Hang a Sheep’s Head, Sell a Dog’s Meat – Fake Gong Fu

In an age where information is readily available on the various styles of Chinese martial arts, it is surprising to see how many fraudsters there are who present themselves with overblown rankings, dubious backgrounds, and poor teaching skills. The inexperienced students who are drawn to such a school are often persuaded that what they are learning is real, when actually it is dishonest.  

The Chinese adage, Gua Yang Tou, Mai Gou Rou (掛羊頭賣狗肉), or “To Hang a Sheep’s Head, but Sell Dog Meat,” is applicable to this type. Sadly, like a cult, once students become vested financially and have dedicated considerable time, they become blinded to the lie that is being propagated upon them. 

Fraudsters use storytelling for lineage and fake ranking to conceal their deceit. They heap bountiful praise upon their students and bestow them with meaningless belt ranks to further entrap them. When students come to the realization that the teacher is a fraud, the discovery is often so disheartening that they won’t bother looking for a real teacher. And that is their real loss.

How to discern the real from the fake?

When considering a teacher’s lineage, look to see if pictures are displayed of the teacher’s master or masters. Don’t be impressed by one photo but look further, to see if these delineate a segment of time.

Examine any certifications that are shown. These should correspond to the photos that are displayed in the school. It’s OK to question who has issued the certification.

Is the teacher you are considering well known by other practitioners, not just locally, but nationally and internationally?

Ask whether the school participates in tournaments. Often fraudsters stay away from competitions, especially the events of high caliber where they could be easily exposed.A Final Word: When I opened my first school in 1981, I faced challenges almost on a weekly basis during the first few months. In comparison to the knowledge and skill I have acquired over more than four decades, back then I was inexperienced, but I had the foresight, desire, and drive to seek out skilled masters. I have been fortunate to receive tutelage from some of the best Chinese martial arts masters in North America, China, and Taiwan. These include Grandmaster William C. C. Chen, Grandmaster Leung Shum, Grandmaster Alex Kwok, Grandmaster Tony Yang, Grandmaster Di Guoyong, and others.