International Shou Shu Association

My brief history: I was a competition hang glider pilot who flew aggressively on many mountain sites in the western united states. Due to the nature of the sport, I crashed a lot. Due to the nature of my body (thin with pathetic small bones) I broke a lot. After about 8 major injuries, I finally decided to quit. Unfortunately, perhaps due to massive physical abuse I had heaped on my body, it was too late. I developed a cascade of symptoms such as multi-focal pain syndrome (used to be called RSD) and fibromyalgia. Fast forward a few years and I am damn near a cripple, struggling with chronic fatigue, bizarre pain, and looking down the barrel of disability. Desparately trying to stay functional, I walked into a Shou Shu based Tai Chi class with Shun Shifu Dan Sandelin. For me, that is when when my recovery began. Two months later, I started taking Shou Shu. Now, four years later, at the tender age of 46, I am without reservation, in the best physical shape of my life. I have an addiction to punching bags and would sooner train than do just about anything else.

I work as a registered nurse by day, and either teach or train every night. My lead instructor is Shun Shifu Dan Sandelin. Currently working on Bear.