Guro Dan Inosanto promotes Harley Elmore to Full Instructor

Magulang Na Guro Dan Inosanto promotes Harley Elmore to Mataas Na Guro

I remember being a young teenager reading Guro Dan Inosanto's books, reading his articles in Black Belt magazine, etc.  I remember wondering what it would be like to meet him someday.  I read the books so often, I even studied the pictures in the books, I looked at the background, at the decorations on the walls, the drums, the signs with Bruce Lee's sayings on the walls.  I studied each persons face (now each of them famous in their own right).  I was a huge Bruce Lee fan as a kid and teenager, but then something happened during the reading of those books and articles.  I became a even bigger fan of Dan Inosanto.  Thanks to the late Terry Gibson, I had the chance to meet Guro Dan and Simo Paula years ago.  That only served to solidify my stance on Guro Dan.  Over the years I have found him to be a incredible humble, gentle man, who's life's work it to spread the arts and cultures he represents to those that wish to explore them.  Never pushy, never political.  I've never heard him say a bad thing about another human being in over twenty years.  He has shown me a friendship and compassion that I never expected and has taught me much more about being a good human than being a good martial artist.  His amazing skill and knowledge as a martial artist are what attract people to him, but people stay with him because they learn what a fine, honest and honorable man he is.

Recently Guro Dan promoted me to Full Instructor in the Filipino Martial Arts and Jeet Kune Do.  The realization of a life long dream.  It is an honor to humbly accept these ranks.  However, I cannot accept them without saying thanks to the many people who have helped me achieve them over the many many years.

First I would like to Thank Guro Dan Inosanto and Simo Paula Inosanto.  I am honored to be a small part of your lives.

Thanks to the late Sifu Terry Gibson and to Simo Cathy Gibson-Fry.  Thanks for giving me a chance at the Big Show and introducing me to the right people.  I couldn't have done it without you.

To Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc, Pamana Silak Tess and all the Sayoc Tuhons and Full Instructors - Thanks for not letting me rest on my laurels.  Thanks for pushing me to become better and more than I thought possible.

Thanks to Shodai Monty Atchley for showing me just how big the martial arts world is and for giving me the tools to go after my dreams.

To All my brothers and sisters.  As training partners, teachers, students and friends, you have all helped me become the man I am now.  I will never forget your help or all those long training sessions.

To All my Warrior's Way Full Instructors - Each of you inspire me to grow and become the leader you need me to be.  You constantly push me to be better than the year before.  I look forward to many more years with each of you.

To All my students over the many years - Thanks for your hard work.  It is the building blocks of accomplishing dreams.

and lastly, to my Wife, Krystal.  Thank you for believing in me, investing in me and supporting me for all these years.  I know I'm the one who always gets the recognition, but you really are the great woman behind the good man.  I couldn't do it without you.  (btw, Happy 12th Anniversary!)

Harley Elmore
Mataas Na Guro