Master Paul H. Borisoff has taught Kung Fu San Soo for Los Angeles Recreation & Parks (6 centers), Los Angeles City Schools (In-service classes for teachers and school nurses). He has instructed for the YMCA, YWCA, Woman's Workshop and North Valley Jewish Community Center.

Master Paul H. Borisoff is committed to instructing the Art of Kung Fu San Soo, as taught by Grand Master, Jimmy H. Woo. A classically trained violinist, he understands the necessity of staying the course; keeping it pure and unadulterated. I feel that study of this art is an ongoing process. It takes many years of study and the process can be arduous.

As a school owner or student, the temptations are great to take an easier, more immediately profitable path, bending to the latest fad. In the end he feels that the achievement of excellence in this art depends on repeated practice and persistence, and that a school owners integrity is staying loyal and committed to the system which he professes to teach. There is so much room for personal variation in this art, but one has to honor its precepts and foundational concepts.

Paul H. Borisoff was born in Los Angeles and has a bachelor degree in Radio Television and Film, from California State University at Northridge. Since age 16, he has given Music and Photography instruction. He has worked in the fields of Medical Imaging, Camera and Lens Repair, Customer Service and Corporate Purchasing.

My introduction to Kung Fu San Soo came about through Master Raul Ries many years ago. In 1977, Master Raul Ries had a Kung Fu San Soo studio in Covina, California.

I went to Raul's studio, but it was not to workout or even see the art. I was invited to share music performing a concert for Rallis Wednesday night bible study which was held inside of Rallis Kung Fu Studio.  Back then I never knew what Kung Fu San Soo was and I did not know that Pastor Raul Ries was known as Master Raul Ries in the martial arts world.

I was a Christian recording artist (singer/songwriter/guitarist/arranger) performing ministry outreach concerts all over the west coast. I was involved with Calvary Chapel's Maranatha music outreach ministry. (Serving God and music ministry has always been my passion and still is to this day).  My relationship with Master Raul Ries continued to grow throughout the years by means of participating in music ministry outreach concerts that were put on by Calvary Chapel of West Covina, which is now called Calvary Chapel Golden Springs.  Master Raul would often mention Kung Fu San Soo to me, but at that time I had never  really heard of the art nor did I ever think twice about ever learning the art of San Soo.  After many years had passed, in 1989 I finally decided to contact Raul to let him know that I wanted to learn Kung Fu San Soo.  

I began my San Soo training in 1990 training under Master Ted Sias (14 yrs). During that same time period I would regularly take the long drive out to Master Raul and Xavierís Ries school which was located in Diamond Bar, CA to train under Master Raul and Xavierís Ries.  I received my black belt in 1995 and received my 7th degree in 2002.

I have been training regularly since January of 1990 and I continue to train under Master Raul Ries in quest of my Masters degree.  

In January of 2004, I opened my studio in Anaheim. My school has grown significantly since opening. I have a passion for this art of Kung Fu San Soo and I enjoy teaching the art exactly how I was taught from my 1st generation Masters. The teaching method is the same as Master Raul & Master Xavier Ries taught, with the forty-five basics for white belts, 72 for yellow belts and so on. The study of forms with hands and weapons are taught regularly and I put an emphasis on safety and respect towards one another in the studio and outside the studio. We teach our students to be aware of the formulation of a bad situation, the ingredients of trouble and the elements of a fight which the end results and aftermath are never desirable, i.e. lawsuits, retaliation, and death. We advise the students to avoid and attempt to defuse unwelcomed confrontations before they evolve into an ugly mess. In the event one has to use the art, we teach them how to commit to powerfully execute the art but to also make the decision in terms of the options they may have to execute various levels of force in regards to the situation. As of recent I have begun to unleash the flow of creativity using my San Soo abilities, to perform demos with a theme of good vs. evil as a form of ministry outreach at church teen camps. It has been fun and entertaining. 

Kung Fu San Soo is a thinking manís art. The most powerful tool we have is our mind.

Class schedule

Classes for Kids are held every    Tuesday & Thursday @ 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Classes for Adults are every held Tuesday & Thursday @ 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Saturday morning classes for adults & teens only @10:00am to 12:00 noon

From 1986 through 1999 I have owned and operated my own Kung Fu San Soo schools in National City, Lemon Grove, El Cajon and San Diego, CA.

