Grandmaster
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

Learning With The Grandmasters

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (楊俊敏博士) began his traditional Chinese martial arts journey at the age of fifteen, training Shaolin White Crane (Bái Hè) under Master Cheng, Gin-Gsao (曾金灶). Over the course of thirteen years (1961-1974), he became a highly skilled practitioner of the southern martial arts style, which includes bare hand techniques and various weapons such as the saber, staff, spear, trident, and two short rods. Under Master Cheng’s guidance, Dr. Yang also delved deeply into Qin Na (Chin Na), White Crane Qigong, Tui Na massage, Dian Xue techniques, and herbal treatment.

At the age of sixteen, Dr. Yang began his study of Yang-style Taijiquan (Tai Chi) under Master Kao, Tao (高濤). His Taijiquan lineage can be traced directly to the Yang family through Master Kao’s teacher, Yue Huanzhi (樂奐之), an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu (楊澄甫) (no relation to Dr. Yang). After two years of training with Master Kao, Dr. Yang deepened his understanding of Taijiquan through further practice and research with Master Li, Mao-Ching (李茂清) and training partner Mr. Wilson Chen in Taipei. Master Li, a student of the renowned Master Han, Ching-Tang (韓慶堂), and Mr. Chen, who learned from Master Chang, Xiang-San (張詳三), both significantly influenced Dr. Yang’s development. Dr. Yang attained a high level of proficiency in the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-person fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong.

While studying at Tamkang College in Taipei, Dr. Yang also began training Shaolin Long Fist  (Chǎngquán) with Master Li at the Tamkang College Guoshu Club (1964-1968). During this period, Dr. Yang developed proficiency in the northern style which emphasizes kicking and includes barehand and weapons techniques.

Dr. Yang was introduced to Qigong in his teenage years, beginning with the practice of White Crane. As a requirement in the curriculum, White Crane Qigong was specifically trained to strengthen the tendons and ligaments, laying the foundation for soft Jing training. Dr. Yang was uncertain whether Qigong could help with his gastric ulcer—a condition that had troubled him for six years. Following the suggestion of Master Cheng, Dr. Yang sought out Master Kao to learn Taijiquan. To his surprise, the practice of Taiji Qigong led to the healing of his ulcer. This transformative experience sparked a lifelong commitment to Qigong, which Dr. Yang continues to practice to enhance and sustain his health.

While studying at National Taiwan University (1969-1974), Dr. Yang learned Eight Pieces of Brocade, Five Animal Sports, and Taiji Ball Qigong at local parks. During the 1960’s, it was common to find thousands of Qigong practitioners practicing in parks. The largest and most prominent of these was Taipei Park.

As his interest in Qigong deepened, Dr. Yang began seeking out any available books on the subject. In the late 1970s, he discovered a wealth of resources published in Taiwan. Around 1999, Dr. Yang, along with Master Liang Shou-Yu, led a martial arts team of Americans and Canadians to compete in China. During this trip, he was surprised to find numerous previously hidden Qigong manuscripts and purchased as many as he could. His large collection of resources enabled Dr. Yang to deepen his understanding of the profound theories behind Qigong. Through his theoretical study and personal practice, he began sharing his knowledge by publishing books on Qigong. His comprehension continues to evolve as he teaches seminars and further explores the practice.

Becoming a Teacher

When Dr. Yang was eighteen years old he entered Tamkang College in Taipei Xian to study Physics and also began the study of traditional Shaolin Long Fist (Changquan or Chang Chuan) with Master Li, Mao-Ching at the Tamkang College Guoshu Club (1964-1968). He eventually became an assistant instructor under Master Li. In 1971 he completed his M.S. degree in Physics at the National Taiwan University and then served in the Chinese Air Force from 1971 to 1972. In the service, Dr. Yang taught Physics at the Junior Academy of the Chinese Air Force while also teaching Wushu. After being honorably discharged in 1972, he returned to Tamkang College to teach Physics and resumed study under Master Li, Mao-Ching. From Master Li, Dr. Yang learned Northern style Gongfu, which includes both barehand techniques, especially kicking, and numerous weapons.

Ph.D in 1978

In 1974, Dr. Yang came to the United States to study Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. At the request of a few students, Dr. Yang began to teach Gongfu (Kung Fu), which resulted in the foundation of the Purdue University Chinese Kung Fu Research Club in the spring of 1975. While at Purdue, Dr. Yang also taught college-credited courses in Taijiquan. In May, 1978 he was awarded a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering by Purdue.

Yang’s Martial Arts Association was established in Boston, MA in 1982. With the intent of preserving traditional Chinese Kung Fu and Qigong , Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming began training students in the rigors of Shaolin Long Fist and White Crane Gongfu as well as Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Currently, YMAA is an international organization, including 56 schools in Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, Holland, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the early 80’s, Dr. Yang wrote several books, published by Unique Publications. In 1984, Dr. Yang retired from his engineering career, to undertake his life-long dream of teaching and researching the Chinese arts and introducing them to the West through many books, videos and DVDs.

Becoming an Author

Founded in 1984, YMAA Publication Center has published many of Dr. Yang’s groundbreaking books and videos, and is a pioneer in the cultural exchange between the East and West. While the West has successfully developed the material sciences, the East is celebrated for its levels of spiritual cultivation. During this ongoing period of exchange, the building of bridges is critical for the successful integration of the achievements of both societies. His books and videos have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Dutch, Bulgarian, Russian, Hungarian, Portuguese, Croatian, German, and Farsi.

In summary, Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane (Bai He), Shaolin Long Fist (Changquan), and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience: seven years in Taiwan, five years at Purdue University, two years in Houston, TX, and 24 years in Boston, MA. On November 29, 2005, Dr. Yang conferred the title of Taiji Master to one of his senior students (Roger Whidden)for the first time, which by tradition bestows the honorable title of Grandmaster upon Dr. Yang.

Worldwide Acclaim

Throughout the year, Dr. Yang travels between YMAA International Branch and Provisional schools worldwide. He also frequently travels within America and around the world presenting lectures and seminars on Chinese martial arts and Qigong. He has visited Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Botswana, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China, Chile, England, Egypt, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, and Venezuela. Dr. Yang has published over 35 books and more than 50 videos on the martial arts and Qigong. Currently he is president of Yang’s Oriental Arts Association, Boston, MA.

Since 2004, Dr. Yang has worked to develop the nonprofit  YMAA Retreat Center, a training facility in Humboldt County, CA, where he is training a select group of students in a comprehensive 10-year program.

He continues to offer seminars, in California, Boston, and around the world.

Offices

•Founder of Yang’s Martial Arts Association, YMAA International

•Board of Directors of YMAA Publication Center

•Vice President of the International Wushu-San Shou Dao Association

•Co-Leader of the 1994 North American Martial Arts Demo Team

•Honorary Member of the American Shiatsu Association

•Honorary Advisor of the Martial Arts of China Historical Society

•Honorable Appointee to the Eastern U.S. Kung-Fu Federation

Awards

•Prix Bushido, French Book Award, 1st Place, 1997

•Inside Kung Fu Magazine – Man of the Year 1990

•Black Belt Magazine – Kung Fu Artist of the Year 2003

•Inside Kung Fu Magazine – Man of the Year 2007

•Martial Arts Publisher of the Year 2008 by the 11th World Congress on Qigong and TCM, Dr. Effie Chow and the American Qigong Association