The Family Tree for Getsu Yama Ryu

Professor William Kwai Sun Chow

     Grandmaster William K. S. Chow, known to some as "Bill", was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Grandmaster Chow is the older brother of Grandmaster John Chow-Hoon.  He started his martial arts training at an early age under his father.  He later trained under Grandmaster James Mitose. He was one of six students who received their black belts from Mitose. These six were: Jiro Nakamura, Thomas Young, Paul Yamaguchi, Arthur Keawe, Edward Lowe, and William Chow.

     In the 1940's, Grandmaster Chow developed the Kara-Ho system. Some of his well known students that came from that system were: Grandmasters Fred Lara, Manny Delacruz, Isaac Kaawa, Adriano Emperado, Abe Kamahoahoa, Nick Cerio, Ed Parker and many more.

     Grandmaster Chow was a warrior, and skilled martial artist.  He was a technician that struck with an explosive and rapid firing of techniques to the vital areas of the body; he was referred to as the man that struck like a thunderbolt, giving him the nickname, "William Thunderbolt Chow."  It was from him, that the martial art of Kenpo started to spread not only in Hawaii, but also in the United States and Internationally.  Grandmaster William Chow passed away on Sept. 21, 1987 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Even more history is available at the Official Tracy Kenpo website

Also Sam Kuoha's website

To see our family tree of CSSD Black Belts Go here