I am currently conducting classes at Morley Field Park in San Diego, CA and will be opening a new studio in the very near future.

Beginning in 1996 my school has performed annual Kung Fu San Soo demonstrations for the Chinese New Year and the Del Mar Fair as well as many other community, university and private demonstrations.

I received my Master certificate from Grand Master Woo in 1982. I have been teaching the art since I was 18yrs. old and have opened several studios through the years. I have been teaching for the past twelve years at the California Athletic Club, 9120 Haven Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

I would like to thank all the older instructors for sharing their pearls of wisdom over the years. I know we all wanted to be just like Jimmy Woo. We would try to talk like him, walk like him and fight like him. We will all spend the rest of our lives with that part of him that we loved and respected. He was a father figure, an advisor and a teacher of life. Jimmy H. Woo, who was bigger than life, dedicated that life to his belief of the importance of ones own self respect. He did not care about fame or money. Jimmy would often say, " I'm one of the best fighters in the world." Knowing who he was, made him respected and the sharing of his beliefs made him loved.

I know that San Soo is who I am. Everything else I do is just an extension of my San Soo. I can only hope that everyone that was touched by Jimmy H. Woo remembers what his life meant. I hope they continue to pass on his knowledge and his teachings for the building of human character.

Those of us, who have been privileged and blessed with the opportunity to learn this art, have found that it has profound character building traits. It helps us to better understand others and ourselves with the harmony we refer to as "body of mind".

I am honored and humbled to study this beautiful art that has become me. I started training in the art under the tutelage of Master Paul Borisoff in 1986. I was awarded my black belt in 1991. In 1993 I opened my own school in Medford, Oregon. I have taught to people from all walks of life including police, military and celebrities. I have conducted seminars and demos for women crisis clinics, public schools, universities and the Britt Garden Children festivals. In 1996 I opened a school in Olympia, Washington and started teaching the art at Evergreen State College. I've currently signed on as martial arts contractor for Fort Lewis military base. In 1999 I was awarded my Masters degree.

I am committed to the preservation of the art as passed on to us by Grand Master Woo. The art is a culmination of much time and effort and has been tested and proven in combat over many generations. It is based on highly sophisticated principles of physics. It has the roots that are pure and complete. Being designed for combat, it cannot be made a sport. To mix San Soo with other styles shows a lack of understanding of the art. I am dedicated to keeping the art pure. You cannot serve two masters. In Kung Fu San Soo you are training your nervous system. If you train in another system your nervous system gets confused and you end up with nothing. Kung Fu San Soo is a gold mine. We are lucky to have found such pure system!

I came to the United States at about 17yrs. of age and eventually started learning Kung Fu San Soo in 1988. At that time I was living in Orange County. My instructor was Master Larry Dusatko and I obtained my 1st degree black belt from him.

I moved to Michigan in 1994 and continued my development in the fine art of San Soo under Sifu Thomas Akers. I obtained my Instructors Certification with the IKFSSA under the guidance of Sifu Thomas Akers and eventually opened my own MoGwoon in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1995. I continue my training with Sifu Akers and currently hold a 4th degree black belt in San Soo.

I decided a long time ago, while in California, that my martial art training will be dedicated to Kung Fu San Soo. I personally feel that Kung Fu San Soo is the most comprehensive self defense training that is available. In spite of the hard conditioning, the practical techniques and the aggressive fighting philosophy, the underlying fundamental of Kung Fu San Soo is in the building of human character. All these make Kung Fu San Soo a comprehensive training program suitable for both physical and spiritual development available for an individual.

I emphasize the traditional approach as the fundamental curriculum in my Mo Gwoon. Kung Fu San Soo training should train both the physical and character building elements of the art. This makes the practitioner of San Soo a dangerous fighter, yet a humble human being.

The object of the future generation is to develop wisdom and physical power. This ensures San Soo survival and most of all Kung Fu San Soo will continue to " get better". Through this we keep Lo Si Fu's dream alive and his legacy to the next generation.

This art was never intended to be a sport. In China when martial artists fought, one would walk away and one would be dead or altered for life. Kung Fu San Soo is a complete fighting system that is second best to none. Out of respect for Jimmy and his art, we will continue to teach, promote and preserve the art of Kung Fu San Soo without compromise.

I have been active in the art for 30 years. My background includes training hospital police at the USC Medical Center, sheriffs in jail wards, private lessons and seminars. You may contact me at 429 S. Mesita Pl. , West Covina, Ca. 91791.

