We will be posting instructors to this page who are true to the teachings of Grandmaster Woo. All instructors already approved on site need only to update contact information. If you know of a new instructor who has recently opened a studio and would like to be included, please send request to jhwoo@kungfusansoo.com for review. For technical questions regarding this site, please contact the webmaster.
Master Paul H. Borisoff began his study of the art of Kung Fu San Soo in 1975, under the tutelage of Master Charles W. Cory. He became an assistant instructor at the North Hollywood facility in 1977 and continued until opening his own school in November 1978. He was awarded the degree of Master in 1986. He has also trained with Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo in classes offered by the first International Kung Fu San Soo Association.
Master Paul H. Borisoff has taught Kung Fu San Soo for Los Angeles Recreation & Parks (6 centers), Los Angeles City Schools (In-service classes for teachers and school nurses). He has instructed for the YMCA, YWCA, Woman's Workshop and North Valley Jewish Community Center.
Master Paul H. Borisoff is committed to instructing the Art of Kung Fu San Soo, as taught by Grand Master, Jimmy H. Woo. A classically trained violinist, he understands the necessity of staying the course; keeping it pure and unadulterated. I feel that study of this art is an ongoing process. It takes many years of study and the process can be arduous.
As a school owner or student, the temptations are great to take an easier, more immediately profitable path, bending to the latest fad. In the end he feels that the achievement of excellence in this art depends on repeated practice and persistence, and that a school owners integrity is staying loyal and committed to the system which he professes to teach. There is so much room for personal variation in this art, but one has to honor its precepts and foundational concepts.
Paul H. Borisoff was born in Los Angeles and has a bachelor degree in Radio Television and Film, from California State University at Northridge. Since age 16, he has given Music and Photography instruction. He has worked in the fields of Medical Imaging, Camera and Lens Repair, Customer Service and Corporate Purchasing.
Address:
6117 Reseda Blvd. Suite D
Reseda, CA 91335
Phone:
(818) 996-7832
Fax:
None
Email:
Website:
Kung Fu San Soo is the most complete and systematic art that I have seen in all my martial arts experience. The use of intersecting triangles and circles give it a very strong base. It's practical use of the body allows this art to be powerfully used and adapted by anyone.
I began studying San Soo in August of 1985 under Master Carl Lorenzen at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Ca. Carl Lorenzen transcribed the five Kung Fu San Soo instructor’s manuals that are used by Kung Fu San Soo as the standard for the perpetuation of this art. These books include many forms as well as offensive and defensive combative techniques.
From the first day I entered the world of San Soo, I was fascinated by how practical and effective the fighting techniques seemed to be compared to other arts I had seen. As my studies continued, I learned how the motions in the forms were directly related to the patterns in the fighting techniques. It was apparent to me that these moves were not just put together randomly. Rather a well thought out system of motion designed by monks over hundreds of years, who seemed to have an excellent understanding of physiology. From the day I began to study San Soo until now, I believe that there is no reason to look to any other art to complete it or add anything lacking. If you look closely enough, San Soo has It's own way of dealing with any situation.
Carl invited me to train in his garage. I also continued to study with Carl at Saddleback College until early 1996 when he retired from the Orange County Sheriff's Department. I have continued to study with Carl over the years in a more private setting.
One thing that I have discovered is that you never stop being a student. From white belt all the way through master. San Soo can be an endless, life long journey with ever changing combinations of moves. One can grow from the 4 to 6 move lesson sequences to a blending of moves together based on principle of motion.
This gives you freedom to use the art according to your situation at hand.
I began instructing classes at my home in 1990 as a brown belt. I found that I was challenged to learn more details about each lesson as I taught them to others. I was also an assistant instructor under Carl Lorenzen at Saddleback College from 1990-1996. At Carl's retirement in 1996, Scott Pemberton took over Carl's class at the college. I assisted Scott's classes on Tuesday nights at Saddleback College from 1996 until 2004. I also instructed sessions on Thursday nights in a private setting studying San Soo with a smaller group of students.
In May of 1992 I was awarded the level of Black belt. In May of 2003 I was awarded the level of Master by Carl L. Lorenzen.
From January 2005 through August of 2008, I instructed classes at Faith Community Church in Irvine, Ca. In January of 2005 we began to film and document on video, the art of Kung Fu San Soo using a very systematic approach. This project began with the desire to present and to preserve the art as I have received it. This project is still continuing to this day and I plan to continue this project until all the written material I possess within the art has been documented. Click here to see our DVDs and click here to see samples on our YouTube channel.
Our Kung Fu San Soo school is located at The South Orange County Martial Arts Academy. The address is 26945 Cabot Road, Suite #102 in the city of Laguna Hills, Ca 92653. It is just a short drive from many areas within the Orange County area. Classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm. All classes are structured in order to give each student the most individual instruction possible. My focus is to give personalized attention to each student and to effectively assist in the individual growth of each student as they progress in the understanding of the fundamental principles of Kung Fu San Soo.
Address:
Kung-Fu San Soo
26945 Cabot Road, Suite #102
Laguna Hills, Ca 92653
Phone:
(949)215-4921
Fax:
(949)215-4921
Email:
Website:
Master Chuck Cory opened his first San Soo School in North Hollywood, California in 1974. He attained the rank of Master in the Art of Kung Fu San Soo under Grandmaster Jimmy H. Woo in January of 1983.
He has taught Kung Fu San Soo to thousands of men, women and children over the years, including the blind and the physically challenged.
Master Cory has been involved with all types of teaching, from teaching personal bodyguards, law enforcement, rape prevention, self confidence and stress management training through San Soo.
He currently also teaches many types of weapons use and defense training programs, including knife, sword, staff, baton, handgun retention and nerve stick; utilizing a nerve stick design that he and Master Fred Mead developed.
Many of his students teach San Soo around the world. Master Cory is well respected in the Martial Arts world for his knowledge of fighting.
Saying of San Soo, I consider myself very fortunate to have discovered San Soo. It has changed my life for the better. Grandmaster Jimmy H. Woo was like a father to all of us who knew him. I am just sorry that many of my newer generation San Soo colleagues never had the opportunity to meet and learn from him as I did.
Address:
6501 Harding Pike G29, Nashville, TN. 37205
Phone:615-243-5850
Fax: 615-915-4045
Email:
chuckcory@sansootennessee.com or chuckcory@gmail.com
Website:
Raul Ries was exposed to the art of Kung Fu San Soo at the age of 16, when his boss, Rueben Ramirez took him to Jimmy H. Woo’s (Lo Si Fu) Studio. He was impressed by the fighting style of San Soo, as opposed to the other arts he had seen. Part of this impression was infLounced by the presence of Lo Si Fu himself. He had a presence that made people stop when he entered a room. He had a confidence that radiated from him and earned him respect.
