About Us:
Providing the
best martial arts instruction for over thirty-five years, the American School of
Empty Hand Fighting, Inc. was founded in 1971 by Sifu H. David Collins.
Starting with a small
class in the front office of the present building, David's intention was to
promote excellence in the martial arts. Drawing on his knowledge of the various
arts, Sifu Collins began blending various martial styles into one system. This unique blend would eventually
become known as Fire and Water Martial Arts. This blending of martial styles was
completed long before Mixed Martial Arts was common. In fact, at the time it was looked upon
as taboo by many in the martial arts
community.
Even more controversial was David's mixing of martial arts with Christian teaching. In 1978, Jesus Christ brought David to Himself in salvation, and began to give him the vision of using the Martial Arts as an evangelical tool for Christ.
As he grew in the Grace and Knowledge of God, David realized
that both Buddhist and Taoist religious influences permeated the martial arts to
an uncomfortable extent. As a
result, these eastern religious overtones were removed from the Fire and Water
System. Due to his desire to honor
God and to promote the cause of Jesus Christ, the school was given over to the
Lord in 1984.