Budoshin Ju-Jitsu
The Gentle Art of Self-Defense
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The Budoshin Ju-Jitsu logo [a registered trademark] was designed with the philosophy of the art in mind rather than just the physical aspects. “Budoshin” means to conduct oneself in an honorable & respectable manner. The symbolism of the logo should help you along this path. The information below is a summary of the symbolism of the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu logo.
The four colors on the colored logo represent traditional concepts: WHITE— purity & truth; BLACK— death; RED— life; BLUE— serenity & peace.
The first design [red] symbolizes the five spiral steps of learning: patience, repetition, understanding, experimentation, & evaluation. These five steps form a continuous spiral as the last step leads back to the first while, at the same time not returning to the point of origin because what has been gained from the learning process expands the base from which to learn more. Think of a “slinky” toy if you want to visualize this concept. It also incidentally symbolizes the lotus blossom. The lotus blossom symbolizes the inseparability of cause and effect, the provision and reality, and the source and manifestation of enlightenment. It helps bring the interrelationships of the Yin-Yang together.
If you wish to be more esoteric it could be said that the five petals of the lotus blossom also represent the five basic elements of gojo-goyoku: earth [chi], air/wind [fu], fire [la], water [sui] and void [ku]. This brings us back full circle [pardon the pun] to the five steps of learning and the circle in the center.
The second design, located in the center, is the Yin-Yang or Tao [Chinese], which represents the duality or interrelationships of good-evil, light-dark, mind-body, male-female, etc.-etc. Within the framework of Ju-Jitsu techniques this symbol also illustrates the circular flow of ki & motion, as well as the flowing nature of the art. This symbol is located in the center of the above spiral & is the center circle created by the spiral.
If you look at the design carefully you will notice a 6th circle created by the spiral for the obvious Yin-Yang symbol. But at a higher level it indicates the concept of the “sixth sense” that martial artists develop — which some call “mushin”.
One could write a book about all of the philosophical relationships mentioned, but that’s not my purpose here. It is only to help you understand the interrelationship of ideas and how one thing affects another; the infinity of the yin-yang.
The background color of blue, behind the spiral, is to indicate the sky which is indicative of peace and serenity.
You will also notice that there are three rings – or circles in the design – that indicate key elements of the personal philosophy of Budoshin Ju-Jitsu: humility [represented by the outer circle – or circular shape – of the patch], respect [represented by the middle circular border between the white & blue backgrounds], and integrity [the inner circle within which lies the yin-yang]. The relationship of these three circles also establishes and represents the essential relationship between integrity, respect, and humility, a necessary philosophical foundation for any sincere martial artist — in any art.
The term “Budoshin Ju-Jitsu” was first formally copyrighted in 1973 by George Kirby as a title of the book, Budoshin Ju-Jitsu: Instructor’s Manual. “Budoshin Ju-Jitsu” officially became a registered trademark name in 1995.