The Philosophy of Limalama,
like the Art itself, the Limalama Coat of Arms Patch was designed to serve
not only practitioners, but also the public at large. We believe this
Patch is unique in its ability to declare the ideal principles of the
Limalama Arts of Self Defense in a pictographic form. It identifies Limalama
to the world, and its symbols teach the doctrine and philosophy of the
Limalama Arts of Self-Defense. Those symbols remind practitioners, students
and instructors of our obligations and responsibilities to ourselves,
our family, our fellow man, and our country, and our respect for law and
order. In it Limalama is represented as we believe it to be: a God-given
endowment or blessing for its membership, for the common good of all people
throughout the world. The following is a brief explanation of the various
symbols that comprise the Limalama Coat of Arms or Patch. Hopefully, this
will assist students in understanding more fully the philosophy behind
the Art. The components in the Limalama Patch each represent specific
ideals and philosophies of the Limalama Arts of Self-Defense.
Frame of the Patch
The frame of the patch was drawn to resemble a law enforcement badge.
This represents Limalama’s belief in law and order. Limalama practitioners
are enjoined to exist peacefully, in compliance with the laws of the land
in which they live; to respect the individual rights of others; and to
be a positive force in creating and maintaining a lawful environment and
a peaceful and orderly community.
The Head Band
The headband represents the contribution of athletic traditions to the
teachings of Limalama. The inspiration of great athletes to play and compete
in life, by the rules, to the best of one’s own ability, and with
honor, is an encouragement for the Limalama practitioner. The headband
represents accuracy, honesty and integrity in the best tradition of good
sportsmanship.
The Running Man
The nudity of the man symbolizes broad mindedness, the basis of the Limalama
concept of the correct use of the mind. This is, to be truly fair in evaluating
people and ideas, and to approach everyone and everything without favoritism
or bias; to have an open mind while listening to others whose concepts
and standards of behavior may differ from your own; to reject the “simple-mindedness”
of judging others based on our own preconceptions. That the man is running
represents Limalama’s emphasis upon fitness, both physical and mental
– especially in the long run, improving the quality of life through
healthy lifestyle and practices.
The Wings on the Shoes
The wings on the shoes represent an angelic frame of mind, purity that
is the goal of every Limalama practitioner. Limalama encourages its practitioners
to play hard, clean, fair and honestly, without resorting to unscrupulous
means just to win. The angelic symbol is also a reminder to practitioners
of the importance of maintaining self-control, over the body and the emotions,
so that one can then conduct one’s own affairs without infringing
unnecessarily upon the lives of others.
The Torch
The torch represents the flaming fervor and desire of the Limalama Arts
of Self-Defense to pursue and maintain autonomy. A single, unified, independent
affiliation of men and women dedicated to the ideals and principles of
Limalama.The torch also represents our teaching of democratic ideals and
principles. It dos not represent the survival of the fittest, nor does
it stand for absolute freedom. It stands for the sacrifice of many who
have afforded us all with equal freedom and rights, protected under the
laws of the land. It is a symbol of liberty.
The Left Arm Straight and The Left Hand High Above the Head
The left arm straight and the left hand above the head signify the Arts’
teaching of high moral values and standards accepted by all societies
of the free world. These are: pride, dignity, respect and honor, along
with the determination to rise above gossip and negative trivia of life
with the head high, despite any setbacks.
The World
The world is the mother of all the nations, and so she is the mother of
all people. In a figurative sense we are all her extended family. Thus
the world signifies the oneness of mankind, the great family of which
we are each a part. As in a family, Limalama practitioners must be aware
of every aspect of their relationships to others. With each other, this
concept is vital in our fight against segregation and apartheid, and in
our efforts not only to get along, but also to improve human rights. We
are each other’s compatriots; we are each others’ brothers.
Everything we do must reflect that awareness, and that commitment to each
other.
The Banner
The banner encircling the world is a symbol of the “Hand of Wisdom”
concept and our desire for peaceful coexistence and unification. If we
are to have a better tomorrow we must greet all of our fellowmen on the
basis of equality. We must look upon our fellowmen as good people. We
must strive to make our fellowmen feel wanted and important. We must provide
them with the hope of seeing life as a paradise of understanding in a
world of individual excellence. The word “LIMALAMA” written
on the banner is a symbolic extension of The Hand of Wisdom concept. In
that, we must be supportive of one another in developing common sense
and logic, sound reasoning and a fair disposition, to guide our consciences
to negotiate our faults and differences. Limalama is dedicated to God,
and I feel that students studying Limalama will follow an ethical way
of life and become productive citizens of this planet without losing sight
of the fact that God is above everyone.
