In The Beginning
Category: General Discussion
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
In The Beginning 2
Category: General Discussion
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
I realize that a great deal of the “lore” we were told back then are simply stories. I have no problem with that. Those that live in denial of the facts and the research in your book are actually short changing Jimmy and what an amazing and innovative man he was.
Many San Soo people are angry with me for finding the truths of our Art, Grandmaster Woo was my mentor and hero, I respect what he taught us as it has saved me many times. Was anyone mad at their parents when they found out there was no Santa or Tooth Fairy, no, we just understood they did what they could to help us. GMW told us many mysterious things (most true) to create interest but he never cheated anyone and always gave his students more than they expected.
He was the man!