“A lifetime of learning, a student for life.”
J. Michael Rockwell
To openly share knowledge with students of all ages and experience in a caring, safe environment. As Jimmy taught us, “I don’t teach you to fight, I teach so if you have to fight, you know how.”
Master J. Michael Rockwell
With 40 years of study in the martial and healing arts, Master Michael Rockwell offers a unique combination of instruction focusing on practical fighting applications, hand and weapon form precision and technique, as well as Qi Gong, standing and moving meditations.
The name, Spring Wind, was given to Sifu Rockwell by Tai Qi Master, Shirley Wong. Her ancient style of Chinese calligraphy, as pictured in the signature stamp or chop in the upper right corner of these pages, means "the wind of spring"; it helps everything grow and develop their traits freely. Shellee was given the name Spring Rain. This has similar meaning.
After 2-years of traditional Karate training, Sifu Rockwell began his true journey into Martial Arts training in 1978 (at the age of 13) with the late Grand Master of Kung Fu San Soo, Chin Su Dek (Jimmy H. Woo) in El Monte, California. He received his instructor's degree from Jimmy H. Woo in 1983. When Master Jack Sera inherited the El Monte studio, Michael continued to advance his art, focusing on precision of technique. Michael received his Master’s degree from Juan M. Meza after the El Monte school had closed. Having never lost contact with Master Jack Sera, Michael and Shellee received their Master’s degrees directly from him as well.
Since the early 1980s, Sifu Rockwell had the honor of studying with many very talented instructors:
Ray Zambrana-(Yang Tai Qi, Wing Chun, Escrima), Chin, Ho-(Ba Gua), Charles Lu-(Yang Tai Qi, Old style Tan Tui, Ba Duan Qi) Amy Tong-(Yang Tai QI, Leung Yi, Push Hands, Sword and Qi Gong, and after 25+ years we still visit with Master Amy, my Tai Qi Mom), Jerry Alan Johnson-(Ba Gua, Nei Gong-internal body work, 13-powers, many meditations) Su, Zi Fang-(Ba Gua, Tai Qi, Xing Yi, Sword and Spear-11 years of mostly private study).
After becoming an international forms champion in the 1990’s, Michael instructed a team of advanced competitors that earned multiple gold and silver medals and all around championships.
Master Shellee Rockwell
Shellee Rockwell began training in Kung Fu San Soo under Grandmaster Jimmy H. Woo in 1982. She continued to train under Master Jack Sera until 1998. Shellee earned most of her degrees with Master Jack Sera and received her Master's degree from Juan M. Meza. Shellee trains with Michael and assists in the Tai Qi, Ba Gua and San Soo classes. She also excels in Staff, Tai Qi Sword and Spear.
With a professional dance background, Shellee specializes in teaching details of footwork, body alignment and form demonstration. With her strong foundation, Shellee can perform precision technique and move larger opponents with little effort. As part of a competition team that trained under Michael extensively, she became a national forms champion in Tai Qi, Ba Gua, Sword and Spear winning many gold and silver medals in advanced categories.
Master Rockwell received his instructor's degree from Lo Sifu in 1983. When Master Jack Sera inherited the El Monte studio, Michael continued to advance his San Soo art, by focusing on precision of technique. Sifu Rockwell's San Soo classes, at this time, are being held on a private & small group basis by appointment. The focus in these classes, as in all other classes, will be on proper body dynamics and quality of technique. Practiced correctly over time, your body's muscle memory will develop the proper timing, balance and coordination needed for effective self defense.
Classes cover the Yang Style 108 movement long form, the 36 movement and 24 movement forms as well as the 42 combined form. The Tai Qi knife, jian, and spear are also specialties taught by Sifu Rockwell.
Liang-Yi Chuan is a rare form created by Grandmaster Fu, Zhen Song. This bridge between Tai Qi and Ba Gua Zhang was passed down to Master Amy Tong and then to the Rockwells. It's combination of Yang, Chen, and Sun styles gives you the essence of Tai Qi and the essence of Ba Gua Zhang in one fast paced form.
