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.
While we are teaching a martial arts program, we take care not to emphasize some of the more intense techniques to safeguard our children. To take this a step further, the Kids - Kung Fu curriculum is also carefully designed to insure that nothing is done to hinder the natural development of growing bodies.
Training the Front Heel Kick into a focus pad
In the background of our instruction, we emphasize discipline, respect, self-control, concentration and academic achievement. Students are required to exhibit these qualities both inside and outside of the school. A clear but subtle message in our program is an understanding of when, and just as important, when not to use the skills learned and honed in class. In fact, we explain to our students how to avoid conflicts, and promote the conflict resolution methods taught in the public school systems. Our students know that defense using kung fu is a last resort and only to be used in an emergency. Likewise, our students know they are not to practice on the family pet, older and younger siblings, and of course, mom and dad.
Our students benefit from enhanced listening skills, body strengthening and coordination, and self confidence as a result of our training programs.
We have designed our Class Schedule to place Kids - Kung Fu classes early in the evening on Monday through Thursday to allow time for homework and other activities. On Saturdays, the classes are in the late morning. All classes are 40 minets in duration.
Students of the U.S. Kuoshu Academy must possess the attention span necessary to complete a whole class. For this reason, classes for Kids - Kung Fu are available for children ages five and up. In some cases, we have allowed students who possessed superior focus in to our program beginning at four years old.
Kids Night Out - We had a lesson, hung out with friends and watched a movie
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.
There is a growing recognition that regular exercise program is important for people of all ages and it is never too young to start. Indeed, getting kids involved in sports or other physical activities young could be the key to establishing a life-long commitment to an active lifestyle.
Based on our experience, and some studies on martial arts participation, we have found that the Kids Kung Fu program can help improve our student - capabilities in the following areas:
Discipline - Our structured program trains our younger student to control themselves and follow the instructors throughout the hour-long classes; students are not permitted to use their martial arts skills outside of the classroom.
Flexibility - Stretching is integral part of program, improving flexibility for our students.
Focus - Our emphasis on mastery of physical movements helps our students with continued attention on a single task. Our training is a different and complimentary practice to the kind of mental exercises required in school work.
Self-esteem - Students expand their self-confidence through setting progressive training goals and then reaching those goals.
Courtesy - Our programs teaches martial arts skill and appropriate behavior. Our instructors reinforce our requirement that students demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.
A recent Washington Post article describes the appropriate level of physical activity for both adults and children.
