San soo

[kengar]

Could someone shed some light on San Soo for me. I am to understand that it doesn't follow animal styles or the such, and is straight forward. Can it be effectively applied into self defense?
(not worried about other systems being better or any of that nature)

Thanks

Ken

[mrsmittie]

San Soo

Hello Ken,
I am a student of Kung Fu San Soo. I have been studying for a little more than a year and will soon be recieving my Green Belt ranking (although, a belt is really just to hold my pants up). Kung Fu San Soo is excellent for self defense. In fact, that is this art's purpose. It is not a sport; and there are no tournaments or competitions, due to the brutal nature of this style. This art is designed to immobilize (or worse) an opponent very quickly.

Here is an excerpt from the website I built for my school (http://www.geocities.com/rosamondsansoo) :

What is KUNG FU SAN SOO?

KUNG FU SAN SOO involves the utilization and combination of highly scientific principals of physical movements and leverages, as well as controlled breathing and rhythm. This gives the San Soo fighter maximum power when applying defensive techniques. Kung Fu San Soo is a complete fighting art consisting of both defensive and offensive movements with both the hands and weapons. In addition to self defense, body conditioning and self discipline are also taught. Combined together, they lead to the building of human character and self confidence.


HISTORY of KUNG FU SAN SOO

KUNG FU SAN SOO was brought to the United states by Jimmy H. Woo in the 1930's. He taught only Chinese people in China Town of Los Angeles until 1959, when he decided to begin teaching the art to Americans. This made him the first Chinese person to teach Kung Fu to non-oriental people in the Southern California area and possibly in the United States.

One San Soo related website that has some excellent information is Kung Fu San Soo of the Monterey Peninsula Web Page ( http://www.redshift.com/~mjacobi ) . In fact, that's how I found this forum.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peace.

M. Smith

[Szczepankiewicz]

Is that Mr Smittie or Mrs Mittie?

[Tjang]

To really understand the meaning of "san soo" or perhaps “san sou” as has been typed by someone else here in this forum, we need to see the actual Chinese characters.

As far as I know, “san sou” just refers to the "free fighting" practice in Chinese kung-fu.

The amount or the proportion of punching, kicking, throwing, and so on depend on the style or the school. If it is Northern Shan-tung style, it may include lots of jumping and kicking, but if it is Southern Hokkian style, it will include shorter and stronger stances, and less high-kicks.

[choylifutrocks]

Originally posted by Szczepankiewicz
Is that Mr Smittie or Mrs Mittie?

It said:

Peace,

M. Smith

So, I think it is Mr Smittie

[mrsmittie]

Yes, it is Mr., thanks ChoyLiFutROCKS!

[Szczepankiewicz]

Cool. Thanks for the clarification.

[kengar]

Thank you MrSmittie. My question came because I seen the book "Sudden Violence" and was wondering about the style of the author.

[mrsmittie]

Originally posted by Tjang

The amount or the proportion of punching, kicking, throwing, and so on depend on the style or the school. If it is Northern Shan-tung style, it may include lots of jumping and kicking, but if it is Southern Hokkian style, it will include shorter and stronger stances, and less high-kicks.

The term "San Soo", does literally mean "free fighting". I have also hear it translated as "many hands", "random hands", and a few others I can't think of right now.

San Soo is also known Tsoi Li Hoi Fut Hung, as, there are five "families" that make up this art:


Tsoi Ga

TSOI GA is the art of striking. This includes punches, chops, pokes, elbows, forearms, head butts and all forms of kicking.

Li Ga

LI GA is the balance family. This deals with leverage, throwing and takedowns. To do these type of things you have to control the balance of your opponent. These members of the family are very important to fighting, especially when dealing with a larger and stronger opponent. Tare also most important in close-in fighting.

Hoi Ga

HOI GA is the study and application of pressure points, pass and crippling points. By learning the vital points of the body and certain pressure points, one can direct the striking and balance moves of the TSOI and LI families to more vulnerable areas where it does not take a lot of force to incapacitate or kill an opponent.

Fut Ga

FUT GA is the psychology of fighting. This includes the attitudes, internal power, self confidence, proper breathing and strategy for sudden attack. it is coordinating the use of mind and body. Mind over body.

Hung Ga

HUNG GA deals with the physical conditioning of the body in order nfor it to perform up to its maximum potential. It includes dynamic tension exercises along with exercise and show forms. The use of geometry, trigonometry, and physics helps deliver maximum power and also compose part of this family.


____________________________________________________
I love San Soo! It has given me confidence, strength, and wisdom, as well as an effective means of dealing with an attacker.

Here are a couple more links to some excellent resources on Kung Fu San Soo history, etc..:

http://www.sansoodiamondbar.com/history.htm

http://www.bscba.com/sansoo/wisskf.html

[choylifutrocks]

Originally posted by mrsmittie
Yes, it is Mr., thanks ChoyLiFutROCKS!

No Prob...LOL

Spanky...I think you need a lesson in manners. I sure hope you don't ask people on the street what gender they are when you're confused.

[Dim Wit Moc]

I have the highest respect for San Soo. Apparently Jimmy Woo was a charismatic individual and a great fighter. I don't believe that there are any discernable animal forms. A Jimmy Woo quote that I have heard second hand so I can't verify it is something like. "I not fight bug, I step on bug.",obviously referring to preying mantis. I don't think he thought much of animal styles.

San Soo is a very effective "ambush and nuke em" style which deals with every fighting situation imaginable, and the practitioners I have met are the guys you want watching your back if you go to war. At some point I am going to learn the "Ah Soos" which is their 45 basic moves.

Great choice for self-defense. Personally, I like to study animal styles so I could't be happy with just San Soo, but that is just me.

[shadowofsky]

I appretiate Sanshou

SAnshou is a part of Chinese Kung Fu and suitable to standerd fight in rolling stage,that is ,a kind of sports, which is now rising up in China. Dec.7,2003,there will be a competition between China and USA in Beijing. At that time, I will post the result and images.

[choylifutrocks]

Re: I appretiate Sanshou

Originally posted by shadowofsky
SAnshou is a part of Chinese Kung Fu and suitable to standerd fight in rolling stage,that is ,a kind of sports, which is now rising up in China. Dec.7,2003,there will be a competition between China and USA in Beijing. At that time, I will post the result and images.

I'm sure China's San Shou will win again, it has been dominating the American Kick Boxing and for the past two years it has taken the Thai's as well. I think everyone can agree to appreciate San Shou (San Da). But, the post was about San Soo

Do you know if anywhere in the US will be broadcasting the event? I'd love to see one. All I have been able to do is read reviews and see highlight pics. Anything would help, thanks.

[kengar]

At some point I am going to learn the "Ah Soos" which is their 45 basic moves.

I have just seen several books on the '45'. So if you can't find an instructor there are products out there.

[Dim Wit Moc]

Kengar: Thanks. I actually have the book and it is on my "to read" list. So many interests and so little time.