The Hand that is Holding the World
The hand that is holding the world represents the hand of the All Knowing,
All Wise and All Powerful, Divine and Sacred Almighty God, to whom the
Limalama Arts of Self-Defense is dedicated, for His Glory. It is the hand
that molded and created the universe. It captures the very essence of
the definition of the term “Limalama”, which means “The
Hand of Wisdom.”
The Leopard
The Leopard is a very careful animal. It surveys and carefully examines
the terrain before attacking its prey. Being acutely aware is one of the
traits of the leopard that I felt is of great importance to those who
study Limalama. We encourage carefulness and awareness in determining
one’s priorities. Patience is another trait of the leopard that
is significant in the Limalama Arts of Self-Defense philosophy. One of
the most important characteristics of a well informed and aware person
is patience.The Leopard also has social significance in the Limalama Arts
of Self-Defense through our association with Oriental influences. The
leopard symbolically represents China and it is depicted in its protective
and ferocious pose as protecting the “Hand of Wisdom.” The
leopard in such a pose is Limalama’s acknowledgment of its sincere
gratitude to all of China’s Arts of self defense for their support
and in encouraging the growth of Limalama through many years to take its
place among the martial arts of the world. The leopard also represents
our recognition of the significant contribution of the Kung-Fu Arts to
fitness, health, healing and a better life without fear.
The Tiger
The tiger is a symbol that represents Japan and Korea, and indirectly
Okinawa. As knowledge of the Martial Arts of self-defense began to spread
out into the world, Japan was the foremost influence and leading power.
First, there was Judo, and then came Jujitsu and later Aikido. Then after
World War II and the Korean Conflict came Karate. Like its counterpart,
the leopard, the tiger has been portrayed on the Limalama Patch in a pose
protective of the “Hand of Wisdom.” In this way, Limalama
pays its tribute of gratitude, with honor and respect, acknowledging Japan
as the forerunner of the martial arts throughout the world. The tiger
also honors Okinawa for its fierce competitive spirit and boldness in
bringing the vision of Karate into prominence. The tiger also praises
Korea for introducing Tae Kwon Do and making a quantum leap to bring this
art to every corner of the world, and finally to the Olympics. The tiger
acknowledges the Japanese and Okinawan martial arts for their support
and understanding, and in their willingness to participate and compete
with Limalama Arts of Self Defense in martial arts sporting competitions.
Also included in this respect is the Korean Arts of Self-Defense for its
unbiased attitude and support of the Limalama Arts of Self Defense in
all of the defensive issues and sporting events. The support from Japan,
Korea and Okinawa helped establish recognition of our wonderful Polynesian
Arts of Self Defense.
The Twelve Pointed Circle with the Twelve Pyramids
There are twelve points on the circle with a raging fire inside the frame.
Between the twelve points of the circle are twelve pyramids. These twelve
pyramids are a symbolic representation of the twelve greatest teachers
of the world. Once again, these pyramids are a reminder to all practitioners
that the Limalama Arts of Self-Defense are dedicated to the glory of the
Almighty God. These pyramids are symbols that denote the source of our
Limalama membership’s strength and the fortitude of our confidence,
with the boldness of our will to face every new day with a smile.The twelve
points on the circle represent the twelve tribes of the entire world.
These are the two existing and the ten lost tribes. It represents mankind
as a unit in a group of twelve. Limalama teaches that human beings were
created by Almighty God. We were created in his image. It strengthens
our teachings of unity and equality. It enhances and supports our insistence
that people are equal, and that we are each others’ keeper.The color
red inside of the circle’s frame represents a raging fire. The red
fire represents God Almighty. The two black capital LL’s in the
center of the flame represent the gift of God to us, the divine manifestation
of knowledge, the endowment upon mankind, known as Limalama Arts of Self-Defense.
The black color represents “Blindness in a Godly Sense”: the
great mystery of God.
The Color Bands
Color bands are found on the concave surface at the bottom of the emblem.
These colors are a representation of the various levels of proficiency
in the Limalama Arts of Self Defense. On an individual basis we compete
against our own better self. This encourages us, as individuals, to be
highly motivated and ambitious in order to be well informed of all conditions,
to be well prepared to undertake any task, and to be sure there is no
envious attitude against anyone. We compete against others only to compete
against ourselves. We constantly strive to make the self of today a much
better person than that self of yesterday. As an organization we must
also compete against ourselves. We must constantly strive to improve the
Limalama Arts of Self-Defense, as a singular entity.
Tomorrow we must be better than we were today!
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