International Shou Shu Association

Salute! I studied Shou Shu when I was young at Shun Shifu Bottimore's quan on Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento. My father and I left Moore's just before I was scheduled to test for my Blue. My personal instructor was Mr. (later Shifu) Carter, but I was taught also by my father (Bob Johnson, a High Green/Red) and by Shun Shifu as well at times. As a child I always thought I had some how got away with murder when I (somehow) snuck over and watched Mr. (now Shifu) Staup test on Mass Attack before Da Shifu Al Moore and Shun Shifu. I was informed years later that Da Shifu had known I was watching (of course!) and had allowed it. I have always felt honored by that, and seeing that form being masterfully executed by such a great martial artist instilled a deep love and passion for the art, like I had never felt before, and which has never died. I didn't know Da Shifu well, but he was always kind, and even his mere presence was inspiring and uplifting; I remember watching him walk by when He would visit... it was like the man floated, as his head never bobbed, his motion was so refined. He cured my father of Pneumonia once, driving the infection out of his body by striking my father's gi three times, the chi immediately breaking it up and pushing it out. My father loves telling the story of how Da Shifu knocked out Shifu Kipp Johnson with "iron finger" because he wasn't ready for Iron Palm, and had joked that it was not real. Memories... Seeing this site, and seeing that some are still teaching as it was taught when Da Shifu was still with us, and then finding that there was a school (7 Beasts) within walking distance of my home... well, I'm really excited! I really want my wife and children to learn Martial Arts, and there is none better than Shou Shu. I just enrolled at 7 Beasts, and it's great to be back! Salute!