Dai Sempai Sean's Badge
The Timms Dojos badge has a great deal of significance in its use of symbology, colour and design.
At the heart of the badge is the Greek symbol Alpha. This letter symbolises the beginning of all things. The Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu (604BC-531BC) stated, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” A more correct translation from the original Chinese would be, “The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.” Lao-tzu regarded action as something that arises naturally from stillness. The shape of the Alpha symbol is centred on the vertical axis of the badge. This signifies balance. A great deal of emphasis is placed on balance in the martial arts. Balance when in stances, balance in training and balance in life. If a person is unbalanced in any area of their life then they will be prone to falling, whether physically, mentally or spiritually. The two ‘legs’ of the alpha symbol are representative of two feet. The Timms Dojos lettering is located beneath those ‘feet’ to indicate that foundations are most important element to any building or enterprise. Without strong foundations, again it is easy to fall. The colour red of the alpha symbol signifies heart. The apex of the symbol is in the centre of the badge, where the heart is traditionally located. Also, the symbol points upward. This is the way of ascension, enlightenment and spiritual and emotional fulfilment.
The next symbol is the Greek letter Omega. This signifies the ending of things. For something new to begin, something old has to end. It could be an old attitude that says, “I can’t do this” when in fact you might be able to with a change (ending) of attitude. It could be an end to complacency, sickness or self-consciousness. The Hebrew spelling of the word ‘Truth’ consists of three letters – Aleph (Alpha), Mem and Thaw (Omega). Therefore, the two symbols combined could symbolise the all-encompassing truth. A truth that is in nature, divinity and even in martial arts. The colour purple symbolises spirituality, vision, creativity and passion. In ancient times, purple signified power, royalty and nobility. These characteristics are integral to the high aspirations of the dedicated martial artist.
The Sword (Cross) represents life. It stretches North and South, East and West, so it is unlimited and all encompassing, capable of infinite expansion on both the horizontal (physical) and vertical (spiritual) planes. The entire Cross forms a harmonious balance between the two. Yin and Yang, male and female, positive and negative.
It is also the colour purple to signify spirituality. The Cross is foundational to the Christian faith and has been a symbol of peace, enlightenment and humility for centuries.
The yellow background surrounding the symbols is significant also. In China, yellow symbolises royalty and merit. In Japan, it symbolises courage. It can also symbolise the Sun, the source of all life. In colour therapy, yellow is used to energise, improve memory and relieve depression. The surrounding of the yellow around the Cross and Alpha and Omega symbols reminds us that everyone relies on the warmth and life giving nature that the Sun brings.
The white surrounding the symbols signifies light, truth, purity of spirit and protection. As martial artists, we search for ways in which we can become better people. Being truthful, pure of spirit and protecting those around us are noble pursuits fitting of a dedicated martial artist. Let the martial artist strive to constantly ‘surround himself with light’.
The red circle around the badge signifies love. Without love, we are nothing, so let us surround ourselves with that which is the highest of pursuits. Love for our creator, love for our fellow man and love for ourselves.
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.