Articles | Page 3 | YMAA

Outwitting the Ebony Stupa
January 8, 2024
Many things are the same: if the orientation is wrong, it's just wrong. The incorrect thing, even if it is done effectively, is still incorrect. Reading Time 10 minutes
Intel Briefing
January 1, 2024
If you found information relevant to the group’s safety during your intelligence gathering, share it during the intel briefing. Reading Time 3 minutes.
A Moment of Chaos and Escape
December 25, 2023
It is known that keys open locks, but who has considered a key carried to a foreign land in a time of crisis and exodus, what meaning can it claim in a new place? Even more so, what is the significance of a key left behind with no lock to open?
Why your teacher is not God - The infallibility illusion in traditional martial arts
December 18, 2023
It is easy to fall into the trap of seeing our martial arts masters as infallible or near-invincible in skill. However, this mindset is not just erroneous, but downright dangerous too. The following article will explain why.
Thoughts from the Tai Chi Science Conference at Harvard in Boston, Massachusetts
December 11, 2023
Numerous research findings indicate that Tai Chi & Qigong is as effective as, if not more effective than, conventional exercise, physical therapy, and cognitive-behavior therapy.
Introducing The 18 Luohan Qigong Taught by Qigong Master Bill Buckley - April 3, 2023
The 18 Luohan relies on the Microcosmic Orbit as a well-trodden path to get your energy flowing.
“Pack” Situational Awareness into your Vacation Suitcase - March 27, 2023
When you’re preparing for a trip away, the first step in identifying potential problems begins in the planning phase. Proper planning requires more than just picking a vacation spot and packing a bag. It requires some in-depth research and preparation.
Meet The Author: YMAA Qigong Master Bill Buckley chats with Gene Ching about his new program teaching the 18 Luohan Qigong (video) - March 23, 2023
YMAA staff writer Gene Ching interviews Bill Buckley of Gateway Tai Chi and Yoga in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (a YMAA School). Mr. Buckley is one of the few people who have completed the 20-year qigong master training program under Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. They discuss the new streaming qigong video 18 Luohan Hands Shiba Luohan Shou  (十八羅漢手), also known as 18 Hands of Buddha, or the 18 Techniques of the Enlightened Ones. This ancient qigong relates to Buddhist yoga techniques and the teaching of Bodhidharma known as "muscle/tendon changing classic" passed down while he taught at Shaolin Temple 1500 years ago.
What are the Two Major Categories in Qigong Practice? - March 20, 2023
The physical body is like a machine and Qì is like electricity. Only when the machine is in good condition and the power supply is sufficient will the machine be able to perform at peak potential.
What Can You Really Learn from Video? - March 13, 2023
YMAA Staff Writer Gene Ching reflects on an experience he had with the YMAA streaming video Sun Tai Chi by Yang Chenhan. Sun Tai Chi is connected to Gene’s Shaolin lineage (and to Dr. Yang’s Tai Chi lineage as well). Gene explores how video training relates to when he studied under Grandmaster Sun Jianyun, the daughter of the founder of Sun Tai Chi.
Building an Arsenal of Target Areas - March 5, 2023
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”—Bruce Lee
Qi-Empowered Patient: Chinese Mind-Body Energetics in the Integrative Medical Setting - February 27, 2023
Remind your clients, that it is impossible to know when the natural results will arise and that patience and perseverance, in cultivation of wellbeing, is the recognized best practice for catalyzing the intended good result.”
The Ethics of Mind-Body Energetics - February 20, 2023
One of my favorite teachers, Master Zhu Hui from Tian Tai Mountain in eastern China told me, “A person who makes wise use of the Three Intentional Corrections a few times a day will resolve their pains, cure their diseases, and achieve longevity.”
What is Muscle/Tendon Changing Grand Circulation Qigong? - February 13, 2023
Once you have accomplished your Small Circulation, the Qì circulating in the Twelve Primary Channels (Meridians) will be abundant and smooth, and then you can extend the Qì from the meridians outward to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, skin, and beyond. For example, through Grand Circulation you will be able to lead the Qì to the joints to condition and improve the strength and endurance of muscles and tendons.
Watch Your Tone - February 6, 2023
YMAA Publication Center has recently published new editions of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming’s qigong books that include pinyin tonal marks for pronunciation and modern Chinese fonts. YMAA Staff Writer Gene Ching examines why these are important.
Qigong Produces the Most Profound Medicine, Part 2 - January 30, 2023
It is really very simple: people who prevent disease and who activate the inner medicine through self-initiated health enhancement practice need less clinical medicine, whether it is conventional allopathic or holistic.”
Qigong Produces the Most Profound Medicine, Part 1 - January 23, 2023
“The most profound medicine is produced naturally -- in the human body – for free.” This phrase, from The Healer Within, is the innovative foundation of a profound peak performance and vitality system.
Meet the Author: David-Dorian Ross talks with Gene Ching about his early training years and creation of his TaijiFit teaching method (video). - January 18, 2023
David-Dorian Ross chats with old friend Gene Ching about his early years training Tai Chi Chuan and Wushu in San Francisco, running his own martial arts school, and his creation of the TaijiFit teaching method. He also talks about his national program teaching Tai Chi to veterans for free, and his other video releases with YMAA Publication Center.
2023 The Year of the Rabbit - January 16, 2023
This year, 2023, marks the Year of the Rabbit in the Lunar calendar. In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is believed to be a symbol of hope and longevity. In celebration of the new year, YMAA Publication Center staff writer Gene Ching explores the meanings underlying the rabbit in Chinese thought as well as the tradition of the giving of red envelopes.
Graduated Levels of Awareness in Self-Defense - January 8, 2023
Awareness is your ability to be cognizant of the environment and events going on around you.”
The Greatest Achievements of Chinese Culture-Buddhist and Daoist Qigong - January 2, 2023
The emphasis on the spiritual life, rather than the material, is one of the major differences between Eastern and the Western cultures. An example of this is in the maintenance of health, where the West emphasizes the physical body more, while the East tends to also treat the person’s spiritual and mental health.
The Dao of Heaven-Balance - December 26, 2022
Those sages or rulers who have the Dao conduct their actions without conceit and achieve their goals without claiming credit. They remain humble without displaying their superiority.
What is Iron Shirt and Golden Bell Cover? - December 19, 2022
There are many Chinese people, especially martial artists, who mistakenly believe that the Yìjīnjīng is Iron Shirt and Golden Bell Cover training. I will try to clear up the confusion.
Scope of Qigong Practice - December 12, 2022
Any activity that is able to improve the qi circulation in our body can be called qigong.
Qi and Bioelectromagnetic Energy - December 5, 2022
This has convinced me that our entire body is just like a big battery which is assembled from millions of small batteries. All of these batteries together form the human electromagnetic field.”