Biography

Master Jason Tsou

Master Tsou is become one of the premier instructors of traditional Chinese martial arts in the U.S. He has been featured in numerous books and periodicals including: Inside Kung-Fu, The Complete Guide to Kung Fu Fighting Styles, Karate and Kung Fu Illustrated, Black Belt, Fighting Stars, The Pakua Journal, and Tai Chi Magazine and since 2007 he has been listed in the mainland government’s official publication of “Who’s Who in Chinese Martial Arts.”

Taiwan born in 1949, Master Jason Tsou began his martial arts studies more than 50 years ago at the age of eleven. He learned Mei Hwa Chang Quan (Plum Blossom Long Fist kung fu) from Grandmaster Wu Ti-Pang. After this first exposure, Master Tsou studied from Master Yang Bao Zen - Shaolin weapons, Mei Hwa Quan, Taiji Quan, and Taiji Qigong, Grand Master Chang Dong Shen - Shuai Jiao; Master Chang Yi Cheng- Xingyi Quan, Bagua Zhang, Taiji Quan; Grandmaster Liu Yun Chiao - Bagua Zhang, Bagua Qigong, Baji Quan, Pigua Zhang and Baji Qigong; Dr. Su Yu Chang-Praying mantis, 18 Lo Han, 12 Meridian, and 5 Element Qigong as well as Acupuncture, Herbs ; Master Adam Hsu- Islamic long fist, Chen style Taiji Quan; Master Deng Kuo Hua - Southern Hung Gar Qigong; Master Liu Jen Jun - Tibetan Qigong; and Tuina from Dr. Yu Ta Fang.

During his college years in Taiwan, Master Tsou was chairman of his kung Fu club. In 1971 he won the Singles championship title at the 1971 National kung fu tournament held in Taipei. While in the military, he became the chief martial arts instructor for the Taiwan Air Force, Fourth Division

Upon moving to Massachusetts in 1974, he founded the kung fu club at UMass and also served as a guest instructor at Harvard and MIT kung Fu club(s). During a time of civil unrest, Master Tsou was invited by the Massachusetts State Police to teach State Troopers riot control techniques. While at UMass he successfully earned a second Master’s Degree in Chemistry. This complemented his first Master’s degree from Feng Chia University of Taiwan in Engineering.

In 1977, Master Tsou moved to Los Angeles, California and co-founded a kung Fu club at UCLA. He has taught martial arts either at a studio or in the park since coming to Los Angeles.
In order to showcase traditional Chinese weapons fighting, Master Tsou formed an organization called the “Circle of Arms”. He has also given his support to the promotion of Chinese sword fighting for sport (Jianshu) at major Chinese martial arts tournaments where he has functioned as a chief judge.

Master Tsou is presently a guest lecturer at both UCLA’s World Arts and Culture/Dance where he teaches Taiji as well as other associated styles.. He teaches three classes at Cal State Long Beach where he is a member of the kinesiology department. These are Tai Chi Chuan, Jianshu (Chinese sword fighting) and Kung Fu. He also attended Bryman College in his spare time to learn western message techniques and obtain a certification from the State of California.

In 2005 Jason Tsou retired as full time from manager of his engineering company. Since then, he has had more time to work with his senior student Art Schonfeld (a retired lawyer) on many projects. These include instructional DVDs and books. Master Tsou’s Taiji book (Tsou and Schonfeld (2008), Yang Taiji: The Untold Story) has now been reprinted a third time. The Complete Jian Shu: Chinese combat sword for sport (with accompanying DVD) has had two printings. He has published a manual with accompanying DVD on Chin Na: Taking control of energy and will soon publish a book on Tantui which will also include DVDs. His instructional DVDs include Bagua Chi Kung- the secret’s of the dragon, Tai chi- Chi kung-harmony in transition-, and the Random Circles-Tai Chi Push Hands.