I pledge that I will never use nor reveal the knowledge I have gained in martial arts except in self defense situations. I will conduct myself forthrightly before my fellow man and honor my dojo. I will always seek to humbly walk through life in peace; but if forced to strike, I will do so swiftly and with intent. I will not dishonor this code or my dojo.
I DO NOT CHOOSE TO BE A COMMON MAN...
I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon… if I can. I seek opportunity, not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master, nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect; proud and unafraid, to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefits of my creation, and to face the world boldly and say “This I have done.” All this is what it means to be an American.
AUTHOR: DEAN ALFANGE