Raul began training with Lo Si Fu in 1965, but his training was interrupted by his Tour of Duty in Vietnam. He was in Alpha Company 1-7, with the First Marine Division, 7th Marines, in a highly trained group, called the Bounty Hunters. He served two years in the Marine Corps. before being honorably discharged in 1968. After his discharge, Raul returned to Lo Si Fu’s studio and began training in earnest. Lo Si Fu saw potential in Raul and began to disciple him. He was more than a Master to a young student; he treated Raul like a son. Lo Si Fu became the father figure Raul desired. He was able to teach Raul how to reign in some of the anger he had built up inside over the years. Unfortunately, that control was reserved for the studio. Out on the streets, Raul was still an angry fighting machine, and now he was trained to kill.
During Raul’s training, Lo Si Fu chose him to participate in the exhibitions he organized. They demonstrated Kung Fu San Soo at the Pomona Fair, Chinatown’s annual festivities, and many other events. He would take part as often as time allowed. Along the way, Raul had earned his black belt and opened his own San Soo studio in Azusa.
Within six months of opening his studio, Raul’s clientele had outgrown the studio and he had to move to a larger facility. The new studio was able to accommodate 70-80 students. However, within a year and a half, he again had to move to a larger studio. At his new location in Covina, he was able to teach over 200 students.
It was during this time, on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1972, that his life was transformed. Raul accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and began bible studies at his studio. In January of 1980, Raul received his Masters from Lo Si Fu. He now teaches San Soo in the church he pastors in Diamond Bar, California.
As a Christian Pastor and a Master in the art of Kung Fu San Soo, Raul has been asked many times about the conflict between the two. Because Lo Si Fu never taught the mysticism associated with Kung Fu, he does not see a conflict. Lo Si Fu did not rely on mystical powers, but confidence in one’s abilities. He would always say, “You can take my life, but not my confidence.” Lo Si Fu dedicated his life to teaching Kung Fu San Soo, in its’ purist form. In memory of his dedication and leadership, whose presence surpasses words, Raul has continued on, in this tradition.
Address:
22324 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Phone: (909) 396-1884
Fax: (909) 396-0553
Email: michaelf@somebodylovesyou.org
Website: www.sansoodiamondbar.com
My name is Xavier Ries and I began to study with Grand Master Jimmy, H. Woo on November of 1969 and received my black belt in 1972 and my eighth degree Master on January of 1981.
I have been practicing and teaching San Soo for over thirty years. I was involved in most all the demonstrations that Jimmy put on at the Pomona Fair, China Town and many others. I presently teach at 2200 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena California on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
The teaching method is the same as Jimmy taught, with the forty-five basics for white belt, 72 for yellow belt and so on. If you would like any information, please call 1-626-584-9992 and ask for Xavier or leave a message on my voice mail.
The art of Kung-Fu San Soo was introduced to the United States by Mr. Jimmy H. Woo, who taught in a studio at the Mid-Way Shopping Center, in El Monte California, from 1962 to 1984 when he retired from full time instruction, limiting himself to the black belt and Masters until his death on the 14th of February, of 1991. Being 76 years old, Grand-Master Jimmy H. Woo had seventy years experience in San Soo, as he began to be trained at age five by his Great Uncle.
Jimmy greatly opposed the integrating or mixing of other arts, whether it be with the intent to better the art or to create a new one, he was committed to keeping the art pure as it had been handed down to him by his ancestors. Jimmy used to illustrate this by someone attempting to make up a new English language and calling it, Chinese-English, in reality it would neither be Chinese or English and certainly no one would understand it, except the ones who were taught the new language.
The student was taught forms after his green belt, which consisted of twenty-six move that began from a certain point and working through various movements in a dance-like manner, all done in perpendicular moves from the starting point, like the shape of a cross and ending at the same starting point. These form could be done with weapons also, be it the single sword or double, spear, etc.
Address:
2200 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA
Phone: (626) 584-9992
Fax: None
Email: None
Website: None
My first introduction to the art of Kung Fu San Soo was in February 1965. My sister, two brothers and myself visited Jimmy H. Woo’s studio in El Monte, CA and after watching one session of his class we enrolled.
I received my black belt in 1968 and then taught a beginning class for women at Jimmy’s studio for one year.
During my course of study in the art I participated in many demonstrations in Chinatown, Pomona fair, Disneyland and belt promotion ceremonies at the Kung Fu San Soo studios.
Jimmy and I married in August 1973. I continued my study in the art and received my Master’s degree in 1976.
After Grand Master Woo’s passing in 1991, the Master’s of the art organized the International Kung Fu San Soo Association and I presided as president from 1992 to 1997. I am now currently hosting the Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo Kung Fu San Soo Associates web site. The instructors featured on the site have dedicated themselves to the teaching and promotion of the traditional Kung Fu San Soo that Grand Master Woo taught for over 50 years in the United States. The powerful character building impact of the man and his art will be honored, preserved and passed on to future generations.
I began studying Kung Fu San Soo in November of 1983. Master Andre Salvage was my first teacher. He opened up a whole new world for me and guided me all the way through my black-belt which I received in 1989. In truth, Andre inspired me to open up my heart, brain and body to San Soo. I had already spent several years studying other arts and also training as a dancer. None the less, everything I’d ever learned about movement became much clearer, more powerful and far more effortless because of my new foundation of San Soo principals.
I had my first tastes of teaching this art as a brown-belt while still with Andre. I would occasionally teach lessons for lower belts and I also began to teach privately. As a black-belt I also had the good fortune to begin teaching children’s classes at Andre’s school. My teaching, however, began in a somewhat unpredictable and certainly fortuitous way.
I met Masters Larry and Sharon Wikel in 1987 while I was working as a sort of default “night manager” at Andre’s studio. Larry had been Andre’s original San Soo teacher. During this time Larry and Sharon taught a Wednesday night class at Andre’s school. One particular Wednesday night, Larry and Sharon, unwilling to ‘leave well enough’ alone, insisted that I come out from behind the counter where I was spending my night-manager’s hours and teach lessons with them. And just like that I sort of stumbled into the missing element of my San Soo training, teaching. Thanks to the astute foresight of Larry and Sharon, once I began teaching, I became a far better student and fighter as San Soo subtley and completely transformed my life.
At any rate, due to a change in my circumstances and Andre’s, I began studying full-time with Larry and Sharon Wikel in about mid-1989. That year Larry introduced me to Lo Si Fu Jimmy H. Woo (Chin Siu Dek) which was a great honor for me. Lo Si Fu told me that my sifu, Larry, taught San Soo in the truest tradition and best represented his, Lo Si Fu’s, teachings. Larry was a first generation master under Lo Si Fu and one of his earliest students in America. Now this man, who had become a dear friend, was also my San Soo instructor and teaching mentor. Under Larry’s tutelage I never stopped improving as a student and as a teacher, while learning to apply San Soo principals to all areas of my life.
In 1992 Larry, my wife, Tanya, and I created the Workshop for Assault Prevention which we taught at his school, The Dragon’s Den, at other sites and eventually my own school. In 1995 I began my own school in West Hollywood while I continued my studying and teaching at the Dragon’s Den. In 1997 Sifu Master Larry Wikel gave me my Master-certificate. Larry Wikel sold his studio and moved to Tennessee in 2005, a gain for Davy Crockett’s home state, a loss for us.
