The Patch — A Legacy Worn With Purpose
The Story Behind Our Official Emblems
The Two Official RSKA Emblems
The emblems provide a consistent representation of the same symbols, traditions, and lineage represented by the physical patches worn within the RSKA. They are not separate or unrelated logos; they are visual representations developed from the organization's established patches.
Together, the two official emblems preserve the identity, lineage, history, and traditions carried by the members of the Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association.
The official emblems of the Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association trace their origins to two distinctive patches that were carefully designed, refined, and developed over time by Grandmaster Kenneth Balliet and Grandmaster Michael Davies. More than simple identifiers, these patches served as visual representations of the principles, traditions, heritage, and evolution of the martial arts they dedicated their lives to teaching.
The two official RSKA emblems were developed from these patches so that their identity could be represented consistently throughout the association while preserving the meaning and significance of the patches worn by its members.
To fully appreciate the symbolism and meaning embodied within the current emblems, it is important to understand the history and development of the original patches from which they evolved. Every element within the designs reflects the history, lineage, traditions, and values that the organization seeks to preserve.
Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Jutsu Original School Patch
The precise origin of the original school patch remains uncertain; however, its earliest known association is with Grandmaster Michael Broadman. A practitioner of Shorinji Ryu, Broadman trained under Grandmaster Zenpo Shimabukuro, who introduced and taught the system during his visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in September 1963. The original patch incorporated both English and Japanese text. The kanji used at that time translated as 沖縄 (Okinawa) and 空手道 (Karate-dō), meaning “The Way of the Empty Hand.”
Throughout its history, the patch has undergone a series of deliberate modifications reflecting both the evolution of the art and the individuals who carried its traditions forward. One of the earliest changes involved replacing the English inscription “Shorinji Ryu” with traditional Japanese kanji, bringing the design into closer alignment with the Okinawan heritage and cultural origins of the style.
Grandmaster Kenneth Balliet and the Evolution of the Original Patch
As the system continued to develop, Grandmaster Kenneth Balliet adopted and adapted his instructor’s patch following the establishment of his own school. After his promotion to the rank of 10th Dan in Shorinji Ryu, Grandmaster Balliet further revised the design to more accurately represent the style being taught.
The original inscription identifying the art as “Okinawa Shorinji Ryu Karate-Do” was replaced with “Ryukyu Shorinji Ryu Karate-Jutsu,” emphasizing both the Ryukyuan roots of the system and its traditional martial application.
In time, Grandmaster Balliet introduced the image of a bonsai tree into the design. The bonsai was chosen as a symbol of patience, disciplined growth, perseverance, and the careful cultivation of both character and technique.
Later, a cross was incorporated into the emblem, reflecting his personal Christian faith and further distinguishing the patch as a unique representation of his lineage and teachings.
A Living Martial Art
Today, the patch continues to undergo subtle refinements while preserving its essential identity and symbolism. Its evolution reflects the philosophy that Shorinji Ryu is not a static tradition but a living martial art—one that honors its heritage while adapting through the experiences and contributions of each generation.
Practitioners are encouraged not only to preserve the teachings they receive but also to internalize, refine, and embody them in their own development. In this way, the art continues to grow organically while remaining firmly rooted in its historical foundations.
Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association – Black Belt Patch
The Black Belt Club patch represents the historical and organizational identity associated with the continuing tradition of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Jutsu.
The official Black Belt Club emblem shown at the beginning of this page was created from this patch. Members who wear the patch carry with them a visible representation of the tradition, lineage, and responsibility associated with the organization.
The emblem is therefore more than a graphic representation. It preserves the identity and significance of the patch worn by members of the organization.
Interpretation of the Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Jutsu Patch
The Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association offers the following interpretation of the patch and its symbolism:
Its roots represent the additional knowledge, experience, and influence gained from other martial artists and systems that contributed to the continued development of the art. Deeply rooted yet carefully cultivated, the bonsai serves as a symbol of tradition, patience, perseverance, and the intentional development of character.
Its carefully shaped form reflects the lifelong process of refining both technique and spirit through discipline, humility, and dedication.
Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association – School Patch
History and Meaning of the Revised School Patch
The development of the revised patch was undertaken with the guidance and input of two senior instructors and longtime family friends, Hanshi Therold Davenport and Hanshi Michael Davies, both of whom were in the process of establishing their own independent schools. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring that the redesigned emblem more accurately reflected the historical origins of the Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Jutsu system and its lineage tracing back to Chotoku Kyan.
The foundation of the patch design is based upon the Okinawan flag and the former Kingdom of Ryukyu, symbolizing the birthplace of Okinawan karate and the three original branches from which the art developed: Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te. These traditions form the historical roots from which modern Okinawan karate systems evolved.
The official School Emblem shown at the beginning of this page was created from this school patch. The emblem therefore represents not only the identity of the school, but also the lineage and tradition carried by the members who wear the patch.
The Bonsai Tree and Kyan Family Crest
At the center of the design is the bonsai tree, representing the lasting influence of Grandmaster Kenneth Balliet and the growth of the Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Jutsu system under his guidance. Like a bonsai tree that is carefully cultivated over generations, the art has been preserved, nurtured, and passed forward through dedicated instructors and students.
The Kyan family crest has been divided symmetrically and positioned over the Okinawan flag. This element symbolizes the origins and foundational roots of the system while honoring the direct influence of Master Chotoku Kyan.
It also represents the preservation of the original kata and teachings that continue to be practiced within the system today.
Two Patches — Two Emblems — One Organization
The Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Association maintains two distinctive patches, each serving a specific purpose within the organization. From these two patches, the two official RSKA emblems were created.
The original Black Belt Club patch preserves the historical and organizational identity associated with the continuing Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Jutsu tradition.
The School patch represents the individual school and its place within the broader RSKA lineage and tradition.
The patches are worn by members. The official emblems provide a consistent visual representation of those same symbols across RSKA materials, publications, digital platforms, and organizational identity.
A Symbol of Heritage and Responsibility
Through their symbols and design elements, the two official RSKA emblems stand as a tribute to the heritage of Okinawan karate, the legacy of Grandmaster Kenneth Balliet, the influence of Chotoku Kyan, and the continued commitment to preserving the traditions and principles of Ryukyu Shorinji-Ryu Karate Jutsu.
These emblems remind us that the tradition we practice today was received from those who came before us. Their meaning is preserved not simply through the images themselves, but through the patches worn by members and through the training, knowledge, character, and responsibility of the practitioners who carry the tradition forward.