Great black wings cover the expanse of the sky, blocking out the sun and all-natural light that pours down to the earth. Fire and rampage surge from the sky, covering tree and home until nothing but ash is left. Evil, anger and destruction from unobtainable heights flies from mountain to mountain.
At least, that’s how Western culture has often portrayed dragons in stories and myths. Knights would kill the terrible dragon to save the princess locked away in a tower; and, J.R.R. Tolkien’s dragon, Smaug, was abhorrent and greedy.
In the traditional Eastern culture, however, dragons have great symbolism and often represent royalty. Being a favourable creature, many martial art styles use the symbol of the dragon in conjunction with their clubs. Other common animals that are associated with martial arts are the tiger and phoenix.
Yin and Yang
When looking at the Taijitu (or Yin/Yang) philosophy, there must always be a harmonious balance in the two energies. It is often depicted as a whole circle with two sides that intersect with each other in a rounded or curved loop, often with a small dot of the opposing colour in the center of the bulb.
The masculine energy (yang) is considered hot and is the white side while the feminine energy (yin) is considered cold and dark, the black side.
Dragons
In Korean history, the tiger and dragon are precedent creatures in mythology. Generally speaking, dragons are associated with heaven, wisdom and life. In the yin and yang depictions, dragons are the yang proportion, or the masculine energy.
Western dragons usually have that large expanse of wing while the Eastern dragon is depicted without wings. Furthermore, the Eastern dragon has a much more fluid motion, moving like water.
Being born in the year of the dragon is considered auspicious and often birth rates rise during this year. While the dragon is strong in both depictions, in the Eastern culture, the dragon is more often associated with intellect and is highly respected.
The Korean Martial Arts Centre use the principles of Yu, Won and Hwa. These are flowing water, circular motion and harmony. Similarly, the dragon represents the ability be a calming entity one second yet attack ferociously and quickly the next; to move with fluidity; and, to create harmony within oneself.
In certain martial arts circles, the dragon is furthermore considered to be those who have mastered self-control within themselves and are attuned to their surroundings. In this interpretation, high level students of martial arts would be developing themselves into dragons as a goal.
Tigers
Tigers are the yin, or feminine energy, of the two harmonizing vitalities.
Historically, the terrain in Korea was an ideal habitat for tigers. The Siberian Tiger is their national animal as well and during the Josean Dynasty, military officials were decorated with tigers as symbols of their courage and strength.
When it comes to martial arts there is a similar desire within that symbolism. Like other clubs, KMAC uses the symbol of the tiger. However, what stands out is the use of this symbolism.
The tiger is often a symbol of courage and power or even aggression. In this way, some schools of thought believe the tiger is the perfect representation of new students of martial arts. They are attuned to their “aggressive” side and are eager to pounce, so to speak.
At KMAC, we refer to our smallest students (ages 4-6) as tiny tigers and little dragons (5-7). It is no coincidence then, that if they are our tigers, they are the “newest” members who are eager to run around and get involved and show off their new skills.
Of course, all new students in this understanding are enthusiastic tigers that are working towards becoming attuned and wise dragons.
Within the yin/yang principle, the two energies mirror each other and create harmony and balance against the other’s opposing energies: eagerness and intellect. Being both a tiger and a dragon.
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