Dr. Yang’s Fight Club

A kung fu master looks for new disciples to pass on his wisdom:

“Dr. Yang had never had difficulty attracting students in the past—YMAA, the Boston-based organization he founded in 1982, operates more than 60 martial arts schools worldwide—but after more than 25 years, Dr. Yang was growing tired of doling out his ancient teachings piecemeal. If he died, only fragments of that knowledge would survive.

“His dream was to transfer his entire legacy to a new generation in one fat chunk. But the legacy—white crane kung fu—was locked in his sinews, and the transfer would take time: 10 years, by his estimate, at the rate of six days per week. At the end of 10 years, Dr. Yang would be in his 70s and at the end of his ability to teach kung fu. It’s this urgency that explained the almost neurotic vigor he brought to his search for worthy disciples. He couldn’t risk investing effort in anyone who might bow out before the training was complete.”

Source: Tin House
Published: Feb 7, 2012
Length: 16 minutes (4,086 words)

Dead Man Driving

Car crashes happen to other guys, right? Maybe they don’t have your quick reaction time or uncanny ability to multitask behind the wheel. Or maybe they’re simply lesser drivers. If you believe that, let us introduce you to Adam LaBar, 1970-2008. We suspect you’ll recognize him. We hope you’ll learn from him.

Source: Men’s Health
Published: Mar 19, 2010
Length: 23 minutes (5,845 words)