Traditional Karate-do Federation International Logo
The Traditional Karate-do Federation International logo is in part from Saito Soke's Kamon (family crest/emblem). It is estimated that there are more than two thousand family emblems derived from patterns drawn from things like flowers and birds. These designs originated in the Asuka period (6c-8c) under the influence of the civilization on the Continent of Japan. Most of the patterns that serve as the basis of today's family emblems were used in the Heian period (9c-12c).
In the Muromachi period and the following Warrior Society (15c-16c), the shape of the family emblem became more abstract and refined than before.
What is seen in the Saito Kamon is the katabami (wood sorrel) plant, which is very strong and can survive in extreme circumstances. The leaf of the wood sorrel was used to make a medicinal salve, and also to polish bronze mirrors.
The fruit of the wood sorrel contains many seeds, and the plant is extremely reproductive. In later centuries, some warriors who used the wood sorrel as an emblem cited this characteristic as an auspicious token for the future proliferation of their families.
The katabami was chosen to represent Saito-ha Shito-ryu because of members willingness to strengthen the mind, body and spirit; always striving to help one another recognize their ailments in order to find cures for them; and helping karate-kas polish their mirror in order that they may see themselves as they truly are.
TKF International never displays the sword needlessly, but always keeps it sharp and ready be it necessary to defend against those that try to bring harm to its cause. As the wood sorrel produces beautiful white flowers, similarly, TKF International members intent is to produce goodness and humility.
The five gold feathers, as feathers on an arrow, keeps our warriror path true and our target in focus. It also represents the Five Way Spirit of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do as written by Master Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-ryu.
Saito-ha Shito-ryu karate-do uses this crest to incorporate the strength necessary to endure rigorous training, overcome mental and physical challenges, and to stay on course spiritually. Although powerful we are balanced by the display of humility, awareness and compassion.