The AIK Tiger & Dragon | History & Symbology
The Tiger and Dragon are powerful symbols deeply rooted in martial arts tradition. AIK intentionally uses a realistic tiger that represents the universal physical capabilities shared by all humans, regardless of individual traits or appearance. We believe everyone can develop the skills needed to defend themselves and improve their lives.
While many Kenpo schools and martial arts styles feature an Asian-style dragon, AIK uses a European dragon. This choice reflects our alignment with the values of Western chivalry, even as we honor the Japanese roots of Kenpo. For a deeper comparison between the Samurai code of Bushido and the European code of chivalry, we recommend the classic book “Bushido: The Soul of Japan” by Inazo Nitobe — required reading for all Senior AIK Black Belts.
The Tiger
The tiger symbolizes the early stages of learning and earthly strength (physical prowess).
-
Yellow and orange represent the first steps on the journey — the mechanical stage.
-
Brown eyes represent advanced students.
-
The small amount of brown found only in the eyes emphasizes how few actually reach the advanced stages and how important it is to remain focused to get there.
The Dragon
The dragon represents the later stages of learning and spiritual strength (intelligence, mental attitude, and humanity). It is the ultimate goal of every martial artist. As knowledge grows, fear of an aggressor diminishes, while confidence in one’s ability to defend themselves increases. This allows the warrior to avoid unnecessary conflict and emerge victorious when needed.
-
Black scales represent expert proficiency.
-
Red is indicative of professorship.
-
The dragon’s body features a spectrum of colors (yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, brown) representing the many levels of development required for mastery.
-
Most importantly, the white in the dragon’s eyes symbolizes an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.