The crest of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu was carefully designed to represent our past, our present and our future. Historically, feudal Japan developed a complex system of heraldry with a variety of symbols to indicate family relationships and values, and embodied the ideals and shared values of the group.
As the system has evolved, so has the crest it is represented by. It serves as a visual representation of the art’s history, principles, and philosophy. Every element contained within the emblem reflects a deeper connection to the classical traditions from which the system developed, while also expressing the unique identity of an American lineage dedicated to preserving and transmitting the principles of aiki.
At the heart of the crest is the mitsudomoe 三つ巴, a symbol representing the dynamic relationship between Tenchijin (Heaven, Earth, and Man) and the complementary forces of In and Yo. Ultimately, the mitsudomoe is an expression of Aiki itself, the heart of our system. Surrounding it is the yukiwa 雪輪, the snowflake motif used by Daito Ryu Kodokai, honoring the roots from which American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu received its foundational influence.
The combination of the yukiwa and the mitsudomoe represents the relationship between heritage and principle. The yukiwa looks backward, honoring the lineage and traditions that provided the foundation. The mitsudomoe looks inward, representing the universal principles of Aiki that transcend any single school, culture, or era.
Together, they express that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces. Just as In and Yo complement one another, preserving the past and developing the future exist in harmony. A martial art remains alive when its practitioners respect its origins while continuing to embody its principles in meaningful ways. The outer snowflake reminds us of where we come from. The inner mitsudomoe reminds us of what we seek to become.
Through the union of these symbols, the crest of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu represents a path of continuous refinement. The emblem is therefore more than a mark of identification. It is a visual expression of a philosophy: the harmonious integration of opposing forces, the preservation of tradition through adaptation, and the understanding that true strength emerges through balance rather than conflict.
At the heart of the crest is the mitsudomoe 三つ巴, a symbol representing the dynamic relationship between Tenchijin (Heaven, Earth, and Man) and the complementary forces of In and Yo. Ultimately, the mitsudomoe is an expression of Aiki itself, the heart of our system. Surrounding it is the yukiwa 雪輪, the snowflake motif used by Daito Ryu Kodokai, honoring the roots from which American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu received its foundational influence.
The combination of the yukiwa and the mitsudomoe represents the relationship between heritage and principle. The yukiwa looks backward, honoring the lineage and traditions that provided the foundation. The mitsudomoe looks inward, representing the universal principles of Aiki that transcend any single school, culture, or era.
Together, they express that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces. Just as In and Yo complement one another, preserving the past and developing the future exist in harmony. A martial art remains alive when its practitioners respect its origins while continuing to embody its principles in meaningful ways. The outer snowflake reminds us of where we come from. The inner mitsudomoe reminds us of what we seek to become.
Through the union of these symbols, the crest of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu represents a path of continuous refinement. The emblem is therefore more than a mark of identification. It is a visual expression of a philosophy: the harmonious integration of opposing forces, the preservation of tradition through adaptation, and the understanding that true strength emerges through balance rather than conflict.
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"Aiki Jujutsu is said to be the Budo of harmony"
Hayashima Masao, student of Takeda Sokaku |
"The methods of war are the methods of peace"
Ienao Iizasa (1387-1488) |