Old San Soo vs New San Soo
Category: General Discussion
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
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 love reading all this information about san soo. That you for sharing your knowledge.
I’ve been practicing on and off since 1979 from the old book.dont try to read much about the art of San Soo.I have read sudden violence.To many opinions from to many people.practice what you are taught and practice it faithfully and you will be proficient with accuracy.speed will not be necessary.Ive only had to use it once in a fight.the fight was over as fast as it began.all my schooling was taught by a grandmaster.I also written every lesson down on paper and still have them today.
Good for you Mark,
Stay with it, however I would never quit researching or cut myself off from knowledge, there is still much out there that may even help you to understand San Soo better. My search has taken us to HIS existing school, we now have photo’s of his town the Temple foundation and many new real stories. Please don’t confuse opinions (most opinions are worthless) with real research that is provable which makes them facts.
Thanks
Old San Soo is superior. However new San Soo does have some value in it. So yes, a proper training/understanding of both is ideal. But in my opinion, if you want to be more effective, your focus should be on Old San Soo.
Many of Franks students came over to El Monte thinking the same thing but remember that is all that Frank had as he no longer studied with Grand Master Woo. We were not amazed with what we saw and I believe many or most were dropped in rank. Al Rubin blended in quite nicely, picked up what was taught and became very good. Do you really think that we who learned both think one is better? I have found the San Soo students who are stuck in the “Old” would be able to defeat many untrained or low belt fighters but would have big problems with those highly trained today. Old San Soo was King of the streets in it’s day however I would be uncomfortable if that is all I had today. Why do you think GMW added it, don’t believe the BS lawsuit story, I was there and talked with him about that.
I’ve only ever trained in New San Soo, I’ve never formally trained in Old San Soo. I’ve only seen videos and I purchased The Red Book by Frank Woolsey. However I feel the older version is more effective and makes more sense. I’m from the Inland Empire lineage, the place where they focused on unrealistic leverage throws and risky block steps and other things that would never work in a real fight. Some of the very basic throws/trips from the strong horse stances worked for me. And a few of the strikes. But overall it didn’t have the power and circular fluidity that Old San Soo has.
My San Soo training is VERY similar to what I’ve seen you complain about on the American San Soo forum. So I’m sure you can understand why I feel this way.
This is Dedicated Villain by the way from the American San Soo forum.
I really like your blog! Keep it up!