YMAA Publication Center was founded by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming on January 1, 1984 with the goal of producing superior books and instructional videotapes on Qigong and Chinese martial arts. YMAA was also an early pioneer in the DVD industry, producing in-depth, extended-play DVDs with hours of instructional content.
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.
For over 30 years, Dr. Yang travelled to teach at YMAA International Branch and Provisional schools and in seminars 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."
Dr. Yang was named by Inside Kung Fu Magazine as one of the people who has "made the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 years." He was also named Man of the Year 2007.
In January 2008, Dr. Yang's youngest son, Nicholas Yang, became the new President of YMAA International and head of the YMAA Boston school. In March, 2008, Dr. Yang moved to CA, and the 10-year training program began at the YMAA Retreat Center in September 2008.