" I enrolled in the Gung Fu Institute the week of Thanksgiving 2009. I had recently turned 40 and was looking for a challenge for the next forty years of my life. The week before I enrolled, I spoke at some length with Sifu Gallaher, asking questions about the style of teaching, the schedule of classes, and whether the idea of taking up a martial arts program made sense for someone my age. As part of deciding on a school, I had read about various styles and schools and I had spoken with the teachers at other local schools. For me, the conversation with the potential teacher was the most important part in determining which school I would try first. When I spoke with Sifu Gallaher, I appreciated his patience in answering my many questions. What made the deepest impression on me, though, was that he called me back when my mobile phone dropped the call. When my mobile phone dropped the call a second time, he cheerfully resumed our conversation without missing a beat. To me, taking such an interest in a prospective student signaled a deep commitment to the student. As a result of my conversation with Sifu Gallaher, I thought that I should try out the Gung Fu Institute first. I did and I was not disappointed. After participating in one class, I knew that I had found the right school and I signed up on the spot for 13 months of classes in Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do. Since enrolling, I have learned something new each week and improved my form. The classes are hard work, which, to me, is a sign of their worth. Sifu Gallaher expects a lot from his students, which is how it should be: in order to learn, one must make a commitment to study. I have recommended the Gung Fu Institute to several friends and hope to see them join me soon. "

" Back in the summer of 1990 I met Sifu David Gallaher after graduating from college. I had no idea that 5 years later I would be interested in learning martial arts. I started training with Sifu privately during the summer of 1995. After he opened his first martial arts school I started going to classes regularly training in Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, and Kali. I trained with Sifu for many years and have become a great friend and dedicated student. My journey in martial arts started with learning traditional Gung Fu systems. I am lucky to have found a qualified teacher who can train me in Wing Chun as originally taught by Grand Master Yip Man. Sifu is an authentic teacher of Wing Chun and continuously shows his knowledge, skills and devotion to martial arts. The knowledge that Sifu has is limitless and he is very passionate about his teachings. I have found a teacher that can mentally and physically challenge me to learn the skills that he was taught.
In 2006 I had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong China with Sifu and learn about Chinese culture and train with some of his teachers including Grand Master Yip Ching and Chan Chee Man. It is because of my Sifu that I am able to participate in these events of a lifetime.
I have also had the pleasure of getting my oldest son involved in the Junior Dragon’s martial arts program. I feel blessed to have my son follow my training and learn from one of the best instructors in martial arts. Sifu has so much to offer a student in martial arts so they follow the right path and become a better person.
Over the years I have learned self-defense, increased my flexibility and now possess much greater balance and strength than I had in my 30s. One of the most important attributes of martial arts is that it helps me live a disciplined and healthy life. I am a health care professional and enjoy martial arts because it helps me focus on the positive attributes in life which includes family and friends.
I want to thank Sifu for all his efforts and dedication over the years. He is a great teacher, mentor and friend.
Andrew Spiegel (Black Sash Second Degree in Wing Chun Gung Fu) "