Grandmaster Johnny So was a dedicated student of the great Grandmaster of Northern Shaolin style, Yim Sheung Mo. Master So was born in Zhongshan, GuangZhou in 1947. In the 1970’s he opened his first Northern Shaolin Kung Fu School in Los Angeles’ Chinatown.

He went back to Hong Kong in the late 1970’s and passed down his Los Angeles legacy to Ken Hui who formalized it as the Northern Shaolim Kung Fu Association and continued on today for over 45 years. Later, Johnny returned to New York in the mid-1980’s until he passed away in 2020 at age 73.

While in Hong Kong, Johnny was introduced to Master Yim Sheung Mo in 1964 by his friends. He liked the style because it is a prominent traditional style with lots of variety in techniques and weaponry. Johnny also felt that the style fits his smaller, quick, and agile stature.

After the passing of Yim, Johnny decided to come to Los Angeles in the early 1970’s. He lived around L.A. Chinatown and made his living as a waiter in a restaurant and also opened his first Kung Fu school. He led his demonstration team to participate in many tournaments throughout Southern California. The team won many awards. Johnny was famous for his single broad sword and dragon cane performances!

In mid-1980’s, Johnny returned to the U.S. and started teaching again in New York’s Chinatown. With Ken Hui leading the Southern California operation, Johnny’s legacy continues to the present on both the East and West coast of the United States. Master Johnny So’s achievements made him a true Master of the Northern Shaolin Style and a major contributor to traditional Kung Fu.