Patch Explanations
Please note, if you look at uniforms online you will more than likely see a lot of variation. The IKKA crest however should always be placed on the left (over the heart).
Kenpo Crest
The IKKA crest, has a lot of meaning, the curved top is a roof, showing the protection the system provides, the sides – walls, are curved to deflect evil, the bottom of the crest is an axe. If the art is misused/abused, the practitioner is cut off from the association.
The Dragon represents wisdom and the spirit required to attain mastery, the Tiger represents physical energy and strength. The circle represents circular motion, the lines represent the 8 angles of attack and the 18 Hands of Lohan – the system upon which all Chinese Martial Arts go back to. The gray inside the circle is for gray matter in the brain – we’re supposed to think about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.
Universal Pattern
A memory device to help remind students of the lines and arcs that are incorporated into the ways Kenpo students move. The negative space also reminds us that things can be filled in with broad motion if necessary.
Kenpo Flame
The 3 tips of the flame stand for the 3 stages of learning – primitive, mechanical, and spontaneous. The colors represent proficiency in the art – white for beginner, brown/back for expert, and red for professorship.
The patch was originally given as a part of registration for International Karate Championships in Long Beach California. Master Martinez allows for students Brown or above to wear the patch if desired.
American Flag
American Kenpo Karate was founded in the US, and our school is in the US so we have American flags to show where we’re from.
Depending on the style of flag patch, it may have some meaning – in the military for instance the flag flows toward the back signifying that you’re moving toward danger (think about how a flag moves against the wind).
Tony Martinez Lineage
We train under Master Tony Martinez Sr. so we wear the patch to show our lineage.
Standard Patch Placements
Other Patches
Rocker patches displaying the students last name, place where they train may be placed above/below the crest, as well patches displaying “Kenpo” may be placed above the Universal Pattern.
There are several other patches such as the Kenpo Karate hands (shield and hammer), other affiliation patches, accomplishment patches are often displayed down either sleeve or the pant legs.