Are you at liberty to say who the Sifu is? Have you sat down and talked to your Sifu about how you feel? If so, what was his response? Do you do anything more than just attend class - hang out at his house, get together with others after class or other days?

I don't agree that after 8 years you should be anything but yourself. Time goes by quickly. I have seen those claiming to be in martial arts for over 10 years and they can't fight at all. Keep in mind that you train martial arts for a goal. You should be charting milestones. There are good instructors and bad ones. but make sure you have made yourself heard. Remember, your Sifu has many students but you have only one Sifu.

Do you have any relationship with a Sihing who can show you these "advanced" techniques you think the Sifu is holding back?