The Shou Shu Athletic Council (SAC) 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, SAC 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.
The SAC operates under a decentralized model. Each instructor has the freedom to design their own curriculum, training format, as long as their approach supports the SAC’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 SAC 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:
SAC recognizes that Sport-Based ranks and Traditional ranks are separate systems with different goals and standards. A rank earned in the SAC system does not imply holding the same rank within the traditional Shou Shu hierarchy. However, SAC has no issue recognizing legitimate ranks earned through traditional Shou Shu lineages, and respects the experience behind them.
The SAC 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 SAC, 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.
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