Our Logo
Background & Significance
In 2024 our school was formally accepted directly under Master Morinobu Maeshiro, current president of the Okinawa Shōrin-ryū Karatedo Kyokai (OSKK), and designated Intangible Cultural Asset holder.
This transition was made possible through the relationship that Sensei Mayne built over the past 30 years during his trips to Okinawa. After Sensei Iha's passing, this solidified our school's official continued lineage in the Shōrin-ryū style founded by Master Chōshin Chibana - later named Shōrin-ryū Shidōkan by his successor, Master Katsuya Miyahira.
As the only U.S. organization under Sensei Maeshiro and the OSKK, we named our dojo Shidokan "Takuma" and adopted the new logo described below. Note that this is the name of the school. Our style of karate is still Shōrin-ryū as founded by Master Chōshin Chibana.
The logo depicts the Shidokan Takuma five components of continuous skill and character development, unbroken lineage, and lifelong friendships forged through karate.
The Golden Ratio
Balance Found in Nature
Our logo is designed using the golden ratio (phi), a mathematical harmony found throughout nature, the human body, and even the universe.
Natural Forces
The fluid motion in our style develops power like a wave — energy building and releasing into explosive power.
Natural movement has no straining tension.
“Flowing water competes with nothing.” (Ryusui saki wo kisuwazu)
— Katsuya Miyaira, Hanshi 10th Dan, Shorinryu Shidokan.
It's in Our DNA
Through years of practice, technique stops being something we think about and simply becomes how we move.
The Squares
Representing the development of Power through Balance, Timing, Technique, Strength and Speed - where Power is the measure of force delivered through a technique. Scroll down...
1 Balance (軸 Jiku)
2 Timing (間 Ma)
3 Technique (技 Waza)
4 Strength (力 Chikara)
5 Speed (速 Soku)
The 5 Elements
of Motion
Balance (Jiku)
In Practice
Translating to "axis" or "center shaft", Balance is the control of a center point of mass. The most basic element, understanding how to create, optimize, and use balance creates the foundation for ability in karate.
In Life
Having a strong jiku means possessing a solid, unwavering personal core. It is the foundation of staying grounded, knowing your boundaries, and not being thrown off balance by the chaotic forces of life.
Timing (Ma)
In Practice
Mastering the critical, fleeting window of engagement. In karate, accurate timing can effect the outcome more than the technique used. The perfect technique applied too early or too late will be useless.
In Life
The awareness of the "space between" means to seize an opening or opportunity at the precise moment it presents itself.
Technique (Waza)
In Practice
The efficient application of movement, in balance and with no wasted motion. Technique is the multiplier of strength and speed, ensuring energy is directed efficiently. Excess motion and bad habits will be slow or ineffective, regardless of strength.
In Life
Skill forged through experience and intentional discipline. It is the wisdom to navigate life by doing things the right way rather than taking shortcuts, relying on refined capability rather than brute effort.
Strength (Chikara)
In Practice
Strength applied with Balance, Timing, proper Technique, and Speed can multiply force well beyond raw muscle.
In Life
Just as in martial arts, true inner strength and resilience properly developed build the deep character required for enduring, exponential growth in life.
Speed (Soku)
In Practice
Speed is the time it takes to reach the objective — not how fast the body moves. A short, efficient path will block or strike sooner than a fast, long one. Without balance, timing, technique, and strength, speed is just flailing.
In Life
Moving with purpose rather than panic. A reminder that without a solid foundation, rushing through life only leads to burning out over things that aren't truly important.
The Spiral
In Practice
A tribute to honor Sensei Iha's friendship rope. "Friendship and Cooperation" was also a core tenant for Sensei Miyahira. It also represents our unbroken lineage, with knowledge passing down from true masters.
In Life
It is woven through all 5 components. Through karate we continuously go deeper in developing skill, character, and most importantly... lifelong friendships.
A note on Power
True power in karate is achieved by compounding the five elements of motion, where advanced elements like speed and strength rely heavily on a strong foundation of balance, timing, and technique. Mastering these foundational elements not only acts as a multiplier for your own physical strength but also provides the means to disrupt and neutralize an opponent's power.
The Continuous Spiral
Scroll down to see how all concepts in our logo infinitely build upon each other.
...and the cycle continues