Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is a world renowned author and teacher of Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan and Chin Na grappling, and a leading authority on Qigong (Chi Kung). Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming was born on August 11th, 1946, in Xinzhu Xian, Taiwan, Republic of China. He started his Kung Fu training at the age of fifteen under Master Cheng, Gin-Gsao. In thirteen years of study under Master Cheng, Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane Style of Chinese martial arts.

At the age of sixteen, Dr. Yang began the study of Yang Style Taijiquan under Master Kao Tao. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands and Taiji Qigong.

At age eighteen Dr. Yang entered Tamkang University in Taipei to study physics. Dr. Yang came to the United States in 1974 to study Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, where he earned his Ph.D.

Master Cheng, Gin-Gsao Dr. Yang's White Crane Master	Master Li Dr. Yang's Longfist Master

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. Dr. Yang also undertook his life-long dream of teaching and researching the Chinese arts and introducing them to the West through many books, videos and DVDs.

YMAA Publication Center 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.

Dr. Yang has published over thirty books and fifty videos and DVDs on the martial arts and Qigong. His work has been translated into many foreign languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Hungarian, Dutch, Czech, Bulgarian and Russian.

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.

Dr. Yang has a dream. "I want to lead Chinese martial artists in the West back to their roots and help them to regain their original high level of skill and public respect. I also wish to bring Qigong training to the Western world and have it accepted by the Western medical society once and for all."

Voted by Inside Kung Fu Magazine as one of the people who has "made the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 years."

YMAA London is based in Gym 4, Phoenix High School, Shepherds Bush, W12 0RQ. Please enter through the rear entrance via the fitness centre located on Bloemfontein road.
Classes are taught by Olivier Pardo. Click here for a map.

Classes take place on Tuesdays from 6.00pm onwards.

For further information contact Oliver Pardo.

News: A series of Chin-Na seminars are beng held at Canons Gym, near Oxford Circus. The series will run from January 11th for 12 weeks. For further Information contact Josh Werner on sohoboxing@yahoo.co.uk.

Phone: 020-7269 3431

E-mail: ymaalondon@hotmail.com

Two external Shaolin systems are practised: White Crane and Long Fist (Bai He and Changquan respectively). Shaolin White Crane specializes in hand techniques and short range fighting, while Shaolin Long Fist specializes in kicking and long range fighting. Both are trained in YMAA external styles training, and the techniques of both styles are used in sparring practice.

Taijiquan can be translated as "Grand Ultimate Fist", or interpreted as "Fist of the Mind". YMAA focuses mainly on traditional Yang Style Taijiquan. The form that is practised in YMAA schools originated from Yang, Ban-Hou. This form emphasises whole body movement.

Qi is defined as the energy of the universe, and Gong means hard work or study. Therefore, Qigong means "the Study of Natural Energy." Western science has identified a bioelectric potential in the body which could be one of the primary aspects of Qi energy. This "bioelectricity" is recognized by YMAA as an important area of Qigong study and research.

The Qigong program at YMAA studies Qi in relation to health, longevity, and martial arts, and follow the methods developed by Buddhists, Daoists, and also martial artists. Qigong is incorporated into the Taijiquan classes at YMAA London.

Chin Na (Qin Na) is one of the four major fighting categories in all Chinese martial styles. It can be translated as the "Art of Sieze and Control".

Joint lock Chin Na techniques can be effectively used against an opponent's grabbing attacks as well as against wrestling. Pressing and striking Chin Na can be used to seal the opponent's breathing, vein/artery, or Qi circulation, which can cause severe pain, numbness, unconsciousness, or even death.

Most Chin Na can be learned easily and be adopted into any martial style. Chin Na has been known as the root of the Japanese arts of Jujitsu and Aikido, and practitioners can use the study of Chin Na to increase their understanding of the theory and principles of their own arts.