Fantastic first day with applications, foundations and basic “don’t move” information. Great progress was demonstrated by all attendees showing how an extended concentrated learning situation can boost the body and understanding to grow. Grandmaster Chen’s instructions and guidance was as usual extraordinary. More Foundations and Yilu for the second day as well as a disciple ceremony. We are so looking forward to our last day of training and fellowship.
Grandmaster Chen Zhonghua, front Centre, Master Yen Gee-ranking. Disciple at this ceremony to the Master’s left, Master Allan Belsheim -Head Instructor at Hunyuantaiji Academy to the Master’s right. Back row left to right – Guy Williamson, Steven Cheng, and Rian Rong-New Disciples. Khamserk Yangwe and Rion Swanson, also disciples. Khamserk presided over the ceremony and Allan Filmed and photographed it. It was a great honour to welcome these dedicated individuals to the Taiji family. After the ceremony- eating then Yilu and Push Hands. All left with a greater understanding of Taiji Principles.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Master Chen’s instructions are always inspiring and lively. I just would like to point out that in my opinion, titles such as ‘master’, ‘grandmaster’ or ‘great grandmaster’ are used by outsiders to show their respect when addressing a person with high skill level. For disciples and students of a martial arts teacher, ‘sifu’ would be proper enough. In this case it would be improper to address Allan yourself as a ‘master’ and as a result Master Chen has to be elevated to the title of ‘grandmaster’.
Sorry Frank, but everything is labelled correctly according to the circumstances and showing proper respect to all. Master Chen Zhonghua is my “Shifu” but is only named such when I address him directly. He is also an acknowledged Grandmaster and has been generous in naming others “Master”.This was originally posted on Facebook to let others know the names and rank of those participating in the Discipleship ceremony and was moved here by an administrator using my name.
btw, sifu is ‘師父’ which is ‘teacher’ and ‘father’. Sifu is more respectful and intimate than ‘master’ in a disciple-teacher relationship and traditional Chinese custom treats a teacher as a father.
All Disciples have been instructed in the correct method of addressing their Master, thank you.
We respect people who use “sifu” in their school according to their ways. In our particular school, it is disrespectful to use the word Sifu. We use the word “shifu”.
Thank you for using the word ‘師父’ but we don’t know what it means. We only speak and read English here.