All I can say is that I am grateful and want to thank my teacher Dr. David Brownridge without whose guidance I would not be here.”

Dr. Harkins in acceptance of USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2004 membership

On the wall of my teacher’s school is a sign that says “We who study the art of kung Fu consider it our responsibility and duty to continue to improve our character, "to aid the weak and helpless, and show respect for all mankind.”

This is the Kung Fu oath we were required to learn and recite upon command.   As most of you already know the “kung fu oath” displayed on the wall of our studio is different in certain ways.  We provide the “oath” as both a guideline and an uplifting message.  To understand and do.  Not just to memorize and recite.  We seek to support each person’s individual effort to improve not only the physical aspects but also the mental and spiritual aspects of their training.  The “kung fu oath” is a tool that helps a person get where they want to go.

Martial arts is not just a method of self-defense.  It is also a method of self-cultivation, personal discipline, mental and spiritual development.  In a day when the martial arts has become coarse and filled with violent and mean personalities we owe a debt of gratitude to masters who hold the line against such modernism in the martial arts world and who fight to retain the intrinsic value and vast treasure pure and with honor.  To do otherwise disgraces the masters of the past to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude and respect.