
A
bout 2000 years ago, Chinese monks began to devise one of the first organized systems of hand to hand combat. As time passed, these techniques became more refined. This knowledge spread throughout the orient, mixing with the native fighting styles of each particular region. The legacy of Kung Fu San Soo began in the Qwan Yin Monastery in Southern China where five families, representing the the terms of fighting skills, combined to form one of the most powerful fighting arts.
Tsoi Ga: the art of striking, including punches, chops, pokes, elbows, forearms, head butts and kicking.
Li Ga: the art of balance. Controling the opponent by leverage, throws and take downs, especially larger and stronger opponents in close-in fighting.
Hoi Ga: the study and application of vital areas of the body and pressure points. These points can be used to direct the striking and balance moves of the Tsoi and Li families to more vulnerable areas, enabling the use of less force to control an opponent.
Fut Ga: the psychology of fighting. Attitudes, internal power, self confidence, proper breathing and strategy for sudden attack. The proper use of mind and body coordination (mind over body).
Hung Ga: the physical conditioning of the body to perform to its maximum potential. Dynamic tension exercises, fighting forms and knowledge of body mechanics to deliver maximum power.
The lineage of San Soo is traced back to Leoung Kick. a Chinese monk at the Qwan Yin Monastery and the Great-Great-Great Grandfather of Jimmy H. Woo. His knowledge and two large instructional books were passed down (through five generations) to Chin Moon Don (Jimmy's Great-Great Grandfather), to Chin Siu Don (Jimmy's Great Grandfather), to Chin Siu Hung (Jimmy's Great Uncle) and finally to Jimmy H. Woo (Chin Siu Dek). In 1934, Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo brought Kung Fu San Soo from China to the United States. Through Grand Master Woo, San Soo expanded and became respected and honored. The Grand Master continued to teach until his death in 1991. Many of the Grand Master's students attained the level of Master. These Masters, and their students, continue to promote traditions of the art of Kung Fu San Soo.
History of San Soo