The American Flag is a symbol of many things in our country including a feeling of Security, Pride and Respect. Our Nation’s flag is comprised of a Blue Rectangle with 50 Stars inside it to represent the 50 states that make up the United States of America. Our flag also has 13 Red and White alternating stripes to represent the original 13 colonies. The current flag (As Shown) was not our nation’s flag until 1955 when it was altered to include Hawaii and Alaska.

The Continental Congress left no record to show why it chose the colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and listed their meaning as follows: white to mean purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. According to legend, George Washington interpreted the elements of the flag this way: the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country. However, there is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag.

The Flag of South Korea consists of three parts.

1.      A white background
2.      An Um Yang in the center
3.      Four tri-grams, one in each corner
              a.       Heaven, Earth, Water and Fire

The white background symbolizes “cleanliness of the Korean people” where the Um Yang is its traditional Red and Blue colors.

Tae Guk Gi, The Korean flag symbolizes the thought, philosophy and mysticism of the eastern culture. The center of the flag consists of a circle equally divided and in perfect balance.

The circle itself represents the complete unity of all things. The Um and Yang illustrate the complimentary relationships contained within the universe. The upper red section is called Yang and the lower blue section is called Um, and is the ancient symbol of creation.

Furthermore, Um and Yang represent the theory of causes and conditions. This theory shows us that all things are interdependent on each other. The central thought in the Tae Guk Gi also indicates that while there is constant movement in the universe, there is also balance and harmony.

Our School Logo is comprised of many parts including the traditional Hap Ki Do symbol, the Eagle. The eagle has always been thought of as a majestic bird symbolizing royalty, and as Hap Ki Do was passed down from father to son in the royal court of Korea it only makes sense that a royal animal would represent it. The eagle is holding an arrow in its talons symbolizing the characteristics needed to perform such a feat; strength, speed, focus and skill. These are the same traits which a good student strives to develop in Hapkido. Your arrow is a black belt, and it will take hard work and dedication to achieve that goal. The eagle is depicted in front of an Um Yang representing both our Korean lineage as well as our pursuit of balance.  In the border ring is the name of our school as well as the Chinese kanjis for the 5 Elements.  The 5 elements philosophy emphasizes balance in nature.  Below are the translation of the 5 element characters as well as the significance of the main colors within our logo: