Quality Alchemist (品質煉金術師): Wudang Tai Chi Apprenticeship Banquet (武當太極拳拜師宴)

2025年4月27日星期日

Wudang Tai Chi Apprenticeship Banquet (武當太極拳拜師宴)

Minda and I has become apprentices to Master Andy Law on 27^th April 2025. On that night, we joined the Wudang Tai Chi Apprenticeship Banquet. Minda and I took a photo with Master Andy Law and wife.

Before the banquet, Minda assisted the registration.

Then I took some photos with seniors (師兄師姐) in each table.

There were 6 tables and 1 long table.

Mr. Wong (王廣漢) arrived and we took a photo together. (Mr. Wong, Flora師姐, Minda & I).

In the beginning, Ms. Ann was our MC and she explained the meaning of Apprenticeship (拜師意義) which is provided by Master Andy Law. Traditional martial arts require "master-disciple" (拜師) relationships because:

1. Non-standardized knowledge (subtle techniques, individualized teaching)

2. Cultural contract (moral codes, lifelong commitment)

3. Preservation of authenticity (avoid misunderstandings, secret teachings)

4. Martial virtue transmission (discipline, philosophy)

Unlike modern training, it ensures deep, holistic learning beyond physical techniques, maintaining centuries-old traditions.

The apprentices are divided into groups (A+B、C+D、 E+F & G+H) to go on stage and giving a brief self-introduction.

Senior Cheong (昌師兄) delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the apprentices.

The new apprentices came on stage together and gave a brief self-introduction. Minda and I took a photo before came on stage.

Our group (apprentices from Class N) took a photo for memory.

Before starting the ceremony, Master Andy Law gave opening speech.

We came on the stage one by one for apprenticeship ceremony.

After that we would take a photo with Master Andy Law and wife.

There are 23 new apprentices and there are some photos.

All new apprentices came on the stage and took a group photo with Master Andy Law and wife.

A family of apprentices took a photo with Master Law and wife! The whole family apprenticed to the Master and learned Tai Chi together!

I (Lotto Lai) gave a thank you speech on behalf of the new apprentices. The summary showed as follows: “Respectful greetings to Master, Madam, and fellow disciples: Today, I stand with deep gratitude, representing new disciples in thanking our Master. Over two years of learning Wudang Tai Chi, we’ve grown from beginners to understanding its profound wisdom — “Tai Chi is not just martial art, but Dao.” Master’s patient, rigorous teaching illuminated our path, refining both skill and character. We pledge to honor tradition, train diligently, and uphold virtue. May Master enjoy health, wisdom, and the flourishing of Tai Chi’s legacy!”

Finally, Master Andy Law answered three questions from new apprentices and he also shared his motto (座右銘). This shows that Master is like a whetstone sharpening us and helping us to make continuous progress.