Dr. Yang is an Associate Professor of Physical Education. He finished his undergraduate study from Beijing Sport University and his graduate study from Shenyang Physical Education Institute in China. He came to the United States in 1987 as a scholar and later pursued his doctoral degree in 1988. He received his M.S. in Sport Psychology and Physical Education in1993 and his Ph.D. in 1994 from Florida State University in the field of Sport Psychology and Educational Psychology.

Dr. Yang had been teaching in the fields of physical education, movement science, and behavioral science at several colleges in China and United States before he came to Oxford College of Emory University in 2001.

He was  a college head soccer coach and athlete in China. He has a rich martial arts background and has been studying and practicing a variety of martial arts since he was young. He is a Sixth Dan (Degree) Chinese Wushu (Kung Fu) master certified by Chinese Wushu Association and Third Dan (Degree) black belt in Shotokan Karate certified by Japan Karate Association. His specialty mainly focuses on Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi Sword, Shotokan Karate, and Chinese Qi Gong meditation.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Yang has been doing research and service in the fields mind body connections, stress reductions, and sport psychology. He is author of the book "Tai Chi Chuan: From Theory to Practice." He has been presenting his research papers and conducting workshops in many national and international conferences such as Japan, New Zealand, Greece, Costa Rica, and China etc. His interests mainly focus on mind body connections, physical and psychological effects of practicing martial arts, Eastern philosophy and cultural perspectives, Eastern healing methods and meditations, competitive anxiety and stress reduction, goal setting, and physical activities and behavioral changes.

Education:

MS, Shenyang Physical Education and Sports Institute, 1983;MS, Florida State University, 1993;Ph.D., Florida State University, 1994;