SYMBOLISM AND MEANING OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE I.k.k.s. CREST...

The Tiger:  Represents the earthly strength derived through the early stages of learning. This is the stage where the individual is more impressed with his or her own physical prowess.

The Circle: Is symbolic of several things. It depicts life itself, as a continuous cycle, where there is no beginning or end. So it is 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. The circle is the base from which our alphabet stems.  All moves evolve from a circle whether they are defensive or offensive. The circle represents the continuous circle of friendship which should exist between I.K.K.S. Association members. The directional pattern upon which the Tiger and Dragon rest are symbolic of all forms of motion and of our analysis of motion as Kenpo practitioners. The lines within the circle represent the linear aspects of the art fused with the circular.  The lines within the pattern also represent the eight basic directions of attack and defense.  The universal Pattern which forms the base for the tiger is the basis of all motion.

The Oriental Writing: Is a reminder of the originators of our art, the Chinese. It is in respect to them and not that we serve them. The lettering to the Left means “Tiger Dragon Spirit Way” or the Spirit of the Tiger and the Dragon. It is symbolic of the spirit of martial training and of spiritual attainment which characterize our discipline.  The words Spirit of the Dragon and the Tiger serve as 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. The spirit of the Dragon and the Tiger is indicative of our following the martial way, the path of the warrior.  The letters exist between the tiger and leading to the dragon symbolic of our higher spiritual attainment as we reach that goal.

The “K” : stands for Kenpo, the art which we practice, or Karate. It may also signify Kindness.

The Colors: The white background signifies the many beginners who form the basis of the art. The yellow or orange represents the first level of proficiency, the mechanical stage, the dangerous stage of learning. It is a time when the student is more impressed with the physical, and who, like a freshman in college, thinks he knows all the answers.  The universal pattern is colored GRAY because it is symbolic of the brain -- the brain of our organization and the intelligence which exists in our system. since the brain has always been referred to as GRAY matter. It refers to the element of logic and thought which are always central to the American Kenpo system. The gray at the bottom of the axe blade is symbolic of our continual sharpening of our natural weapons to a finely honed edge. This concept, as well as its opposite and reverse are found within the axe shape as well.  The red exterior of the crest indicates the colors of professorship. They contain and control all that is within and act as protection against all that is without.  This element is also present in the red color of the “K” and the red coloring to the dragon in the studio crest, symbolic of spiritual attainment.  The colors used within the I.K.K.S. crest also represent proficiency, achievement, and authority. BROWN, the color of the tiger's eyes, represents the advanced students though not great in number. Also at this level the student becomes more observant. His eyes, like that 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 expert. This level of expert proficiency is represented by the color BLACK. 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 dragon's eyeball, YELLOW or ORANGE 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, and perform the things that he expects of others at these levels so as to never demand too much of his students. The black of the interior of the axe blade represents Black Dot Focus, or the total awareness of all around us, which our system teaches.  The Black interior of the Upper Crest indicates the level at which we round off corners and elongate the circles of motion.  The interior of the axe blade represents the elements of forward and reverse motion also.  Opposites and dualities of motion and opposing forces are represented by the White and Black background of the crest.  The gray of the axe blade represents the sharply honed edge which our Wu Shen Pai students represent.  The tip of the axe blade, the leading force in Chu’an Fa today.  

The Shape: The crest of the Patch is like a roof which gives shelter to all who come under it.  The SIDES {)(} are curved conversely because like the roof of a Chinese home they are to send evil back to where it came from, whenever it tries to descend. The representation of a Tora gate in the crest, which is the interior black shape, represents the entry into the gateway of knowledge. Within this gateway, the Tiger and the Dragon exist. The sides also represent the separate halves of the heart shape. The bottom part of the crest above the axe represents the teardrop pattern, while the shape resting above that one represents the “wave” pattern of energetic pulsing. The bottom forms the shape of an ax - it represents the executioner. In the event a member is influenced by evil ideas and thoughts contrary to our philosophy, or shames our studio or the I.K.K.S. as an organization, he is cut off, never to co-exist with us again.  The outline of the axe is represented in two ways. First is the bottom of the crest. Second, the interior of the bottom of the crest.  This represents forward and reverse motion. The four points in the crest represent the four ranges of combat, while the three top most points in the crest represent the three phases of motion, the three states of motion, the three points of view, etc.  The shape of the crest above the axe represents the tear drop shape used in many American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo techniques. The three points represent the three points of view, the three states of motion, solid, liquid, or gaseous. The side of the crest also represents the “wave” utilized in our body mechanics while executing certain strikes. Another line or shape utilized in our motion and represented in the crest shape is that of the half heart. These patterns, the wave, the teardrop shape, and the heart shape, are master key patterns which are utilized in the physical motions of our techniques. The top of the crest is like a roof which shelters all within. 

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 earthly strength (as indicated and observed on the patch) since the individual at this stage has learned to develop humility and self-restraint. He is holding the golden “master key” which is the basis of all wisdom and knowledge in Wu Shen Pai.

The Dividing Lines: In the circle represent: (1) the original eighteen hand movements - directions in which the hands can travel; (2) they are the angles from which you or an opponent can attack or defend; (3) form the pattern in which the feet too can travel - an explanation of the Universal Pattern will clarify this.

The Lightning Bolts:  Represent the explosive speed and power which is the signature of Wu Shen Pai Kenpo, a signature which our students are renown for possessing. It represents our philosophy of obtaining and generating power and the manner in which we fight in the street. The angle at which they are held represents both the triangle as a geometric pattern and the diagonal angle of scaption, central for the proper execution of our motion. Hidden within the lightning bolt are three edges which represent the many “threes” found in the system.

The Master Key:  Symbolizes that those who wear the crest of the International Kenpo Karate Society possess the true Master Keys to the American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo System which enable us to ultimately master all forms of motion. Hidden within the Master Key is the Cross which is symbolic of the Christian beliefs of our system’s founder, the spiritual Master Key.  The plus pattern is also part of the key, a geometric master key to understanding the art.

Tails of the Tiger / Dragon:  Represents the elements of circularity of motion which our system contains.  A figure 8 is hidden within the Dragon’s tail symbolic of one of the many Master Key Patterns found within American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo. Interlocking Circles are also represented within both the tails of the Tiger and Dragon.  The end of the Dragon’s tail and the Tiger’s tail represent the elements of forward and reverse motion. They also represent the opposite motion found within the system. We might also consider the Dragon’s Tail to represent kissing circles, yet another master key pattern of motion.