The Kung Fu schools in Rancho Cucamonga, California, teach the San Soo style of Kung Fu. This style was brought to the United States by Jimmy H. Woo. In the Rancho Cucamonga area, this tradition is continued through the teachings of Grand Master Bill Lasiter, who was a student of Jimmy H. Woo for more than 30 years.
About Kung Fu
Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art. It is generally said to have been brought to China by an Indian monk and further developed in the Buddhist monasteries there. There are many different forms of Kung Fu. They can vary in terms of style and techniques taught. Some are considered more difficult to master than others. Styles such as Hung Gar, one that is considered particularly difficult, will attempt to turn blocks into strikes. Tai Chi, on the other hand, is considered a softer, more internal style of Kung Fu. Some styles are more linear and others circular. However, most Kung Fu systems tend to include a variety of techniques such as striking, kicking, pressure points and throws as well as to have both circular and linear movements.
About San Soo
San Soo was developed in the Guangdong province located in southern China. It was created by monks in the Quan Yin monastery so they could defend themselves as they traveled. The art includes such techniques as punching, kicking, leverages, throws and use of pressure points. About 150 years ago, a monk from this monastery, Chin Moon Doh, left taking the detailed writing about the art with him. The art was passed down through the family until it reached Chin Siu Dek who would later change his name to Jimmy H. Woo.
As with other forms of Kung Fu, this form will help develop coordination, balance, mental agility and the principles regarding self-defense and respect for life. The art can be studied for years and still leave you with more to learn.
Jimmy H. Woo
Jimmy H. Woo, born Chin Siu Dek, was the great-great-grandson of Chin Moon Don, the monk who brought San Soo out of the monastery. He began training at 5 years old. He became such an able fighter that, at 21 years old, his family sent him to the United States because so many of his fights resulted in death or crippling. He begin teaching Kung Fu in the Chinatown of Los Angeles in 1931, the first to do so in the West. Despite his past filled with confrontations, his philosophy was that it was better to run if possible. He valued life highly and felt that killing was a last resort.
Grand Master Bill Lasiter
Grand Master Bill Lasiter began to study with Jimmy H. Woo in 1960 until Woo died in 1991. He achieved his black belt in just three years and was awarded his masters in 1977. In 1997, he became a Grand Master of this art. He has been teaching Kung Fu for 45 years.
School Focus and Schedules
Some schools focus more on teaching children while others focus more on adults. Therefore, you will notice a difference in the number of classes offered for each depending on the location. As with any martial art, it is always smart to observe a class before signing up to be sure that you are a good fit with both school and teacher.
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