie Edgar, alongside the Bellator Lightweight Champion, Eddie Alvarez, featured on the cover of Black Belt Magazine. More >>

Tai Chi "Fire Set" Exercises for Leg Strength

David Silver, Ramel Rones, March 11, 2013

The following three exercises make up what I call the “Fire Set,” which are “Walk and Kick Back,” “Walk Like a Warrior,” and “Up Like Smoke, Down Like a Feather.” I designed this exercise after many years of experience working with martial artists as well as elders, and stumbling into many issues of leg strength, as well as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. More >>

Taiji Ball Qigong - Theory of Physical Conditioning (強身之原理)

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, March 4, 2013

Taiji ball qigong is able to condition the physical body and change its structure from weak to strong. In addition, it can also increase the quality of endurance of the body. Due to these reasons, taiji ball qigong can be used to enhance fighting capability, and to increase the chance of survival in ancient fighting situations. More >>