An Amazing Book by:
William Bailey-Gonzalez

YAOMACHTIA: THE JAGUAR FIGHTS OF ZITLALA

30th Anniversary – May 5, 2026

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Each year on May 5th—the Catholic Day of the Holy Cross—men in the town of Zitlala, Guerrero, Mexico, wear jaguar costumes and engage in ritual combat using whips. This tradition, rooted in pre-Hispanic practices, is believed to bring rain and ensure a successful harvest.

These Jaguar Fights of Zitlala reflect the legacy of ancient Mesoamerican warrior societies, particularly the Jaguar and Eagle orders. Embedded within this ritual is Yaomachtia, an ancient Aztec martial discipline—practical, direct, and rooted in survival rather than sport.

 

THE DOCUMENTARY

• In 1996, writer/producer William Bailey-Gonzalez created
  “Yaomachtia: The Jaguar Fights of Zitlala”<Click for Video>, a cinéma vérité documentary exploring this living tradition.

• The film premiered on May 27, 1997, at the Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture in Los Angeles. It remains an important cultural record, blending anthropology, history, and visual storytelling to preserve a powerful expression of Indigenous heritage

• ​An updated version of the documentary is now in development.

 

RESEARCH & EXPANSION

• Ongoing research into Yaomachtia and Mesoamerican traditions has expanded the scope of this work, including:

• Linguistic and cultural connections tied to Nahuatl-speaking peoples

• Surviving martial traditions in parts of the Southwestern United States

• Scholarly research on Mesoamerican codices and migration narratives

• These elements continue to inform both documentary and storytelling projects.

 

FROM HISTORY TO STORYTELLING

This research led to the creation of the novel:

“Aztec Force: Yaomachtia Man”

…and now a new action-adventure comic series featuring:

JUANITA “JANIE” MENDOZA <Click for homepage>

A wealthy anthropologist, martial artist, and seeker of hidden truths, Juanita Mendoza travels across the Americas uncovering lost civilizations and confronting powerful forces seeking control over ancient knowledge.

Driven by personal loss and a relentless pursuit of justice, she operates where law and order fall short.

 

CURRENT PROJECT: COMIC SERIES

We are developing an independent comic franchise introducing Juanita Mendoza:

• Episodes 1–5: Inspired by Mayan cosmology (completed)

• Episodes 6–10: Focused on Aztec cosmology (in development)

• Every 5 issues will be compiled into a graphic novel

This series blends action, mythology, and cultural research into a new storytelling universe.

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OUR MISSION

Yao Man Enterprises, Inc. creates multicultural, research-driven entertainment across:

• Film & television

• Books & comics

• Video games

• International media projects

• Our goal is to produce compelling stories grounded in cultural depth and historical awareness.

 

SUPPORT THE PROJECT

We are currently raising funds to support:

• Comic illustration and production

• Ongoing research

• Marketing and distribution

• 👉 Support us via GoFundMe

Donations of $20 or more receive exclusive artwork from the series.

 

ABOUT THE CREATOR

William Bailey-Gonzalez is a writer and producer with a background in film and international business. His work draws from extensive experience in Mexico, Latin America, and Asia, with a focus on cross-cultural storytelling.

 

CONTACT

Email: yaomachtiaman@yahoo.com
Phone: (702) 505-2837
Las Vegas, Nevada