(From the Erie Chinese Journal)

Becoming an (Apprentice) Disciple   of Master Yang Xiao Dong 

Ohio Wu Tan International Martial Arts Training Center’s Master Yang Xiao Dong, the founder of Wu Tan Center here in Northern Ohio, has trained many local and foreign martial artists, and during a December 21^st ceremony welcomed seven of his students to pass through his door and become his Disciples.

At the Yellow Tail Restaurant in Montrose, Ohio, on a December 21^st morning, Master Yang Xiao Dong held a simple yet traditional ceremony where he told the seven new Disciples about the history and lineage of the Wu Tan system. He told them about each of the main styles within the Wu Tan system; Bajiquan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan, Piguazhang, and Tanglangquan. Master Yang told the Disciples how Grand Master Liu Yun Qiao, founder of the Wu Tan system in Taiwan, learned each style and who Grand Master learned the styles from. The Disciples paid their respects to the past Masters, Master Yang’s current Disciples, and then to Master Yang. As a group, the new Disciples pledged that they would be loyal to the teachings of the Wu Tan system and that they would continue to promote Chinese Martial Arts here in the United States. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, the new Disciples affixed either their chop or their thumbprint to their contracts. One contract was given to Master Yang and the other contract was given to the Disciples. Congratulations were given and many pictures were taken. This was the last time that Master Yang would be taking someone through his door to become a Disciple here in the United States. 

In an interview with one of Master Yang’s new Disciples, Gary Harris, we learned that Shifu Harris has been studying Chinese Martial Arts for over 35 years. For many years he has been fascinated with the Chinese culture. He has always enjoyed learning and playing Chinese Martial Arts, and has felt that it has always helped him stay fit and healthy. Traveling to China allowed him to gain a better understanding of both Chinese Martial Arts as well as the many different aspects of Chinese culture.