Sunset San Soo, the name of my school in West Hollywood, is flourishing today and I love teaching more than ever. I still find great joy in punches, kicks, throws, leverages, pressure points, take-downs and every aspect of the total-body movement delivery of this art. I love the fluidity of all its natural movement built on an original foundation as strong as any applied principal of physics in nature. I love the simple-is-better, always move towards the center philosophy and pragmatism of this art. After nearly 28 years, I still love everything about San Soo and how much better the quality of my life became because of it.
I never got to spend a lot of time with Chin Lo Si Fu and yet I miss him to this day. Of the little time I did spend with him I am immeasurably grateful. Everything he told me lives still in my heart. He told me the same thing that Sifu Larry Wikel drilled into me over and over about being a teacher. No matter how much technique one teaches his students, it is only by helping them learn to grow genuine self-confidence that any of the rest of it matters. Or as Chin Lo Si Fu said at the Dragon’s Den one night to me and a few others: “You may take my life, but you’ll never take my confidence.”
Address:
1124 Larrabee Street
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-659-8188
E-mail: masterwallybagot@sunsetsansoo.com
Website: www.sunsetsansoo.com
I remember growing up I used to watch Bruce Lee on TV. I thought he was the greatest. As I grew up I always had the desire to be like Bruce Lee and I think this is what drove me to dabble in a couple forms of Karate at an early age but I never really felt confident about them and ended up dropping out. I grew up being a skinny kid and I think I really had no real confidence. However, during my high school years, I participated in wrestling, which helped shape my knowledge of body mechanics and balance and gave me a good foundation. It also helped me when I eventually began studying Kung Fu San Soo. Unfortunately, after I graduated from high school, I took a detour from my desire to study the martial arts. I then began my descent into a world of partying and fighting. I was unhappy and I felt empty. Fortunately the hand of God was upon my life and I never got into any serious trouble.
In January of 1993, I heard that Master Raul Ries was training students in Kung Fu San Soo at his church, Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, in Diamond Bar, CA. I had been attending Calvary Chapel off and on since I was a child, but I had never made any kind of lasting commitment with the Lord. I went to see the class and, from the first moment I saw the art in action, I was hooked. I could not believe that an art could be so beautiful yet it was so deadly. A little man could easily manipulate a big man, a woman could hold her own against a man and strength was not the key but technique.
I began my training on January 4th, 1993. There was so much to the art that I trained very hard and consistently. Rarely missing a class, I began to learn so much from my teachers and from the other students. I was blessed to be able to train under Master Raul Ries, Master Xavier Ries and Master Michael Falabella. Master Raul Ries had a great impact on my life and I began to change my lifestyle for the better. I changed, not because Master Ries made me change but, because of the great example that Master Ries was. I gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ and my whole outlook on life changed.
Due to my consistent training and my desire to see the art perpetuate exactly the same way it was taught by my instructors, I was eventually promoted to the level of teacher. My goal today, is to see the students become even more skilled than their teachers so the art can progress forward. I believe that the key to success is to have a solid foundation in the basics, and I teach the techniques exactly as they were taught to me. I highly recommend that each student writes down and/or films each lesson so the art is not taught by memory. I recently received my Master certificate from Master Raul Ries on January 31, 2005 and I plan to continue my training and teaching in the art of Kung Fu San Soo.
Address:
22324 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Phone:
(626) 333-0984
Fax:
None
Email: sifu1375@hotmail.com
Website:http://www.sansoodiamondbar.com or http://mysite.verizon.net/res0isgg/
Moving from student to instructor in the art of San Soo has been a natural transition for a man that was willing to start over with each instructor in order to learn and fine tune his skills as much as possible. The journey to becoming a Master in the art of San Soo, has been longer than most, but the color of his belt is the least of his concerns. He shares Lo Si Fu’s dedication to the teaching and building of character. Although he did not study directly under Lo Si Fu, he has been taught by his first generation instructors and garnered the essence of what Lo Si Fu stood for and therefore the art of San Soo.
He got his first glimpse of San Soo while he was at Alta Loma High School. Russ Couch, a sophomore, put on a demonstration of the art in 1972. According to Michael, “From that moment on, I was hooked!” The focus on practical hand-to-hand combat was appealing to the young wrestler. It was the one-on-one competition that was a challenge to him. This exposure to the art of San Soo infLounced his decision to study with Jerry Druckerman, second degree black belt, when he met him four years later at Chaffey College. He took both group and private lessons from Jerry until he closed his studio.
Upon closing his studio in 1977, Jerry introduced Michael to Master Bill Lassiter at his Ontario, California studio. Although Michael was a green belt, he chose to begin as a white belt with Master Bill, but advanced quickly due to his prior studies in the art. By 1979, Michael was on the verge of receiving his black belt, but he had to discontinue his studies. While he was not studying under a Master, the extra years of study had reinforced his sense of discipline and dedication. Michael practiced his technique and form regularly, and he was able to work out wherever he traveled.
Michael rededicated his life to the Lord in 1982, after attending Pastor Raul’s studies for a short time. It was also not a coincidence that Pastor Raul was a Kung Fu San Soo Master. After hearing Pastor Raul mention Lo Si Fu (Jimmy H. Woo) and San Soo in 1991, Michael was prompted to talk with Pastor Raul about San Soo. Soon after, Pastor/Master Raul began a class for the staff and eventually opened it up to the body. As in the past, Michael started over as a white belt. Within three months, Masters Raul and Xavier Ries recognized that he was more advanced and moved him up to green belt. They also recognized his abilities as an instructor and in 1992, as a brown belt, he began to assist Master J.P. King. After receiving his black belt in 1993, he began filling in for Masters Raul and Xavier in their absences. By this time, he was already on staff at the church and it was a natural transition to assist in San Soo along with his other ministry duties.
During the course of his studies in San Soo, Michael had the privilege of meeting Lo Si Fu and watching him teach the instructor’s class quite often. His most vivid memory of Lo Si Fu is reflected in his recollection, “When I met Jimmy, he was bigger than life.” Although he was not studying under Master Raul at that time, he probably had the privilege to see him in action as well. To some it may seem as though Michael took a long journey on the way to receiving his Masters in San Soo, he will receive it in January 2001, but when you look at the whole picture, you can see the hand of God at work. The study of San Soo appealed to the competitiveness in him, and the additional years nourished his need to know as much as possible about the art. This desire to know every aspect of the art has only made him a better instructor and enabled God to use him on many levels.
Address:
22324 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar
CA, 91765
Phone:
-
(909)396-1884
Fax:
None
Email: michaelf@calvarygs.org
Website: None
As the Chin family taught their art only to family members, the art of Kung Fu San Soo was passed down five generations to our late Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo from his great, great, great grandfather who had learned the art from early childhood in the Kwan Yin monastery.
Those of us, who have been privileged and blessed with the opportunity to learn this art, have found that it has profound character building traits. It helps us to better understand others and ourselves with the harmony we refer to as "body of mind".