UNDERSTANDABLE

Building confidence is the key to defending yourself effectively. After all, if you don’t really believe a particular technique will work, it probably won’t. This building of confidence is accomplished in Kung Fu San Soo by understanding not only WHAT to do in order to control an aggressor, but also by understanding WHY the techniques, stances, and strikes are done a certain way.

Kung Fu San Soo is a very simple system of techniques carefully constructed to provide maximum force with minimal effort. The techniques are brief and direct. This makes it an ideal art for students that lack physical strength or endurance.

Injuries from workouts can last a lifetime. Kung Fu San Soo workouts are done in a safe and controlled environment. Avoiding injuries is accomplished by understanding how to execute the elements of the art such as blocking and punching using circular motions that compliment the natural movement of the body.

Each technique can be done many different ways. So instead of having to remember dozens of techniques for numerous circumstances, you can apply a single Kung Fu San Soo technique in a variety of situations.

Raul began training with Lo Si Fu in 1965, but his training was interrupted by his Tour of Duty in Vietnam. He was in Alpha Company 1-7, with the First Marine Division, 7th Marines, in a highly trained group, called the Bounty Hunters. He served two years in the Marine Corps. before being honorably discharged in 1968. After his discharge, Raul returned to Lo Si Fu’s studio and began training in earnest. Lo Si Fu saw potential in Raul and began to disciple him. He was more than a Master to a young student; he treated Raul like a son. Lo Si Fu became the father figure Raul desired. He was able to teach Raul how to reign in some of the anger he had built up inside over the years. Unfortunately, that control was reserved for the studio. Out on the streets, Raul was still an angry fighting machine, and now he was trained to kill.

During Raul’s training, Lo Si Fu chose him to participate in the exhibitions he organized. They demonstrated Kung Fu San Soo at the Pomona Fair, Chinatown’s annual festivities, and many other events. He would take part as often as time allowed. Along the way, Raul had earned his black belt and opened his own San Soo studio in Azusa.

Within six months of opening his studio, Raul’s clientele had outgrown the studio and he had to move to a larger facility. The new studio was able to accommodate 70-80 students. However, within a year and a half, he again had to move to a larger studio. At his new location in Covina, he was able to teach over 200 students.

It was during this time, on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1972, that his life was transformed. Raul accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and began bible studies at his studio. In January of 1980, Raul received his Masters from Lo Si Fu. He now teaches San Soo in the church he pastors in Diamond Bar, California.

As a Christian Pastor and a Master in the art of Kung Fu San Soo, Raul has been asked many times about the conflict between the two. Because Lo Si Fu never taught the mysticism associated with Kung Fu, he does not see a conflict. Lo Si Fu did not rely on mystical powers, but confidence in one’s abilities. He would always say, “You can take my life, but not my confidence.” Lo Si Fu dedicated his life to teaching Kung Fu San Soo, in its’ purist form. In memory of his dedication and leadership, whose presence surpasses words, Raul has continued on, in this tradition.

I have been practicing and teaching San Soo for over thirty years. I was involved in most all the demonstrations that Jimmy put on at the Pomona Fair, China Town and many others. I presently teach at 2200 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena California on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

The teaching method is the same as Jimmy taught, with the forty-five basics for white belt, 72 for yellow belt and so on. If you would like any information, please call 1-626-584-9992 and ask for Xavier or leave a message on my voice mail.

The art of Kung-Fu San Soo was introduced to the United States by Mr. Jimmy H. Woo, who taught in a studio at the Mid-Way Shopping Center, in El Monte California, from 1962 to 1984 when he retired from full time instruction, limiting himself to the black belt and Masters until his death on the 14th of February, of 1991. Being 76 years old, Grand-Master Jimmy H. Woo had seventy years experience in San Soo, as he began to be trained at age five by his Great Uncle.

Jimmy greatly opposed the integrating or mixing of other arts, whether it be with the intent to better the art or to create a new one, he was committed to keeping the art pure as it had been handed down to him by his ancestors. Jimmy used to illustrate this by someone attempting to make up a new English language and calling it, Chinese-English, in reality it would neither be Chinese or English and certainly no one would understand it, except the ones who were taught the new language.

