MissionWe operate at the intersection of martial arts heritage and contemporary street culture. Driven by a fascination for themes of duality and contradiction we create apparel and goods that honor transformative power. Translating traditional knowledge into modern utility — Shaping the evolution of a mindset.
Team Shisa together with Kyokushin black belt Roland Gloekler (center) after a session at Cage Cologne.
VisionWe aim to bridge worlds. The analog and the digital, the traditional and the contemporary. Simply put: the duality of the human experience in a physical world. We like to think of Shisa as something that potentially touches upon the meta as well as provide thoughtfulness to the production of the gear itself.
We produce in small batches, collaborate locally and try to be as resourceful as possible. Always based on our current abilities and knowledge. As we grow we pave our path.
Origin
Shisa are traditional guardian figures originating from Okinawa, Japan. These lion-dog like creatures are deeply rooted in Okinawan culture and history.
The concept of shisa is believed to have been introduced to Okinawa from China in the 14th or 15th century, during the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom. They are derived from the Chinese guardian lions, known as "shishi" in Japanese.
In Okinawan mythology, shisa are protective beings that ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. They are typically depicted in pairs, with one having an open mouth to ward off evil spirits, and the other with a closed mouth to keep good spirits in.
