FALL 2007 - Retreat Center Newsletter #2

YMAA Retreat Center Newsletter Two.

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FALL 2007

YMAA Retreat Center is a new nonprofit training center currently under construction on 240 acres in Humbolt County, Northern CA. Chinese martial arts Master Yang, Jwing-Ming will invite a group of exceptional young students to live and train Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Qigong every day for ten years, in order to transmit his entire knowledge of the traditional arts.

We have already reviewed over 100 applications and preliminary testing has begun. Master Yang will select the semi-finalists in Spring 08. Then, 10-15 finalists will be accepted as disciples into the 10-year program, which starts in August 08.

Meanwhile, all our efforts are in raising the funds needed to support these students. A new donor program has been created to connect donors with a specific student in a sponsorship program.

Click here to learn more.
Sponsor a Student. New donor program.

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The Donor program has been organized so that everyone interested in supporting this project can get involved, at the level that's right for you.

EARTH Donor: $100.
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METAL Donor: $1000.
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WATER Donor: $10,000.
At the WATER level, you may also sponsor one of the students in the ten-year program. Your gift will be aligned with a student, and the student in return becomes indebted to honor your donation with committed training. You will receive frequent contact from the student, photos, and a regular progress report. For about $800 a month, you can ensure that the arts survive into the next generation.
Please contact us to discuss sponsoring a student with the link below.
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WOOD Donor: $100,000.
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FIRE Donor: $1M.

Sponsor a Student.

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PROGRESS REPORT:

The main living quarters has been completed! You may view a video of the construction of the house by clicking.

View Volunteer Construction Video
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FURTHER PROGRESS

  • The smaller living quarters cabin has been completed, including a small training area.
  • The Center is recognized by the state of CA as a nonprofit Educational Facility.
  • I-20 Registration is almost complete so the Center may accept international students.
  • Gravel roads are established on the property (4-wheel drive is required).
  • The Center is self-sustaining 'off the grid' and runs entirely on solar power.
  • The well water passed quality testing with exceptional results.
  • Dr. Yang has received many applications and has started the selection process.
  • Several applicants have met with Dr Yang and started preliminary testing in CA.
  • Qi Journal magazine has generously donated free ad space to promote the Center.
  • Inside Kung Fu magazine published an article on the Center in the Sept 07 issue.
  • Fundraising has been gradually gaining momentum, but we are nowhere near our goals. A volunteer fundraising team has formed, and initial donations have been received.

Read IKF magazine article

  
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GOALS
  • Dr. Yang will transmit his entire knowledge to the 10-Year program students.

  • Students from YMAA schools worldwide will have access to the Retreat Center as a first rate resource for dedicated training.

  • The expanded curriculum includes Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Qigong, weapons, horseback riding, massage, meditation, publishing, Chinese language, cooking, culture, and philosophy.

  • Dr. Yang intends to raise the standard of Chinese martial arts training in the world to that of ancient times.

  • The program is estimated to cost $500,000 per year. Our fundraising goal to 'break even' for the 10-year program is $5.5 M. Our ultimate fundraising goal is $10M, so the Center may continue to function in perpetuity.

  • Your donation, no matter what size, is greatly appreciated. In addition, anyone who is able to connect us to a major donor interested in supporting the arts, please contact us as soon as possible. Our hope is that someone in this community will act as a bridge to help connect the Center with a wealthy benefactor who wishes to leave a legacy of preserving the arts. If this sounds like a friend or acquaintance of yours, please contact us.
  

CONSTRUCTION PLANS

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A portion of the funds needed will help to construct the Training Center, and surrounding training fields. The land has been cleared, and we're prepared to begin, but we don't yet have the funds to make this dream a reality.
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CALIFORNIA SEMINARS

Dr. Yang will offer Summer Seminars in CA to the public each year. Sign up now, because space is limited for these intensive training sessions. Training in the peaceful forest environment of the Retreat Center allows one to attain higher levels of skill and understanding. Following the past seminar series in Boston, MA, the various levels of Qigong, Taijiquan, Pushing Hands, and Chin Na will continue under the instruction of Dr. Yang.

California Seminars

RECENT SUPPORTERS

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    Qi Journal, CA
    Inside Kung Fu, CA
    Chris Caile, FightingArts.com
    Matt Briggs, Harvard University, MA
    Kevin Galvin, Boston Globe
    Dr. Thomas Gutheil, MA
    David Sheldon, CA
    Dr. Robert Darnell, KY
    Ernest B Moore, MO
    Daniel Chadud, Chile
    Matt Coordes, CO
    Jeff Rosen, MA
    Curt Sahakian, IL
    Michael Pilato, MA
    Chuck Tanowitz, MA
    Jason Adamson, Toronto
    Dawn Aarons, Toronto
    Jim Bostick, MA
    Angela Laughingheart & YMAA WI
    Tom Bowman & YMAA Tulsa, OK
    Pedro Rodrigues & YMAA Portugal
    Dr. Jim Stickle & H.E.A.R.T., GA
    Roger Blough & Qi Elements, VA
    Shams Hasan & Farhad Lofti, Qatar
    Dave Ripianzi & YMAA Publications


This nonprofit project is made possible by the tax-deductible donations we receive from supporters like you. Dr. Yang and the YMAA Retreat Center volunteer staff wish to extend our most sincere gratitude to recent donors and supporters.

Together we can make this dream a reality.