A.K.E.A. Traditions, Ranks, and Creeds

Posted onAuthorWynaco

The traditional bow-in at A.K.E.A. acknowledges the Warrior and the Scholar, and how they work together.  Attributes of the Warrior and Scholar are represented by the image and character of the Five Animals, as are our belt ranks.

The Tiger Pursues the Hurricane

Ranks WHITE through YELLOW/BLACK

The body of The Tiger represents the STRENGTH of the warrior.  The character of The Tiger represent the COURTESY of the scholar.

whitewhite-black

orangeorange-black

yellowyellow-black

The Serpent Tests the Air

Ranks GREEN through GREEN/BLACK

The body of The Serpent represents the STAMINA of the warrior.  The character of The Serpent represent the COURAGE of the scholar.

greengreen-black

The Crane Airs Its Wings

Ranks BLUE through PURPLE/BLACK

The body of The Crane represents the SKILL of the warrior.  The character of The Crane represent the CONFIDENCE of the scholar.

blueblue-black

purplepurple-black

The Leopard Braves the Sword

Ranks BROWN through BROWN/BLACK

The body of The Leopard represents the SPEED of the warrior.  The character of The Leopard represent the COMMITMENT of the scholar.

brownbrown-black

The Dragon Rides the Wind

Ranks SHODAN (1st Degree Black) and above

The body of The Dragon represents the SURPRISE of the warrior.  The character of The Dragon represent the CONTROL of the scholar.

black

The A.K.E.A. Creed

 

Part 1

Above all else,

to train my mind and body,

to follow the path of peacefulness.

In all ways,

through patience and discipline,

adjust myself to all conditions,

which I may meet in my daily life.

Part 2

I am controlled by

positive thoughts and emotions.

I simply forcefully do all

that I am capable of doing.

I am proud of myself

regardless of my performance.

Because growth comes not from

always winning and succeeding,

but in always doing,

rising again to do again.

Part 3

Should I be forced to defend myself,

my family, my country,

or the principles of justice

I am not intimidated by the size, appearance,

or attitude of my opponent.

My force overwhelms like the hurricane,

my techniques cut like the sword,

and my fighting spirit is like the tiger.

Part 4

As a warrior,

I make mercy and strength my companions

and nonviolence my first weapon.

In confronting life and my fellow man,

I follow the six precepts of the warrior:

 

Do more than think: Reflect

Do more than talk: Say Something

Do more than hear: Understand

Do more than look: Observe

Do more than touch: Feel

Do more than exist: Live!