Thanks to the many friends who wrote to ask if I had seen the misinformation posted to the “Hall of Shame” on Jim Benckert’s site.  Yes, I have, and as long as there is an internet there will always be little men who can feel BIG like the internet warriors they are by posting false accusations and lies on their sites.  
 

The internet has given us the opportunity to increase our knowledge base for very little money and not a whole lot of effort or time, we just have to sort out the truth from hallucinations! The saddest part isn’t that the “Hall of Shame” exists but that by placing it on the internet Benckert became its most shameful member by shaming not only the art of San Soo but by childishly posting his tantrum. As I said the internet has given us an opportunity, to amass great amounts of information, MOST of which is placed there in the full belief that it’s true and accurate. Its for you the reader to corroborate and judge its authenticity. It has also given us the opportunity to fire innuendo, lies, fabricated fantasies, and all manor of shameful remarks and dissertations at one another.  I feel shamed to even have to respond to this shameful display by another “Master”. But if one is to correct a wrong it's usually best done in the same venue.
 

I guess I should feel honored that Jim Benckert and others like him are so intimidated by me that they feel a need to make a special place on their website to try to discredit me. I knew Jim Benckert for many years and am not surprised by the downward spiral of his writing and his disassociation from reality.  
 

Just keep in mind that the information provided on an internet site can be the truth or it can be complete fabrication. The proof is in the person.  San Soo has been an integral part of my life for over 43 years and over that time I have been known to be outspoken.  I speak the unvarnished truth as I remember it, and I speak it with confidence because I want the information provided by Master Jimmy H. Woo to be shared with the younger members of the San Soo Family.  It’s because I am outspoken that people “bravely” hide behind their computers and become legends in their own mind as they attempt to discredit me.

In the past Jim Benckert always seemed friendly and used my name many times to prove his point by saying that I was there and I heard what was said.  That was fine but when his facts became fiction I felt the need to step forward and point out that they were untrue.  When they became outright lies I had to tell him publicly that he was lying.  He said things such as “Grandmaster Woo lied to the first generation students because he (Benckert) was the only  “Inner Door Student” and only he learned the “true secrets”.  I was told that this delusion progressed so far that he contacted Bernie and told her that Grandmaster Woo said he, and only he, was to receive the Ancient San Soo books after the Grandmaster’s death. I for one will stand up and say “ No, no Jim was NOT an inner door student, no Jim was not taught the “Secrets” (Any more than we were, and you are now being taught in your own studios), and NO I do not, nor will I ever believe that Jim Benckert was destined to receive the books.”

When Jim Benckert was challenged as to the truthfulness of these issues publicly he decided to create “The Hall of Shame” to get back at me.  Many of his writings begin somewhat factual and then begin to skew off to fit into his personal delusions, just like any true internet warrior does.

Master Russ Williams contacted me about the Hall of Shame recently and said that he was often filming right next to me and said that Benckert's comments were untrue.

A few years ago a Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputy contacted the East Hills Forum and asked about Jim, stating he had earned his Black Belt through Benckert.  He said that Benckert felt his Black Belts were plotting against him so he closed his school. 

Whenever they saw him in town and tried to talk to him he would run away to avoid speaking to them.  The Deputy contacted me last week and asked my opinion about Benckert because he felt he had wasted seven years of study and wondered about the value of his diploma.  I am in contact with the Deputy and am sure he would share his story if you have any doubts.

For those of you who have read his ludicrous accusations here is the truth:

1.      I challenge anyone to prove that I ever called Jimmy names or said bad things about his ethnicity. 

2.      Grandmaster Woo’s “Advanced Certificate” (I have one) was not an “inner door” award.  The only prerequisite to attend the class was to be at least a Fourth Degree Black Belt or higher.

3.      If anyone questions my retirement just ask and I will show you my “Honorably Retired” Identification Card.

4.      If you want to hear Jimmy say “wok” just order Tape #2 from the Preservation Society, Or better yet Listen to Jimmy yourself, I Tell you from my heart what I remember, as accurately as I can, as does everyone, but in MY case, I can generally PROVE it was said.

Jim,

I invite you to come out and prove me wrong.  I can prove anything I say—can you?

Here is your chance to come out from behind your computer and say the things you have written to me in person.  You could also stand up and agree to meet with a council of First Generation Masters and explain why you believe you are an “inner door” student and share your “secrets” with us I’m sure we could count on several old timers to hear your claims.