(KFSS) Kung Fu San Soo

(Tsoi Li Ho Fut Hung)

 

Kung Fu San Soo (功夫散手) is a martial art based on techniques from all over China, both Northern and Southern Chinese systems. The 5 Family Fist (五家拳) is an important part of San Soo, and is commonly practiced in the Tasishan region of the Guangdong province. Kung Fu San Soo, as taught in China, has many traditional forms and isometric exercises in its training regimen.

 

Grandmaster Chin Siu Dek (Jimmy H. Woo) was responsible for bringing KFSS to the United States. Jimmy H. Woo, didn't believe in the animal styles and hence focused and taught only the 5 family styles, (蔡李何佛雄) Tsoi Li Ho Fut Hung.

 

In his own words he said, "We fight like men, not animals."

 

The KFSS premise is there are no rules in a fight, so the techniques are oriented to remove a threat as quickly as possible; through the seizing the initiative and keeping the opponent off balance. Due to the difficulty of executing techniques with enough control to avoid injury, there are no competitions or tournaments for Kung Fu San Soo.

 

KFSS has continued to grow and prosper over the years. Bill Lasiter became Kung Fu San Soo's Grandmaster in October 10th 1997 after the passing of Jimmy H. Woo in February 14 1991. Bill Lasiter was one of the first Americans to be taught the Art of KFSS by the late Jimmy H. Woo.

 

Grandmaster Bill Lasiter, our instructor, has practiced and taught this Art for over 56 years now. He has taken the art of KFSS and adapted it to modern society. With the emergence of MMA fighters (cage fighters) and Brazilian Jui-jitsu (ground fighters) Grandmaster Bill Lasiter has modified the Art of KFSS to include fighting on the ground; but still keeping with the KFSS premise, that there are no rules in a fight. It is a version of KFSS that does not exist elsewhere.