After spending 15 years in China studying martial arts and Taoism, American Jake Pinnick has officially been granted permanent residency.
His journey—from a 20-year-old seeking to learn kung fu to becoming a respected martial arts master—has attracted widespread praise, including a public congratulations from China's ambassador to the U.S.
Originally from Kewanee, Illinois, Pinnick began training in 2010 at Wudang Mountain, a sacred Taoist site in Hubei province known for its connection to tai chi and ancient Taoist philosophy.
Over the years, he immersed himself in Taoist teachings, adopting a Chinese name, Li Zigen, given to him by his master. The surname "Li" was chosen to honor both his own middle name and Taoist figure Lao Tzu, as well as martial arts legend Bruce Lee.
Now a 16th-generation disciple of the Wudang Sanfeng lineage, Pinnick teaches both locals and international students, combining his outsider's perspective with deep cultural understanding.
He views it as his mission to share Chinese culture with the world, saying, "I think I have the responsibility to tell China's stories."
Earlier this month, Pinnick received his Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, often referred to as the "five-star card." Sharing the news online, he joked, "Please don't call me a foreigner anymore."
Married to a Chinese woman and father to a daughter, Pinnick has fully embraced life in China. Social media users were impressed by his achievement, with many congratulating him and joking that his next move might be to bring kung fu back to the U.S.
Pinnick even noted subtle physical changes over the years—his once lighter hair has turned darker, which he credits to long-term martial arts training and adapting to life in China.
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