OUR CREST

 

The Octagon - Reminds us to stop and think before we act. Our strength must always serve peace.  It also represents the Eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5)  teaching us humility, mercy, purity, and especially: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” TTRKD isn’t about creating fighters for conflict, it’s about creating strong people who bring peace.

 

The star of Bethlehem represents

• Jesus Christ and divine guidance. Just as the Magi followed the star, we’re called to seek Him in our lives.

• Its eight points represent the Eight Tenets of TTRKD:

  • Respect • Loyalty • Wisdom • Honor • Courage • Compassion • Forgiveness • Discipline

 

The Colors Black, White, Red and Gold

• Black - the darkness and struggles of the world and represents the dark day of Jesus’ crucifixion

• White - the light of Christ overcoming darkness and the purity of life, the life given to us by God.

• Red - the blood Christ shed for our sins, leading us out of the darkness and into the marvelous light.

• Gold - what is most valuable, our relationship with God and the grace we are given through Him. It shows us that our faith is our greatest treasure and must guide everything we do. Together they remind us: Our strength comes from grace, not anger.

 

The Four Doves represent:

• The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

• The Four Goals of Martial Arts: Self-Discipline • Self-Confidence • Self-Defense • Self-Control

• Two doves fly inward → our journey to Christ

• Two doves fly outward → sharing His message with others

• The dove also represents the Holy Spirit, guiding us in peace.

 

The Cross represents:

• The Cross represents God's glory, divine authority, the Kingship of Christ, victory over death, and the priceless gift of salvation.

 

The Kanji: The founder utilized kanji, as it connects us to the martial traditions of Japan and Okinawa, honoring the roots of karate while showing respect for those who came before us.

• The left translates “Tatsu Te Ryu” (Style of the Rising Hand)

• The right translates “Karate Do” (Way of the Empty Hand)

• The center kanji, meaning “Onward,” represents both our direction and our purpose; to keep moving forward in faith, discipline, truth, to never give up.

• Finally, it honors the founder’s family legacy and calls us to live with perseverance, integrity, and purpose.

 

The Red Circle means

• The blood of Christ, plus it reminds us that Christ's love has neither beginning nor end and that God's grace is eternal.

 

Adam and Eve

• Just as Christ stood between mankind and eternal death, His followers are called to stand between darkness and those whom God has entrusted to their care. They symbolize courage, vigilance, service, and the responsibility to defend truth, protect the innocent, and faithfully bear one another's burdens

 

What the Crest Means as a Whole

Simply it teaches us: Think before you act. Seek God in all things. Train with discipline and humility.  Use strength to protect, not harm.  Live as a peacemaker.  “Wise people still seek Him and carry His light onward.”