Joseph K.

In 1998 I started training in Kung Fu San Soo at the age of 12 years old under Master Lawrence Rouse. Over the years I have not only trained at a constant rate, but also has been teaching a wide demographic of students. For 8 years I was running classes at my Master’s school in Van Nuys, the San Soo Center for Self-Defense. When the school moved to the Maria Del Ray area I started instructing at the new location Play Vista Martial Arts, teaching children and adult classes.

Working with children between the ages 5-12, teenagers 13-17, and adults 18-60+ I have very extensive knowledge how to work efficiently with each student. The wide range of students I work with go from first day white belts to 20-year-old masters. Not only do I work with typical adults and children, I also has done extensive work with special needs and disabled. This large demographic has provided me with a unique perspective of working with all kinds of students.

More recently I has also been teaching self-defense at The Help Group’s after school program, where he designed his classes based on each and every students needs. In addition I has taught women’s self-defense classes at the Conejo Valley Adult School, and currently works in the women’s self-defense classes at Playa Vista Martial Arts.

About Kung Fu San Soo:
Kung Fu San Soo is designed for battle and is purely a fighting art. This is important to understand because there are no tournaments due to the devastation that it can cause. Being strictly a fighting art everything that we teach is intended to immobilize and stop an attacker. San Soo uses a wide variety of different techniques including punches, kick, throws, pressure points, and leverages. Each technique is intended to defuse a situation or if the situation is more of a threat severely, damage the attacker. We teach our students how to handle themselves on the streets and prepare them for the real world.

For 18 years I have been training in Kung Fu San Soo. As of recent I have gained the level of fifth degree black belt. There is no competitions in this art as it is strictly designed for the street, however there have been scenarios where I have had to defend myself.

Each session is designed to accommodate every students needs. When it comes to children I work a great deal on focus, discipline, coordination, motor skills, and of course self defense. I work with each child on what they may encounter in school or if they encounter a situation with an adult. When it comes to the adults I work a majority of the session on self-defense. Each class is designed for my students to finish the session with some new knowledge and skills that will help them feel comfortable when they are in the real world. One of the perks that I offer is in home lessons, making it convenient for my clients. This allows you have the opportunity to be in the comfort of your own home, allowing privacy, and of course not allow weather conditions to affect you.

Kids Class Description:
What separates a good martial arts class from a great one? A great martial arts class should be a major influence and driving force for kids to develop good character, become focused students, good citizens and eventually leaders in their communities. The class environment is a safe haven and healthy atmosphere where kids can learn, grow and flourish. This class also incorporates character building lessons and leadership lessons within the curriculum.

Learning self-defense is a great exercise. It helps to build strength and stamina, while also increasing self-esteem. It is concentrated on teaching balance, coordination, agility, and of course self-defense. Children will be introduced to lessons in learning how to deescalate situations they many encounter on the playground and what they need to do if they have to protect themselves. In addition we will go over some situations that predators use in abduction situations. Since it is not possible for kids to go toe-to-toe with an adult

Adult Class Description:
This class is very informative and practical. Students will learn how Kung Fu San Soo is an effective tool in self-defense but also learn about focus and awareness of surroundings. This includes what to do in various environments where situations can arise. Throughout classes students will concentrate on techniques to fight back and increase the odds to disable an attacker or simply escape to safety. The class in physical in nature and attendees should expect to participate in physical activity.

Using San Soo at its highest level will teach students to immobilize and stop an attacker. This can be done using punches, kicks, throws, leverages, as well as many other tactics. The ultimate goal, when attacked, is to survive and take out your adversary as quick as possible. Attendees will also, learn how to diffuse or deescalate a situation prior to needing to use any physical force. In the event this is not possible, students will learn the techniques they need for the situation.

Students will learn many different ways to defend against a wide scope of scenarios. In addition they will learn about how anatomy and physiology comes into action when it comes to fighting. We will go over the vulnerable strike points that will immobilize an attacker as quick as possible, as well as different ways to strike. This class focuses on real world situations and students will learn how get into the mindset of a “fighter” anytime a situation arises.