Dedication Through Martial Arts 武 (wǔ) — Part 1
The Tien Shan Pai motto ends with Martial Arts 武 (wǔ), as described on tienshanpai.org: “This character carries the meaning of martial arts expertise. It can also imply valiance, courage, and ferocity. All of the characteristics in our motto are important, but we place this value last. This placement is intentional. Improving our martial arts skill is the focus of our daily training at the US Kuo Shu Academy but it is not our ultimate goal. Our primary purpose is to develop into the best possible human beings we can be. Diligent and dedicated training in Chinese martial arts can help us better ourselves. This traditional Chinese approach — our teaching methods, our course material, and our emphasis on character — distinguishes the US Kuo Shu Academy from other, less traditional schools.”
Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang has had numerous accomplishments as a martial artist for almost 60 years. However, as shared in My American Journey, the most meaningful have been the teachings and recognitions bestowed by his teacher, Supreme Master Wang, Cheuh-Jen.
Learning from Supreme Master Wang
"In the fall of 1967, I began studying martial arts with my Shi Ye, Supreme Master Wang, Chueh-Jen (王玨錱). For those who are not familiar with the term, Shi Ye is the traditional reference for a teacher of Northern Chinese martial arts.
My Shi Ye was a very accomplished teacher. He was also very stern and didn’t talk much. He was from a wealthy family, but during the Chinese civil war, he had lost nearly everything and had to move to Taiwan. There, he taught hand-to-hand combat for the Chiang Kai Shek Special Forces before settling down in Taichung, Taiwan.
The years I spent with Shi Ye were some of the best years of my life. I learned the importance of discipline and dedication through Chinese martial arts. I practiced every day. Because of Shi Ye’s emphasis on self-control and discipline, throughout my life, I was able to maintain focus, integrity, and hard work."
Becoming the Sole Formal Disciple
With the blessing of his teacher, Grandmaster Huang moved to the United States in 1973 to teach Tien Shan Pai and maintained close communication with his Shi Ye. Supreme Master Wang made his second to last visit to the United States in the fall of 1985 and stayed with Grandmaster Huang. During that visit, Wang explained to Huang that he was his only formal disciple, as Huang was the only student to complete the full, formal ceremony of discipleship. This showed the trust that Wang had placed in Huang, as well as his plans to establish him as successor and lineage holder of Tien Shan Pai. During this time, Wang also gave Huang the Dao name Chien-Liang (乾量), which means “a person with great capacity.”
Carrying the Legacy Forward
For over 30 years, Grandmaster Huang has stood as the 64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster, a role earned through decades of dedication and the profound trust of Supreme Master Wang. His leadership ensures that the traditions, teachings, and spirit of Tien Shan Pai continue to thrive within our community. As students, families, and instructors, we are part of this living legacy—one that challenges us to train hard, live with integrity, and become the best versions of ourselves.
What Others Say About us!
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The School has Transformed my Life.
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
Steve Smith
Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused & organized at work
It has helped me keep my sanity! Made me healthier physically and mentally and more focused and organized at work. I am a better person, writer, and mother because of my experiences at USKSA. And it's been the "village" that has helped my sons learn about values and character and hard work. If you want to change your life for the better, if you want to give your children tools...then this is the place.
Xylia Hall
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people.
Jeramy Hansen
I’ve gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized
My association with this system began 7 years ago. My only goal at the time was to have a form of exercise in my life that didn't bore me. I was very overweight and was in desperate needs of getting in shape. In addition to helping me lose over 100 lbs, I've gained a sense of self-confidence I had never realized was missing from my life. I've made friendships that will last the rest of my life. I've been mentored by some amazing people, and I've had the great honor to mentor some amazing people. Joining US Kuo Shu Academy was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Jeramy Hansen
Nothing Short of Amazing
The US Kuo Shu Academy is an amazing, traditional martial arts school with stellar instructors and an incredibly well-developed curriculum. My experience there - both at Owings Mills and in Marriottsville - has been nothing short of amazing. The Tai Chi program provides an incredibly layered experience that combines both the meditative/health aspects of Tai Chi, along with the martial aspects of the form. They truly care about their students, and provide expertise and support in an environment that is both caring and rigorous. Whether your interest in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, meditation or martial practice, this is the place to be.
Margaret Boas
I am learning how to be a Better Person
I am proud to study at US Kuo Shu Academy for Three Main Reasons. The instructors provide superior quality teaching and have in-depth knowledge of martial arts principles The genuine passion for teaching authentic martial arts, The sincere attitude that permeates every class that I am not just learning how to be a better martial artist, I am learning how to be a better person.
USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it’s a lifestyle
How lucky it was, that we stopped by USKSA. Instantly it becomes an irreplaceable part of life. And not just for my daughter, mine as well, since I became a student too. USKSA is not just a Chinese martial arts school, it is a lifestyle. It is a family. The school changed my life I can proudly say: I am a better person now, stronger (mentally and physically), even happier than I've been before I joined the USKSA. There is not enough good words to say. Thank you.
Alex Reznikov
The School has Transformed my Life
The school has transformed my life and made me a better man body and soul. It's really special to witness the transformation of the the youth at the school as well. The staff at the school really care about the students and each other. This is all so vital to our youth for they are the future of things to come.
Bruce Seward
One of the Finest Chinese Martial Arts Schools in the Country
Some of the best competitors and teachers that I've ever met come from this fine school. It has a tradition of excellence in all they do. Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and the US Kuo Shu Academy build champions with integrity.
Nelson Ferriera
The Best School of Martial Arts
My children have been students for more than 4 years now and they love this school of martial arts. US Kuo Shu Academy is their second home, learning not just Kung Fu but also developing one’s character as a good, responsible, respectful and disciplined citizen. Thank you very much Grandmaster Huang. Master Michael Hung and all the teachers and students for making this place the best school of martial arts.