origami_itto wrote:So I'm familiar with the baishi ceremony where a student becomes an inner door disciple but are there any other steps leading up to that, traditionally?
Is there a formal acceptance as a student before the baishi? Are there other ceremonies afterward to recognize progress and achievement?
As far as I am aware, it has more to do with if you want to be a disciple than your actual skill level. Because you are taking on the responsibility to pass it on. Not just learn it for yourself. Otherwise the certification is meaningless as you can learn pretty much everything without being a disciple. Some teachers will test you first, depending on the social circumstances and if they like you or whatever. I find the whole thing to be nonstandard. I've been offered lineage in various styles upon first meeting a teacher, and I've had to ask teachers I've known for 30 years for it. It's different based on the teacher I think.
If it's something you are after, mainly it has to do with whether the teacher likes you and if you can actually take on the responsibility I.E. does your wife agree with you doing martial arts, do you have a lot of work or debt that you cant really focus on martial arts, do you have the physical capability, are you the right age, did you pass all the little tests, etc.
Anyone have any experience with becoming a disciple could probably say more