Becoming a Disciple

When you are ready to become a disciple you must first ask to become a Disciple. If you meet the criteria then we will talk about the process and what all is involved. Before accepting you I will want to know that you are fully aware of what this means and what kind of commitment it is. We will have some conversations to make sure that it feels like a good fit for both of us.

We hold our discipleship ceremonies at our school in Asheville, NC so that we can bow to the scroll of our ancestors.

There is a fee for becoming a disciple. As of this writing the fee is $1000, but it will increase over time as I take more disciples. From here forward money paid to me is no longer “tuition”, but instead Hong Bao. Hong Bao means “Red Envelope” and is a gift. The reason for this is that a gift is “warmer” than tuition. You will also need to give Hong Bao to the Witness at your ceremony, the suggested amount is $200. After that, disciples traditionally give Hong Bao to their Shifu for the Lunar New Year each year as well as their Birthday (mine is July 14). Traditionally often disciples would give a Hong Bao of alcohol or cigarettes to their Shifu instead of money because that is warmer than money. I don’t smoke and rarely drink so would much rather receive money instead.

What your ceremony will look like.

You will first need to write your statement of intention before the ceremony. This should include why you desire to become a disciple of Cheng Baguazhang, and what your intentions are as a disciple. At the ceremony I will light some incense and bow to the scroll of our ancestors. You will serve me tea, kneel, read your statement of intention to me and hold it over your head. I will then accept it and you will then bow to me. This is me formally accepting you as a disciple. After that we will both bow together to the scroll of the ancestors. The witness will conduct the ceremony, and you are welcome to have friends and family in attendance. Afterwards we will take time for photos and then all go out to eat together to celebrate where the new disciple(s) will pick up the check.