Self Defense
The Chinese martial arts have been traditionally categorized as internal and external arts. The internal arts – taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), xingyiquan (Hsing I Chuan), and baguazhang (Pa Kua Chang) -- focus emphasize the use of meditative practices and full body coordination. Each of these internal martial arts emphasizes specific characteristics that give them a unique flavor and appearance. All three styles include training in empty hand forms, weapons forms, two person drills, self-defense applications, free fighting techniques and power development. At the U.S. Kuoshu Academy, you can benefit from instruction in any of these arts. The dedicated and industrious student may choose to study several of these styles.
At the U.S. Kuoshu Academy, we teach a complete program in traditional Tai Chi Chuan (taijiquan). In the United States, these practices are sometimes called "Tai Chi." Our Tai Chi program is as compelling and sophisticated as the kung fu (external) program.
At the beginner level, the Tai Chi program includes stretching and warm up exercises, breathing exercises (called "chi kung" or "qigong"), and pre-arranged sequences of techniques which we call "forms." After developing skill in the beginner level, students start to take on paired exercises (called "pushing hands") to develop specific skills and learn weapon routines. Later, some Tai Chi students elect to participate in the school’s meditation curriculum, in order to develop a deeper experience in these Chinese arts.
Working the Yang Style Long Form of Tai Chi Chuan
Taijiquan emphasizes yielding to the oncoming force, neutralizing the attack, then counterattacking, giving it the feeling of "a needle hidden in cotton." The Taijiquan forms are done very slowly and are essentially a moving meditation. Students begin their taijiquan instruction with Yang style taijiquan. Other taijiquan styles available include Chen Pan Ling and Ancient style. Students are trained in qigong, pushing hands exercises, taijiquan free fighting, taijiquan weapons (broadsword, straightsword, long staff, spear, large broadsword and straightsword two person sets), and taijiquan two-man set.
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.
The program is available for all interested children and adults, regardless of age or physical ability, and currently includes students from their teens to their eighties. Tai Chi is taught in group lessons but individual instruction is available with Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang for the interested student.
Tai Chi is appropriate for adults who are generally between the ages of fifteen and 65 years old. Some of our students are older than sixty five years and still participate in Tai Chi on a regular basis. Tai chi training will improve coordination, flexibility and balance.
Grandmaster Huang corrects the Tai Chi Broadsword
The level of physical activity required in Tai Chi is not as demanding as kung fu. If you are looking for a rigorous exercise program, you may wish to explore our Adult Kung Fu program. At the higher levels, certain Tai Chi training can be as physically demanding as kung fu training. If you are concerned that this program is not well suited to you – that it is either too demanding or not vigorous enough – you may also meet with one of our instructors for an introduction lesson and discuss your concerns at that time. While often viewed as an activity for adults only, the art of Tai Chi has also been shown to improve focus, attention, body image and overall self-esteem in young adults. Tai chi training will focus on improved coordination, flexibility and balance and is appropriate for all ages.
The Tai Chi program includes the following elements:
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.
Pushing Hands is the start of Tai Chi self defense training
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.