by Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of speaking again with Hanshi Dave Hebler, a remarkable man whose life bridges both the world of martial arts and the legacy of Elvis Presley. Known internationally as one of Elvis’s trusted bodyguards and his personal karate instructor, Dave is also a master teacher in his own right, a man of principle and humility. Dave told me how the patch was intended to represent Elvis’s vision for a worldwide martial arts organisation and he was going to be its Director.

Hanshi Dave was hired by Elvis in 1972 to be one of his personal bodyguards, with his primary responsibility being Elvis’s safety at home, during personal appearances, and on tour. He also served as Elvis’s Kenpo Karate instructor. Dave has the rare achievement of being a 10th-degree black belt and a pioneer of American Kenpo Karate. Elvis was very impressed by his skills and techniques, such as the “Huawei technique”.

Though he lives in the USA and I in the UK, our conversations often turn toward the shared values of discipline and integrity that underpin both martial arts and the Christian walk. Recently, Dave shared with me the extraordinary story behind a karate patch that he personally designed in 1973, with input from Elvis and Grandmaster Kang Rhee.

That same patch, filled with meaning, artistry, and faith, has now found new life in my own journey. I was deeply honoured when Dave gave me his personal permission to wear the emblem on my own karate gi, saying he was pleased that the symbol he had created alongside Elvis would continue to be displayed with respect and purpose. To me, that gesture was more than permission, it was a passing of the torch, a sign that the spirit which inspired Elvis and his martial arts circle still moves today through those who train with faith and integrity. This patch, still admired by martial artists and Elvis fans alike, carries a strong spiritual message for me and many others.

The Patch and Its Meaning

This distinctive patch reflects not only martial discipline but also a profound worldview. At its centre is the famous TCB logo, Taking Care of Business, crossed by a lightning bolt. Yet in this context, the phrase carries a deeper meaning: “Taking Care of Business quickly through Faith, Spirit, Discipline, and Endurance.” Each element of the patch conveys deep symbolism and spiritual resonance:

• Faith, Spirit, and Discipline, clearly written on the patch, they represent the foundational virtues that every martial artist and indeed every believer, must cultivate.
• Endurance, expressed in oriental script inside a red ball, which symbolises the Earth, reminding us that perseverance is the anchor of strength and the bridge between human effort and divine grace.
• Seven Stars, representing the universe, symbolising completeness, divine order, and cosmic harmony.
• The Lightning Bolt, expressing speed and efficiency, it reminds practitioners of the need for clarity, precision, and purpose in action.
• The “Nin” Character (忍) within the red circle, just above the word discipline, is a small but powerful letter: “nin”, the same character found in ninja (忍者) and ninjutsu (忍術). It conveys meanings such as patience, endurance, forbearance, and stealth. Dave told me that Grandmaster Kang Rhee insisted on including this character because it perfectly expressed the heart of true mastery, the ability to remain calm, patient, and spiritually centred under pressure. Together, these symbols create a complete philosophy: by developing faith, spirit, discipline, and endurance, one can channel the energies of the universe, or, in the Christian understanding, align oneself with the divine power and order of God’s creation.

Elvis Presley’s Faith Reflected in the Design

While Elvis Presley is celebrated around the world as the King of Rock and Roll, he was also a man of deep Christian conviction. His truest musical passion was always Gospel, the music of his heart and faith. Songs like Peace in the Valley, He Touched Me, and How Great Thou Art were not mere performances; they were heartfelt prayers set to melody.

Elvis’s inclusion of the words Faith, Spirit, and Discipline in this patch reflected his belief that strength must come from within, from the Spirit of God working in and through the human. His martial arts training was not just physical conditioning, but a form of spiritual discipline that mirrored his faith in Christ.

The three virtues on the patch echo the great biblical principles that sustain a life of purpose:

• Faith — “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith fuels our journey through both triumph and trial.
• Spirit — The Holy Spirit gives life, courage, and conviction (Romans 8:11). True strength flows from within.
• Discipline — “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27). The self-mastery of the martial artist mirrors the believer’s pursuit of holiness.

Even the seven stars and red Earth carry spiritual meaning. In the Bible, seven is the number of divine perfection, and the Earth symbolises humanity’s place within God’s vast creation. Thus, the patch may be seen as a visual parable: God’s perfect order (seven stars) overseeing the Earth (red circle), empowering all who live by faith, spirit, discipline, endurance—and patience (nin).

An Honor for a Living Legend

It was a privilege this year to propose Hanshi Dave Hebler for honorary membership in The Institute of Martial Arts and Sciences, recognising his exceptional contribution to the global martial arts community and his unique place in Elvis Presley’s story. I contacted my friend IMAS Founder and President, Professor Jaimie Lee-Barron and through him, and I am very thankful to IMAS for this, the decision was made to honour Dave. That nomination led to Hanshi Dave being awarded full membership of IMAS and being bestowed the title of Hanshi by the SKBR, a fitting honour for a man whose life reflects mastery, humility, and endurance. The title Hanshi (範士) is one of the highest honors in traditional martial arts. It translates as “Exemplary Master” or “Model Teacher”, describing someone who has reached not only technical mastery but also moral and spiritual maturity. A Hanshi is recognised as a teacher of teachers, a guardian of tradition, and a living example of discipline, humility, and character. In many ways, the title parallels the Christian ideal of mature discipleship —leading not by dominance, but by example. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

The Gospel in Motion

In truth, this karate patch preaches a sermon in symbols:

• The Red Earth reminds us that we are God’s creation, humble vessels formed from the dust (Genesis 2:7).
• The Seven Stars reflect God’s divine order and completeness (Revelation 1:16).
• The Lightning Bolt echoes the power and quickness of the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) which contains everything we need for salvation and life.
• The Character “Nin” (忍) teaches us to endure with patience, to hold our peace, and to persevere in righteousness, at times to walk stealth like. Just as Christ walked and eventually endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).
• These Four Virtues then, Faith, Spirit, Discipline, and Endurance, outline the Christian path of discipleship. The TCB stands for Taking Care of Business and this is how that’s best done, by putting God at the centre of everything.

Elvis once said, “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t goin’ away.” That same truth shines through this patch, as clearly as the lightning bolt that divides it: the truth that through faith, patience, and discipline, the human spirit can be transformed by the power of God.

Conclusion

For Elvis, martial arts were a way to unite body and soul; for Hanshi Dave Hebler, they became a lifelong expression of mastery and service; and for me, this emblem is now a reminder that every pursuit, whether on the mat, the stage, or in ministry, can be a form of worship when it reflects God’s character. Through Faith, Spirit, Discipline, Endurance, and the patience symbolised by Nin, we align ourselves with the Creator’s energy, living as instruments of His divine purpose, strong, steady, and filled with His light.

In that sense, the patch designed by Dave Hebler, with the vision of Elvis Presley and Kang Rhee, remains far more than a relic of the past. It is a living testimony, a symbol that faith, endurance, and discipline are not just paths to mastery, but to the fullness of life in God.