Dai Sempai Carina's Badge

The Dragon

The dragon represents power, courage and strong will. The Japanese culture also sees the dragon as a symbol of strength and hidden wisdom. Each person has the capacity to bestow knowledge upon another, no matter how old or experienced they are. There is an endless amount of knowledge to be learnt not only within our style but in the wider world. Dragons are mystical creatures, valued for their warlike qualities and perceived as noble defenders and protectors, much like a martial artist. However, dragons are associated with evil as well as good. This symbolises the duality of the human character. It is one’s challenge to balance these two natures.

The dragon’s wings expand over the edge of the internal circle which represents its protective quality. Protection in a martial arts sense can be interpreted as an instructor’s protection and guidance of his/her students and the protection and defence of the seven virtues of Bushido- loyalty, honour, respect, honesty, rectitude, benevolence and courage. Also, the expanded wings represent the dojo’s goal of ‘spreading the wings’ of its students through improved confidence, greater self-esteem, and increased opportunities and confidence to seek out one’s dreams and goals.

Like traditional Japanese images, the dragon is three-clawed. This represents the three aspects of martial arts- physical, mental and spiritual. Incorporating aspects of a traditional Japanese dragon signifies the origins of Bushido Martial Arts in Okinawa.

The Characters

The first two characters, or kanji, are the Japanese representation of the words ‘inner strength’. This can be interpreted as a constant strive for self improvement and inspiring oneself to do great things. Martial arts does not only build strength of character, but also reveals it through one’s attitude, perseverance and determination.

The second two kanji represent ‘courage and bravery’. Courage does not have to be demonstrated through heroic acts, but in choosing to do what is right rather than what is easy. ‘Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting despite it’ (Mark Twain). Through training, one can learn how to have the courage to discover a sense of self and then aim to live one’s potential as a martial artist and a person of the wider community.

The last two kanji represent ‘honour’. This form of honour refers to being worthy of honour and having respect for one’s self as well as others.

The Colours

The combination of the black of the dragon and the white background represent Dominican values of knowledge, questioning, seeking out the truths in the world, and having faith in one’s self. By discovering the truth about his/her potential, one is able to analyse him/herself and then set goals for self improvement. To ask questions is sometimes more important that knowing the answers- it reflects a want for self improvement and discovery. If one aims to truly understand martial arts concepts and how they relate to other aspects of life, he/she will be able to demonstrate the attitudes and beliefs that our style incorporates in order to become a better member of the community.

The blue colouring of the kanji is representational of perseverance in training, self improvement and goal achievement by finding greater inner strength to overcome setbacks.

The yellow colouring of the internal and external circle symbolises hope and optimism for the future of the dojo and its students.