The Circle:

The circle forms the foundation of the Golden Knights badge. The mythological background of the circle is fascinating. Overall, it represents the wheel of fate that revolves relentlessly and unceasingly. For the martial artist, or warrior, the circle represents the plane of knowledge which exists to be acknowledged, and learnt from. As the plane of knowledge is circular, there is no beginning, nor end. Therefore, the circle says that the knowledge which the Martial; artist seeks, has no bounds. It also symbolises the depth of what the Martial Artist can achieve physically, spiritually and mentally, which is also endless. The eight tracks within the circle also represent the eight directions of attack and defence.

The Sword:

The hand grasping a sword is the ancestral crest of the MacRae's. The three double-edged swords symbolise dual powers. The three swords represent the physical, spiritual and mental, the two bladed edges indicate that these three attributes can be used in a positive or negative way. The bladed sides of the sword also represent positive and negative, Yin and Yang (masculine and feminine). The angle of the swords within the badge tell their own story. At the top, the sword is balanced horizontally, which represents balance or appraisal of the warrior's situation. The sword facing downwards represents defeat or indecision, which should be overcome, and the sword facing upwards is known as the "ace" or winning sword, and the sword of positivity.

The Knight:

Represents the spirit guiding the body. His quest portrays the journey of the soul through the world, with its temptations, obstacles, and trails, testing and proving of character and development towards perfection. The fact that it is a Golden Knight gives it divine power and the splendour of enlightenment. The two horns atop the helmet manifest triumph over adversity, in particular in the protection of others. The knight is also the 'guard' of the circle, which as you have found, depicts the foundation of the journey. The Knight holds the three swords, which represent the three stages of the knights journey as the Page, the Knight, and the King. The Page represents the earth, the Knight represents the transcendence from the earth plane to spiritual understanding, and the King represents the higher plane of spiritual understanding. The Knight represents the mid-ground between the Page and the King, the constant link of knowledge and understanding between the three, which when linked, becomes one.

The Gryphon:

Holds a Torc (and Sword). A Gryphon is a half eagle, half lion mythical beast which is a guardian of treasures, and always vigilant and vengeful towards those who cross its path. Legend tells us that the mythical winged Gryphon was the only beast able to transcend and move freely between the physical and spiritual planes. So, the Gryphon also represents the physical and spiritual sides of the Martial Artist.