International Kokondo Association - Emblem & Patch

Reflection on the Symbolism of the Kokondo Emblem

By Sensei George M. Rego

Emblem of the International Kokondo Association:

The emblem of the International Kokondo Association represents both Kokondo Karate and Jukido Jujitsu as individual arts and as an umbrella system & organization.

Wording:

Although there are both English and Japanese versions of the IKA emblem, the patch worn by all members of our association are in Japanese. These words are Kokusai Kokondo Bushi Kyokai. These mean:

• Kokusai – International
• Kokondo – The Way of the Past and Present (name of our system)
• Bushi – Warrior
• Kyokai – Association

Imagery & Meaning:

The crossed arrow behind the Kokondo-ka (practitioner) in the patch points to two directions: the past, which is reflected by left arrow. This represents the ancient styles and dynamic techniques of true martial arts. Few of today’s martial arts practitioners have kept or know of the superior techniques founded and developed by past masters and sensei. Both of our arts have maintained the essential ingredients for effective self-defense and the spirit & integrity of these ancient arts.

The right arrow represents the present, which refers to the necessity of being aware of the vast differences between the old and new modes of attack.

The sai was not always a part of the emblem - but is now made complete by it. The sai in the background represents not only the weapons systems perserved in Kokondo, but more so the the character of the Kokondo-ka. In ancient times the warrior was known for his weapon - by the sharpness of his sword or the swift use of his combative instrument. In today’s Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate, we are taught that we must become known for our spirit, courtesy, sincerity, integrity, self-confidence, and respect for all people. Our primary weapon is the strength of our character. Our fighting ability should only become known if the situation forces us to show it. In true martial arts philosophy – it would be unwise to mistake courtesy for a sign of weakness.

The Japanese kanji (characters) in the background are for the character “Ko” (ancient, old, past) and “Kon” (now, current, present).

In the interpretation of the author, the Kokondo-ka in the emblem is the representation of everything the Kokondo-ka is. He represents that these arts do not “stand alone” abstractly – the art is only as strong as its current practitioners. The Kokondo-ka preserves the old and yet makes it relevant for the present. The Kokondo-ka in the emblem is closer in proximity to the right arrow (the present) but yet faces the direction of the left arrow (the past). This can be seen to represent the need to always look back, to never forget the core from which we come, as well as to draw from the intent, techniques, and principles of past masters and sensei. The most telling feature of the emblem is the fact that the Kokondo-ka, the human, the person, is the image most in the foreground of the emblem. Everything else is in the background behind the Kokondo-ka. Ultimately, it is about the people who practice theses arts. The responsibility of preserving the past, understanding the new, and representing the arts & organization is in the hands of the person who practices these arts...the Kokondo-ka.

Development & Trademark:

The emblem was developed in concept and appearance by Shihan Paul Arel and is trademarked by the International Kokondo Association. It cannot be used without written permission from the honbu (world HQ) dojo and the International Director of IKA.