I am honored and humbled to study this beautiful art that has become me. I started training in the art under the tutelage of Master Paul Borisoff in 1986. I was awarded my black belt in 1991. In 1993 I opened my own school in Medford, Oregon. I have taught to people from all walks of life including police, military and celebrities. I have conducted seminars and demos for women crisis clinics, public schools, universities and the Britt Garden Children festivals. In 1996 I opened a school in Olympia, Washington and started teaching the art at Evergreen State College. I've currently signed on as martial arts contractor for Fort Lewis military base. In 1999 I was awarded my Masters degree.
I am committed to the preservation of the art as passed on to us by Grand Master Woo. The art is a culmination of much time and effort and has been tested and proven in combat over many generations. It is based on highly sophisticated principles of physics. It has the roots that are pure and complete. Being designed for combat, it cannot be made a sport. To mix San Soo with other styles shows a lack of understanding of the art. I am dedicated to keeping the art pure. You cannot serve two masters. In Kung Fu San Soo you are training your nervous system. If you train in another system your nervous system gets confused and you end up with nothing. Kung Fu San Soo is a gold mine. We are lucky to have found such pure system!
Mailing Address:
P.O. box 7182
Porter Ranch, CA 91327-7182
School Address:
17023 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills, CA 91344
Phone:
-
(818)923-8762
Fax:
None
Email:
Website: http://www.kungfusansoomaster.com
Master Heather Bridle began her study of Kung Fu San Soo in 1998, honored to have been trained, by Master Paul Borisoff. She became an assistant instructor at Kung Fu San Soo Reseda contributing to the design of lesson plans, drills, activities, and helping to shape, implement, and maintain the class structure in 2000. She also assisted in Kung Fu San Soo Reseda's female self-defense classes. She received her black belt in 2000 and received a certificate awarding full instructorship in 2002. She received the level of Master in 2007. The instruction obtained and given followed the teachings and materials of Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo.
Master Heather Bridle is currently offering private individual and small group lessons. She intends to teach the art in its purest form, thereby maintaining the integrity of the art. She will be utilizing a lesson base that incorporates all of Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo's teachings (i.e. Ah-Soo, Fut-Ga, Tsoi-Li-Hoi, Dap-Ga, Numpi, forms, weapons, etc.). There will also be a strong emphasis on the details and nuances that make Kung Fu San Soo a great system (foundation, angles, positioning, etc.). All will be addressed in a manner that is complete, professional, and supportive, thereby preserving the system for present and future generations. Kung Fu San Soo teaches more than self-defense, it helps in the building of human character.
Master Heather Bridle has multiple college degrees, which reveals her dedication and commitment to knowledge and growth, which are key aspects that are necessary towards teaching, maintaining, and preserving a system as vast as Kung Fu San Soo.
Address:
None
Phone: 818-903-5435
Fax: None
E-mail: masterhb@sansooacademy.com
Website: www.sansooacademy.com
I began my training in 1971 at age 17 with Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo. I received my back belt in 1974 and then my Masters degree in January 1983. All my training was done at the El Monte School under the direction and guidance of Jimmy H. Woo. Like many of the other instructors who knew Jimmy, I too recognized there was something wonderful about him. From my first meeting with him I knew I was in the right art and definitely with the right instructor. Jimmy taught all of us how to become great fighters, but he also balanced that knowledge with the ramifications of loosing ones temper. It was my greatest honor to call Jimmy H.Woo my friend. I loved and respected him greatly.
I have been teaching San Soo for the last 25 years. I opened my first school in 1975 in Buena Park, Ca. This school was then moved to a larger location in North Orange County in 1997. I have since relocated and now live in Northern California. I currently teach Kung-Fu San Soo through the Chico Area Recreation Department. I have classes for adults and children as well as many special classes geared towards women’s safety. My classes are conducted in the same way that I was taught by Jimmy. My goal now is the same as it has always been, to pass on the art of Kung-Fu San Soo exactly as I was taught.
Address:
Chico Area Recreation Department
545 Vallombrosa, Ave.
Chico, CA
Phone: (530) 895-4711
Fax: None
Email: None
Website: None
Jimmy loved to talk on various topics to his classes. One topic he would infrequently bring up was his prediction that San Soo, as he taught it, would disappear within eight years of his death. When he broached the subject of death, I refused to believe that Jimmy, a man of great strength and extreme confidence, would one day die. To me, he was going to live forever.
However, years passed and two weeks after my first son was born, Jimmy passed away.
Now, years later, I have watched his prediction come true. Without the father to hold the family together, many sons and daughters have strayed away. Today, fewer than a handful of his original students actively teach San Soo. Of those, even fewer teach it in the same pure manner they learned from Jimmy. You might ask why this has happened? My answer is they lack a full appreciation of the art based on a lack of experience and understanding.
Jimmy was a fighter. He fought countless times in both China and America. In each fight he relied on his San Soo skills. One man, several men, hand to hand or armed with weapons, Jimmy did not care. If forced to, he would fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. By experience, he proved the scientific method of fighting known as San Soo, was not theory, but fact. Jimmy called San Soo “his art,” because he dedicated his life to its teaching and training. Classifying San Soo as “the best,” he repeatedly reminded us that hundreds of men over many generations devoted their lives toward one purpose: The formulation of a pure system of organized fighting designed to take out an opponent as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Unfortunately, some of today’s instructors have polluted this purity by blending in teachings and techniques that have nothing to do with the art, yet they advertise that they teach San Soo. “Flavor of the Month” instructors, take whatever is currently popular on the martial arts scene and mimic it into their teaching program. The result is disheartening. They trade outstanding, well based fighting technique for “what looks good” and is based on theory. When they do this, they willingly throw hundreds of years of development by the wayside, without even a second glance.
Personally speaking, when I began training, I, like many others, became involved in minor spats here and there. San Soo never let me down. Later, I became a police officer and worked in some of the worst areas of Los Angeles for 20 years. There, I had the unique experience of witnessing physical violence and the aftermath of violence perpetrated by street predators on innocent people. Additionally, in those areas, street fighting was reality and an accepted way of life for many. Violence would erupt in a second without warning. Constantly, my job exposed me to fighting in some form or another. Without dwelling on these experiences, I can say they formed an unequaled and outstanding exposure to the nuances of street fighting. They also provoked a deep gratitude in me to Jimmy for teaching his family’s art in the manner it was developed. One of the many things I learned on the street is that there is vast difference between fighting theory and fact. With one you lose, with the other you survive.
For those instructors who remain true to their roots, remember, the survival of this art lies not in the past, nor in the present, but in the future. That future is our child.
I admit, teaching children was not my first desire. When I began teaching adult classes at our church, my wife kept telling me that I should teach children and gave all the logical reasons for doing so. Not wanting to do it, I was able to side step the issue until one day, while visiting my friend, Vince, at his Buena Park Studio. Knowing I was again teaching, he asked if I were teaching children. When I told him “no” he replied, “What if your teaching San Soo to kids saved one child from joining a gang or using drugs? Remember what Jimmy did for us?” Vince’s words were like a knife through the heart. I tried to ignore them but they kept nagging at me. Then one evening a mother approached me with her 8-year-old daughter and asked if I taught children. When I told her “no,” she pointed to her fair-haired little girl and asked, “What if you teach her one thing that protects her from being kidnapped. Isn’t that worth it?”
