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The American Wu Shu Society was established in 1989, solely for the promotion of Wu Shu in America. At that time the U.S. Wu Shu Federation led by Nick Gracenin was in charge and the U.S. Wu Shu Association led by former PKL (Professional Karate League) Wu Shu Champion Peter Morales, this one didn't last long. Since 1985 there have been World Championship events but nothing much happening in the U.S. to help the art grow.
Jeff Bolt had his events in Texas in the 80's. Other organizations also existed at that time or were created later on but focused on the traditional Wu Shu or as others call "Kung Fu." My Wu Shu Society focused on the contemporary Wu Shu and I decided that I need to form a team that will compete in monthly events to promote Wu Shu but not in an arena that already knows it exists but in a Korean and Japanese dominated circuit where we can try to gain respect and acknowledgement.
My American Wu Shu Society Team trials (November 19, 1989), consisted of 33 of the best Wu Shu athletes from all over the United States and one Patrick Kelly from Winnipeg Canada. I brought in 5 Chinese Wu Shu judges not known by many here in the states so that no politics would arise. Many well known athletes were members of my team. I cannot mention their names because over the years I have never received credit for what I have done nor did they ever mention being a part of my team. Imagine YOU carrying 5 to 10 people around the circuit for 2 years, would you have put out your own money to do this? My sponsor left me stranded after team trials right before Christmas with the team already selected. The only thing I could do is sponsor it myself, I had no choice. I was man enough to do so and finish what I have started.
We were recognized by NASKA as the elite team of 1990 and 1991 and there is a letter from the Ratings director Mike McCoy to prove that, if anyone is interested.
I have always traveled teaching seminars, by that time (1990) I have only been in the U.S. for ten years. During the existence of my Society I have been invited to teach in Mexico, Barbados, Spain, South Africa, Brazil and Sri Lanka. For the last 3 years I have established the Uberaba Wu Shu Society in Brazil and the American Wu Shu Society - Sri Lanka Branch.
In 2001, I organized the first of its kind event here in New York. " The Koncrete Jungle's 1st Wu Shu B.boy/B.girl Dance Challenge. Remember it all started with my Society. I am very proud of this because I will be the one that will accomplish what no one else since 1979 has been able to do with a whole country behind them. If you want to know why I did this event ask me personally. I operate alone and think alone, so at night I can sleep in peace knowing that 1000effort was put into it. At the event I had four incredible legends as judges come to support me. Plus I had film star from the early Jet Li movies, Grandmaster Hu, Jianqiang come to perform. He came with 20 students to perform and a total of 45 people. |