The student was taught forms after his green belt, which consisted of twenty-six move that began from a certain point and working through various movements in a dance-like manner, all done in perpendicular moves from the starting point, like the shape of a cross and ending at the same starting point. These form could be done with weapons also, be it the single sword or double, spear, etc.

Lawrence received his black belt in 1977 and started to teach at different facilities throughout Los Angeles. Some of the locations he taught were Gardena YMCA, Inglewood Recreation Center, UCLA as well as private and corporate training. After Larry and Sharon moved to North Carolina He worked out at Chuck Cory’s school and on occasion would go over to Grand Master Woo’s, but both were too far too work out on a regular basis. After Larry and Sharon moved back to Los Angeles and opened up their school in Culver City, Lawrence resumed studying with them.

When Sharon Wikel opened up her school, Lawrence continued to teach and work out at Larry Wikel’s school and received his Masters from him in June of 1997. There was so much he has learned from all his years of training with Larry and Sharon Wikel. Lawrence feels that his greatest acceleration in the art came from the intensive black belt class training from Larry Wikel. He gained such detailed and extensive knowledge that he believes he could not have received anywhere else. He still attends black belt classes at Larry’s twice a month along with working out in Larry’s day classes at least one time per week. He feels it is crucial to never stop learning. Lawrence has always referred to Larry Wikel as a Masters "Master". His knowledge of the Chin Na aspects of the art coupled with his complex understanding of the foundation has really helped Lawrence to achieve a level that years ago he would not think possible. Lawrence feels he has become a diagnostician in the art because of that training. Larry and Sharon Wikel always spoke about the "key to the art" and the fact that you would know it when and if you found it. Unfortunately, not everyone who trains is able to find the key and know how to use it. One thing is clear, when you find it you know it is there and it unlocks a world of San Soo that is truly amazing.

One of the many areas of the art that has always fascinated Lawrence is counters. If one truly understands the foundation they should be able to counter anything whether you are standing or on the ground. It is an aspect that he focuses on heavily.

In recent years he has taught classes for L.A.P.D. Foothill division as well as teaching the Foothill Division L.A.P.D. Jeopardy Program. The Jeopardy Program helps to prevent "at risk" youths from joining gangs.

In November of 1999 Lawrence opened his school in Van Nuys, CA. This has been a dream of his throughout his adult life. Lawrence’s mission is to always pass on the art to his students the way it was passed on to him. The first major step in teaching the art correctly is the "foundation." The foundation is the secret to a complete understanding of the art. When one deviates, changes or omits the foundation they sacrifice so much. It is important for all that teach Kung-Fu San Soo to carry on the principles and foundation of the art the way that Grand Master Woo taught it. Lawrence is steadfastly dedicated to doing that. We are all very lucky to be a part of the history of one of the world’s richest fighting arts in existence today. It is a big responsibility and he hopes all who teach will work hard to keep San Soo pure for all future generations. Preservation of San Soo should be the driving force of all San Soo Instructors.

Jimmy loved to talk on various topics to his classes. One topic he would infrequently bring up was his prediction that San Soo, as he taught it, would disappear within eight years of his death. When he broached the subject of death, I refused to believe that Jimmy, a man of great strength and extreme confidence, would one day die. To me, he was going to live forever. 

However, years passed and two weeks after my first son was born, Jimmy passed away.

Now, years later, I have watched his prediction come true. Without the father to hold the family together, many sons and daughters have strayed away. Today, fewer than a handful of his original students actively teach San Soo. Of those, even fewer teach it in the same pure manner they learned from Jimmy. You might ask why this has happened? My answer is they lack a full appreciation of the art based on a lack of experience and understanding. 

Jimmy was a fighter. He fought countless times in both China and America. In each fight he relied on his San Soo skills. One man, several men, hand to hand or armed with weapons, Jimmy did not care. If forced to, he would fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. By experience, he proved the scientific method of fighting known as San Soo, was not theory, but fact. Jimmy called San Soo his art because he dedicated his life to its teaching and training. Classifying San Soo as the best he repeatedly reminded us that hundreds of men over many generations devoted their lives toward one purpose: The formulation of a pure system of organized fighting designed to take out an opponent as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Unfortunately, some of today's instructors have polluted this purity by blending in teachings and techniques that have nothing to do with the art, yet they advertise that they teach San Soo. flavor of the month instructors, take whatever is currently popular on the martial arts scene and mimic it into their teaching program. The result is disheartening. They trade outstanding, well based fighting technique for what looks good and is based on theory. When they do this, they willingly throw hundreds of years of development by the wayside, without even a second glance.

