Kenpo Creed by Ed Parker
Yellow Belt Pledge
"I come to you with only Karate, empty hands, I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands."
Orange Belt Pledge
"I understand that I am but a beginner in a new and fascinating art which will direct me to greater obligations and responsibilities. To honor my obligations and responsibilities I pledge myself to serve my instructor, fellow students, and fellow men."
Purple Belt Pledge
"I hold the art of Kenpo sacred and freely take upon myself the obligations and responsibility that I shall never misuse my skill to hurt or make afraid. I shall fight only if forced to defend myself and shall be slow to anger, loath to take offense, quick to forgive, and forget personal affront."
Blue Belt Pledge
"I shall never let my pride rule my passions and will defend with all the skill I posses, the weak, the helpless, and the oppressed. I pledge an unswerving loyalty to the Association and my instructor. In addition, I pledge an unending effort to earn the self-same loyalty from those who look to me for training."
Green Belt Pledge
"I pledge a continued effort to sharpen my skills, to increase my knowledge, and to broaden my horizons. I shall obligate myself under the direction of my instructor to learn the skills of a teacher which will enable me to teach my skills in the prescribed manner outlined by Mr. Ed Parker and my instructor."
3rd Brown Belt Pledge
"I pledge that as my skill as a teacher progresses I will never condemn, ridicule, embarrass, or shame any student or fellow instructor in the presence of a class or group. All grievances or disputes shall be conducted in private away from group observation."
2nd Brown Belt Pledge
"I understand that like a doctor, the private affairs of students and fellow instructors that come to my attention during the exercising of my responsibilities are privilege communications and must never be discussed with any living soul. I vow to never violate this pledge nor any other for the sake or personal benefit."
1st Brown Belt Pledge
"I honor and hold sacred the right of all men to protect themselves. I further hold that as a trained Martial Artist in Kenpo I will take upon myself all obligations and responsibilities deemed sacred to my God, family, country, and Association."
1st Degree Black Belt Pledge
"I hold that my time and my skill are the assets of my profession, assets which grow in value as I progress in the Art until, as a Third Degree Black Belt, I stand as a fully qualified instructor. It shall also be my responsibility to protect any student from ravenous individuals who would try to take advantage of personal weaknesses to divest the gullible into unprofitable paths, to preserve the sacred things, God, family, country, and Association, I pledge my all."