LaBounty Crest (Lineage)
The Shape:
The crest’s design bears a striking resemblance to the emblem of Edmund K. Parker’s Association. This symbolic gesture serves as a reverent tribute to the esteemed Grandmaster Parker’s profound contributions, from which this family and lineage originated.
The Colors:
Earthen brown symbolizes the ground where the student’s foot is planted in reality. Red represents the forge fire, where the student will be molded to endure mental, physical, and emotional challenges, resulting in a spirit capable of overcoming countless life obstacles. Orange represents the dawn of awakening, the initial step towards comprehending the journey’s purpose. The vast expanse of blue sky symbolizes the attainment of enlightenment, where the student realizes that there is no ultimate conclusion, only a humble acceptance and understanding of the art.
The Symbol Of Change:
(inspired by the trigrams of the I Ching)
The three lines represent the Phases of Education: embryonic, mechanical, and sophisticated. The open circle symbolizes the infinite nature of knowledge and our perpetual state of being a student.
The Title:
“Stephen LaBounty’s American Kenpo” is not intended to re-invent, reorganize, or diminish the system of Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate. With the authorization of the Senior Grandmaster in the late 1960s, this distinctive line of Kenpo was developed. In this endeavor, Mr. LaBounty and his lineage strive to perpetuate and transmit a direct and practical defense system while remaining steadfast in their adherence to Ed Parker’s Kenpo.
The Call To Action:
Mr. LaBounty’s signature call to action, “Rough ’N Tumble,” underscores the inherent messiness of violence. However, when the necessity for violence arises, it is imperative to be prepared to employ the level of sustained violence necessary to prevail through force.
Relation To AIK:
Sigung Stephen LaBounty, a revered figure in the lineage of The American Institute of Kenpo (AIK), has left an indelible mark on the organization’s development.
In response to Mr. LaBounty’s request, Mr. Pilch created a vector format for his crest. This revised crest has since been utilized to design numerous items that serve as tokens of respect and remembrance within the lineage, honoring the invaluable contributions of Sigung to AIK as well as to other branches of his lineage.
The LaBounty crest is held in high esteem and respect by AIK as a testament to the profound impact Sigung had on the AIK organization’s growth and development.