student handbook

Your guide to training at Sonora San Soo

QUICK NAVIGATION

  1. Welcome to Sonora San Soo

  2. What to Expect in Class

  3. Studio Policies

  4. Code of Conduct

  5. Using Martial Arts Responsibly

  6. Belt Ranking System

  7. Promotion Requirements

  8. Philosophy of a Fighter

  9. Lineage of Kung Fu San Soo (Sonora School)

  10. History of Kung Fu San Soo

welcome to sonora san soo

Welcome to the Sonora San Soo family! 

Since 1993, our goal has been to provide a positive environment where students from all walks of life can build confidence, discipline, respect, and practical self-defense skills through the art of Kung Fu San Soo. 

Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, personal growth, or simply trying something new, we are honored to be a part of your journey. 

At Sonora San Soo, we believe martial arts is about more than fighting - it’s about developing character, perseverance, and confidence that carries into everyday life. 

We’re excited to welcome you to our Kung Fu family and to train with you! 

Sincerely, 

Master Rusty Wallace & Brandon Wallace


what to expect in class

Classes may include warm-ups, stretching, basic strikes, footwork, falling and rolling, forms, partner drills, and self-defense techniques.

Students progress at different speeds, and improvement comes through consistency, patience, and repetition. Some classes may focus more on basics, while others may focus on forms, techniques, or controlled workouts depending on the needs of the class.

Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where students feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Not every class will look exactly the same, but every class is designed to help students improve through effort, repetition, and attention to detail.

studio policies

attendance

1

Consistency is important for progress. Students are encouraged to attend regularly and arrive on time.

uniforms

2

Students should wear a clean gi/uniform to class with their belt. New students may wear comfortable athletic clothing until they receive their uniform.

parent observation

3

Parents are more than welcome to observe classes respectfully from the seated area in the front of the studio. To help students stay focused, we ask that parents avoid coaching or calling out to students during class.

safety

4

Students must follow instructor direction at all times, especially during drills and partner work.

promotions

5

Belt promotions are based on consistency, effort, attitude, and skill development - not just time spent in class. Promotion fees, when applicable, will be communicated before promotion night.

Remove jewelry before training when possible for you and your training partners’ safety. Sonora San Soo is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

Please stay home if sick or contagious. We’ll be here when you’re healthy! If you have an injury, do your best to work around it, or simply rest up and let it heal. Live to fight another day!

Help keep the studio clean, organized, and ready for the next class. Treat all mats and training equipment with respect and use as instructed or as it is meant to be used to avoid unnecessary damage.

jewelry & personal items

6

illness / injury

7

respect for the training space

8

code of conduct

    1. The Golden Rule is to treat others the way you want to be treated. Be the training partner you would want working with you. Be cooperative and be helpful. 

    2. Salute when entering and leaving the studio to show respect for the place of learning and your instructors. Salute your partner before and after workouts or practicing techniques. Give your full and undivided attention to whoever you are saluting. 

    3. Use polite and respectful language when speaking to instructors, fellow students, and visitors.

    4. Pay attention to your instructors and fellow students when they are speaking. Show respect by giving your full attention when an instructor is speaking—stay quiet, keep your eyes forward, and listen carefully.

    5. Follow instructions and be sure not to distract others from listening or learning. Instructions are given for your safety and the safety of your training partners. 

    6. We do not tolerate bullying. Treat others with kindness and stand up for those who may need support.

    1. Keep your uniform (gi) clean and in good condition.

    2. Maintain proper personal hygiene to ensure a safe and pleasant training environment. Hands, feet, and face should be clean before training.

    3. Always prioritize safety during training and follow all safety guidelines provided by your instructors.

    4. If you are injured during training, report it to your instructor immediately.

    5. When entering or leaving the mats please walk along the back wall to avoid collisions or potential injuries.

    1. Attend classes regularly and arrive on time. Notify your instructor in advance if you cannot attend a class.

    2. Give your best effort during training.

    3. Stay focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions.

    4. Do not give up on yourself. Persevere through challenges and setbacks. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. “How you do anything is how you do everything.”

    5. Be patient with yourself, your partners, and your instructor. Progress comes through repetition, effort, and consistency.

    1. Be humble and do not gloat or show disrespect towards your training partners.

    2. Support your fellow students and create a positive training atmosphere. Applaud your classmates' achievements and pick them up when they’re down.

    3. Collaborate and help each other improve. We can all learn from each other no matter the time spent, or rank achieved.

    1. Be honest with yourself and others. Don’t point fingers at others and pass blame. Be part of the solution and own up to your mistakes. If you and a training partner have disagreements, then work together to resolve them to the best of your ability. 

