January 02, 2023 3 min read
If we had to pick a single character trait that is the capstone to every other aspect of becoming a successful martial artist and an all-around good person, respect would be our choice.
All the best martial arts schools promote a variety of positive principles, both philosophically and with activities during class and in the studio. From self-discipline and courtesy to hard work and perseverance, martial arts culture in and of itself promotes positive behaviors. When it comes to children’s martial arts, building the expectation and habit of respecting others and oneself is an important key from which all other positive character traits are built.
At the U.S. Kuo Shu Academy, we teach our students what respect is, what it looks like, and how it is displayed with respectful actions from the very first lesson.
The culture within the U.S. Kuo Shu Academy is courteous, kind, and respectful. With a children’s program, it starts with how the children address their instructor. Using formal terms to display respect such as “Master” or “Shi Fu” your child will be encouraged and reminded to use the proper titles when they address their seniors.
Children’s martial arts students will be taught traditional methods of showing respect to their training space, their masters, and to Kung Fu itself. Dojo etiquette such as bowing before entering and when exiting will start from day one. The behavior will be modeled by everyone in the school, from the most senior instructors to the newest students or staff.
When new students join the class, children will be guided to treat the new children who are their junior in martial arts knowledge and practice with the same respect they were shown when they arrived for their first classes. Students of martial arts are taught all-around respect that expands out to their community, teachers, parents, and the world-at-large.
Modeling expectations for children to show respect for others is quite straight forward. The traditions and etiquette are easy to teach and transform into a habit with the goal of use for earning sash promotions and during competition. However, encouraging children to respect themselves is a longer process. Still exhibited through example, gaining respect for oneself is accomplished through steady hard work and pride in one’s accomplishment.
We start by teaching children how to respect their bodies and their minds by making healthy choices and staying active. As children progress through the program they learn through their perseverance and hard work just what they are capable of and from that, they gain and sense of pride, self-worth, self-confidence, and self-respect.
Living and exhibiting the philosophy of Tien Shan Pai of “virtue, wisdom, humility, martial arts” is expected of all our students both inside and outside of the studio. Our culture of mutual respect is how children grow to embody these character traits as they are developing their life-long perceptions, attitudes, and values about the world they live in and the adult they will become.
We are proud to send our students out into the world as citizens with strong leadership skills as they demonstrate and earn respect for everyone in their community and around the world. The skills acquired in martial arts will carry them through their higher education, personal life, and careers with increased odds for success and happiness.
If you’re interested in a full character development program that is a fun extracurricular activity, we urge you to consider our children’s martial arts program. We offer a free semi-private class so you and your child can check us out. Call today to schedule your free class!
Owings Mills: (443) 606-8557
Marriottsville: (443) 329-8715
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.
Master Instructor for Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association
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.
Logistics Specialist
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.
Engineer at Alleviation Institute, LLC
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.
Owner of Mindful Healing Acupuncture
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.
Accountant at CareFirst
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.
Professor at Anne Arundel Community College
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.
Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
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.
Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
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.
Professor at Anne Arundel Community College
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.
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.
Engineer at Alleviation Institute, LLC
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.
Logistics Specialist
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.
Master Instructor for Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association
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.
Parent of two at USKSA
Martial Arts for Children & Adults
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