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 one hour in duration.
Students of the U.S. Kuoshu Academy must possess the attention span necessary to complete a one hour class. For this reason, classes for Kids’ Kung Fu are available for children ages six and up. In some cases, we have allowed students who possessed superior focus in to our program beginning at five and a half years old.
Kids Fun Night – October 2008, We had a lesson, watched a movie, and ate PIZZA!
Beginning at age thirteen – and depending on both parental input and student experience – we will start graduating teenagers to our Adult Kung Fu program.
The Youth Kung Fu program includes the following elements:
After achieving a Junior Black Sash, the student continues to learn until it is time to convert to the Adult Kung Fu 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. 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.