At that point, how can you argue with such logic? After asking the church, talking to my wife and praying for Christ to direct me, we now teach children. We teach them all aspects of San Soo, including defense and offense against an adult attacker. We also teach traditional Christian values, commitment, discipline, honesty, integrity and most of all, confidence. Our method of teaching boils down to two words, love and discipline. Discipline not only in the sense of receiving motivation when they misbehave or don’t pay attention in class, but encouragement to be responsible for their actions. We see the effect of our teaching method by this: Children who have started as timid, withdrawn, introverted boys and girls with time, training, discipline and love, develop into confident, outgoing young people. This confidence not only effects them now, it will influence all aspects of their life as they grow up. As we teach them, my greatest desire is that these children remember the history, the lessons, and fine details of San Soo. Then one day, they, in turn will pass the same training down to others. In doing so, San Soo will very much remain alive.
In all this, I picture Jimmy in my mind, standing in the midst of the children’s class, with his typical big smile, patting the children on their heads and backs, exclaiming, “You doing good!”
Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it. Proverbs 22:6
Sam Silva (pictured with sons’, Samuel and Joshua) has been active in Kung Fu San Soo for more than 30 years. Training at the El Monte Studio, he received his black belt, first through seventh degree black belts and Master ranking from Grandmaster Jimmy H. Woo. Sam was the past Vice President of the International Kung Fu San Soo Association and has written nationally published articles on San Soo. He currently teaches at Calvary Chapel of the Chino Valley, 12205 N. Pipeline Ave., Chino.
Address:
Calvary Chapel Chino Valley
12205 Pipeline Avenue
Chino, CA
Phone: (909)464-8255
Fax: None
Email: samthesifu@hotmail.com
Website: www.calvaryccv.org
(under the “ministries” section)
Salute. I am ShiFu Robert Sheffield. I started gung fu when I was 16 years old. I trained under Shifu Larry and Sharon Wikel in Gastonia North Carolina. It did not take long for me to love this art. It calls for hard work, responsibility, dedication, respect.
The training is to build a strong mind and body. The training is to also develop good health and good character. Gung Fu is not just about fighting.
I received my black belt in 1980. I opened my own guan in Jan. of 1986. Shortly after receiving my black belt Shifu Wikel moved back to California. I was not able to train with Shifu Wikel anymore, because he was so far away. Shifu Wikel asked Shifu Akers to help with my training. Shifu Akers is much closer. Shifu Akers and I have become very close to one another too.
I wanted to meet Chen ShiGung like everyone else in our gung fu family. ShiGung passed away before I could meet him. I did get to know him through my ShiFu Larry and Sharon Wikel, ShiFu Akers, and Lo Si Mo.
They are a reflection of Chen ShiGung.
I believe we can save this art. The art is worth saving. We must not lose heart or give up in the passing on of this great art. Thank you to ShiFu Larry and Sharon Wikel, ShiFu Akers, and Chen ShiGong. If it was not for you all and your patience with me, I would not be able to be a part of this good work.
Dai Si Hing Roger McDaniel also teaches at our Guan. Dai Si Hing McDaniel started training with us in 1994. Dai Si Hing received his black sash in 1997. Dai Si Hing McDaniel is one of our top students and an excellent instructor in our guan.
Dai Si Hing also works very hard to keep this art alive. He has taken several students to ShiFu Akers on his many trips to train with ShiFu Akers. He never misses a class and even helps others to make it to class when one of our ShiFus comes to visit us. Dai Si Hing does a lot of charity work and not just in class.
Our guan owes Dai Si Hing very much for that all he does, even though he would not ever tell you himself.
Fei chang gan xie wode Shigong, Shifu Sheffield
Chen Shou Jue Xiong Di Hui
Xiong Sheng Guan
I thank God for blessing me in this art and God bless you.
Email: rsheffield@carolina.rr.com
At the age of twelve I started in sport karate. Then at seventeen, one of my neighbors introduced me to Master Bill Lasiter, who was teaching San Soo at the time, and I was hooked for life. When I met Jimmy H. Woo, he was bigger than life. I could see why. Jimmy had such presence and a confidence that was indescribable. He was my hero and still is to this day.
I received my Master certificate from Grand Master Woo in 1982. I have been teaching the art since I was 18yrs. old and have opened several studios through the years. I have been teaching for the past twelve years at the California Athletic Club, 9120 Haven Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
I would like to thank all the older instructors for sharing their pearls of wisdom over the years. I know we all wanted to be just like Jimmy Woo. We would try to talk like him, walk like him and fight like him. We will all spend the rest of our lives with that part of him that we loved and respected. He was a father figure, an advisor and a teacher of life. Jimmy H. Woo, who was bigger than life, dedicated that life to his belief of the importance of ones own self respect. He did not care about fame or money. Jimmy would often say, " I'm one of the best fighters in the world." Knowing who he was, made him respected and the sharing of his beliefs made him loved.
I know that San Soo is who I am. Everything else I do is just an extension of my San Soo. I can only hope that everyone that was touched by Jimmy H. Woo remembers what his life meant. I hope they continue to pass on his knowledge and his teachings for the building of human character.
Address:
California Athletic Club
9120 Haven Ave.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone:
None
Fax:
None
Email:
Website:
None
Juan started his training with Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo in 1968. He received his Black Belt in October of 1971 and his Masters in January 1981.
Juan has taught for the Kung Fu Club at UCLA, for the Recreation and Parks at Beverly Hills High School, and for Lo Sifu Jimmy H. Woo in Studio City. He has given Special Classes and seminars for the Marines at Camp Pendleton (1st Force Reconnaissance), for the Border Patrol (instructors Headquarters) at Chula Vista, for various police departments, and for the instructors for these special Elite Forces. He also gives private lessons to top belts and instructors.
San Soo is taught at the Whittier School of Master Juan M. Meza just as it was taught to him by Lo Sifu Chin Siu Dek (Grandmaster Jimmy H. Woo.) The goal is to bring each student to their maximum potential.
Class Hours:
Adults:
- Tue, Wed & Thu Evenings: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
- Wednesday Days: 12:00pm to 1:30pm
- Saturday Days: 10:00pm to 12:00pm
Children:
- Tue, Wed & Thu Evenings: 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Advanced Class:
- 1st and 3rd Saturday of each Month: 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Address:
13509 A&B Telegraph Rd.
Whittier, CA 90604
Phone:
(562) 941-8799
Fax:
None
Email:
Website:
Master Dinsmore is a first generation Sifu under Lo Sifu Chin Siu Dek who was well known as Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo.
Laoshi Richard Dinsmore has been teaching Kung Fu San Soo since 1978 and has personally produced many outstanding black belts and recognized Masters.
Sifu Dinsmore is a Board Certified Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist and experienced Chinese "bonesetter".
Kung Fu San Soo of Chula Vista has and always will be a Lo Sifu Chin Siu Dek Loyalist School proudly teaching the ancient and original "old style".
