Old vs New and What Is Real San Soo?

Over the years, people have asked, “’What is the difference between ‘Old San Soo’ and ‘New San Soo’ and ‘How Do I Recognize what is real San Soo?’"

It amazes me when these questions are asked because they were addressed in the person of Jimmy Woo; the man who brought his family’s fighting art, San Soo, to the United States.  Jimmy answered them in word and deed throughout his life. In fact, he specifically speaks on them in the story, “Fight To Live” contained in the web site, sansoochinovalley.com.

If you are not familiar with it, by “Old” vs. “New,” some people believe the original art is not enough and there is a need to incorporate movements from other types and styles of martial arts in an effort to modernize San Soo. 

Besides Jimmy’s words, my personal opinion regarding "Old" vs. "New" is this: Hundreds, possibly even thousands of Chinese monks dedicated themselves over hundreds of years to a single goal.  To create one, all encompassing, unarmed martial art to be used in any situation in the defense of their life.  With their life and safety on the line, it logics they strived to create the best of the best. 

Knowing that, then how can a single person lacking the benefit of collective thought and in one limited life span hope to enhance an already perfect martial art?  To Jimmy there was no, “New.”  There was simply, San Soo.

Regarding, “How do I recognize what is real San Soo?” I revert to the fact that I trained under the supreme authority.  Jimmy Woo.  But instead of offering my opinion, I simply point to the man himself knowing that seeing should be; believing. 

Check out these videos that are currently available on youtube.com to answer that question.  In doing so, please recognize for whatever reason, as Jimmy is doing movements for the sake of formal demonstrations of the art, he is de-emphasizing the actual numerous punches, strikes and kicks that he taught in class. 

Watch the stance he uses in striking (half horses) including foot placement and position.  See his moderate speed and the important fact that his movements are very fluid.  Observe the position of his arms and hands as well as his body movement and balance.  Additionally, ask yourself one question; “What position is he in when he demonstrates the San Soo method of fighting?”  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFU7p2S0wvU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wu9W_aoqX8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck0kOBHfogI

The Sheep, The Ostrich, The Wolf and The Sheep Dog

"I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:16
      
“Don’t go looking for trouble; trouble look for you!” Jimmy H. Woo

In his book, “On Combat,” the author, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman postulates that there are three kinds of people in this world when confronted with issues of safety. He classifies them as the sheep, the wolf and the sheep dog.

He explains sheep travel in groups and are oblivious to their environment which makes them opportune victims for the wolf who preys on these unsuspecting sheep.  On the other hand, the ever vigilant sheep dog is tasked with protecting themselves and the flock from the wolf.

Although I agree with Mr. Grossman, personally I would include one additional category of people. The “Ostrich!”

This person like an ostrich hides their head in the sand by falsely believing if they ignore danger then danger does not exist.

Herded with the unsuspecting sheep, the ostrich ignores the circling wolves. They even, at times, place themselves in positions of vulnerability by ignoring obvious danger as they chant a mantra of, “I’m different, bad things happen to other people but nothing is going to happen to me!”

The wolves love that chant because it gives them the availability of a non-ending supply of victims.

In other words, try as they might, a person can hope to ignore danger but the simple fact is: for many people it is not a question of “If it will happen,” but more appropriately, “When will it happen?”

In fact, statistics show throughout the United States violent attacks on the innocent occur on an all too frequent basis. 

Understanding that, please don’t mistakenly think that the police will always be there to save you at the exact moment a wolf strikes. 

Law enforcement provides a dedicated service to the community.  Brave men and women are prepared to lay down their lives, if necessary, to ensure the safety of the sheep.  However, they cannot be everywhere at once and many times they arrive at the scene of a crime after the fact.

It is what transpires before their assistance is even called that can dictate your survival and the safety of your family.

Yet, without training, how can an average person protect themselves?

As I once told a mother, “If your children were attacked, you’d fight like a tiger to protect them. But without knowledge of how to fight, you’d literally be a tiger fighting without claws and teeth.”

The purpose of training in the art of Kung Fu San Soo is to be prepared for the enviable, have the tools needed and the confidence to use them to protect yourself and those you love.

My instructor, Jimmy Woo was the man who brought his family’s art to the United States.  Around 1960 he opened a school in El Monte, California and called his art Kung Fu San Soo. In doing so for the first time in it's history he began teaching San Soo to non-Chinese and non-family members.  Jimmy died in 1991.  Blessed to have learned directly from Jimmy it is my goal to train others in the same exact manner that he trained us.  In doing so, San Soo is a common-sense art, designed for street situations.  Unlike what is seen on television and movies, if used properly, the conflict should end in seconds by using a minimum of effort for a maximum result.

If a person learns this art correctly, it is designed so that one day, when the wolf attacks, the wolf will find a  “sheep dog” waiting.