Black Belt Urn

Legends recount the tales of Shaolin monks undergoing rigorous training to master a testing process comprising 108 challenges. Overcoming these tasks would confer upon them the esteemed title of master of their art.

Upon completing these challenges, the monks encountered an urn filled with scorching red coals blocking their exit from the monastery. They utilized their forearms to lift the urn, resulting in the branding of a tiger and a dragon on their arms. The tiger symbolized their physical accomplishments, while the dragon represented their mental, emotional, spiritual development, and fortitude, all essential for achieving mastery.

During Mr. Pilch’s youth, while training under Mr. Winkeljohn within Mr. Packer’s organization, shirts were awarded to individuals undergoing testing for the black belt. Although the technology of the era facilitated the creation of shirts adorned with these graphics, there was undoubtedly room for enhancement.

As time progressed and Mr. Pilch established the American Institute of Kenpo (AIK), the decision was made to honor that previous tradition by commissioning a remastered and elegant version of the Black Belt Urn for our shirts.

During the early years of AIK, Ed Parker Jr. was tasked with creating the artwork for the Black Belt Urn, which serves as a visual representation of the arduous effort required to attain a black belt.