Website:
I began studying the martial arts at the age of six. My mother thought it would be a good idea for me to learn how to defend myself as well as gain some discipline. I continued my studies in Karate until my teens. Then one day I walked into a San Soo school in Buena Park, Ca., with a friend of mine. There we saw men fighting with fierce effectiveness and ease. I immediately realized that I had been wasting my time all these years in an art that could not hold a candle to what these men could do. I wasted no time in getting started with Master Vince Scocozza. I continued my studies for a short time at the studio in Buena Park. I remember one day a man came to visit the studio. When he walked into the room, you could feel the confidence explode from his body. He had an aura that surrounded him. I did not speak to the man, but I knew who he was. I had heard so much about him and the great things that he had done. Well, I'm sure you know who the man was. He was Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo. I will always regret not talking to him that day. I guess in a way I was in such awe of him that I did not feel worthy in his presence. During my teens and into my early twenties, I got the boxing bug and decided to pursue it further. I continued to train in San Soo with friends.
After I married, my wife and I moved to Ontario, Ca. Just by chance, I went along with my wife to the California Athletic Club for a workout. When we signed up for membership, I was told that they offered Kung Fu San Soo to the gym members. Well, once again fate had lead me back to San Soo. I began my studies with Master Jerry Druckerman. I could not get enough training. I kept Master Druckerman hours after class picking his brain for what he calls pearls of the art. Nothing could keep me from training. Broken bones, sprains, tears, pulls or whatever, I lived and breathed San Soo. San Soo became what I was body and soul. I received my Black Belt in February, 1996. Later that year, I received San Soo Student of the Year, by Master Jerry Druckerman and Master Wikel. After receiving my Black Belt, I began teaching with Master Druckerman at the California Athletic Club. In the early months of 1999, a student told me that a man had visited the studio during my absence and wanted to fight me. Well, the very next class I was there, with anticipation of this fools arrival. We would get people into the studio now and then who wanted to fight with one of us. That is until they saw us work out. Then they would somehow get a sudden dose of reality and respectfully withdraw their challenge. (Gee, nobody wants to play). Well, I walked into class that evening and there I saw a man dressed in a black uniform. I thought to myself, well I guess I will have my hands full with this guy. Any of you who know Master Joe Burresch, know what I'm talking about. I introduced myself to Joe and he did the same. We began to work out slowly, feeling each other out. I could feel the power in his workout and was impressed with how a man his size could move with such ease. He is a tribute to the art. It took about five minutes for us to click. We just hit it off right away. In January 2000, Master Joe Burresch and I opened our first studio in Upland, Ca., The Fighting Science of Kung Fu San Soo. Master Burresch has sharpened my skills as a San Soo fighter and has passed on many things that he has learned from Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo. I received my fourth degree from Master Burresch in February, 2000.
Throughout my life, San Soo has been a driving force. During my younger and more adventurous days, I have been in situations where my life was in danger. Thankfully, I was able to use what I have learned to move quickly and effectively. Now that I am older, I have realized that San Soo is more then just punching and kicking. It is as Grand Master Woo has said, "The building of human character". More truthful words have never been spoken. Learning the art of San Soo is not about being a bully or a tough guy. It is the building of human character. As you continue to learn this art, you become a better man, father, husband and student. You gain confidence along with humility. It takes a humble man to truly learn the beauties of this art. This art affords you the skills to take a man's life in a split second. We all train countless hours for that one moment when we will have to call upon our skills as a fighter. That moment may never come. I hope I never have to fight again. But, if someone decides to make the fatal mistake of endangering my life or the life of my wife and kids, I will be left with no choice but to eliminate the threat.
My goal is simple, to preserve the art without compromise and continue to pass along the beauty it holds. Who are we to add or delete any part of this art? This art has endured the biggest test of all, the test of time. Nothing compares to its effectiveness or simplicity. If we do not align our forces to preserve the art of San Soo, we will suffer the fate of extinction. Or worse yet, a watered down version of what we once knew as the most devastating combat art known to man. I dedicate myself to the preservation of Kung Fu San Soo and all it stands for.
Address:
21896 Michigan Lane
Lake Forest, CA. 92630
Phone: (714) 507-9369
Fax:
Email: teammattson@aol.com
Website:
Master André Salvage began his martial arts training at a very young age, receiving his first black belt when he was eighteen. In 1971 he was introduced to Kung Fu San Soo and began his training under this art. In 1979 he opened a small martial arts studio, educating students on the principles and skills of safety, peace of mind, courage, abundance, love, and confidence. He eventually expanded these teachings to include the local community; including schools and businesses, to demonstrate how these principles relate to personal growth, professional stability, and relationship building.
After receiving his Master degree in the Art of Kung Fu San Soo in 1985, he founded André Salvage and Associates, Inc. offering a variety of programs, lectures, and seminars in all aspects of personal safety. André Salvage and Associates, Inc. has grown into a nationally acclaimed company offering a wide variety of classes that focus on removing the fears that hinder growth and the skills necessary for an abundant life.
Many large companies including Bank of America, Kaiser, Wells Fargo and Farmers Insurance, use his programs to train their employees in personal safety, awareness, assertiveness, conflict resolution, communication, and stress reduction. He also works with a wide range of children from kindergarten through high school, on safety, assertiveness, sexual harassment, self-esteem, and self-defense.
Always cognizant of his own upbringing with the difficulties he, himself had to overcome, André established The André Salvage Foundation. The goal of this non-profit organization is to reach out to individuals at risk, and share with them the tools and skills of personal development and safety.
Master André Salvage is currently teaching Kung Fu San Soo classes at his studio in Marin County, California. He can be reached through the contact information below.
Address:
André Salvage and Associates, Inc.
35 Mark Drive, Unit A
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 479-7400
Fax: (415) 479-7400
Email: andre@andresalvage.com
Website: http://www.andresalvage.com/san_soo
Lawrence started his training in 1973 at the age of 19 with Sifu’s Larry and Sharon Wikel. When he first walked into their school he knew immediately he had found the art he had always wanted to study. As Lawrence watched Larry and Sharon work out and teach lessons he could not contain his excitement. Lawrence signed up that evening and worked out 6 days a week for as long as the school was open. From the time he received his green belt he started to work out full time. He would meet Larry at Winchells prior to the beginning of the morning classes and would start at 9:00 a.m. and work out until noon. He would go home and come back and work out and help teach from 6:00pm until 10:00p.m. There were many evenings after the last class when he and some of the other students would reflect and hold discussions with Larry and Sharon. They would often be there past midnight. Those are some of his favorite San Soo memories.
Lawrence received his black belt in 1977 and started to teach at different facilities throughout Los Angeles. Some of the locations he taught were Gardena YMCA, Inglewood Recreation Center, UCLA as well as private and corporate training. After Larry and Sharon moved to North Carolina He worked out at Chuck Cory’s school and on occasion would go over to Grand Master Woo’s, but both were too far too work out on a regular basis. After Larry and Sharon moved back to Los Angeles and opened up their school in Culver City, Lawrence resumed studying with them.
