 The American Kenpo Patch
Like America, the America Kenpo Patch represents a synthesis of ideas, forms and those who embody them. Freedom and opportunity are landmarks, which are held strongly by all of whom involve themselves in the martial arts. These are corner stones in the foundation of American Kenpo. The Meaning The patch is rectangular symbolizing the four corners of the world it touches. Between the black and white background is represented the expanse of its knowledge and wisdom. Two extremes, which meet in the center, like a circle encompassing all. White represents purity, black the depth and mystery of that yet to be known. The silver color behind the dragon represents the gray matter of the brain. The brain is the seat of the mind. It burns brightly for those who make it so. The flame warns by its nature that it, like American Kenpo, is beautiful to look at and dangerous when touched. The three tips of the flame represent a trinity of stages in martial arts: (1) Primitive (2) Mechanical (3) Spontaneous. Chinese writing rises upward from the flame. Its meaning translates, Spirit of the Dragon and Tiger. The tiger represents cunning. It is a powerful predator. Instinct and survival motivate this animal. A beast of flesh and blood, the tiger represents physical strength, passion, courage, desire, fear and anger—the embodiment of our most earthly natures, physical and emotional. Its stripes and coloring represent all the colored belts, white through brown. Coupled with the dragon, the sum is greater than the parts in the quest for knowledge. The dragon stands erect, powerful, proud and strong. They stand together on their foundation: American Kenpo. The dragon colors are a combination of all the belt rankings in martial arts—white through black. Dragon means "the seeing one" and in his eyes he sees from beginning to end with white and black representing the respective ranks. In the red tufts beginning at the top of his head to the last dorsal fin down its back and tail are represented the first to the last Grand Master. They are the fuel and they fan the flame of American Kenpo keeping it afire and alive. The green scales of the dragon represent the black belts. It is the color of initiation. The dragon gives with his right hand and takes with his left one. Nested in the right talon rests the pearl of wisdom. Secured in this seat of power, the Pearl is ready to be passed to those on the quest for it via knowledge. The dragon’s left talon, open, reaches into the gray matter and the recesses of the mind. In this fashion it seeks to draw out potential knowledge and wisdom. The dragon symbolizes the embodiment of American Kenpo. Obtaining the Pearl of Wisdom is there for those who seek it with the strength and the Freedom To Think With An Open Mind. | 
