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Description of the Crest
Including quotes from Ed Parker's Infinite Insights into Kenpo
The Tiger
Represents early strength derived during the early stages of learning. This is the stage where the individual is more impressed with their own physical prowess
The Dragon
Represents spiritual strength which comes with seasoning. This mental attitude is attained during the individual's later years of training. It is placed above early strength since the individual has learned to develop humility and self-restraint
Yin-Yang
Oftern represented in martial arts, the idea of yin and yang is often used to explain the balance between hard and soft techniques, as well as the balance between offense and defense.
Yin is associated with soft, flowing, and defensive techniques, while yang is associated with hard, powerful, and offensive techniques.
In martial arts, practitioners strive to achieve a balance between the two, using both yin and yang techniques in order to be well-rounded and effective in combat.
The concept of yin and yang is also used to describe the balance between the physical (Tiger) and mental (Dragon) aspects of martial arts.
Practitioners are encouraged to develop both their physical strength and their mental focus in order to achieve mastery.
Overall, the theory of yin and yang is an important aspect of martial arts, as it helps practitioners to understand the balance and interdependence of different techniques and aspects of the art.
The Shape
The top of the crest is like a roof which give shelter to all those under it.
The double axes have two meanings. One is homage to our Instructors place of birth, St.Helier, Jersey - Channel Islands.
The second represents the executioner - in the event a member is influenced by evil ideas and thoughts contrary to our philosophy, or shames AT American Kenpo Karate, they are cut off, never to co-exist with us again.
The Circle
Is symbolic of several things: (1) It depicts life itself, a continuous cycle where there is no beginning nor end. The art of KENPO is also a cycle of perpetual and unending movement or motion. Techniques follow a cycle, movements are part of a cycle, physical prowess, humility and self restraint are no more that components of a progressive learning cycle.
(2) All moves evolve from a circle whether they are defensive or offensive
(3) The circle represents the bond of friendship that should continuously exist amongst Kenpo members, and
(4) The cycle is the base from which our alphabet stems.
The Colours
Represent proficiency, achievement and authority.
WHITE - significant of many beginners who form the base of the Art.
YELLOW & ORANGE - represent the first level of proficiency - the mechanical stage - the dangerous stage in learning where the student is more impressed with the physical, thinking they know all the answers.
BROWN - The colour of the Tiger's eye and axe handles, represents the advance student though not in great number.
At this level the student become more observant. They are keen, ever so watchful and critical, always looking up to the higher levels of proficiency, striving for perfection, preparing for the day of baring the label of an expert.
BLACK - The level of expert proficiency is represented by the colour black.
RED - Red is that of professorship over and above black but yet, as indicated by the colour of the Dragon's eye. The dragon has connection through learning and knowledge to White, Yellow, Orange, Brown and Black to remind the professor that they too should always be humble and able to go back to any level, whatever it might be, and perform the things that they expect of others at these levels so never to demand too much of their students.
GREEN & GOLD - Representing AT American Kenpo Karate's new home, the green and gold colours of Australia.
