Five Families Kung Fu San Soo
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Five Families Kung Fu San Soo
Why does someone type "martial arts near me" and hit search? Maybe you're one of 20% of Californians who've been a victim of violent crime. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you are afraid to walk around at night. Maybe you just want to get in shape, or find a class to teach your child some confidence and discipline.

Whatever your reason for being here, our focus is on creating a safe space to practice dangerous things, and in the process, help you regain your agency. Our martial arts is not aimed at competition or MMA training (those are perfectly valid pursuits, and can turn out great athletes). Our martial art, Kung Fu San Soo, focuses on conflicts in real life.
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Learning traditional Kung Fu philosophies and movements, then applying them to modern situations in a way that best fits your abilities and attitudes. In our adult martial arts class, you'll learn a blend of traditional martial arts practices and modern fighting techniques. The goal is not to churn out an assembly line of adult martial artists all fighting the same way, but to help you find your fight.
Learning traditional Kung Fu, updated to fit the needs of a kids martial arts class, then applying them to modern situations to teach your child confidence, discipline, and focus in a fun, supportive atmosphere. In our kids martial arts class, the goal is not to create a class of children who can stand, kick, punch, and yell in unison.
Whether you're looking for a woman's self defense program, an ongoing self defense class, or a custom built self defense workshop at your location, we can help you. While you can definitely learn valuable lessons from a one or two day self defense intensive, it is inevitable that there will be gaps in what you can pick up during that time.
De-Escalation is an integral (and often ignored) part of self-defense. Kung Fu San Soo is not meant to submit or "wrap up" your opponent. It is meant for dangerous situations when the safety of you or those you love is in jeopardy. As such, de-escalation is an integral part of our curriculum in all the classes we teach.
What if I'm not vaccinated? When we workout outdoors, you can workout distanced from the rest of class, or we can arrange a private lesson arrangement until you are vaccinated. Am I required to purchase a gi for the Kung Fu Class? Yes, after the first month of class. We also require you purchase a groin protector appropriate to your needs (and believe me, you want that groin protector).
Reviews (5)
Matthew Jaeger
Matthew Jaeger
Jun 04, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
I came to Master Steve after a violent encounter in my own life. He emphasis not just on the physical techniques (which are seriously devastating) but also things like de-escalation, the emotional difficulties of confrontation, and seeing past one's own ideas a prejudices to react appropriately, have made me a lifelong student.
David Walsh
David Walsh
May 30, 2021
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I have been taking Kung Fu San Soo here for a number of years now. The master, Stifu Steve Garrett, is not only a naturally gifted teacher, he is a human being with an extraordinary knack for being able to relate to every student. The point is, he makes it easy to learn and to want to keep learning and growing as a fighter. The depth of his knowledge is incredibly vast but you never feel like you are being talked down to.
Further, the other gentleman running the studio Matt Jaeger, is equally gifted as a teacher and is also super relatable. They have both helped me to build my confidence in the
Ben
Ben
May 30, 2021
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Years ago, I was looking for a martial arts style that was practical and covered real life scenarios. A friend recommended me to Five Families Kung Fu San Soo and I was not disappointed. San Soo isn't about competition/sports or ancient spirituality, but more about surviving and handling yourself in any fight or live-or-death scenario. We've covered everything from standard punches and kicks to leverages, grappling/ground fighting, and weapons like knives and swords, which was exactly what I was looking for. Both Master Steve and Matt have a wealth of knowledge in handling confrontations, both
Alex Sixx
Alex Sixx
May 24, 2021
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If you are looking for an adult or kids class — or both — Five Families Kung Fu San Soo is the place for you. Prices are more than reasonable and do not trick you into hidden charges such as testing fees like many other places.
Adult classes include all aspects of self-defense, including mental and physical fitness. Kids classes include the same aspects as in the adult classes but are specifically tailored for children. Kids and adults get fit and more confident in Five Families Kung Fu San Soo.
I am so impressed by Sifu Steve and Si-Hing Matt. Both of them are very supportive and make sure
David Walsh
David Walsh
Feb 23, 2014
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Excellent and gifted teacher, whose expertise and natural ability to explain things makes learning Kung Fu not only achievable but fun as well. Can't recommend it highly enough.