    2. Develop strong character by practicing self-control, humility, and integrity.

    3. Strive to be a positive role model for others. Do not use your skills to harm others outside of controlled training or self-defense situations.

By adhering to this code of conduct, you not only become a better martial artist but also a better person. We believe that the principles taught in our martial arts school will serve you well in all aspects of your life. Your commitment to these values will help create a supportive and respectful community for everyone at Sonora San Soo.

At Sonora San Soo, we are committed to providing a safe and positive environment for our students to learn, grow, and develop essential life skills. By following this code of conduct, we create an empowering environment that supports everyone's growth and success.

USING MARTIAL ARTS RESPONSIBLY

Students are taught that Kung Fu San Soo is for self-defense, discipline, and personal growth. Techniques learned in class should never be used to bully, intimidate, show off, or harm others. 

Students are expected to use good judgement, avoid unnecessary conflict, and represent themselves, their families, and Sonora San Soo with respect inside and outside the studio.

belt ranking system

An accomplished practitioner of Kung Fu San Soo cares not what color of belt they wear. The accomplishments are within the body and mind. The color of the belt will not change the ability to use the body and mind. Whatever rank is held, the student should be proud of it. Self-improvement in the art of Kung Fu San Soo should be the goal of the student, not belt advancement alone. Remember that the strong green tree that stops growing will soon wither and die.

All students begin as a white belt. If attendance is consistent, based on two or more classes per week, it takes about three months from enrollment for the average person to qualify for the yellow belt. A minimum of 24 classes is needed before testing for the yellow belt. This test includes basic kicks and punches, rolling and falling, the eight basic foot movements, 8 basic elbows, and a free form. The contents and order of all belt tests are at the master’s discretion. 

To achieve the green belt, it takes the student about six months, based on two or more classes per week. A minimum of 48 more classes after the yellow belt test for a total of 72 classes, is needed before testing for the green belt. In addition to the items for the yellow belt test, the student must perform four throws and four leverages, and a weapons form instead of a free form. 

To achieve the brown belt, it takes the student about six months, based on two or more classes per week. A minimum of 48 more classes after the green belt test, for a total of 120 classes, is needed before testing for the brown belt. In addition to the basic test is eight leverages and eight throws, one free form, and one weapons form. 

To achieve black belt, it takes the student about 15 to 18 months, based on two or more classes per week. A minimum of 144 more classes after the brown belt test, for a total of 264 classes, is needed before testing for the black belt. In addition to the brown belt test, the student must design, perform, and teach their own free form and weapons form, instead of one of the Master’s forms.

promotion requirements

Promotion timelines are estimates based on consistent attendance and effort. Advancement is ultimately determined by student growth, attitude, understanding, and instructor evaluation.

    • Minimum 24 classes (three months from enrollment with consistent attendance)

    • Basic kicks/punches

    • Falling and rolling

    • Eight basic foot movements

    • Eight basic elbows

    • Perform current free form

    • Minimum 72 classes (six months from yellow belt promotion with consistent attendance)

    • Perform four throws

    • Perform four leverages

    • Perform current weapons form

    • Minimum 120 classes (six months from green belt promotion with consistent attendance)

    • Eight leverages 

    • Eight throws

    • Perform current free & weapons form

    • Minimum 264 classes (18 months from brown belt promotion with consistent attendance)

    • Design, perform, and teach original free and weapon form

    • Demonstrate an effective workout with fluidity, control, sharp technique, and efficiency.

    • Consistent attendance 

    • Create and teach original lessons demonstrating clear understanding of techniques (how and why). 

    • Lead by example and show intent in your technique and movements (“you fight how you train”) 

    • Be able to effectively communicate and teach the techniques outlined for the rankings listed above (spread your knowledge!).

philosophy of a fighter

The following quote from Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo reflects the seriousness and mindset behind practical self-defense training. While our school emphasizes discipline, respect, control, and personal growth, this philosophy reminds students that real self-defense situations should never be treated lightly.

“In this art we have no rules or regulations. In a street fight there are no judges or referees. Anything goes, my life or yours. We don’t go into a stance before we fight or imitate any animals. You move from any position you are in. Go into a stance and you waste time. Time that could have been spent on hitting your attacker and ending the fight. Go into a stance and there is no question that you are going to fight, and you lose the element of surprise. A fight is a fight. It is my life or yours! If you win, you might kill me. I fall down and crush my skull on the sidewalk, then I die. You break my nose or put my eye out, then I am ruined for life. I can't honestly do less than my best and in a fight, my best is to win.” 

This philosophy is taught with an emphasis on responsibility, control, and respect for the seriousness of real-world self-defense.

Jimmy H. Woo
Grand Master