An American man, after spending 15 years deeply involved in martial arts and Taoist philosophy, has been approved for permanent residency in China. This achievement has won widespread admiration across the nation, even catching the attention of China’s ambassador to the United States.
On April 6, Ambassador Xie Feng announced on social media, “Congratulations! Jake Pinnick from Kewanee, Illinois, a 16th-generation successor of the Wudang Sanfeng martial arts line, has obtained the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card in China! This young man, who came to China at the age of 20 to chase his Kung Fu dream, has now become a true master!”
Previously, Xie had emphasized Pinnick’s experience, presenting him as an outstanding example of how foreigners can develop a profound bond with Chinese culture.
Pinnick first set foot in China in 2010 when he was 20 years old. Since then, he has dedicated himself to the study of martial arts and Taoism on Wudang Mountain in Hubei province. Wudang Mountain is one of China’s most sacred Taoist sites and is famous as the origin place of tai chi. This martial art was created by the legendary Taoist sage Zhang Sanfeng, who was said to have resided on the mountain.
In the early days of April, Pinnick shared on social media the news that he had received the much-desired “five-star card,” which is China’s colloquial term for its permanent residency permit. He humorously said, “It’s the highest form of recognition for a foreigner who loves Chinese culture. So, please, don’t refer to me as a foreigner anymore.”
Pinnick’s Chinese name is Li Zigen. “Zigen” was given to him by his master, and “Li” was selected both because it sounds similar to his middle name, Lee, and because it is the family name of both Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, and Bruce Lee, the renowned martial artist and actor.
At first, Pinnick came to Wudang merely to enhance his health and learn kung fu. However, as he delved into Taoist works such as the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi, he found a more profound spiritual link. He realized that martial arts could reduce stress, cultivate moral integrity, and promote personal development.
Today, Pinnick is a well-acknowledged master on Wudang Mountain, teaching martial arts and Taoist philosophy to students from China and all over the world.
He explained, “My strength perhaps lies in the fact that I view things from an outsider’s point of view. Due to cultural differences, I have to analyze the reasoning behind each movement and every Taoist concept.”
“I feel a sense of duty to share Chinese culture with more people. I’m proud to contribute to telling China’s story to the global community.”
Some of his followers have observed that Pinnick’s once-light hair has become darker over the years. He claims that it’s not because of hair dye but rather the result of long-term martial arts practice and living in China.
Pinnick is now married to a Chinese woman, and the couple has a daughter. His story has fascinated social media users in China.
One user commented, “Congratulations! It’s extremely difficult to obtain a five-star card — you must be extraordinary!”
Another jested, “Perhaps your next move is to open a kung fu studio back in the United States!”
