The World Kuoshu Federation (T.W.K.S.F.) is a world-wide
not-for-profit organization that promotes the Chinese styles
of martial arts; in Chinese, martial arts are sometimes
called “Kuoshu” – a two character word
that means “national art.” The term “Kuoshu”
is now recognized as synonymous with traditional martial
arts.
Over the past thirty years, international awareness of
the Chinese martial arts has been growing, and qualified
instructors from China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong
have brought these arts to other countries in Asia, to the
Americas, to Europe, and to Africa. Today, these “national
arts” are available to people all over the world.
It was the recognition of the growing global interest in
Chinese martial arts, and to support the continued exchange
of knowledge, that international martial arts leaders developed
T.W.K.S.F. in 2002.
Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang – a longtime instructor
and promoter of martial arts – founded with broad
support from noted martial arts masters world-wide. Prior
to establishing T.W.K.S.F., Grandmaster Huang sponsored
national and international martial arts tournament since
1988, currently totaling nearly twenty such tournaments.
He has been instrumental in supporting tournaments in Europe,
Asia and the Americas. T.W.K.S.F. is based outside of Baltimore,
Maryland in the United States; Grandmaster Huang serves
as the both the current Chairman and current President of
T.W.K.S.F. In addition to his work as a promoter, Grandmaster
Huang is also an accomplished instructor. His students have
become masters in their own right, with schools in North
America, South America and Europe. Over the past twenty
years, his students have earned championship titles for
national, international and world level competitions in
forms demonstrations and full contact fighting.
Currently, there are more than 60 group members in T.W.K.S.F.
Any qualifying organization – including schools, associations
and federations – may join and participate in T.W.K.S.F.
activities. This open approach encourages the participation
of all Chinese martial arts enthusiasts, without regard
to martial style, national origin or political affiliations.
T.W.K.S.F. is governed by an Executive Committee. Much of
the Executive Committee is determined by an election, based
on member nomination and voting. Some Executive Committee
positions are selected by the President of T.W.K.S.F.; through
these appointments, the President can introduce new leaders
to the organization.
The mission statement of T.W.K.S.F. is:
• To develop and promote traditional Kuoshu and its
physical, mental, and ethical benefits.
• To create unity, friendship, harmony, and peace
through Kuoshu across international boundaries.
• To elevate the public opinion of the Chinese martial
arts to one of a first class sport through organization
of consistently first class events.
In just a few years, T.W.K.S.F. has made remarkable progress
toward these objectives. The 1st World Kuoshu Championship
Tournament was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil over November 8th
and 9th, 2003. The 2nd World Kuoshu Championship Tournament
was held on November 10th and 11th, 2006 in Singapore. The
3rd World Kuoshu Championship Tournament will be held in
New Ulm, Germany in 2009 (stay tuned for more information).
Other tournaments have been held in Europe and the Americas
under the sanction of T.W.K.S.F.
Tournament events typically include forms, internal and
external, as well as the traditional Kuoshu Lei Tai fighting.
The Lei Tai – or “raised platform” –
is the traditional form of Chinese full contact fighting.
Most techniques and striking areas are legal, and the event
– which permits punching, kicking, sweeping, and throwing
– is conducted on an open-sided platform which stands
two feet off the ground.
In addition to tournaments, the organization has also trained
and certified referees, and provides a ranking system for
practitioners. International referee certification typically
entails a week-long training program, with extensive practical
and written examinations, to reach the “B” level.
Additional instruction – including a second week-long
training program – and significant referee experience
is required to achieve the “A” level of certification.
These instructional programs are offered at least once every
other year. Since 2002, T.W.K.S.F. has certified more than
60 referees, providing a solid basis for quality judging
at events world-wide.
For additional information about The World Kuoshu Federation,
please contact:
