The Tiger:
(body) Represents the EARTHLY STRENGTH derived during the early
stages of learning. This is the stage where the individual is more
impressed with his/her own physical prowess. (O)
The left paw of the Tiger is
pointing toward the Dragon (left hand is symbolic of knowledge in our
salutation), while the right paw supports the tiger (symbolic of
base strength
formation - illustrated by the right hand in our salutation). The left
paw is also
pointing directly at Egypt, the perceived origin of the martial arts.
The tail
bridges the gap from Hawaii to California, symbolic of the journey Mr.
Parker
traveled to bring us the Art. (2nd Brn)
The Circle:
Is symbolic of several things, it depicts LIFE itself, as a continuous
cycle,
where there is no beginning or end. So is it with the art of Kenpo,
it too
is a CYCLE OF UNENDING AND PERPETUAL MOVEMENT OR
MOTION. Techniques follow a cycle, movements are part of a cycle.
Physical prowess, humility, and self restraint are no more than
components of a progressive learning cycle. (O)
(1) All moves EVOLVE
FROM A CIRCLE whether they are defensive or offensive. (2)
The circle
represents the BOND OF FRIENDSHIP that continuously exists amount
IKKO members. (P) Represents the GLOBE
where Kenpo is now practiced
around the world. (B)
The Oriental Writing:
Is a reminder of the ORIGINATORS of our art, the Chinese.
It is out of respect to them, yet not that we serve them. The lettering
to the
left means KENPO KARATE, LAW OF THE FIST AND THE EMPTY
HAND. (O) The lettering
to the right means: SPIRIT OF THE DRAGON
AND TIGER - "Mastery comes when the Tiger is seen but the Dragon
prevails" a constant reminder that we want to attain the Spiritual level
and that the physical level is only a stepping stone, or vehicle, that
we use
to reach the higher or spiritual level. (P)
The "K":
Stands for KENPO, the art that we practice.
(O) Stands for KNOWLEDGE
which grows constantly as we mature in our study of Kenpo. It also
stands
for Mr. Parker's middle name, KEALOHA (the Beloved One). (G)
Reminds us
to understand the KEYS to our Art, tho few in number, can open a
multitude of
doors to motion and self defense. To spread KINDNESS instead
hatred and
KILL only as a last resort. (2nd Brn)
The Colors:
The WHITE background is significant of the many beginners that form
the base of the art. The YELLOW or ORANGE represents
the first two
steps (BELTS) in the initial level of proficiency, the "primitive
stage", the
dangerous stage of learning. It is a time when a student is more
impressed
with the physical, and, like an adolescent, often times thinks that he/she
knows all the answers. (O)
The POLES which form the central axis
around which the earth revolves are GRAY, symbolic of the brain
which is
the central organ that controls out bodies and has always been referred
to as
gray matter. The Hawaiian Islands are also GRAY as a tribute
to the
homeland of the Originator of our system. (P)
Represent proficiency,
achievement, and authority. BROWN, the color of the Tigers
eyes,
represents the advanced students though not great in number. Also
at this
level the student becomes more observant. His eyes, like those of
the Tiger,
are keen, ever so watchful and critical, always looking up to the higher
levels of proficiency, striving for perfection, preparing for the day he
bears
the label of an expert. This level of expert proficiency is represented
by the
color BLACK. (B) RED is
that of professorship over and above the black but yet,
as indicated by the colors of the Dragon,
there are still traces of WHITE in the
Dragons eyeball, YELLOW on the Dragon's
fins, BROWN in the iris of the
eyeball and BLACK in the pupils of the
eyeball. This is to remind even the
professor that he too should always
be so humble and be able to go back to any
level, whatever it might be, perform the
things that he expects of others at these
levels to as never to demand too much of his students.
(G) In the oval, the 3
stages of proficiency ae represented by WHITE for the beginner, BROWN for
the
advanced, and BLACK for expert, with RED symbolic of Professorship.
PURPLE (pearl is the Royal color symbolic of the magnificent and invaluable
treasure of our Art. BLUE (water) symbolizes (1) ability to
remain calm under
pressure, (2) the fluid (liquid) state of the art, that state which movements
are
flowing and becoming more coordinated and harmonious. GREEN (land
mass)
a reminder to never stop learning and
growing, we can never learn all there is to
know or stop growing in wisdom. (3rd
Brn)
The Dots: Represents
WHITE & BLACK DOT FOCUS. The WHITE DOT on a black
background is symbolic of limited awareness (attention is ONLY focused
on the "white dot") while unaware of other aspects that may exist (black).
