| FLAGS The Korean Flag  The Korean flag symbolizes much of the thought, philosophy, and mysticism of the Orient. The symbol is called the Tae Keuk and the flag itself is called Tae Keuk Ki. Dedicated on the center of the flag is a circle divided equally and in perfect balance. The circle itself represents the absolute or the essential unity of all being. The upper section of the circle colored red is called yang and the lower section colored blue is called um. This is the ancient symbol for the creation of the universe, day and night, light and dark, hot and cold; the "Theory of Opposites". The central thought in Tae Keuk indicates that while there is constant movement within the sphere of infinity, there is also balance and harmony. The force of yang is associated with expansion and seperation, and the force of um with contraction and assimilation. The opposites continually balance and compliment each other. The three bars at each corner of the flag represent the ideas of opposition and balance and the white background represents the land and the people of the universe.
The American Flag  The flag of the United States of America is known by its unofficial name of Stars and Stripes. The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies of the USA. The fifty stars each stand for a state. The colors represent courage (red), purity and liberty (white), and loyalty and justice (blue). Display of Flags These flags are displayed in the school for a reason. One of the most important concepts taught in the martial arts is respect. Students are taught to respect each other, their art, and their country. They are taught to support and respect the organization and the school they have joined. A flag has very little value unless it generates respect from the individuals for which it was intended. Every student should see the flags on the school wall not as ornaments, but as symbols of pride in belonging. |
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