Frequently Asked Questions
1) You name the masters in the historical charts as "shifu", is a shifu a recognized inheritor of the system ? What do you understand as shifu ?
Shifu in the traditional Chinese way is the one that teaches a boxing art. If you teach gong fu, you are a shifu. Of course in the old times you should pass many tests before being able to open a school, including open challenges from other masters.
2) What constitutes being listed? How do you get listed?
In modern times anyone can open a school without being challenged, therefore I had to look for another way to ensure "legitimacy" in the listing. As a standard I have been requesting the listed masters a copy of a diploma demonstrating they are shifu, black sash, black belt or an equivalent document authorizing them to teach. I also request a tu-di traditional picture (master sitting, student standing). In addition, I know many of the masters in the list, therefore they do not need to go through the screening process (please trust my judgment)
3) Is there any rule in the order the way the students are listed ? Is the sudent at the top the most senior student ?
No. Students are listed in not particular order.
4) Does the master have to confirm this status before a person gets listed?
When I know the master, I contact him personally to check the information or make some independent verification. Many times masters submit me the names of his authorized students. If I can not get in touch with the master I have to trust the information submitted. I do my best to keep the historical charts accurate but there could be errors...
Page Updated: 1st January 2005.
If you have comments please contact me !!
Fernando Blanco Dopazo .