The Path of Discipleship

When you become a disciple it means that you have arrived.

Discipleship is the ultimate level for people who love and appreciate Kung Fu, and it is very rare to find a Shifu who is able to offer discipleship. Only masters who are already disciples under a traditional lineage are able to offer discipleship to students.

The word in Mandarin for Disciple is Túdì 徒弟 , which can also translate to apprentice. When you become a disciple under a master you have undertaken the commitment to be a dedicated student and apprentice under that master.

Students can only become a disciple under one Master.

Being a disciple means that you are an official lineage bearer and gives you the right to take disciples of your own after your master gives you permission.

The term Shifu (Sifu in Cantonese) has two different meanings. With the characters 师傅 it means “Teacher” and can be applied to any type of teacher, not just a Kung Fu teacher. When you become a disciple the word title Shifu sounds the same, but the characters change to 师父. This version of Shifu is special and unique between a Master and a Disciple.

Being a Disciple

Traditionally a Disciple must do anything their Shifu tells them to do, but I am a little more modern and relaxed than that. In the past if your Shifu told you to go beat up someone from another school you had to do it whether you wanted to or not. I will never ask you to do something like that. Another part of tradition is that since you are dedicating your studies to the lineage you are a disciple of, then you are never to study any other styles under any other teachers. I am also different in this regard. If you are interested in studying other styles under other teachers, then the respectful and correct thing to do is to ask for my permission first. Chances are I will likely say yes, as I want the best for all of my disciples. When it comes to Baguazhang though it is my responsibility to insist that you only study Cheng Baguazhang from my lineage and through me. As a disciple your responsibility is to learn our lineage correctly so that you can pass it on to the next generation. I teach as my Shifu has taught me, and she taught me as her Shifu taught her. Our lineage is considered one of the most “pure”, or close to the original Baguazhang existing today. Any deviation from this only waters it down and traditionally is looked down upon. Once you have a full understanding of our style you may create new material to add to it, but it must adhere to the principles and style.

There is a difference between disciples and students.

Students come and go and enjoy martial arts or just do it for fun. Discipleship is reserved for dedicated students who wish to dedicate their studies to this style under their Shifu. They are also considered Inner Door students. What this means is that I have invited you into my home as a member of my family. I am taking you into my care and it is my responsibility to teach you well. With students I teach more generally and basically and let them get away with a simple understanding of Baguazhang. With Disciples I teach all of the secrets and details. Everything I know. I don’t hold back. I can also teach you any of the styles that I know, but Baguazhang needs to be your number one style.

Becoming a disciple is a great honor and comes with responsibilities.

Your first responsibility is being a good and virtuous person. To put it simply, I do not wish to teach any Darth Vaders. You also have the responsibility to learn Cheng Baguazhang to the best of your ability. Not all masters are the top master in the world, and that is okay. To be a Master means you have been trained to be a master and are an official lineage bearer. It does not mean that you can beat up anyone. Each master finds their own way to express their mastery. I also wish for all of my disciples to teach in some capacity. You don’t have to open your own school, but I would love to see you pass on this art to the next generation when you are ready.

To become a Disciple you must come to me in Asheville for your ceremony. To learn more about what this entails, click here to learn more about what a Discipleship Ceremony consists of.