Origin of A Modern Style


The year under each style marks the year Grandmaster Joe Martin began studying that style.

First Column Above

Grandmaster Joe Martin had no contact with this column of teachers. Li Kum San had the most influence on Alfredo Sui. 
Master Sui gave a clinic in Charlotte, NC in October, 1997. 
This was his first visit to Charlotte since 1970.


More information about  Prof. Albert C. Church, Jr. can be found at the Shorinji Toraken Do Arts site.

Second Column Above

There was extensive training with all of these with the exception of Master Hobbs. Grandmaster Martin trained mostly with Jerry Hobbs' stepfather. Grandmaster Martin has visited Master Alfredo Sui in Canada several times over the years. Master John Stover and Grandmaster Martin have an on-going relationship as friends and martial artists. 
These instructors have a much broader martial arts tree than is shown here; however, the ones shown were the most influential.

Third Column Above

John Farris had a large impact on Grandmaster Martin's training as his friend and teacher. After returning from the armed service and recognizing the newly acquired knowledge of Grandmaster Martin, Mr. Farris became a student of Grandmaster Martin. 
Mr. Springs became a student of Jerry Peddington, former heavy-weight full contact karate champion in 1975 and has created his own karate style combining some of the kungfu he learned from Master Sui.

Fourth Column Above

Grandmaster Joe Martin began formulating the principles of Esoma in 1975. The stance form developed that year is still used in all schools today. The fundamentals can be found in the Esoma Philosophy Papers
It wasn't until 1985 that Esoma became an established style when The Shaolin Kempo Karate Federation, International (SKKFI) recognized and certified Grandmaster Martin as founder of Esoma Kungfu.

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