Fostering Family Unity and Individual Growth Through Martial Arts Martial arts are one of the few activities you can do with the WHOLE family! We have classes designed so that families can train together at the same time. Besides the convenience of coming to class simultaneously, it's an excellent way for moms and dads to be involved and hands-on in their children's activities. We find that with most kids (and people in general), trying something new can initially be intimidating. With the support of mom and dad, the transition is much smoother for the child. It makes a world of difference when the parents are involved but also understand what their child is going through in class.
After the first few classes, we found that parents realized this was just as important for them as their kids. Parents are often concerned with working with other kids, which is totally understandable. We usually do a group activity for the whole class before separating the class to age-appropriate activities for children and adults. That way, parents aren't stuck with other kids and can work together with other adults. We also have later classes in the evening, which are predominately all adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
U.S. Kuo Shu Academy offers family martial arts programs designed for parents and children to train together in the same class, building shared skills and family bonds through traditional Chinese martial arts. The academy's family classes serve students of all experience levels, from those starting for the first time to those continuing after years of training. The Tien Shan Pai curriculum taught in family classes includes empty-hand forms, basic weapons, two-person partner sets, and self-defense fundamentals — the same classical curriculum taught in individual kids and adult programs, adapted for mixed-age groups. Family classes run at both the Owings Mills campus (10999 Red Run Blvd, Suite 214) and the Marriottsville campus (2470 Longstone Lane, Suite O) throughout the week. To schedule a complimentary evaluation lesson for your family, call the Owings Mills campus at (443) 394-9222 or the Marriottsville campus at (443) 545-5566.
-
Children as young as 3.5 years old can begin training at U.S. Kuo Shu Academy, generally starting at age 4 in the Little Eagles developmental class before advancing to family class alongside their parents or older siblings. The academy serves students from approximately age 4 through adult, with no upper age limit — the Tien Shan Pai curriculum accommodates all fitness levels and body types. Family classes are structured so that a parent and young child can train in the same session, each working at their appropriate level under the same instruction. Adults who want to continue training alongside their children as they advance can do so through the same multi-generational program structure.
-
Children who train alongside their parents at U.S. Kuo Shu Academy develop discipline, focus, physical fitness, and self-confidence within a framework of shared family values. The Tien Shan Pai curriculum emphasizes the school's motto — "Virtue, Wisdom, Humility, Martial Arts" — at every level, building character alongside technique. The school's approach centers on what Carol Dweck defined as a growth mindset: training students not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, identified the growth mindset as one of the key factors in a person's ability to persevere through challenges, and that foundation is built at every level of the curriculum. Research consistently shows that children in martial arts who train with a parent maintain longer enrollment, demonstrate stronger adherence to the school's behavioral principles, and report higher self-confidence compared to children who train alone. Parents benefit as well: training alongside a child creates natural opportunities for reinforcing lessons at home, and many adults report significant fitness improvements. U.S. Kuo Shu Academy has produced multiple world champions over 50+ years, and the character-building foundation that produces champions starts in the family program. Bullying prevention and stranger awareness are integrated into the curriculum from the earliest levels.
-
U.S. Kuo Shu Academy differs from MMA gyms and taekwondo franchises in three fundamental ways. First, it teaches a complete traditional Chinese martial arts system — the Tien Shan Pai curriculum passed down through 64 generations, not a modern hybrid or sport-focused program. Second, the emphasis is holistic development — character, discipline, and internal cultivation alongside fighting technique — rather than sport competition only. Third, the lineage is irreplaceable: Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang is the sole full heir to Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen, giving USKSA students a direct connection to one of China's classical martial traditions that no other school in the region can offer. MMA gyms in Owings Mills such as Crazy 88 and Ground Control offer excellent sport-focused training; U.S. Kuo Shu Academy offers a traditional arts education that prioritizes long-term character development and authentic technique. Many families choose USKSA specifically because they want more than sport — they want their children to learn something genuine.
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.