Grandmaster Sū Jīn Miǎo (蘇金淼) was not born into privilege or prestige. He often describes himself simply: “Sincerity is my motto.” His life has been marked by humility, perseverance, and quiet discipline, guided by an enduring commitment to traditional Chinese culture. For him, martial arts is not merely strength or self-defense—it is philosophy, heritage, and a lifelong calling.
Humble Beginnings in Yunlin, Taiwan
Grandmaster Su was born in the fishing village of Yunlin Binhai, Taiwan, one of eleven children in a family deeply rooted in martial arts. His father, a respected practitioner, supported the family by teaching kung fu rather than farming or fishing. Though life was modest, his father’s bold yet humble character and devotion to community service left a lasting impression.
He served as Baozheng (village head) during the Japanese era and later under the Republic of China, while also leading local Fishery Associations. His reputation for integrity and generosity shaped the values of his children. Growing up under this influence, Grandmaster Su and his siblings began learning kung fu at an early age, developing resilience, perseverance, and a strong sense of duty.
A Journey Through Martial Arts
From childhood, Grandmaster Su trained under his father and elder brother in southern-style kung fu, mastering Tài Zǔ Quán (太祖拳, Great Ancestor Fist) and Luó Hàn Quán (羅漢拳, Monk Fist) within the Su family’s Shun Wu Tang (順武堂) system.
In high school, he expanded his training into Western boxing, competing successfully and winning awards. At university, he broadened his knowledge further, studying Tài Jí Quán (太极拳) and Běi Shào Lín (北少林), achieving remarkable depth and breadth in Chinese martial arts.
During his military service, he was selected as a bodyguard to the Taiwanese President, requiring mastery of close combat, wrestling, and weapon defense, further strengthening his discipline and skill.
Teaching to Survive, Teaching to Live
Coming from a large, modest household, Grandmaster Su began teaching martial arts in rented rooms to support his university studies. What started as a means to cover tuition became a lifelong vocation.
In 1983, he was invited to Johannesburg, South Africa, to teach at the Chinese Cultural Centre. Over the next decade, he spread martial arts to more than 20 countries across Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Even decades later, students from South Africa and France continue to travel annually to study under him—a testament to the respect and loyalty he inspires.
Reviving Martial Arts in Taiwan
Returning to Taiwan in the 1990s, Grandmaster Su focused on martial arts education in Yunlin. In 2000, the county government tasked him with promoting kung fu in primary and secondary schools. He developed teacher training programs, annual student evaluations, and community performances, revitalizing martial arts across the region.
For over 16 years, he nurtured a new generation of martial artists, often going beyond teaching—raising funds for uniforms, competition fees, and mentoring youth from struggling families. One student, expelled multiple times, only graduated from the National Sports University due to Grandmaster Su’s intervention, demonstrating his belief that no child should be given up on.
Preserving and Expanding Tradition
Grandmaster Su has dedicated his life to both teaching and preserving the lineage of his art. His research into Da Zun Quan (達尊拳), the foundation of the Shun Wu Tang tradition, led him across Fujian, gathering historical fragments and forging lifelong connections with martial artists worldwide.
In 2010, he became a lecturer at the Chinese Culture University, expanding the curriculum to include Southern Fujian kung fu styles and Qì Gōng (气功). His teaching integrates Běi Shàolín (北少林 Northern Style) and Nán Shàolín (南少林 Southern Style), combining both external (外家功夫, Wài Jiā Gōngfu) and internal (内家功夫, Nèi Jiā Gōngfu)training to create a complete and balanced martial arts education.
Martial Arts as Cultural Heritage
For Grandmaster Su, martial arts embodies Chinese philosophy, religion, history, and values such as loyalty, filial piety, and resilience. Teaching foreign students, he observed how curiosity about kung fu often grows into a profound appreciation for Chinese culture.
He firmly believes: “A good culture must be passed down. If such a treasure is lost in our hands, it is not just a personal regret, but a cultural tragedy.”
A Life’s Aspiration
From Taiwan’s coastal villages to international stages, Grandmaster Su has carried martial arts across continents, revived it in his home county, and inspired generations of students. His journey reflects perseverance, humility, and dedication—a life spent not seeking fame or wealth, but in service to martial arts and culture.
As he often reminds his students:
“Everything you have worked hard for will leave traces. Whether in martial arts, in learning, or in life—the fruits of effort are always waiting to be tasted.”