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U.S. Kuo Shu Academy

About us

Quick Answer: U.S. Kuo Shu Academy was established in 1973 by 64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang in Maryland. The academy is the only school in the country led by the sole full heir to Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen, the legendary "Double Broadsword King of China." Grandmaster Huang founded two international federations — the USKSF (1991) and TWKSF (2002) — and the academy has produced multiple world champions over more than 50 years.

Who We Are

U.S. Kuo Shu Academy is a traditional Chinese martial arts school established in 1973 by 64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang. The academy operates two locations in Maryland — Owings Mills (Baltimore County) and Marriottsville (Howard County) — serving families and individuals across the greater Baltimore metropolitan area.

For more than 50 years, U.S. Kuo Shu Academy has trained students in authentic Chinese martial arts, producing world champions and building character through the Tien Shan Pai system. The academy's motto — "Virtue, Wisdom, Humility, Martial Arts" — reflects a holistic approach to development that extends well beyond physical training. Approximately 200 students currently train at the two locations.

The Tien Shan Pai System

Tien Shan Pai (天山派, "Heavenly Mountain Style") is one of the oldest and most complete traditional Chinese martial arts systems, tracing its roots to the Tien Shan mountain range of northwestern China. The system encompasses empty-hand forms, weapons training, two-person combat sets, Qin Na (joint locks and grappling), lei tai (full-contact fighting), internal arts, and Daoist meditation.

Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang is the 64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster and the sole full heir to Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen, the legendary "Double Broadsword King of China" and 63rd Generation head of Tien Shan Pai. "Kuo Shu" (國術) means "National Art" — signifying kung fu as the national art of China. No other school in the region has this depth of direct Chinese martial arts lineage.

Our Motto: Virtue, Wisdom, Humility, Martial Arts

Virtue (德 Dé) — Living with integrity and moral character in all actions, both inside and outside the academy.

Wisdom (智 Zhì) — Developing understanding, sound judgment, and the capacity to learn continuously.

Humility (謙 Qiān) — Approaching training and life with openness, respect, and the recognition that mastery is a lifelong journey.

Martial Arts (武 Wǔ) — Pursuing physical excellence, technical skill, and the warrior's discipline that underpins all other virtues.

Our Leadership

Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang — Founder and head of U.S. Kuo Shu Academy, Grandmaster Huang is a 64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster certified 10th Duan by three international bodies (TWKSF, WTMAU, FIG). He arrived in the United States on April 26, 1973, and has dedicated more than 50 years to preserving and teaching Tien Shan Pai. He founded the United States Kuo Shu Federation (1991) and The World Kuo Shu Federation (2002), and served as Head Coach of the U.S. National Kuo Shu Team from 1986 to 2000. Read Grandmaster Huang's full biography →

Master Michael Huang — Master Instructor and President of the International Tien Shan Pai Association (ITSPA). An 8th Degree Tien Shan Pai practitioner who has trained since age 3.5, Master Michael Huang is a published author of three books, a multiple world championship competitor, and an internationally certified TWKSF Level A Referee. Read Master Michael Huang's full biography →

The academy's instructor team also includes Master Chisholm (65th Generation, USKSF Secretary General, World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee) and Shi Fu Gafos (65th Generation, 2009 World Champion).

Awards and Recognition

  • Named "One of the Most Impactful Martial Artists of the 20th Century" — Inside Kung Fu, 1999
  • Named "Most Influential Chinese Martial Arts Masters of the Past 30 Years" — Inside Kung Fu, 2003
  • U.S. Kuo Shu Hall of Fame (2000) and World Kuo Shu Hall of Fame (2018) inductee
  • World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee (Master Chisholm, 1992)
  • Multiple world championship competitors and medalists
  • April 26 proclaimed "Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang Day" by Maryland Governor, Baltimore County Executive, and Baltimore City Mayor
  • Presidential commendations from multiple U.S. Presidents
  • Annual tournament drawing competitors from approximately 30 countries

Our Locations

  • Owings Mills — 10999 Red Run Blvd, Suite 214, Owings Mills, MD 21117 — (443) 394-9222
  • Marriottsville — 2470 Longstone Lane, Suite O, Marriottsville, MD 21104 — (443) 545-5566

Both locations are open Monday–Friday 11 AM – 9 PM and Saturday–Sunday 9 AM – 1 PM. Call (443) 888-2429 or email info@uskuoshu.com for more information.

Our Programs

  • Kids Kung Fu — Traditional Tien Shan Pai training for children starting as young as age 4, with emphasis on character development, discipline, and physical fitness.
  • Adult Kung Fu — Comprehensive Tien Shan Pai training for adults of all experience levels, including forms, weapons, sparring, and competition preparation.
  • Family Kung Fu — Programs designed for families to train together.
  • Tai Chi — Yang Style Tai Ji Quan for health, balance, and stress reduction.
  • Self-Defense — 5-stage progressive self-defense curriculum for youth, adults, women, and seniors.
  • Meditation — Daoist meditation integrated with martial arts training.
  • Private Lessons — One-on-one instruction available.

Affiliated Organizations

  • International Tien Shan Pai Association (ITSPA) — The parent organization for Tien Shan Pai worldwide. Master Michael Huang serves as President.
  • United States Kuo Shu Federation (USKSF) — Founded 1991 by Grandmaster Huang. Provides tournament pathway and rank certification for U.S. martial artists. Master Chisholm is Secretary General.
  • The World Kuo Shu Federation (TWKSF) — Founded 2002 by Grandmaster Huang. Hosts international championships drawing competitors from approximately 30 countries.

Page last reviewed: March 2026

Kung Fu is so much more than just a sport or martial art. It develops the student in mind, body, and spirit, and will set them on a course for success in all areas of life.

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What Our Students Say

  • Nelson Ferriera
    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.
  • Bruce Seward
    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.
  • Alex Reznikov
    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.
  • Steve Smith
    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.
  • Xylia Hall
    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.
  • Margaret Boas
    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.
  • Jeramy Hansen
    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.

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