The Benefits of Shou Shu

Moore's Martial Arts of Citrus Heights wants you to know that the benefits of Shou Shu are like many other martial arts practices – skill development, physical fitness, mental focus, confidence, coordination, stress relief, and more.

What Makes Shou Shu Different?

Shou Shu is a unique martial art that we feel is the most applicable to real-world self-defense. It is an art form designed to disarm and stop multiple attackers with a single sequence of moves. From your first day of training, you'll learn how to protect yourself in situations that can, and do unfortunately, happen on the streets every day.

We are proud of our blend of combative practices as well as graceful technique that our students have used to not only defend themselves – to also save their life. From children being bullied to law enforcement officers, to our older and seemingly vulnerable (we say seemingly because we have some amazing older black belts that you would NOT want to get in a fight with), all ages benefit from and can take this training.

The best way to show you is to have you feel it. Come on, who doesn’t want to be a ninja?

We have designed our coaching for several different age groups. We have a set of practices for children aged 4-6, another more technical set for children aged 7-13, and the final technique that is taught to those 14 and up through adulthood.

We can teach this art in a way to accommodate those with physical limitations, injury, or even with a disability, which makes this a whole family practice. The art form is also sustainable – unlike other physical activities, this is something that can grow with you as you age.

We strongly believe that EVERYONE should learn martial arts – and our reliable technique of training has found a way to make that happen for everyone for over 60 years!

Reasons to perform Shou Shu

• Learn basic techniques
• Lifetime training
• To provide community and a healthy routine
• Recovering from abuse or bullying and to restore self-esteem and confidence
• To make healthier choices and join a community of like-minded people
• To improve coordination and focus

Whatever the reason, Shou Shu serves you at a physical, mental, and emotional level.

Shou Shu translates to "The Fighting Way of the Beasts," and true to its name there are 7 beast styles that we instruct. Each is unique and has its own strengths and weaknesses. The more beasts you learn, the more styles and skill sets you have to take from in a combative situation to be most effective. Each beast also requires more technique and builds upon the previous practices learned.

We have an immensely powerful teaching staff. Our head instructor, Shi Gung Kemp, is a 5th-degree black belt in Shou Shu, mastering 5 of the 7 beasts. He has been training in Shou Shu since 1999, helped start/run 5 different schools, and has been involved with almost every school in the Moore’s system at one point or another during his martial arts career.

He has a true passion for teaching, which you can see with his hands-on approach at every student level. He knows when to be patient or encouraging to the younger students, he knows how to instill respect and grace in his older children students, and watches his adult students carefully, giving each unique instruction based on their abilities and they way they best learn. He has mentored thousands of martial artists throughout his career and is far from slowing down!

Shi Gung has added meditation and yoga for his students, as well as fun activities for the kids including camp, parties, belt ceremonies for the whole family to attend, fundraiser BBQ’s to help families in need, and more!

Another reason to consider Shou Shu is our family atmosphere – our community is an important part of the practice. A recent study by Kaiser showed that 22% of adults feel lonely or isolated. Being a part of a community is important to combat these feelings and for social and emotional health. Moving and working together for a common goal is a powerful process, and those further along on the path are always happy to help those behind them on their journey.

Again, the best way to find your why is to just come in. Regardless if your goals are physical, mental, or emotional, the only way to find out if Shou Shu is a right fit for you is to try it. You are welcome in our studio anytime!