Personally speaking, when I began training, I, like many others, became involved in minor spats here and there. San Soo never let me down. Later, I became a police officer and worked in some of the worst areas of Los Angeles for 20 years. There, I had the unique experience of witnessing physical violence and the aftermath of violence perpetrated by street predators on innocent people. Additionally, in those areas, street fighting was reality and an accepted way of life for many. Violence would erupt in a second without warning. Constantly, my job exposed me to fighting in some form or another. Without dwelling on these experiences, I can say they formed an unequaled and outstanding exposure to the nuances of street fighting. They also provoked a deep gratitude in me to Jimmy for teaching his family's art in the manner it was developed. One of the many things I learned on the street is that there is vast difference between fighting theory and fact. With one you lose, with the other you survive. 

For those instructors who remain true to their roots, remember, the survival of this art lies not in the past, nor in the present, but in the future. That future is our child.

I admit, teaching children was not my first desire. When I began teaching adult classes at our church, my wife kept telling me that I should teach children and gave all the logical reasons for doing so. Not wanting to do it, I was able to side step the issue until one day, while visiting my friend, Vince, at his Buena Park Studio. Knowing I was again teaching, he asked if I were teaching children. When I told him no he replied, what if your teaching San Soo to kids saved one child from joining a gang or using drugs? Remember what Jimmy did for us? Vinceís words were like a knife through the heart. I tried to ignore them but they kept nagging at me. Then one evening a mother approached me with her 8-year-old daughter and asked if I taught children. When I told her no, she pointed to her fair-haired little girl and asked, what if you teach her one thing that protects her from being kidnapped. isn't that worth it. 

At that point, how can you argue with such logic? After asking the church, talking to my wife and praying for Christ to direct me, we now teach children. We teach them all aspects of San Soo, including defense and offense against an adult attacker. We also teach traditional Christian values, commitment, discipline, honesty, integrity and most of all, confidence. Our method of teaching boils down to two words, love and discipline. Discipline not only in the sense of receiving motivation when they misbehave or don't pay attention in class, but encouragement to be responsible for their actions. We see the effect of our teaching method by this: Children who have started as timid, withdrawn, introverted boys and girls with time, training, discipline and love, develop into confident, outgoing young people. This confidence not only effects them now, it will influence all aspects of their life as they grow up. As we teach them, my greatest desire is that these children remember the history, the lessons, and fine details of San Soo. Then one day, they, in turn will pass the same training down to others. In doing so, San Soo will very much remain alive. 

In all this, I picture Jimmy in my mind, standing in the midst of the children's class, with his typical big smile, patting the children on their heads and backs, exclaiming, you doing good

Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it. Proverbs 22:6

Sam Silva (pictured with sons, Samuel and Joshua) has been active in Kung Fu San Soo for more than 30 years. Training at the El Monte Studio, he received his black belt, first through seventh degree black belts and Master ranking from Grandmaster Jimmy H. Woo. Sam was the past Vice President of the International Kung Fu San Soo Association and has written nationally published articles on San Soo. He currently teaches at Calvary Chapel of the Chino Valley, 12205 N. Pipeline Ave., Chino.

Master Sharon Wikel now teaches semi-privately in Palmdale, CA. and teaches at the Reseda Kung Fu San Soo school twice a month. She was recently featured in the Dec. 1998 issue of an Italian Martial Arts Magazine called Samurai.

I received my black belt in 1968 and then taught a beginning class for women at Jimmy’s studio for one year.

During my course of study in the art I participated in many demonstrations in Chinatown, Pomona fair, Disneyland and belt promotion ceremonies at the Kung Fu San Soo studios.

Jimmy and I married in August 1973. I continued my study in the art and received my Master’s degree in 1976.

After Grand Master Woo’s passing in 1991, the Master’s of the art organized the International Kung Fu San Soo Association and I presided as president from 1992 to 1997. I am now currently hosting the Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo Kung Fu San Soo Associates web site. The instructors featured on the site have dedicated themselves to the teaching and promotion of the traditional Kung Fu San Soo that Grand Master Woo taught for over 50 years in the United States. The powerful character building impact of the man and his art will be honored, preserved and passed on to future generations.