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The Kenpo Patch
The Circle in the middle of the patch represents the eight cardinal points of a compass. These points emphasize the importance of knowing where you are, and where you need to go. They also emphasize the importance of being aware of your environment and surroundings. The need to know what path to follow is literal as well as philosophical. Kenpo can help you achieve your life's goals. It is important to focus on these and know which direction you need to move in to accomplish these goals. In combat, it is imperative that you are aware of the movements of your opponent and know how and when to move in unison with, or against your opponent. The Dragon is among the most powerful of animals that martial arts are based upon. Dragons live to be venerable and wise. They are intelligent and patient. They are powerful and strong. The Dragon uses his wits to remain in control of situations. When the Dragon does fight, he does it on his own terms. The method of attack is typically whipping, circular motions, requiring speed and focus. The strength of the Dragon is in knowing that by thinking, and exploring options, he will be victorious. There are always options and these options must be explored, nothing should be discarded as unimportant until it is proven to be so. The lettering on the left of the patch states "Spirit of the Dragon and the Tiger.” These words serve as a constant reminder that we want to attain a high spiritual level and that the physical training we are under taking is only a stepping stone to achieving that task. The ferocious tiger emphasizes the physical abilities of Kenpo practitioners. The strength with which we attack, and the speed that we overpower our opponents. The wisdom of the venerable Dragon shows through in our everyday lives. The self-discipline we incorporate into our daily routines. The self-confidence we glean from our Kenpo training. The Oriental writing is a reminder of the origin of all martial arts. It is in respect to the Chinese, but not that we serve them, that we commemorate them this way. The lettering on the right means "Kenpo Karate.” This translates into "Law of the Fist, Empty Hand," the art that we study. The Law of the Fist implies that we will not let others dictate to us that which is wrong. We will not be oppressed, nor will we stand by while others oppress the weak. Empty Hand describes how we will fight. We spend our entire learning years in Kenpo practicing with our empty hands. It is not until we become proficient with our empty hands that we begin to practice with a limited number of weapons. You never know when trouble will start, and you can't walk around armed all the time, so it is best to be prepared with your empty hands and always be able to defend yourself, your principles and your honor, without the benefit of weapons. The Tiger is the strongest of the animals stylized in martial arts training. The Tiger fights with raw strength and indomitable spirit. The attributes of the Tiger are: strength, power, courage, spirit, stealth, and speed. The clawing attack of the Tiger is best demonstrated by the "overhead claw" attack used by Kenpo practitioners. The low stances and theory of "Marriage of Gravity" are also parts of the attacks used by Tigers. When a Tiger stalks it's prey, it stays low to the ground, when it attacks, it pounces and drags it's prey down with it, using it's strength, coupled with body weight, to enhance the attack. The Tiger's attack is, however, mainly single-minded. The Tiger tends to fight blindly with only one goal, to win. |
The shape of the patch is based upon two things. The majority of the patch is held within the sides and top, which are fashioned after an ancient Chinese temple. The roof and the walls of the temple protected its monks from the elements much as Kenpo protects it's practitioners from external dangers. The bottom of the patch is shaped as the head of an ax. Axes have always been powerful weapons for waging war. The symbology emphasizing the use of Kenpo (shown by the "K" inside the ax head) as the practitioner's primary weapon when engaging in combat.