Ba Gua study, like all study, begins with the basic exercises that will form your foundation. Master Rockwell's specialty is Jiang, Rong Jiao's Lao Ba Zhang as well as Master Sha's linked form (Lian Huan Zhang) as taught to him by Master Su, Zi Fang. Master Su's teacher was the late Master Sha, Guo Zheng who was the top student of Jiang, Rong Jiao.
Also offered will be the Yin and Yang Dragon forms (Long Xing Ba Gua) and the sword, knife and spear. At the higher levels of training, the Lian Huan Zhang or Linked Palms can be taught. All Ba Gua movements eventually become flowing, linked movements and truly become an extension of the will and intent. Ba Gua is a very beautiful style to watch and even more impressive to experience.
Building your energy is a primary goal of the many styles of Qi Gong. Sifu Rockwell can guide you through many different healthful sets that will calm your mind and build foundation. The Tai Qi 18 Qi Gong levels 1, 2,and 3, the Five Position Standing, I-Chuan and Liang Gong, are just several of the energy building exercises offered.
The Zhineng Qi Gong is a very special system taught to Sifu Rockwell by Master Amy Tong who learned the system from Dr. Pang Ming, the founder of the Huaxia Zhineng Qi Gong Center in Qinhuangdao China. When embarking on Qi Gong training, be sure to let your instructor know if you currently study Qi Gong or meditation.
Sun Style Classes cover the 98, 73 and 13 movement forms along with various concepts regarding movement and application of these forms.
Xing Yi Quan, (Mind, Body, Fist) private classes are available in 5 element fist, linked 5 element fist, Ba Shi Choi, spear, and knife
Staff, various lengths, Butterfly Knifes, Jian and more!
Please contact us about group and private classes.
Rockwell Kung Fu is proud to offer these instructional DVD's to the Martial Arts community!
DVD sales are final. DVD's can be exchanged by mail for the same DVD if data issues are present. Shipping and handling charges apply.
INSTRUCTIONAL DVD $20 INCLUDING SHIPPING
MAY 14, 2016 2ND ANNUAL CHINATOWN SEMINAR
MASTER ROCKWELL INSTRUCTS ON "ENERGY VS. TECHNIQUE" WHICH WILL TRANSCEND LEARNING LESSONS ALONE.
New students, returning students, and masters that want to expand their fighting style – we have a class for you!
““If the road is correct, what does it matter where it started.””
We look forward to hearing from you!
Rockwell Kung Fu's Master J. Michael Rockwell has written various articles and are free to download for personal use below. His many years in the martial arts community has allowed him to be part of major movements that have shaped this community to what it is today.
Download the articles, read, and help keep the art form of San Soo alive and strong:
CHINATOWN KUNG FU SAN SOO STUDIO, LOS ANGELES
PROUDLY PRESENTS
MASTER JACK SERA AND MASTER MICHAEL ROCKWELL
"DEVELOPING SPEED AND POWER" AND"TOOLS, TECHNIQUE, AND TARGETING"
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2017 - $40 at the door
10am to 1:30pmRegistration begins at 9:30am
818 N. Hill St. Unit I
(Lower Level Best Western Hotel, parking lots available near location)
"DEVELOPING SPEED AND POWER"
Speed and power are bi-products of the proper execution of the fundamental concepts of timing, balance and coordination. Master Jack Sera will cover the fundamental dynamics of these concepts to help produce quicker reflexes and greater power in your technique. Don't get ready, BE ready and in position. Bring your questions and favorite lessons to this interactive course.
"TOOLS, TECHNIQUE, AND TARGETING"
Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo often told the class, "..not how hard, but how right you hit someone..." This idea applies to everything we do. With over 30 years of experience in Qi Gong and massage/physical therapy, Master Michael Rockwell will give insight into the numerous targets and tools needed to make your technique more effective.
