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
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
No comments:
Post a Comment