The elements of the patch are the golden rays, the sword, the fan, and the vicious leaping bunny.
The name of the dojo is Kodai No Bushido, which mean "ways of the old warrior" or "old warrior ways". Our intent is that you should strive to be an old warrior, know yourself and work to keep yourself healthy. Old warriors are the ones that have figured out how to survive in battle.
The sword has its handle to the left, to signify a house at peace. The fan is the other essential weapon of the samurai. The samurai was always allowed to carry his fan, with which he could be as formidable as with the sword. There is also a yin/yang aspect to having both the sword and the fan. In western culture, the fan is seen as feminine (yin) and the sword as masculine (yang).
The 5 golden rays stand for the transmission of knowledge as well as the 5 essential principles:
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Proper diet -
Proper exercise
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Proper relaxation
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Proper breathing
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Proper mediation
The vicious leaping bunny:
The rabbit got into the dojo symbol because when I was ordering checks for the dojo, I paged through the book and saw this cute woodcut of a rabbit. It got me started, I had it put on the checks.
I started collecting information about just what the rabbit is and what it represents. My first thought was Monty Python's “Oh, it's just a harmless little ‘bunny’, isn’t it?"; Then I watched some Bugs Bunny cartoons and he's a marital artist - talk about calm under the hell of the upraised sword - he leans across Elmer Fudd's shotgun and goes, "What's up, Doc?". Or the "Rabbit Season/Duck Season" cartoon, where he tricks Daffy into saying "duck season, shoot the duck, shoot the duck". Truly a classic. There's Harvey, the imaginary rabbit, Jimmy Stewart's friend.
This next quote I got from an announcement about the Lunar New Year, when it was Year of the Rabbit:
The Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty. His soft speech and graceful and nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician.
The Rabbit is extremely lucky in business and monetary transactions. Astute at striking bargains, he can always pop up with a suitable proposal or alternative to benefit himself. His sharp business acumen, coupled with his knack for negotiation, will ensure him a fast rise in any career.
Another friend sent me the following quote:
A hare's bite may kill a leopard. - Mpongwe saying
And I started liking the symbol of the rabbit that much better. Martial artists alway go for the tough animals - tigers and such. In many cultures the rabbit is quick witted and tricky, misjudged because of his appearance. Not really timid and shy at all, a reminder to always treat others with respect. It's a good cover for a martial artist - "It's just a little bunny." Yeah, right.
