The Sport Shou Shu Association (SSA) was created to provide a modern framework for applying Shou Shu in a sport setting. While traditional Shou Shu continues to be respected for its depth and self-defense roots, SSA focuses specifically on developing a competition-ready approach to the art.
Our mission is to guide the next generation of martial artists through a system designed for sport training, athletic development, and performance in competitive environments — while still allowing instructors the freedom to include traditional elements such as techniques, forms, and principles where they see fit.
Shou Shu is a Chinese-American martial art known for its use of animal-inspired movement, practical self-defense, and a blend of striking and grappling. Developed in the mid-20th century, it drew influence from traditional Chinese systems, Kenpo, and later additions such as Shuai Jiao. Over time, elements from other disciplines were incorporated to adapt to evolving self-defense needs.
At its core, Shou Shu emphasizes power, body mechanics, and real-world application. Different lineages have taken the art in different directions — some focus on traditional forms and kata, others on modern adaptation.
The Sport Shou Shu Association (SSA) respects the roots of the system while promoting a sport-based, competition-ready expression of it. Our focus is on live training, athletic growth, and the principles that made the art effective — brought into a format that fits today’s martial artists.
The SSA operates under a decentralized model. Each instructor has the freedom to design their own curriculum, training format, as long as their approach supports the SSA’s mission of applying Shou Shu in a sport-based setting.
There is no fixed animal-based ranking system or required set of katas. Instructors may include traditional forms or techniques as they see fit, but SSA places no obligation on preserving specific lineages, sequences, or styles.
The structure is designed to reflect the flexibility found in modern competitive arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or kickboxing — where progression is based on skill development, time in training, and readiness for competitive application.
Ranking System
For degrees beyond Black Belt, the following minimum time-in-rank applies:
SSA recognizes that Sport-Based ranks and Traditional ranks are separate systems with different goals and standards. A rank earned in the SSA system does not imply holding the same rank within the traditional Shou Shu hierarchy. However, SSA has no issue recognizing legitimate ranks earned through traditional Shou Shu lineages, and respects the experience behind them.
The SSA system is built around applying Shou Shu in a competitive environment. Training emphasizes performance, athletic development, and preparation for sport-based formats — including striking and grappling.
Schools are encouraged to build well-rounded programs that include competition training, structured drills, sparring, and live situational practice.
This emphasis on sport does not replace or disregard traditional elements of Shou Shu. Instructors may choose to include forms, animal movements, and other classical material as part of their curriculum. These components are respected within SSA, but are not required for rank advancement.
While we honor the traditions Shou Shu came from, we’ve chosen not to use formal titles such as Shigung or Da Shifu.
The only exception is Shifu, which may be used informally to recognize instructors who actively teach and lead on the mat. It’s earned through leadership on the mat, not by rank alone.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.