Meet our head instructor
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Sifu David A. Ross is a martial arts master, author, and educator best known as the head of the New York San Da (NY San Da) Martial Arts gym in Manhattan. He is a prominent lineage holder in traditional Chinese martial arts who has bridged the gap between classical martial arts and modern, full-contact combat sports.
- Adopted disciple of the late Master Chan Tai-San and full instructor in Lama Pai Kung Fu
- 6th Degree Black Belt in Bao Ding Shuai Jiao (Taiwan certified) and third-generation president of US association
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo under the late Master Pong Ki Kim
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Korean Hapkido (Korean Jujitsu)
- Certified Sanshou (San Da) coach (Chinese Wushu Association)
Ross holds lineage in two major traditional systems: Tibetan Lama Pai and Bao Ding Shuai Jiao. He was an adopted disciple of the late Master Chan Tai-San, who originally brought these combat systems to New York in the 1980s. He is also the third-generation president of the Chinese Swai Jiao Association.
At NY San Da, Sifu Ross focuses on the practical application of Chinese martial arts. He is recognized for debunking myths about internal "chi" powers and static stance-training. Instead, he emphasizes live sparring, takedowns, and realistic ring fighting—the actual combat forms developed for the historical Chinese military.
As a coach, he has trained highly successful competitors, including three world champions in San Da, 18 national Sanshou champions, a Muay Thai national champion, and professional MMA fighters.
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