Master Pete Dueñas

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At an early age, Pete Dueñas can remember sitting in front of the television, mesmerized by the power and grace of martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. Growing up thin in stature made him long to be like his hero Lee. With this desire in his heart, Pete dabbled in a couple of forms of Karate, at an early age, but he never really felt confident about them and would eventually drop out. However, during his high school years, Pete participated in wrestling, which helped shape his knowledge of body mechanics and balance, which gave him a good foundation to eventually study Kung Fu San Soo.

Unfortunately, after Pete graduated from high school, he took a detour from his desire to study the martial arts. He began his descent into the world and felt he had to make people pay for all the wrongs he suffered. He wanted to show them he was someone. Fortunately, the hand of God was upon him and he never got into any serious trouble.

In January of 1993, Pete heard Master Raul Ries was training students in Kung Fu San Soo at his church, Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, in Diamond Bar, CA. Pete had been attending Calvary Chapel off and on since he was a child, but he had never made any kind of lasting commitment to the Lord. He went to see the class and, from the first moment he saw the art in action, he was hooked. Pete could not believe an art could be so beautiful, yet so very deadly. A little man could easily manipulate a big man, a woman could hold her own against a man and strength was not the key, but technique.

Pete began his training on January 4th, 1993. There was so much to the art; Pete trained very hard and consistently. Rarely missing a class, he began to learn so much from his teachers and from the other students. Pete was blessed to be able to train under Master Raul Ries, Master Xavier Ries and Master Michael Falabella. Master Raul Ries had a great impact on Pete’s life and he began to change his lifestyle for the better. He changed, not because Master Ries made him change but because of the great example of Master Ries’ life. Pete gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and his whole outlook on life changed.

Due to his consistent training and his desire to see the art perpetuate exactly the same way it was taught by his instructors, Pete was eventually promoted to the level of instructor. He teaches the class when Master Raul Ries and Master Michael Falabella are absent. His goal today is to see the students become even more skilled than their teachers, so the art can progress forward. Pete believes the key to success is to have a solid foundation in the basics, and teaches the techniques exactly as they were taught. He recommends each student writes down and/or films each lesson, so the art is not taught by memory.

Pete received his full 8th degree Master black belt on January 31, 2005 and he plans to continue his training and teaching in the art of Kung Fu San Soo. He is also dedicated to serving the Lord.