The School Patch

Our school patch is round. This simple design represents several things. Take for instance, our universe. The earth with the other planets rotates in a near circular pattern around the source that gives us life, the sun, which is the center of our solar system. This in turn leads us to the process of life which goes in cycles, such as the seasons of the year. The circle also represents our individual "space" that we occupy. When one enters our circle uninvited or with the intent of doing harm to us they become a threat to us and become the enemy. We in turn must defend our circle. Always remember that in the style of Kenpo the sole purpose is "Self Defense". Our kata's start with either a block or a particular move to escape an attack. When a student of Kenpo leaves their circle with the intent of doing harm they are not acting in self defense and become the aggressor, or enemy, as they enter another's life circle.

The circle also shows the angels of defense. When you do your kata, the enemy is attacking from 12, 3, 6 and 7:30 o'clock. While performing your kata as 4 winds, the enemy attacks from the north, east, south and west.

In the center are two Japanese characters that say Karate, which means "empty hands". It also shows the respect we have towards Asia, where the martial arts began. The patch also displays the official name of our school and the style of martial art that we study.

The colors of black and red are the traditional kenpo colors. We used a background color of white to show purity and to constantly remind the advanced students, black belts, Professor and Master Professor that everybody starts as a white belt. Our circle is surrounded by a thick red line. This shows the blood, sweat and tears that is put into one's training.

Finally, is the color of the lettering within the patch. Of course, it's black. This shows the ultimate goal of the martial artist … The Black Belt!