When Sharon Wikel opened up her school, Lawrence continued to teach and work out at Larry Wikel’s school and received his Masters from him in June of 1997. There was so much he has learned from all his years of training with Larry and Sharon Wikel. Lawrence feels that his greatest acceleration in the art came from the intensive black belt class training from Larry Wikel. He gained such detailed and extensive knowledge that he believes he could not have received anywhere else. He still attends black belt classes at Larry’s twice a month along with working out in Larry’s day classes at least one time per week. He feels it is crucial to never stop learning. Lawrence has always referred to Larry Wikel as a Masters "Master". His knowledge of the Chin Na aspects of the art coupled with his complex understanding of the foundation has really helped Lawrence to achieve a level that years ago he would not think possible. Lawrence feels he has become a diagnostician in the art because of that training. Larry and Sharon Wikel always spoke about the "key to the art" and the fact that you would know it when and if you found it. Unfortunately, not everyone who trains is able to find the key and know how to use it. One thing is clear, when you find it you know it is there and it unlocks a world of San Soo that is truly amazing.
One of the many areas of the art that has always fascinated Lawrence is counters. If one truly understands the foundation they should be able to counter anything whether you are standing or on the ground. It is an aspect that he focuses on heavily.
In recent years he has taught classes for L.A.P.D. Foothill division as well as teaching the Foothill Division L.A.P.D. Jeopardy Program. The Jeopardy Program helps to prevent "at risk" youths from joining gangs.
In November of 1999 Lawrence opened his school in Van Nuys, CA. This has been a dream of his throughout his adult life. Lawrence’s mission is to always pass on the art to his students the way it was passed on to him. The first major step in teaching the art correctly is the "foundation." The foundation is the secret to a complete understanding of the art. When one deviates, changes or omits the foundation they sacrifice so much. It is important for all that teach Kung-Fu San Soo to carry on the principles and foundation of the art the way that Grand Master Woo taught it. Lawrence is steadfastly dedicated to doing that. We are all very lucky to be a part of the history of one of the world’s richest fighting arts in existence today. It is a big responsibility and he hopes all who teach will work hard to keep San Soo pure for all future generations. Preservation of San Soo should be the driving force of all San Soo Instructors.
Address:
7735 Haskel Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Phone: (818) 787-5500
Fax: None
Email: sansoocenter@1stnetusa.com
Website: www.sansoocenter.com
The smell of the room was a mixture of old athletic shoes mixed with dust and stale cigar smoke. I could feel the warm dampness of sweat in the air, on my skin. The class was in full session. Jimmy was leaning against the wall watching the students work out, most were wearing black belts. The students were crashing, hitting, kicking, banging and throwing each other about the room. It was unbelievable that no one was getting hurt. I was mesmerized by the activity on the carpet; I had never seen anything come close to this. The students were executing brutal, sudden attacks with equally sudden and explosive defense. After watching for a little while I started to see a rhythm and the art was strangely beautiful in its gracefulness, reminded me of some kind of violent dance. I was surprised to see men land with the flexibility of babies after being thrown in the air and across the room and to the floor. Intense concentration and focus was apparent on their faces, they were enjoying themselves. A smile here, soft laughter there, soft instruction and conversation, all the while sweat poured off of them. It looked so easy, fluid and natural, effortless. I thought to myself “ I want to do this.”
Jimmy noticed me standing there. “Hello Sweetheart, can I help you” He laughed and glanced around at his students and then speaking more for their benefit than for mine he said laughingly…”I better watch out…I call you sweetheart someone might punch me in the nose. Loud laughter as he glanced around at his students to make sure his humor was not wasted on me alone. Jimmy had a great sense of humor and it went well with his strong Chinese accent and broken English. He could tell the same joke over and over and he often did. Everyone would laugh no matter how many times they heard it, as if it was the first time, no one would ever tell him they heard it before. He was a very attractive man with bright eyes, dark, flashing and intensely brown, sometimes almost appearing red, especially if he became angry, which didn't happen very often. Hair was thick, black and combed neatly back from his face, fine lines of laughter around the outside of his eyes, high cheekbones. He walked as graceful as a panther and as he approached I had the impression of an individual so assured of his own power, so filled with confidence that it gave him the freedom to approach everyone as if they were longtime, loved friends. That’s how I felt that day so long ago, like I was entering the embrace of a loving friend. He radiated energy; I could feel the power in my heart. I liked him right away; it felt good to be in the same room as Jimmy H Woo. He patiently answered my questions and all the while he was laughing, smiling and joking for everyone else in the room. I got the impression that he thought life was to be laughed at and not to be taken too seriously. That was the day I enrolled in Kung Fu San Soo. I was so excited I couldn’t wait until the first class.
I’m a traditionalist in the way I teach my art. I’m fiercely loyal to the memory of my Sifu and the martial art he taught me. Recognized and respected as a 1st Generation Master, under Jimmy H. Woo, in the martial arts community. To get to this point, took a great deal of perseverance and sacrifice, focus and ambition, an unquenchable drive to compete against others and more important, the same burning drive to compete against myself. I wanted to be the best, better than any who come before me. I wanted to become legend among the fighters of San Soo, men and women alike. This was no place for sissies; my philosophy was if I wanted to fight a man I had to fight as tough or tougher than a man. I believed it went both ways, if I could dish out I better be prepared to take it. Since I wanted to fight hard I was pounded on hard. No whining, no crying, no complaining.
The men at Jimmy’s studio were macho guys and I was invading their turf. Girls were welcome as long as they knew their place and stayed in it, sweet, cute, quiet and dumb. Not welcome if they wanted to be on equal footing with the men. It was rare for a female student to enroll in class; when they did they usually didn’t stay very long. The guys were serious about their class; they had no room for girls. It was a physically rough class. I’m indebted to the guys for being so tough on me, in fact, that is what forced me to find the source of my power and bring it into my techniques. I slowly became a very powerful fighter.
I have spent 45 years involved in Kung Fu San Soo. I continue to teach a select group of loyal students. I hope Jimmy H Woo looks down on me with pride.
Address: Canyon Country, CA 91355
Phone: 661-298-0832
Fax: None
Email: swsansoo@yahoo.com
Website: None
Located on Facebook
1st Generation Master Larry E. Wikel
Master Wikel began his training under Grandmaster Chin Siu Dek ( Jimmy H. Woo) in January 1965, and for 35 years has been a member and supporter of the Jimmy H. Woo Association and the Chin family art.
Master Wikel has taught the art to thousands of students through his classes and seminars held throughout the U.S. Many who have gone on to become well respected Masters and Instructors in the art.
“Simplicity of movement is the foundation of San Soo. The oneness of mind and body is its power.”
~ Master Larry E. Wikel ~
Master Wikel:
I have been asked to say a few words about Lau Si Fu ( “Jimmy” as he liked to be called), but it is hard to say just a few words about the man.
But to sum it up…
To know him was to be astounded by his knowledge and his ability as a fighter and a teacher.
To know him was to respect him for his commitment and devotion to his family, its art and the students he taught.
