“To Step or Not to Step” There have been many discussions on this subject and just as many disagreements. So, let’s break it down with the understanding that you must decide for yourself. There are many ways to enter or exit a combat zone. There is “straight on”, angular, slipping the punch, parrying, stepping back” to name a few, but it must be done safely. If you block prior to stepping, 100% of his target … Read more
A San Soo Journal Flashback – Originally Published 1995 By Master Jim McCraw, El Monte School Are you paying too much for your Kung Fu Lessons? You may be if you are only using half of your time effectively when you practice at your Kung Fu Studio. In making that statement I am commenting on the many students I have observed over the seventeen years I have been training at the El Monte School. Most … Read more
This weapon was always with him wherever he went, he was never without it. If he needed it he could use it to cause severe injury or it could be lethal. No sound other than the man dropping to the ground. Look one more time. Come to think of it not only is it lethal if used properly it is also very humane. OK, look at his fist, at the joint at the base of … Read more
Since I joined Jimmy H Woo’s Kung Fu class in 1962 there have been many changes, on the outside of the building there was a sign in front that said Kung Fu Karate which did not make sense. Kung Fu is a Chinese Art and Karate is Japanese so that was my first question. He explained hardly anyone knew what Kung Fu was, he felt that people would go by thinking it was a Chinese … Read more
For those who did not understand what or how he showed what he did in video 2. It was my fault I did not think out what I shared, I thought that most would understand. First, he varied how he showed things, often he would take someone down with very little effort. I don’t think that was The first time he showed it that day because if you look at Barbara at the back she … Read more
Old San Soo had a character of its own, it was violent, evasive, brutal and overpowering. Especially for the time we first learned because there were few on the streets who knew how to fight against it. Old San Soo was mostly a stand up Art with a few sweeps and takedowns. When interviewed, Chan Sai Mo (his classmate and Son of his instructor Chan Siu Hung) told us that he knew nothing but Choy … Read more
When I found Grandmaster Woo In 1962 I was very impressed with what I saw. I had some idea of combat as I was raised in Compton, boxed as a young teenager in Golden Gloves and studied Ju Jitsu at a Recreation center, I knew this guy was good. Back then there was very little martial arts taught, maybe 4 or 5 schools in all of the Los Angeles area. I had seen a Kung … Read more
Grandmaster Woo modified his teaching plan to better serve the American and eliminated most of the Chinese methods of standing the horse for months before any combat tactics were taught. He knew most Americans would not do this so he bypassed this basic training because if he had not the school would not have survived. Most were not interested I learning forms, they just wanted to learn to fight and defend themselves. Taking this shortcut … Read more