PrideampPoise Posted March 1, 2004 Posted March 1, 2004 If you look back at Ripper's post, he was indicating those who call 'themselves' sifu, or who insist that others call them such. While ripper does say this a couple of times, most of the posts clearly refer to anyone even calling someone else a master. Its not until later in the thread that the idea of someone insisting on being called a master is brought up. So if the ONLY problem is with someone insisting on the title, I agree, but that isn't how most of the posts read. But I do want to clarify the difference between a title being bestowed, and insisting it be used to address that person. In some martial arts, the title of "master" is granted once a certain dan is reached. To me, that's fine. But that's not the same as the person insisting on being addressed specifically as master. In my mind, someone who has to insist on being addressed a certain way is having trouble otherwise earning the respect of others. I've yet to come across someone who insisted on a certain title, but if I did, it would be a red flag to me that maybe this person isn't what I'm looking for in a teacher.
Recommended Posts