To know him was to love him for his compassion, patience, forgiveness and love he gave us all.
For as he would many times say;
“Good boys, bad boys, you’re all my boys.”
I will always love and respect him.
We, Masters Lue and Dora Montalvo started training in Kung Fu San Soo with 1st. Generation Masters Sharon Wikel and Larry E. Wikel in 1991 and 1992 respectfully. When we received our Black Belts from Master Wikel he formally made us his Assistant Instructors, where we would assist him during regular classes and occasionally take over classes whenever he had other business matters to attend to. We attended Master Larry E. Wikel’s Instructors Classes where we learned how to teach the Art of Kung Fu San Soo and also attended his Black Belt Advance classes until his semi-retirement. We received our Masters Certification from Master Wikel in 2003 and 2004 respectfully.
Having to travel extensively around the country during our youth and having to start over at every new city, you have to quickly learn to deal with and adapt to both physical and verbal confrontations with different people and situations. Having this real life perspective gives you a better insight into a side of society most people may never encounter. This in turn allows us to teach our students a more intensive style of Self-defense based on real experience and not assumptions. With both of us having similar backgrounds we have a practical and logical approach to teaching which provides an environment and atmosphere that expedites the student's comprehension of this art so they can act instinctively and to enhance the person's own natural fighting ability. We train our students to have an Offensive Mind Set rather than a Defensive One and to use common sense before self-defense.
We teach men and women regardless of age and children starting from 7 years old on up. All techniques in a lesson are designed to enhance each individual’s capabilities with Master Dora working especially close with our women students adding her perspective as a woman San Soo fighter. Occasionally Master Dora will gather all the women students and all white belts together and teach them special techniques designed to help enhance their awareness and learn how to read, avoid and prepare for certain situations. Every martial art made is based on how the human body moves, so it is of utmost importance to learn human structure, anatomy and physiology. Students will learn the strengths and weakness of the human anatomy and learn how to exploit them. Our students will learn all aspects of this art from striking, leverages and locks for joint control, throws and pressure point manipulation to ground work techniques. They will learn and understand the principles and concepts behind each technique and how they complement each other and can flow from one technique to the other without hesitation. As the student advances in rank they learn to blend with the opponent's force, intent, and motivation to find the part of the opponent's mind that wants to be defeated. At the highest level, the defender defeats the opponent before the attacker knows it has begun. We as teachers will not limit the capabilities of our students by teaching only certain techniques of this Art, they will learn all aspects of this Art as we were taught it. To do otherwise is to diminish the power behind the art of Kung Fu San Soo and creating a situation where;
“You will fail the Art, The Art will not fail You”, L. M.
Our philosophy is to avoid confrontations if at all possible, but never turn their back to a possible confrontation, to end a verbal or physical confrontation as quickly as possible. One, because a verbal confrontation can quickly escalate into a physical confrontation, and two, a physical confrontation can end badly for the student who limits his response to the confrontation.
Not to prolong a fight once engaged, an attacker is never given a chance to regroup, once an advantage has been gained exploit it fully, quickly and decisively.
Always conduct themselves in a polite, unassuming manner, and not be arrogant or disrespectfully toward others. Influence those around them in a positive manner and to recognize and correct their own personal shortcomings before critiquing others.
Address:
11732 Washington Place
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Phone: (310) 748-4415
Fax: None
Email: 2dragons@2dragonskfss.com
Website: 2dragonskfss.com
Sifu Akers has known Grand Master Woo since the 1950's before he began teaching non-Chinese people. His mother worked at the same market as Grand Master Woo. Master Akers is fiercely loyal to his Grand Master. Quote "I am completely and totally dedicated to Chin Lo Si Fu and San Soo".
There was a disciple of the famous Chinese Master Wong Fae Hong who refused to change anything about his Master's art. The Chinese called him "old square mind". Sifu Akers is the "old square mind" of San Soo. He insists that his students call Grand Master "Lo Si Fu" and encourages all San Soo schools to do the same, out of respect and tradition.
He strives to teach the traditional Chinese martial art way. He requires students to learn what the terms mean and how to write, read and understand the Chinese calligraphy of San Soo. He has his students study martial arts history and Chinese philosophy.
He had the first non-Chinese Lion dancing team in the U.S. Quote," Chin Lo Si Fu loved and taught Lion dancing and so do I".
Sifu Akers is known to be stubborn and bullheaded when it comes to Lo Si Fu or San Soo. But, everyone who knows him understands his love for the art. His motto is "There is no San Soo without Chin Lo Si Fu!" ***NO COMPROMISE***
Chen Shou Jue Xiong Di Hui
Meiguo Xiong Sheng Guan
Address:
Elite Martial Arts
1942 Alt. 19
Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689
Phone: 727-944-3836
E-mail: sifuakers@gmail.com
Gary first started studying martial arts in 1980 in the art of Okinawan Ishinryu Karate, followed by Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do. It was in 1985 that Gary discovered Kung Fu San Soo and started training with Master Chuck Cory in North Hollywood, California. Since, he has studied with Master Paul Borisoff, Master Roger Huff, Master Juan Meza, Master Larry Wikel, and Master Lawrence Rouse. It was while under Master Rouse that Gary gained valuable experience as an instructor which included working with special needs children with a wide range of conditions such as Autism/Aspergers, Cerebral Palsy, Soto's Syndrome, and Fragile X Chromosome Deficiency. Gary's primary goal when teaching is keeping the art pure. Foundation and structure of lessons are always emphasized. In Gary's own words, " I think that if a student doesn't have a good foundation while learning, then they are not going to gain the full benefits of Kung Fu San Soo. It bothers me when people teach what they call San Soo when it is actually San Soo watered down by mixed martial arts. If Kung Fu San Soo is altered, then it shouldn't be called San Soo...Period!!"
On Sunday July 10th 2011, Master Lawrence Rouse awarded Gary with the rank of Master in front of a packed house at the Playa Vista school. Some of Gary's other experiences have been Concert Stage security, Security at the Long Beach Grand Prix, as well as Restaurant/Bar security at various restaurant chain locations. He also gives private lessons and has given self defense classes for the Boy Scouts as well as Women's self defense courses.
Gary and his current family now live in the San Fernando Valley, North of Los Angeles where he continues teaching and also continues training under Master Paul Borisoff.
Address:
None
Phone:
714-404-2323
Fax:
None
Email:
Website:
I began my training with Grandmaster Jimmy H. Woo in 1974 in El Monte CA. A friend had taken me to the studio to introduce me to Grandmaster Woo and from the moment I saw San Soo I was hooked. I received my Master’s degree From Grandmaster Woo in 1991. I had started teaching San Soo earlier in 1984 to family and friends in Rosemead, CA. I later opened a studio in Montclair, CA. in 1991. I was introduced to Master Edward Mattson in 1997. We became friends and opened a studio in Upland,CA. in 1998. I presently continue to teach San Soo and the teaching of Grandmaster Woo in Rancho Cucamonga,CA.
Address:
24715 S.211th Pl
Queen Creek AZ 85142
Phone: (909) 518-9058
Fax: None
E-mail:
Website:
