Sensei Victor's Badge

Eagle – The eagle represents the Dojo Instructors’ Italian heritage. The eagle was the ancient roman symbol for the Roman Empire and is a symbol of power and strength. Power and strength are components of the martial arts that are emphasized in the Croydon dojo through fitness and strength training.

Mushin – the symbol on the right of the badge represents mushin which literally translates to ‘no mindedness’. It represents the ability to execute the martial arts without having to think or force it. With training, it is anticipated that when required, a technique or response will come naturally. This is the essence of speed in the martial arts. If a martial artist must think about a technique before execution, the technique becomes slow and loses effectiveness. Mushin is achieved when the martial artist is relaxed and peaceful, a state that can only come from training and confidence in one’s self.

Spirit – the Japanese symbol on the left of the badge represents spirit. The martial arts begin as a purely physical activity; kicking, blocking, punching and moving. After extensive training, the martial artist must learn that the martial arts are practised as much inside the body as they are outside the body. A martial artist must look inside himself to really grow. Muscles and technique mean nothing if the martial artist lacks the spirit to use the techniques. Spirit may be defined as a non-quantifiable substance or energy present in all living things. The spirit develops and grows as an integral aspect of the living being, and this growth is an important aspect of the martial arts. Thus, to truly master the martial arts, one must master himself first.