Not every child wants to participate in a team sport. Many like to be active and learn new things, but at their own pace.
Martial arts is often an activity that appeals to these kids, and for more than just its physical workout.
“Martial arts has been around for thousands of years, not just because of the physical skills they provide, but because of the focus, discipline, and follow through they teach,” says Master Michael Huang, owner of US KUO SHU ACADEMY.
Huang runs the academy with his father, Grand Master Huang Chien-Liang, who started the business in 1973. They have two schools, one in Owings Mills and one in Marriottsville, which have educated generations of families.
“It’s not just kicking and punching,” Huang says. “We want our students to think beyond that, to develop the soft skills that are not taught in school but will help them when they face adversity. We want them to develop good life habits.”
Students at US KUO SHU ACADEMY are expected to practice what they learn outside of the school. Some of these things include self-discipline at home, reading, healthy eating, and participating in community service.
“Character development and confidence are important to us,” Huang says. “We want to make sure that what our students learn at our academy will carry over to all parts of their lives. In that way, they are not just life skills. They are working on life mastery.”
Find out more at https://offers.martialartsmd.com/two-weeks-2020 .
March: Ready, Set, Focus
We’ve all been there: You ask your child to do his weekly chore, and he forgets… again. Or you ask your kids to pick up the backpacks and sneakers at the bottom of the stairs, and they walk right on by without even seeing them.
Kids, like us, have a lot on their minds—and a lot tugging for their attention and away from the tasks at hand. Some kids also have ADHD, so figuring out what to concentrate on, when, and for how long, can be a challenge.
Martial arts, as it turns out, offers a way for kids to hone focus as they work through each step in a kung fu program.
For one, “martial arts offer a place for kids to channel the energy they have been holding in throughout the school day,” says Master Michael Huang, owner of US KUO SHU ACADEMY.
Huang runs the academy with his father, Grand Master Huang Chien-Liang, who started the business in 1973. They have two schools, one in Owings Mills and one in Marriottsville, which have educated generations of families.
“A martial arts program, such as kung fu, has very clear and specific goals that each student is expected to achieve. There is the belt program that many are aware of,” Huang says. “To earn a belt, students must complete certain steps. There are physical moves for them to master, but also making sure what they learn is also practiced at home. These things include but are not limited to practicing self-discipline outside of the academy, reading, community service, and healthy eating.”
In this way, the program helps kids master discipline and follow through, two things that will help them with focus.
“And that’s what it’s all about,” Huang says. “We want to help our students grow. Their success is our success.”
Find out more at https://offers.martialartsmd.com/two-weeks-2020
