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.