Post by Shifu Tolson on Feb 28, 2017 15:08:44 GMT -5
Typically, when one receives a Chinese name from their instructor it is because they have been "adopted" into the Master's family. If you were adopted in to the family of Master Wang, you would begin using his last name as your own. You may also receive a given name (a first name) from your shifu.
Some Chinese martial arts families do this others do not. It depends on the shifu. My shifu does not do this.
Some shifu will give you a transliterated name for the signing of documents (certificates, documents, etc.). It basically has a cool factor. It doesn't mean much more.
I have never used the characters I was given when my shifu gave me a signed copy of his book. I speak English and deal mostly with English speakers at home and abroad. So, except for the "cool factor", which I don't need, I would see it as pointless.
In Chinese and Japanese cultures, names were very fluid. You did not necessarily keep the name you were given at birth. You were free to change it at any time and for many reasons. So, no one has to "name" you. You can choose a name for yourself, if you like.
Some Chinese martial arts families do this others do not. It depends on the shifu. My shifu does not do this.
Some shifu will give you a transliterated name for the signing of documents (certificates, documents, etc.). It basically has a cool factor. It doesn't mean much more.
I have never used the characters I was given when my shifu gave me a signed copy of his book. I speak English and deal mostly with English speakers at home and abroad. So, except for the "cool factor", which I don't need, I would see it as pointless.
In Chinese and Japanese cultures, names were very fluid. You did not necessarily keep the name you were given at birth. You were free to change it at any time and for many reasons. So, no one has to "name" you. You can choose a name for yourself, if you like.