Hidari Gomon - This symbol is used in honor of the birthplace of karate.  The tri-comma was the official crest for the royal family of Ryukyu Kingdom (Okinawa).  While the use of this symbol was widely discontinued, today it is seen as an image of rebirth as a symbol of pride and celebration of the Okinawan culture.

Purple Background - The color purple was chosen as it also nods to the royalty of the Ryukyu kingdom.  Many ancient civilizations equated purple with royalty, wealth or higher education.  Purple is also associated with highly esteemed qualities such as spirituality, inspiration, compassion, wisdom, creativity, and vigilance.

Nine-Pointed Star - The nine-pointed star is actually three identical (equilateral) triangles interlocked with each other to form the star.  The nine-pointed star contains a wide range of symbology with complex meanings and interpretations.  It has a multitude of mathematical 'functions' that are subject to a study all their own.  For our purposes the three triangles represent the forces/phenomena that make our existence possible

· The first triangle represents the primal forces:

o   Creation

o   Preservation

o   Destruction

· The second triangle represents the basis of human life on Earth:

o   Body

o   Mind

o   Spirit

· The third triangle represents time:

o   Past

o   Present

o   Future

As each of these triangles is an equilateral triangle and they are precisely identical, none of the forces or phenomena are of higher importance than the other.

Th nine-pointed star sometimes seen is religious text, it is not the intent of its use here to have a religious meaning or tie the logo to set of religious beliefs.  In some ancient texts, the 9-pointed star represents the "Fruits of the Spirit” which are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  All qualities that should be sought after by everyone looking to improve themselves.  It should be noted that the phrase "As above, so below" which is sometimes associated with the religious use of the nine-pointed star, has some relevance in both martial arts training as well as behavior in our daily lives.  Train hard in the dojo so you are well prepared for the battle outside the dojo.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze - The use of these specific colors for the three triangles that make up the nine-pointed star have ties to a theory written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato.  The writings described a theory that all persons are born into one of three classes of people.  Each class had a specific purpose and if each class worked within their pre-designated purpose society was in harmony.  While we do not subscribe to the theory that everyone's destiny is chosen prior to birth or that one group of people is above another, we do believe that when everyone works together toward a common goal, harmony can occur.

Furthermore, the colors gold, silver and bronze have other implied meanings:

· Gold –the sun; personal growth & power or strength

· Silver –the moon; neutrality, wisdom, truth & trust

· Bronze – the spiritual world; stability, reliability & endurance

Braided Rope - The braided rope around the perimeter of the logo is meant to tie all of the above into one image.  The rope binds all the thoughts and ideals hidden behind the symbols into one solid object or in this case one solid concept which is the root of Kaizen Do: improve yourself every day, either physically, mentally or spiritually. 

A VERY special thank your to Ms. Miranda Patches who created the logo.  Her patience as we worked through the process was beyond the 'call of duty'.