PLEASE RSVP BY CALLING MASTER JACK SERA 626-233-3094 or MASTER DAVE TEAGUE 818-398-6688
STUDIO OWNERS WITH THREE OR MORE PAID STUDENT REGISTRATIONS WILL RECEIVE COMPLEMENTARY ADMISSION
Master Jack Sera presented Gabriel Clift his Master's degree in the ancient art of Kung Fu San Soo in February 2016. Master Clift has been an integral part of the classes and seminars for many years and has been a diligent student of the art. Master Sera was proud to present this well-earned degree to Master Clift. Congratulations!
Master Jack Sera and Master Michael Rockwell wish to thank all those in attendance at the Chinatown event. You helped to make this a memorable annual event.
Master Jack Sera and Master Michael Rockwell, Los Angeles Chinatown 2nd Annual Seminar 5/2016
Chinatown Kung Fu San Soo Studio, Los Angeles, CA
PROUDLY PRESENTS THE
2nd Annual Kung Fu San Soo Seminar
Master Jack Sera and Master Michael Rockwell
“LEVERAGE” AND “ENERGY VS. TECHNIQUE”
Saturday May 14, 2016
Master Rockwell instructing on delivering and receiving energy from the opponent.
Kat Krikac learning from Master Sera how to hold a leverage on.
“LEVERAGE”
LEVERAGE IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF ALL THE AVAILABLE TYPES OF CONTROL YOU CAN EXERT ON YOUR OPPONENT. MASTER JACK SERA WILL COVER THE FULCROMS AND DYNAMICS OF UPPER BODY AND LOWER BODY LEVERAGE TO CREATE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE POWER AND FORCE OF LEVERAGE. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS AND FAVORITE LESSONS TO THIS INTERACTIVE COURSE.
Master Eric Losoya demonstrating leverage techniques to Jared Krikac.
“ENERGY VS. TECHNIQUE”
GRAND MASTER JIMMY H. WOO OFTEN SPOKE OF “THE KEY” TO LESSONS. SINCE ALL SAN SOO TECHNIQUES ARE EXPRESSIONS OF ENERGY, MASTER MICHAEL ROCKWELL WILL INSTRUCT ON HOW UNDERSTANDING THE ENERGY OF YOUR TECHNIQUE TRANSCENDS THE TECHNIQUE ALONE AND WILL GIVE YOU A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MOVEMENT DYNAMICS.
Master Gary Richter applying effortless control over Master Gabe Clift.
Master Gabriel Clift applying proper timing, balance, and coordination of a leverage taught at the seminar.
Congratulations to Eric Losoya for receiving his Masters Degree in the ancient art of Kung Fu San Soo. Master Losoya began his training with Grand Master Jimmy H. Woo in El Monte, Ca and continues to train with Master Jack Sera and Master Michael Rockwell.
Master Losoya's dedication to training the fine points of KFSS, Tai Qi Quan, Ba Gua Zhang, and Xing Yi Quan is truly commendable. We look forward to many more years of training together!
The 1st Annual China Town Kung Fu San Soo Seminar was a great success. With over 15 Masters of the art joining over 40 attendess, we had a day filled with friendship and training. Master Jack Sera, Master Michael Rockwell, and Master David Teague would like to thank everyone that made this fantastic day possible. DVD footage will be available soon.
Our latest seminar was a major hit and brought in both new and seasoned students to Jack Sera's Studio in West Covina. Check out the photos below for some highlights from the event. Download, comment, and share photos from this event and make sure to stay tuned for upcoming events.
At Rockwell Kung Fu, we love to teach the art form of Tai Qi Quan, Xing Yi Quan, Ba Gua Zhang, and Tsoi Li Ho (San Soo). If you're interested in learning any – or all – of these art forms, schedule your next class with us today!
