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U.S. Kuo Shu Academy

Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang (黃乾量)

Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang

64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster • Founder, U.S. Kuo Shu Academy • Sole Full Heir to Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen

Quick Answer: Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang is the founder of U.S. Kuo Shu Academy, a 64th Generation Tien Shan Pai Grandmaster, and the sole full heir to Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen — the legendary "Double Broadsword King of China." Born in Malaysia in 1948, he arrived in the U.S. on April 26, 1973 and has built one of the most respected Chinese martial arts schools in the country over more than 50 years. He holds certified 10th Duan rankings from three international bodies and was named one of the most impactful martial artists of the 20th century by Inside Kung Fu Magazine.

Biography

Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang was born in 1948 in rural Malaysia, where he began studying Southern Style Kung Fu at age 12. In 1967, he moved to Taiwan to attend National Chung Hsing University, where he began training under Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen — the legendary "Double Broadsword King of China" and 63rd Generation head of Tien Shan Pai.

Through years of dedicated five-days-per-week training, Grandmaster Huang received formal disciple status and the Dao name "Chien-Liang," meaning "a person with great capacity," becoming the only full heir to the complete Tien Shan Pai system.

He arrived in Washington, D.C. on April 26, 1973 at age 25 and began teaching martial arts in the Bethesda, Maryland area. Over the following decades he established schools in Cincinnati, Ohio (1975), Gaithersburg, and Towson before founding the current locations in Owings Mills and Marriottsville, Maryland.

Credentials & Certifications

  • Certified 10th Duan — The World Kuo Shu Federation (TWKSF), 2004
  • Certified 10th Duan — World Traditional Martial Arts Union (WTMAU), 2005
  • Certified 10th Duan — Federation of International Guoshu (FIG), 2017
  • Doctor of Philosophy — College of Advanced Education and Martial Arts
  • Adjunct Professor of Tai Ji Quan — 25+ years
  • Head Coach, U.S. National Kuo Shu Team, 1986–2000

Awards & Recognition

  • "One of the Most Impactful Martial Artists of the 20th Century" — Inside Kung Fu Magazine, 1999
  • "One of the Most Influential Chinese Martial Arts Masters of the Past 30 Years" — Inside Kung Fu Magazine, 2003
  • U.S. Kuo Shu Hall of Fame — First Inductee, 2000
  • World Kuo Shu Hall of Fame — 2018
  • Dong Han Taoist Sect Lifetime Achievement for Excellence — 2006
  • "Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang Day" — Maryland Governor (1998), Baltimore County Executive (1998, 2013), Baltimore City Mayor (2008)
  • Presidential commendations from multiple U.S. Presidents

Federations Founded

  • United States Kuo Shu Federation (USKSF) — Founded 1991. Annual tournament in Hunt Valley, MD draws competitors from ~30 countries.
  • The World Kuo Shu Federation (TWKSF) — Founded 2002. International governing body for traditional Chinese martial arts competition.

The Tien Shan Pai Lineage

Grandmaster Huang is a 64th Generation disciple of Tien Shan Pai — a classical Chinese martial art originating in the Tien Shan (Celestial Mountain) region of northwestern China. He is the sole full heir to Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen, ensuring the complete, undiluted transmission of this system at U.S. Kuo Shu Academy. No other school in the United States holds this depth of direct Chinese martial arts lineage.

Page last reviewed: March 2026

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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