The Wa Shin Ryu Tattoo

Upon receiving the rank of Sankyu students become eligible to place the Wa Shin Ryu tattoo on their left forearm (inside). Students who are accorded the honor of being selected as Uchideshi, or, who qualify for a teaching license (Menkyo), are expected to wear the tattoo. For all others above the rank of yonkyu, including black belts, the tattoo is voluntary.

The tattoo should be located five fingers from the wrist and four fingers from the elbow. Spacing is one finger (sideways) between each kanji character. The size of each character may range from 1/2" to 3/4" square.

Students should think this through very carefully before committing to wearing the Wa Shin Ryu Tattoo. Their dedication and commitment to the system, and the sensei, should be unshakable and they should feel a sense of pride and honor wearing it. Since this process is irreversible, it is assumed that students who choose to wear the tattoo understand the full implications of this act.

For students who come up through Wa Shin Ryu, wearing the tattoo is a sign of dedication, commitment, absolute loyalty to the sensei (which is reciprocated by the sensei), and to the integrity of the system. It also signifies a transition from jujutsu being merely a recreational activity to a way of life.

The tattoo represents dedication, commitment, pride and achievement. It is an honor and a privilege to wear it; therefore, those who make the commitment should display their tattoo with pride (and good taste).

For students who come over from other martial arts the tattoo also symbolizes a psychological and a physical transition from their old system to Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu.

Most importantly, the Wa Shin Ryu Tattoo is a symbol of a lifelong bond forged between the sensei and the student.