US man gains Chinese residency after 15 years in country, learns martial arts, Taoism

An American man who has spent the last 15 years practising martial arts and Taoism in China has been granted foreign permanent residency.

The landmark award has won widespread praise and even plaudits from China’s ambassador to the US.

“Congratulations! Jake Pinnick from Kewanee, Illinois, a 16th-generation disciple of the Wudang Sanfeng martial arts lineage, has got the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card in China!” said Ambassador Xie Fengon social media on April 6.

“The young man who came to China to pursue his Kung Fu dream at 20 is now a real master!”

Xie shared Pinnick’s story before, apparently showcasing him as a good example of foreigners fascinated with Chinese culture.

(Jake Pinnick performs a “thank you” hand gesture after receiving his permanent residency. Photo: Douyin)

Pinnick came to China in 2010 at the age of 20 and has since dedicated himself to learning martial arts and Taoism at Wudang Mountain in the central province of Hubei, the Beijing Daily reported.

Wudang, one of the most sacred Taoist mountains in China, is renowned for tai chi, which was created by the Taoism sage Zhang Sanfeng who lived on it.

In early April, Pinnick shared on social media that he had received China’s permanent residency document, widely known as five-star card.

“It is the best recognition for a foreigner who loves Chinese culture. So please do not call me a foreigner any more,” he joked.

His Chinese name is Li Zigen, with Zigen being given by his master on the mountain and Li being pronounced similar to the English word Lee, his middle name.

Pinnick said he carefully chose Li as his surname also because both the Taoism founder Lao Tzu and Hong Kong-American martial artist and actor Bruce Lee shared the family name.

He said he first came to Wudang Mountain only aiming to learn martial arts and enhance his health.

As he followed his teacher to study Taosim texts like Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi, he found that martial arts can “magically” relieve pressure on a person, cultivate moral character and promote self improvement.

Now Pinnick has become a master on Wudang Mountain himself, teaching both Chinese and foreign students martial arts and Taoism.

“My advantage is probably the ‘onlooker’s perspective’. Due to the cultural difference, I must figure out the logic and details behind each movement and each Taoism theory,” he was quoted as saying.

Ref: US man gains Chinese residency after 15 years in country, learns martial arts, Taoism Photo Credit-Douyin, 5 series