Our Philosophy
Martial Arts Academy of Billings exists to build the mind, body and spirit of each student. It is our hope that each individual martial artist achieves his or her ultimate potential in confidence and leadership and that the professionalism of our staff positively influences our community as a whole.
In striving toward these goals, we study and practice the following tenets of the International Dae Myung Moodo Federation - respect, etiquette, loyalty, modesty and patience.
The symbolism of Martial Arts Academy of Billings Certificates
In Western cultures, dragons are generally considered evil and are associated with fire and destruction. While in the East, dragons are considered auspicious or good luck and are associated with water and fruitfulness. The dragon in Asian mythology is a symbol of the emperor --full of power and vitality.
Tigers in Asian mythology generally represent martial ability and power. Primarily consigned to the general of the army, the tiger denotes physical power rather than the spiritual power represented by the dragon.
The Yin Yang symbol is a recognizable symbol in many cultures. Yin is the dark side of the symbol which connotes the negative outcome of events; whereas, Yang is the bright side, depicting the positive outcome of events. The modicum of dark or light in either side reveals the seed of the very element that will produce the other’s demise. Thus, the seed of dark eventually dispels the light, and the seed of light dispels the dark. They are complementary opposites. As in the universe, positive and negative both exist to create a balance.
The Korean characters which represent Chun Ji mean “Heaven and Earth” and refer to the creation of the world or the beginning of human history.
The Martial Arts Academy of Billings certificate embodies the yin yang concept, using Asian mythological creatures to complete the visual reference. The dragon’s spiritual power balances out the military power of the tiger. Just as on our certificate, the visual representation of both elements balances out on the sheet of paper. Thus, receiving this certificate is symbolic of the beginning, or birth, of balance in the individual practitioner, spiritually, mentally and physically, and signifies the individual’s growth toward ultimate unity or serenity.
