Danzan Ryu Jujitsu

The Meaning of the Danzan Ryu Yudansha Kai

by Prof. David Bellman

Inside the center is the folding fan which symbolizes the "Family;" Sensei being the pivotal point of the fan and the students being the expanding panels and folds of the fan. As we become students of Jujitsu , and then instructors, we grow to be a part of one another as "brothers," "sisters" and "parents" (teachers). This bonding, as it were, makes us all part of a large family, the "Ohana," with mutual interests.

Encircling the posts of the Tori is the familiar Black Belt, or obi, which is the catalyst and part of the optimum goal of the student. The belt, tied in a square knot, is symbolic of the stable and righteous lifestyle of the wearer. The obi is worn with honor and respect and "embraces" and "supports" the Jujitsu "family." To the immediate right and left of the Tori is the kanji for "Ju" and "Jitsu," respectively - the "Gentle Art" which we study.

Directly above the Tori is the symbol of the triangle, the strongest geometric figure known to man. The triangle denotes strength. The triangle has further meaning in the study of Jujitsu ; that is, each of the sides and each of the points stand for the principles and tenets of the study of Jujitsu . The top point stands for "Mind", or the mental aspects of the art. The bottom left point stands for "Body", or the physical aspects of the art. All points are linked together in a common bond - each aspect dependent upon the other. There are also three equilateral sides of the triangle. The left side denotes "Love", the right side denotes "Friendship", and the bottom side denotes "Service". These three tenets of Jujitsu remind us that we need to be in the service of our fellow man. Teaching the principles of Jujitsu as well as the esoteric principles is the medium in which we can accomplish this obligation.

On the outside ring of the logo are the words, "Danzan Ryu" and the words "Yudansha Kai". These words comprise the name of the Kodenkan organization to which we belong. "Danzan Ryu" means "Cedar Mountain" or "Hawaiian Island" System or Style, and "Yudansha KAI" means "Association of Black Belts". Thus, the Danzan Ryu Yudansha Kai is the organization, under the guidance and direction of black belt holders, which teaches the system of Jujitsu founded in the Hawaiian Islands by Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki.

In short, the logo embraces much of what the Danzan Ryu Yudansha Kai stands for. Of course, there is much more to the art of Jujitsu than what can be depicted in one logo. It should be a goal of each and every student and black belt holder to learn, understand, teach and live those principles symbolized in our logo in order to become better students, better teachers and better citizens in our communities.