| YMAA Program |
| The YMAA training program can be divided into
three main parts: External Styles, Internal Styles, and Qigong. All
YMAA branches or provisional schools must teach material in at least
one of these three categories according to the YMAA training schedule,
and all students must pass the qualification tests in order to advance
to the next level. |
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Junior Program (Ages 5 to 12)
Because it is harder for younger students
to understand the deep theory of the internal styles, they are normally
encouraged to join only the Shaolin junior program which was especially
designed for them. This program emphasizes reaction training and flexibility,
and encourages reading and the development of good learning habits
through the discussion of traditional Chinese martial stories.
The first period of training is usually longer for juniors than for
adults, and they must pass several different qualifications. Once a junior
student has passed the first period training, he/she will be qualified
to enter the adult training classes and follow the adult program. Any
YMAA branch or provisional school has a right to design a Junior Gongfu
program according to the needs or customs of its local area.
Adult Program Training Contents (Ages 13 and up)
External
Styles (Shaolin White Crane and Long Fist) (白鶴, 長拳, Bai He, Changquan)
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.
Internal Styles-Taijiquan,
Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, and Liu He Ba Fa (太極拳, 形意拳, 八卦掌, 六合八法)
In internal styles, YMAA focuses mainly on traditional Yang Style Taijiquan which
originated from Yang, Ban-Hou (楊班候). However, other styles of Taijiquan, such
as Chen (陳氏, 吳氏 Wu and 孫氏 Sun, will be introduced through seminars with qualified
masters. In addition, YMAA will continue to invite well known masters to YMAA
headquarters to teach Xingyiquan (形意拳), Baguazhang (八卦掌), and Liu He Ba Fa (六合八法),
the other three well-known internal styles.
Qigong
(氣功)
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 classes offered at YMAA study Qi in relation to health, longevity,
and martial arts, and follow the methods developed by Buddhists, Daoists,
and also martial artists. The YMAA Qigong program can be followed independently
of other YMAA programs.
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