Self Defense
At the U.S. Kuoshu Academy, we teach a complete program in traditional Chinese martial arts. In the United States, these practices are sometimes called "kung fu."
At the beginner level, the Kung Fu program includes stretching and warm up exercises, kicking and punching techniques, and pre-arranged sequences of techniques which we call "forms." After developing skill in the beginner level, students start to take on sparring practice and weapons training. Later, some kung fu students elect to participate in the school’s tai chi curriculum, in order to develop a fuller perspective of the Chinese martial arts.
In the background of our instruction, we emphasize the philosophies expressed in the Tien Shan Pai Motto "Virtue, Wisdom, Humility, Martial Arts". Students are expected to exhibit these qualities both inside and outside of the school.
Our principle kung fu style is Tien Shan Pai, a northern style which originated in the Tien Shan mountains of northwestern China. It is well known as an effective fighting style. At the same time, Tien Shan Pai also contains graceful empty-hand and weapons forms stressing rhythm and "ing shou"— the demonstration of power accentuated by solid thuds made by the hands. Tien Shan Pai self-defense is characterized by attacks from the side coupled with multiple blocks, so that if one block fails, the second can cover. Footwork is considered essential to countering attacks; Tien Shan Pai focuses on low, steady steps to the side, along with swift "hidden" steps to trick the opponent.
2-Man Set at Grandmaster Huang’s 35th Anniversary Charity Demonstration
Our kung fu program also features forms from the Nanjing Central Kuoshu Academy, a martial arts university created in the 1930s in China. Other kung fu styles include Ground style, Monkey style, Sun Bin boxing, and so on.
We train in a variety of Chinese weapons, including broadsword, straight sword, long staff, short staff, spear, steel whip and big knife (Kwan Dao). Double weapon training (double straightsword, double broadsword, double hooksword) and weapon two-person sets are also included in the standard curriculum.
Students are also trained in qinna (joint locking and grappling), shuai chiao (Chinese wrestling/throwing), and san da (fighting techniques). For advanced practitioners, power training in iron palm, pole and martial qigong is possible.
Our Adult Kung Fu program is appropriate for physically fit adults or those who wish to be. Our students range in age from fifteen to approximately 55 years old. In the past, some of our students have been 55 years or older, and still participated in kung fu. The level of physical activity required in kung fu is similar to the requirements for sports such as basketball, running, and tennis. The Kung Fu program, as with other sports, is generally progressive with respect to the difficulty of the skills and techniques used. This means that beginner students are not required to perform overly complex or difficult techniques until they have a skilled foundation and the stamina needed for advanced Kung Fu. While kung fu is an excellent training method to reach or maintain a high level of physical fitness, it is nonetheless a vigorous form of exercise. As with any form of exercise, we recommend that you discuss any physical concerns you have with your doctor or medical advisor prior to beginning the program. Within our Kung Fu program, students are taught a complete body warm up system that promotes flexibility, balance, and muscle tone and warming to minimize the potential for injury. Additionally, our students have reported that certain chronic ailments have improved through the regular stretching and exercise or our Kung Fu program.
Adult Kung Fu, What is next… a Kick or a Punch?
If you are concerned that this program is not well suited to you, we suggest that you explore the Tai Chi program offered at U.S. Kuoshu Academy. You may also meet with one of our instructors for an introduction lesson and discuss your concerns at that time. If you are still concerned about your ability to participate after your first Introductory Lesson, we can arrange for an introduction to Tai Chi with your remaining lessons.
The overall USKA curriculum features rich and diverse offerings, providing for extensive training in Kung Fu, Taijiquan and other Chinese martial arts systems. Portions of this curriculum were taught by Supreme Master Wang, Cheuh-Jen, 63rd Generation Grandmaster of Tien Shan Pai, and have been updated and supplemented by Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang, based on his extensive training and personal instructional experience.
The curriculum addresses training in a progressive manner – each level makes available the skills necessary for advancement to higher levels of accomplishment. Below, we have featured details on some of the major programs offered, including Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Xingyiquan and Baquazhang. Additional training opportunities are featured as well.
Note: Displayed below is the Adult Kung Fu curriculum up to 5th Degree Black Sash. Not all elements of the curriculum are shown, and the curriculum is subject to change without notice. Slight variations and adjustments have been made to this curriculum for our youth program.
We invite you to watch a class, at your convenience, to get a feel for our programs, but the best way to evaluate our programs is to try some lessons. We charge $25 for three (3) half-hour sessions with an instructor, and this price includes the basic training uniform. Introductory Lessons are done by appointment, so please call the school (443-394-9222) to schedule your first lesson. In some cases, our schedules may permit you to begin on the same day you call. Introductory lessons are typically offered Monday through Thursday evenings, and on Saturday mornings, or basically, during our normal business hours.
Instruction in the Broadsword
Check our Schedule to see the available class times. When you call to schedule an introduction lesson, please be prepared to leave your name, your child’s name, their age, your contact phone number and the best dates/times for you. If an instructor is not available to schedule your introductory lesson immediately, kindly leave a message and we will call you back shortly. During your Intro, you will have an opportunity to visit our school, meet our skilled staff, experience our teaching methods, and begin training with fundamental techniques.