SCC's Dojo Crest: Meaning and Symbolism

The crest of our dojo is known as ‘The Master’s Circle,’ the design of which was based on usage of ten simple, overlapping circles. The circle itself is representative of life and life’s energy, with no linear end or beginning; an ideal I am quite fond of is best stated by Master Skip Hancock of American Kenpo, who has stated that “Mastery is a process of renewal.” And so, the circle was chosen as the basis for our crest.

Please take note of the first circles, forming the inner and outer rings; the outer circle represents the school('Tetsujiinkai community'), whereas the inner circle represents the individual practitioner. The actions of each practitioner ripples outward throughout our school family/community, while the community fosters and builds up each practitioner.

The second set of circles are the three outward forces/concepts which press inward through the community and upon the practitioner; these are Technique (the physical material), Conditioning (forging the body and mind into weapons) and Budo (warrior ideals which once drove Japanese martial arts).

The final set of overlapping circles in the design of the SCC dojo crest are the Four Tenants: Character, Knowledge, Compassion and Wisdom. It is important to note here that the purpose of the martial arts, and in particular our art, is equally two-fold: To build one into a functional fighter for the sake of protecting life, and to build one into a good, moral human being. 

The circles of the Four Tenants further press into the practitioner, forming the rough shape of a diamond (not at all by accident): a diamond is created through heat, pressure and refinement over long periods of time – and thus, the SCC student is built in the same fashion.

These overlapping circles, all pressing inward, create the design of our dojo crest/Master’s Circle.