The NKJF name and mark was founded on March 1, 2021 by Sensei, Steven E. Johnson, Hanshi. It was meticulously designed to pay homage to the legacy of four warriors and leaders in the history of the National Karate Jujitsu Union (NKJU/NKJU-I), i.e., Soke Shogo (Kosho) Kuniba (1935-1992), Hanshi Richard P. Baillargeon (1930-1989), Hanshi Tola E. Lewis, Jr. (1945-2020), and Hanshi Lemuel “Doc” Stroud (1931-2013).
Center.
“X” marks the center, the core, and the beginning of self. When viewing the NKJF symbol all angles point to the center yet radiates outwards and upwards. It points North, South, East, West, and unto the Heavens. It is “Ki” or “Chi,” an internal force. The center is the Hara. Translated from the Japanese, hara simply means belly, yet there is so much more. At a deeper level, hara means one’s true nature. So, it is not just a physical center in the body but also the center of one’s true nature. The “X” or cross is very symbolic in the Christian faith, the crucifixion of Christ.
Lines.
The lines within the NKJF design represent the many directions, angles, and application of karate kata. They weave in and out, cross paths, entangle, and break free. The movements are repetitious and explosive, yet the circles soften the lines and angles by redirecting the opponent to one’s center. This is where the battle starts and should end. A moment of perfection.
Circles.
The circle is a universal symbol with extensive meaning. It represents the notions of totality, wholeness, vitality, completion, perfection, the self, the infinite, eternity, timelessness, and all cyclic movement, and God (God is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere). In many customs and spiritual beliefs, a circle represents the Divine life-force or Spirit that keeps our reality in motion. The meaning of shapes and symbols meets us where we are ready to listen and learn. One’s training in Budo is endless, timeless, and embraces moving towards perfection in technique, and a sense of oneness in mind, body, and spirit.
As “kara” may be defined as empty, and “te” is hand (karate = empty hand), it is important in any fighting style or system, in order to be effective, circular movements must be incorporated for parrying, evasiveness, and breaking one’s balance. This is highly stressed in NKJF’s jujitsu and grappling curricula.
Eight (8) Diamonds.
Hanshi Stroud laid the foundation for jujitsu programs under NKJU, now NKJF. At its core is jujitsu from the Hakko-ryu lineage, a Japanese term translated as "The Style of the Eighth Light," or specifically, "eighth light school," hence, the eight diamonds. The eighth light, appearing weak in composition, is surprisingly powerful. Additionally, the number “8” is the symbol of infinity, reliance of physical strength and the use of hara.
The eight points of the four spears represents the eight-fold path:
1. Right understanding
2. Right aspiration
3. Right effort
4. Right speech
5. Right conduct
6. Right livelihood
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
Colors.
Violet or purple is an ancient royal color and therefore a symbol of the sovereignty of Christ. Violet is also associated with repentance from sin. It speaks of fasting, faith, patience, and trust. It is the liturgical color used during the seasons of penance, Advent and Lent.
From the Center (X) comes light that is magnified and embraces us in majestic colors. In the color spectrum there are normally seven bands of color that are visible. Hakko, meaning the "eighth light," refers to the ultraviolet band, a band of light that is invisible to humans. This invisible yet powerful band of light is used as an analogy for Hakko-ryu, whereby "the faint and weak in appearance comes surprising strength." In Hakko-ryu, the highest achievable dan rank embraces the color purple.
The number eight also represents infinity in Japan. The name therefore suggests an infinite number of techniques can be derived from it. Ryu means the school or system of martial art. Hakko-ryu Jujutsu training employs strategies to defend oneself using subtle movements rather than strength, yet powerful in execution.
Wisteria.
The Wisteria leaves or Fuji Mon are symbolic of the Kuniba family crest and former Head of Motobu-Ha Shito-ryu Karate-Do, which is the karate lineage of Baillargeon, Stroud, Lewis, and third Director of NKJU, by succession, Steven E. Johnson (1959-current), and is the first Director of NKJF, USA-International.
It is said that it takes fifteen years for the Wisteria plant to mature and blossom. This is also the average time that it takes to raise a Budoka from jukyu to to godan or to receive one’s Shihan license (Master Instructor).
Vines.
The vines just like the center points of the diamonds reach upward and outward. As in jujitsu, the vines embrace, lock, entangle, overwhelm, and choke out the weak and the strong, but does so gently. Life itself, can be taken gently, or by force.
The reach of the vines is infinite. If there is something to hold onto, the vines will expand and the flowers, if it is fed properly will continue to blossom. The same holds true with any fighting style. To grow one must be properly nurtured.
The bluish-purple leaves, are the students, enriched in color, absorbing their strength and knowledge from the vines rooted from the earth. It is hopeful, when a student reaches Shihan, they are expected to blossom and continue to grow in the years ahead.
The reach of the National Karate Jujitsu Federation (NKJF), USA-International ™ is endless, but is only as strong as its weakest link. As with our nation, together we prosper, divided we fall. Our patch, logo, or mark is a symbol of unity, strength, and solidarity.