Sonny Mannon began studying Chinese martial arts in Southern California, training in Praying Mantis and Tai Ji before moving to Beijing in 2007. He spent the next eight years living and training in China, where he studied under Masters Zhang Wei Dong and Liu Zu Guang. His practice deepened across Bagua Zhang, Tai Ji, Da Bei Quan, and Beijing-style Shuai Jiao, the traditional art of Chinese wrestling.
Sonny trained intensively under Master Liu Zu Guang, became the first foreigner awarded a Shuai Jiao Coach's Certificate by the professional committee in China, and competed in China and internationally. He and Master Liu also co-founded the Guang Wu Shuai Jiao Association to help preserve and share Beijing-style Shuai Jiao internationally.
He speaks Chinese. His work now brings traditional methods to a wider audience through in-person teaching, international seminars, online communities, and educational media. Across every format, his approach emphasizes clear mechanics, patient instruction, honest practice, and the principles that connect the internal and external arts.
Sequoia Kung Fu & Yoga forms part of this history, connecting years of study in China with teaching in California.
