About Chinese Martial Arts

To understand the scope and significance of this project, it is important that those considering involvement know the history of the Chinese arts, and understand Dr. Yang's unique role in the world, working to reconnect modern martial arts to their rich heritage.

Since the late 1960's, Chinese culture has slowly been opened to the Western world. Bruce Lee and others brought the idea of Kung Fu to mainstream America, while revealing only the exciting and dramatic movements at the surface level of the art. In fact, Kung Fu - which means "work which takes time and effort to achieve", is much more than punches and kicks.

The study of Kung Fu becomes a way of life for the practitioner which offers unparalleled health and longevity. It opens the door to a life of self-discipline, morality, awareness and insight, compassion, non-violence, and can ultimately lead toward the pursuit of enlightenment.

As China turned to communism, the traditional arts were forbidden, thousands of schools and written documents were burned, and the knowledge that had been accumulated was preserved by only a handful of Masters The arts that survived this era were scattered far and wide, hidden, practiced in secret, and taught only to a few trusted individuals. The island of Taiwan was a safe haven for fleeing martial artists, providing a place for the arts to grow new roots and flourish once again. Here, Dr. Yang studied the arts with these old school masters in the traditional way, spending every available minute living and training with them. He now continues to preserve this authentic legacy in the YMAA Retreat Center.

Join the YMAA Retreat Center as we work to reconnect modern martial arts society to its roots, and spread the benefits of the traditional Chinese arts and culture for future generations.