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Martial Arts Owings Mills and Marriottsville / Ellicott City Maryland | Call or text us to register: 443-888-2429 Email us: info@uskuoshu.com
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      January 02, 2023 2 min read

      When it’s that time for you to step up and start practicing martial arts, you might be confused about where to start. There are hundreds of martial arts styles, and how can you know what’s best for you?

      Thankfully, choosing the best style of martial arts for you is easier than you think. With some knowledge and a guide, you will be able to do this easily.

      The steps that help you choose

      STEP 1

      Determine your reason for learning

      Not everyone just ups and desires to learn martial arts. So if you have an interest in it, there must be a reason. Your reasons can be ridiculous or pretty serious, but it doesn’t matter because no two persons are the same. Some common reasons why people learn martial arts are to keep fit, master self-defense skills, be cool, meet new people, de-stress, or establish a new hobby. From your list of reasons, you can prioritize the ones that matter most and let this guide you in your search for the best martial style for you.

      STEP 2

      Know the styles that exist

      Martial arts isn’t just Kung Fu and karate. There are several types teaching various martial arts styles. Some styles or types are more formal than others. By formal we mean the style emphasizes details like the style of dress, method of addressing seniors, training etiquette, ceremony, and so on.

      Some styles are a little of this, and others can be described as informal.

      Aside from this differentiation, the more important one is styles in terms of techniques –

      1. Striking martial arts. Here students learn self-defense using their feet and moves like kicks and punches. Within this style, you will find types of martial arts such as boxing, kickboxing, Kung Fu, and karate.
      2. Grappling martial arts. This is exactly how it sounds and it involves been in full constant contact with your opponent with the intention of taking them to the ground. Examples are wrestling, Brazilian jujutsu, sumo, and Russian sambo.
      3. Weapon-based martial arts. This style trains heavily in using weapons and includes types like kendo and kali.
      4. Other styles include meditative styles (example Tai chi), throws or takedown styles (judo, aikido), and hybrid styles like MMA.

      Match a style with your most important reason for learning and you will be almost done choosing the best style of martial arts for you.

      STEP 3

      Dispel the myths

      It’s crucial to enter the martial arts world with the right mindset. Martial arts helps you improve yourself in unexpected ways but only if you let it. Some popular myths that may misinform your expectations are –

      A school can teach you the ultimate and most secret form of self-defense ever. Every martial art style is great in itself, and there’s no special secret to acquiring deadly skills. How good you become is all up to your hard work and dedication regardless of style.

      You can be too old to learn martial arts. This is untrue. Owings Mills Martial arts is for everyone and you only need to pick what suits you.

      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

      Master Instructor for Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association

      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

      Logistics Specialist

      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

      Engineer at Alleviation Institute, LLC

      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

      Owner of Mindful Healing Acupuncture

      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

      Accountant at CareFirst

      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

      Professor at Anne Arundel Community College

      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

      Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

      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

      Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

      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

      Professor at Anne Arundel Community College

      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

      Engineer at Alleviation Institute, LLC

      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

      Logistics Specialist

      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

      Master Instructor for Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association

      U.S. Kuo Shu Academy

      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.

      Irvin Lee

      Parent of two at USKSA