The BLACK DOT on a white background is symbolic of expanded
awareness (attention is focused on the black dot to insure effectiveness)
however, attention is also taken into consideration to other important
circumstances that could be prevalent (white) (P)
Form opposites or Yin &
Yang. (2nd Brn)
The Dragon:
(body) Represents SPIRITUAL STRENGTH (courage and confidence)
which comes with seasoning. This mental attitude is attained during
the
individual's later years of training. It is placed above earthly
strength
(tiger) as indicated and observed on the patch, since the individual at
this
stage has learned to develop humility and self restraint. (B)
The three
individual (fins) represents the three (3) divisions of the art, they are;
(BASICS, SELF DEFENSE, SPARRING). The first fin to
the right of the
dragon's head has three individual points, which represent (1) three points
of view (YOURS, YOUR OPPONENTS, AND THAT OF THE
BYSTANDER), (2) The three states of motion (SOLID, LIQUID,
& GAS), (3)
The three stages of comprehension (TO
KNOW OF, TO KNOW, & TO
UNDERSTAND). The second fin to
the left of the dragon's head has three
individual points, which represent
(1) Three phases of techniques: (IDEAL,
WHAT IF, and FORMULATION), (2) The three
stages of learning
(PRIMITIVE, MECHANICAL and SPONTANEOUS),
(3) Three elements
involved in becoming a true instructor:
(TEACHER, COACH and TRAINER),
The third fin near the
tail has three individual points which represent (1) The
three elements of speed (PERCEPTUAL,
MENTAL and PHYSICAL), (2) Three
key words (PRINCIPLE,
CONCEPT and THEORY), The three "U's':
(USEFUL, UN USEFUL, and
USELESS). The three fins combined number
of
points (9) reminds us of the
NINE PLANES found in the universal pattern.
(G)
(RIGHT FOOT) the 4 white claws represent (1) force engagement, when
executing a block or strike, physical contact can occur; {1} when force
meets
force, {2} when force goes with force, ,{3} when force meets a neutral
force, {4}
when a neutral force meets a neutral force. (2) The 4 ZONES OF
PROTECTION (height, width, depth, & obscure). (LEFT FOOT) the
5 claws
symbolize the aspects of the analytical study of motion (DIRECTION,
METHOD, PATH, DIMENSION, & ANGLE). The (MOUTH) is closed as a
reminder to us, use wisdom, think before speaking and to remain humble
at all
times. The five fins of the tail depict the SENSES {SIGHT,
SOUND, TOUCH,
SMELL, AND TASTE} each can be valuable in Self Defense. (3rd
Brn) The left
paw of the Dragon is placed in Northern China (Shaolin Temple), symbolic
of
the intermediate stage of development of the martial arts. (2nd
Brn)
The Oval: With its dividing lines, forms the BASE from which our alphabet stem. (B)
The Arrows:
Are our DIRECTIONAL KEYS, clockwise, counter clockwise, forward,
reverse, as well as opposites. (B)
The Pearl: Symbolic of ENDLESS WISDOM which can always be increased. (B)
The Dividing Lines:
In the OVAL represent, (1) the original 18 hand movements -
directions in which
the hands can travel (2) form the pattern in which feet too
can travel (3) They are
the angles from which an opponent or you can attack or
defend; explanation of the Universal
Pattern will clarify this. (G) Also
represent
the MATHEMATICAL SYMBOLS of our art (MINUS SIGN "-", PLUS SIGN
"+", MULTIPLICATION SIGN "x", valuable reference points to enhance
our
study and development. (3rd Brn) In
the globe, form the latitudes & longitudes
which map our planet, likewise, the Art of American Kenpo has an
architecture
to map out its various areas of importance, design, study etc. (2nd
Brn)
The Belt: A tribute to the Founder and Sr. Grand Master of American Kenpo. (3rd Brn)
The "L":
Stands of LOGIC, the foundation of our art. In logic we have a basis
to analyze
so as to
determine truth and reality. (3rd Brn)
The Triangle:
Is (1) an icon for the GEOMETRIC SHAPES utilized in Kenpo (CIRCLE,
SQUARE, TRIANGLE, OVAL, ETC.). These are valuable points of reference.
(2) A reminder to continually develop your 3 areas of growth
BODY, MIND, &
SPIRIT. (3rd Brn)
The Flame:
Is one of continuous friendship and brotherhood which, if kindled by all
martial arts systems, will grow with brilliance each year. It's beauty
can be
paralleled with the Art of Kenpo (GRACEFUL and USEFUL YET DEADLY
WHEN TOUCHED). Also has religious meanings. (3rd
Brn)
The Words: KENPO KARATE have 8 different letters which spell: kenpo art. (2nd Brn)
Secret Meanings:
