Leading With Humility 謙 (qiān)
In Tien Shan Pai, humility is not merely a value but the foundation of leadership and growth, as described on tienshanpai.org:
“As martial artists develop physical and mental prowess, it becomes increasingly important to temper these accomplishments with humility. Martial arts are used to defend oneself as a last resort. If we abuse our skill through arrogant behavior, boasting, or intimidating others, we bring shame to our System and our teachers. There is always the possibility that we can learn more about any endeavor, including martial arts. The more we feel that we know, the less open we are to learn. Cultivate a 'beginner’s mind' when approaching Kuo Shu training or other matters in life. Consider yourself an empty cup waiting to be filled with something fresh and exciting. If you are already full, everything new will simply overflow and be wasted.”
Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang’s life story is a living example of this principle. His journey, shared in My American Journey, reveals how humility shaped his path from his earliest days to his role as a global leader in martial arts.
🌱 Humble Beginnings
Growing up in the countryside of Malaysia, Grandmaster Huang learned early that perseverance and gratitude were essential to growth. When he came to the United States to build his school, he sacrificed personal comfort — sleeping and showering at the school — so he could devote himself fully to teaching and preserving the art of Tien Shan Pai. These choices reflected not ambition, but humility: a willingness to serve his students and community above himself.
🌍 Learning Through Service
As his reputation grew, Grandmaster Huang never stopped cultivating a “beginner’s mind.” He traveled to more than 30 countries, not only to teach but also to learn from others. His humility allowed him to embrace different traditions, exchange knowledge, and strengthen martial arts as a global bridge between communities. Even as the 64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster, he continues to see himself as a student, open to new lessons.
🤝 Gratitude in Leadership
Grandmaster Huang’s humility is most evident in how he credits his disciples and students for his recognition. Whether coaching the U.S. National Kuo Shu Team or founding international federations, he consistently emphasizes that success is shared, not owned. His leadership has never been about personal glory, but about service, ethics, and gratitude.
✨ A Humble Reflection
InMy American Journey, Grandmaster Huang offers a reflection that captures the essence of his humility:
“I am deeply appreciative of all the opportunities I have had. It fills me with a sense of gratitude and humility to have contributed to Kung Fu in my little way. None of this recognition would have been possible without the dedicated support of my disciples and students. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their contributions. I would like you to consider one more thought. If a boy who grew up in the countryside of Malaysia can do this, you can achieve even more. With perseverance and hard work, everything is possible.”
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.