"yin and yang", is used to describe how opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn.Yin and Yang may also be explained as “a totality that cannot exist without both parts.” Yin and Yang are opposites that depend on one another and must always be in balance, just the same as the seasons cycle and create a time of heat and a time of cold. Yin and Yang cycles through active and passive, dark and light, life and death, and on and on. Yin represents the female, the moon, night, winter, left, weak and dark. In contrast, yang stands for the male, the sun, day, summer, right, strong and light. Yin and Yang continuously produce each other, resulting in a cycle where one force dominates, and then is replaced by the other force, so that no one force can dominate permanently. The two forces are interconnected, and all aspects of life and nature contain them to some degree. There is neither right nor wrong, but rather there is balance, transformation, interaction, and dependent opposition.
Two broad classes of martial arts exist embodying Yin and Yang. Yin, or the soft martial arts, relies on circular motions and redirection of energy to use as a counterattack. Examples of soft martial arts include Tai Chi Chuan, Judo and Aikido. Yang, or hard martial arts, relies on linear motions and the direct opposition of force with your own force. Examples of hard martial arts include Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Tiger-style Kung Fu. In martial arts, using a soft defense against a hard attack conserves your energy. Conversely, using a hard defense against a soft attack overwhelms your opponent. JUKENSA uses both hard and soft—the complete Yin and Yang.
Within Yang, there is a small piece of Yin and within Yin there is a small piece of Yang, as illustrated in the Yin Yang drawing above. Strive for balance and understanding in your life. Learn and practice when to yield and when to act (yin-yang) in everyday situations.
The "Yang" of the Jukensa logo is red, a color which denotes action, power, happiness, and prosperity.
It is the “hottest” of the colors and almost always is used to show joy and celebration and attracts
attention more than other colors, and of course, there is the word "All-red;-)"
There are several meanings for this gesture. Directed toward the Jukensa teacher, it designates respect for him, for the originator(s) of the particular system, and all who have studied before him, with him, and who presently study under him. It shows courtesy and respect to any audience present. “I now cover my weapon, my fist, for I do not wish to use it.” The Jukensa practicioner is expected to use this concept in all facets of his or her life…to exhibit control over emotions and actions. However, even the open hand exhibits a developed knuckle, indicating that although passive, the Yang is there.
The clenched fist also signifies improper behavior toward others, such as temper displays, fighting, antagonism, cheating, deceit, violence, lying, foul language, argumentativeness, and on and on.
The open hand is neither passive nor is it negative, as it is the Yin of the Yin-Yang symbol. Quite the opposite! It represents a force which can control the fist, or, it symbolically illustrates that we have the ability to control our improper behavior. The Jukensa open hand is positive and active. It dominates and commands the inappropriate behavior represented by the clenched fist.
This open hand may be said to represent CONTROL. Any activity of an improper nature is represented by the fist, but the open hand controls the fist, or inappropriate behavior... The open hand is a reminder of our restraint and control over our negative actions toward others.
During the Jukensa salute, forcefully press the open hand against the fist, symbolically controlling improper behavior.
