Experience the Benefits of Martial arts in Owings Mills and Marriottsville

A Family That Kicks Together Sticks Together

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.

At the USKSA, we highly encourage and offer plans to make it easier for families to train together.

• Click Here For Benefits For Parents
• Click Here For Benefits For Kids

• Strength & Fitness
• Convenient Class Times
• New & Lasting Friendships
• Self Defense

When are family classes?

Family Kung Fu classes run six days a week, year-round, at both academies (Owings Mills and Marriottsville).

• Weekdays: evening classes after 5:00 pm
• Weekends: morning and early afternoon classes

Ages 4 and up. Every new family starts with a complimentary evaluation lesson, where we will match you to the class times that fit your schedule.

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 4 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.