The Chinese martial arts are an important part of an ancient and respected culture. They are practiced by millions of people and promote health, discipline, self control, self defense, concentration and unity.

San Shou is the official competition form of Chinese martial art, established in Beijing, China in 1991. San Shou has had 6 world championships around the globe including Italy, the United States, China, Armenia and Malaysia. There are 89 nations involved in international San Shou competition.

San Shou is recognized by the IOC as a legitimate sport and is under consideration for inclusion in the 2008 Olympic Games.

Despite these facts, the New York State legislature in Albany has enacted a law making ALL Chinese martial arts illegal. The law makes any martial art event not sanctioned by an organization on an approved list illegal. That list does not include a single Chinese martial arts organization.

The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has informed the community that despite how unfair this law is, they will enforce it. Since no Chinese martial art organization is on the "approved list", they will close down by force if necessary any Chinese martial art event.

Please protest this unfair law and the refusal by both the legislature and the NYSAC to acknowledge a legitimite martial art, a legitimate sport and a potential Olympic sport