Preparing the ground and planting the seed; the beginning student.
The sun that warms the earth and is the energy source for life; the evolving student
The protected sprouting of the seed as it springs from the earth; growth of the Ho-Am martial artist
Water, the irrigation required for life; the welling up of the Ho-Am spirit
Earth, the foundation for the plant’s root system; increasing physical skill
Fire, the increasing warmth of the sun and/or controlled burning; the passion for martial arts that must be properly focused
Black Belt signifies attaining the balance between physical skill and intellect