2023 USKSF Tournament Book DIGITALversion FINAL - Flipbook - Page 18
THE UNITED STATES KUO SHU FEDERATION
Kuo Shu, translated literally as “national art,” is part of Chinese cultural heritage promoting both a healthy body and
a strong moral character. The United States Chinese Kuoshu Federation (USCKF), a non-profit organization, began
sponsoring high quality martial arts tournaments in 1991. In 2006, the name was changed to the United States Kuo Shu
Federation (USKSF). Kuo Shu, also known as “Kung Fu,” is the trademark of traditional Chinese Wu Shu (martial arts),
and promotes friendship, unity, physical fitness, harmony, martial ethics, and peace around the world. In this age of both
mental and physical wellness, the organization continues to grow, because Kuo Shu continues to appeal to individuals
of all ages and cultures.
The Board of Directors of the USKSF represents martial arts organizations from around the United States. Through
this national network, the international standards for judge, referee, and instructor certifications have been established,
and a new ranking system was developed as well. As a member of The World Kuo Shu Federation, the USKSF ensures
all standards are comparable in both organizations.
In the western hemisphere, the USKSF participates in the Pan-American Kuo Shu Federation, which holds tournaments
throughout the Americas each year. These include the First Americas Cup International Kuo Shu Championship
Tournament held in 1991, and the U.S. International Kuo Shu Championship Tournaments for the years 1994, 1996,
1998, and 2000 through 2018. The year 2000 marked a significant step forward for the USKSF when it established
the Kuo Shu Hall of Fame (KHOF) as the cornerstone of the annual banquet which culminates each tournament. The
KHOF is the USKSF’s most prestigious award because it recognizes individuals for a lifetime dedicated to promoting
Kuo Shu and martial ethics.The KHOF nominee must obtain two thirds of the votes of the KHOF Committee in order
to be inducted. Additionally, the USKSF confers awards for competitors and a judge of the year, and also recognizes
Kuo Shu contributors who help provide special support to the federation at the KHOF banquet. The USKSF marked
the momentous 30th anniversary of its prestigious US International Kuo Shu Championship Tournament in 2018 with
special Tien Shan Pai demonstrations, renowned lion dance teams, and a host of dignitaries who attended the opening
ceremonies of this elite competition.
The growth of Kuo Shu in this region and worldwide would not have been possible without the efforts of Grandmaster
Huang, Chien-Liang. He has devoted his professional life to Kuo Shu since his arrival in the United States in 1973.
He founded, and is currently President of the USKSF, and also founded and is the Chairman of The World Kuo Shu
Federation. He promotes and supports the study of Kuo Shu and martial ethics by conducting seminars worldwide, and
has worked tirelessly to elevate the standards of Kuo Shu instruction, demonstrations, and competitions.This dedication
to the organization has been demonstrated by the expansion of the organization from an initial USKSF tournament
of 102 competitors to approximately 500 international participants who now travel to the United States to compete
annually. Grandmaster Huang’s commitment to humanity extends beyond the martial arts arena. He has organized
demonstrations in order to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and victims of September 11th,
among others, to accumulate over $7,000 in donations. In April 2008, the USKSF sponsored a charity demonstration to
celebrate Grandmaster Huang’s 35 years of instruction in the U.S. and raised over $4,000 for the Baltimore Children’s
Home. In honor of this event, several government officials sent their congratulations and good wishes, including
former Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon, who proclaimed April 26, 2008 “Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang’s 35th
Anniversary of Martial Arts Instruction in the U.S. Day” and former Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith, Jr., who
proclaimed April 26, 2008 “Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang Day.” Former Mayor Sheila Dixon stated “…based on
his tireless efforts promoting Chinese martial arts within the local community and the world we are proud to honor
Grandmaster Huang on this special day….” Grandmaster Huang continued this tradition on his 40th anniversary of
teaching Kuo Shu in the United States by hosting another charity demonstration. This special event raised over $6,000
for the local “Sparks of Change” charity established in memory of Huang’s late student, Daniel Siegel.
Recognition for Kuo Shu and this annual tournament is unprecedented in the history of Chinese martial arts in the United
States. In addition to proclamations from such well-known local leaders such as former Governor Martin O’Malley,
and former Governor Robert Ehrlich, Maryland State Senator Andrew Harris has participated in the tournament’s
Opening Ceremonies. In addition, since 1994, the White House has consistently sent an official representative to the
tournament’s opening ceremonies. This clearly demonstrates the impact this form of martial arts has continued to
make in this country and throughout the world.
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2023