by Susan Szymusiak
The emblem of the Bloomfield Hills branch of Karate Institute consists of the Moo Duk Kwan crest combined with part of the Korean flag. Members of our club wear the crest in a small patch on the left shoulder of our uniform. It not only designates us as members of the Bloomfield Hills KI but also identifies us as students of Tang Soo Do.
Each element of the patch has symbolic significance. Specifically, the fist surrounded by laurel leaves is the traditional symbol for the Moo Duk Kwan. The fist represents power and justice. The laurel leaves represent the 14 states of Korea. The Korean characters written on the ribbon directly below the fist read Moo Duk Kwan - Tang Soo Do. The character in the middle (outlined in the circle) is translated into "Moo Duk Kwan". The Korean character on the left stands for "Tang". The character to the right is translated as "Soo Do".
The four sets of bars surrounding the Moo Duk Kwan crest are taken from the Korean flag. The use of these symbols reminds us that Moo Duk Kwan - Tang Soo Do originated in Korea and that it has a long history as a traditional Korean martial art. The bars represent opposites which balance one another in the universe. The bars in the upper left corner (three straight lines) symbolize heaven. The three broken lines in the opposite corner (the lower right) represent earth. The bars in the upper right corner (two broken lines with a solid line in the middle) stand for water. The final set of bars located in the lower left corner (two solid lines with a broken line in the middle) symbolize fire. These elements bring to mind the yin and yang of life - the seeking after balance in all that we do.
As you can see, our Bloomfield Hills KI emblem is more than simply an attractive logo. It symbolizes our style, the path we follow, and the effort we must expend to reach our goals.
The Karate Institute crest is comprised of the K-I symbol (in black) surrounded by a black circle. The words Karate Institute are written in red below the circle. Like our club�s emblem, the elements of the KI crest each have symbolic significance.
The circle stands for unity. In order for an organization like Karate Institute to flourish, its members must have unity of purpose. This unity allows members to work toward, and to achieve, common goals. The circle is also a symbol of infinity - it has neither a beginning nor an end. The circle, therefore, also symbolizes the neverending path we follow - a path we can follow no matter our age.
The K-I symbol itself stands for "Karate Institute". It also stands for "ki" - the oriental concept of the internal strength of the life force. Ki is believed to come from proper breathing practices leading to continuity with the universe. To western minds, ki can be defined as the unity of mind and body which leads to maximum efficiency. The K-I symbol can also be interpreted as a student executing a punch or a form.
The elements of the KI crest coupled with its color scheme were intended to have a bold impact - a design which would convey strength. The strength symbolized in our crest is that which comes only from intense personal effort. However, intense students must be guided by instructors of integrity - this concept is also symbolized by the boldness of the KI crest.
The colors used in the crest also have significance. Red historically represents valor. It is the color of the warrior fighting a noble cause and of people banded together for a greater goal. Black stands for the endless depth of time. It signifies the timeless quality of our studies - the fact that learning is a never-ending quest. The white background symbolizes purity of spirit embodied in the dedication each student brings to their art. It also represents a winter-like barreness - an emptiness waiting to be filled with knowledge.
Members of Karate Institute wear a patch showing the KI crest on the left front of their uniform. It identifies each of us as proud members of the KI family.