Below is some of the insignia used by the club
The Dragon Patch
Perhaps the most flamboyant patch that is worn by some members is the Hong Kong Dragon Patch. This patch is worn on the back of the Gi top by members of the club who travelled to China in 2014 to mark the 40th anniversary of the club. Only those who took the trip are entitled to wear it.
The Senior Instructor on the trip is distinguished by the fact that his Dragon is looking the opposite way to all the others.
This is to signify the students looking towards their teacher as a group, with him looking back at them.
The patches were bought at a street market in Hong Kong on the main island. The market was set on some steep narrow streets and the lady selling the patches did not speak any English. We still managed to barter with her to get them down to a very reasonable price!
In China and Hong Kong, Dragons are mythical beasts and are usually represented as snake-like with four legs. They represent strength, power and good luck.
We liked the look of this patch in particular not only because it symbolises China and Hong Kong but also because of the tenuous link to the 'Draig Goch' (The Red Dragon of Wales).
Thankfully, these patches were of the 'iron on' variety, as sewing them on would have taken ages!
The Senior Instructor on the trip is distinguished by the fact that his Dragon is looking the opposite way to all the others.
This is to signify the students looking towards their teacher as a group, with him looking back at them.
The patches were bought at a street market in Hong Kong on the main island. The market was set on some steep narrow streets and the lady selling the patches did not speak any English. We still managed to barter with her to get them down to a very reasonable price!
In China and Hong Kong, Dragons are mythical beasts and are usually represented as snake-like with four legs. They represent strength, power and good luck.
We liked the look of this patch in particular not only because it symbolises China and Hong Kong but also because of the tenuous link to the 'Draig Goch' (The Red Dragon of Wales).
Thankfully, these patches were of the 'iron on' variety, as sewing them on would have taken ages!
Coloured Belts
Students are graded in line with the traditional Kung Fu tradition of coloured caves. Each cave is represented by the corresponding coloured belt with three grades in each cave (except black which has 10 Dans)
The first cave is red, signifying the Earth and beginnings. White tabs are worn on the red belt to signify whether t he holder is 'Red 1, Red 2 or Red 3' grades, i.e. 1,2 or 3 tabs.
The second cave is white, representing light and progression. Blue tabs are worn to distinguish White 1, 2 and 3.
The third cave is blue, meaning the sky and advancement, with black tabs being worn to signify Blue 1, 2 or 3.
Once the student has passed through each of the nine grades the next step is the much coveted Black Belt. This colour represents 'Dangerous Knowledge' and the beginning of the students quest.
The belts are depicted here in order staring with the most junior grade of Red 1, right up to black belt. Beginners who have not yet been awarded Red 1 may wear a red belt without a tab while working towards Red 1. Black Belt Grade is divided into 10 Dans and some practitioners wear a coloured tab for each Dan, but this is optional.
The first cave is red, signifying the Earth and beginnings. White tabs are worn on the red belt to signify whether t he holder is 'Red 1, Red 2 or Red 3' grades, i.e. 1,2 or 3 tabs.
The second cave is white, representing light and progression. Blue tabs are worn to distinguish White 1, 2 and 3.
The third cave is blue, meaning the sky and advancement, with black tabs being worn to signify Blue 1, 2 or 3.
Once the student has passed through each of the nine grades the next step is the much coveted Black Belt. This colour represents 'Dangerous Knowledge' and the beginning of the students quest.
The belts are depicted here in order staring with the most junior grade of Red 1, right up to black belt. Beginners who have not yet been awarded Red 1 may wear a red belt without a tab while working towards Red 1. Black Belt Grade is divided into 10 Dans and some practitioners wear a coloured tab for each Dan, but this is optional.
This badge was designed by Paul Jones (Black Belt at the Wrexham club). The Draig Goch (Red Dragon) which is the National flag of Wales is emerging from the Yin Yang Symbol synonymous with martial arts. The yellow lettering on a blue background represents the police connection and the red Chinese symbols mean "Kung Fu". It was designed in 2017 and each member receives one free of charge to iron on to their Gi.