We offer a complete program in traditional Tai Ji Quan (also spelled Tai Chi Chuan), more commonly referred to as simply “Tai Chi.” HARVARD ranked Tai Ji Quan as one of the BEST EXERCISES YOU CAN EVER DO because its slow movements help strengthen and preserve muscle as we age.
New students start their journey in Tai Ji Quan with four components:
• Meditation
• Warm-Up and Stretching
• Qi Gong also spelled chi kung (Breathing exercises)
• Form (pre-arranged sequences of techniques often referred to as moving meditation)
After developing skills at the beginner level, students start to take on paired exercises (called “pushing hands”) to develop specific skills and learn weapon routines. Later, some students elect to participate in the school Daoist meditation curriculum to develop a more in-depth understanding of these Chinese arts.
Tai Ji Quan emphasizes yielding to the oncoming force, neutralizing the attack, and then counterattacking. Our curriculum includes Yang style Tai Ji Quan, Chen Pan Ling (a combination of Yang, Chen, and Wu style), and Ancient form.
From an outsider’s perspective, martial arts in general appear to be a very “external” activity. But nothing could be further from the truth. All styles of Chinese martial arts have elements that are both “internal” and “external,” however some focus more on one than the other. The arts of Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), Xing Yi Quan (Hsing I Chuan), and Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang) are considered “internal,” focusing on the use of meditative practices and full body coordination. Each of these internal martial arts emphasizes specific characteristics that give them a unique flavor and appearance. All three styles include training in empty hand forms, weapons forms, two person drills, self-defense applications, free fighting techniques and power development. At the U.S. Kuo Shu Academy, you can benefit from instruction in any of these arts.
Tai Ji Quan @ U.S. Kuo Shu Academy from USKSA Videos on Vimeo.
Both our Owings Mills and Marriottsville locations offer a complete program in traditional Tai Ji Quan, more commonly referred to as simply “Tai Chi.” This low-impact program is just as compelling and sophisticated as the kung fu program, which is an “external” focused art.
New students start their journey in Tai Chi Chuan by stretching and learning warm up exercises, breathing exercises (called “chi kung” or “qi gong”), and prearranged sequences of techniques which we call “forms.” After developing skill in the beginner level, students start to take on paired exercises (called “pushing hands”) to develop specific skills and learn weapon routines. Later, some students elect to participate in the school Daoist meditation curriculum, in order to develop a deeper experience in these Chinese arts.
Tai Chi Chuan emphasizes yielding to the oncoming force, neutralizing the attack, and then counterattacking. The forms are done very slowly and are essentially a moving meditation. At the beginning of this program, students learn with Yang style Tai Chi. Other styles available include Chen Pan Ling and Ancient style. Additionally, students are trained in Qi Gong, pushing hands exercises, free fighting, various weapons (broadsword, straightsword, long staff, spear, large broadsword and straightsword two person sets), and Tai Chi Chuan two-man set.
There is increasing evidence of a wide array of health benefits for practicing Tai Chi.
Tai Chi may also help with:
In the background of our instruction, we emphasize the philosophies expressed in the Tien Shan Pai Motto “Virtue, Wisdom, Humility, Martial Arts in Owings Mills.” Students are expected to exhibit these qualities both inside and outside of the school.
At first glance, these elements may sound intimidating, but our Tai Chi instructors at both U.S. Kuo Shu locations gradually introduce new elements as students learn, gaining confidence and mastery in each.
Start your journey in Tai Chi today by calling U.S. Kuo Shu Academy at 443-545-5566 in Marriottsville, or 443-394-9222 for our Owings Mills location today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and are excited to introduce you to the beautiful art of Tai Chi.
Be sure to check out Xing Yi classes too!
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
No Experience Necessary