Essence of Nin (The center kanji/Japanese symbol) - Is Endurance - 2Cor. 4:8-10 / Heb. 12:1-11 / Matt. 24:13
2Cor. 4:8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed , but not in despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed --(10) always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Heb. 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed striving against sin.
Matt. 24:13 But he who endures till the end shall be saved.
Circles:
The outer black edge circle is black and represents the hidden aspects of Ninjutsu and how early believers in Christ had to live in secret. They blended with the world, but did not conform to the world as they renewed their mind and spirit with the Word of God and spread His teachings. They understood that the calling was not simply to make converts, but to make disciples; which they did as they conducted their normal lives.
The second circle which separates our name "SEISHO RYU NINJUTSU" and the black background is there to remind us to think outside the box, to think creatively and independently because things are not just black and white. On the outer side of the circle, the white side represents how we as followers of Christ are protected, forgiven, blameless, and ultimately washed white as snow through His blood (Rev. 6:13-17). On the other side the dark sinful world we must endure for a time.
Sometimes there is a very small, thin line between perceptions of good and evil. It is only with the knowledge of the Word of God that we will understand we need to endure shame as Christ has done, forgive, and seek the right direction at the right time -Gods time.
We are the warriors of this generation and must find the balance and harmony in Christ to do all that God calls us to do -have faith (Eph. 4:1 / 6:10: 20). This is the area in which the true Seisho Ryu Ninjutsu practitioner operates because there is no difference between day and night (Psalm 139: 11-12).
The Background Colors:
Background behind our name: The white background represents how we as followers of Christ are protected, forgiven, blameless, and ultimately washed white as snow through His blood (Rev. 6:13-17 / Heb. 10:16-30).
Background behind the Crown of Thorns and Nin symbol: The black background represents the sinful world we life in. It also represents the last eclipse of the moon before the rapture of the saints (Rev. 6:12-17 / Matt. 24: 29-31)
The Nin symbol represents the endurance that a true Christian should have to follow Christ. The Nin symbol is actually two words combined, the top word meaning blade, the bottom meaning spirit, heart or mind. The positioning of the two words combined can be interpreted several ways including:
"Even if the sword pierces the heart, you still keep going." "Keep the mind and spirit sharp and focused at all times through continuing to "Cross Blades" "
The red color of the Nin symbol symbolizes that it is through the Blood of Christ alone that we can endure this world and do all that God has called us to do and fulfill our destiny through and in Him.
The Crown of Thorns may be the biggest part of our patch design. It represents both the perfect will of God, Christ endurance, and faithfulness as well as His love for us. It is also a reminder to those of Seisho Ryu Ninjutsu to follow Jesus example of obedience, faith, and endurance.
Furthermore, the Crown of Thorns represents our fundamental body movements (Taihenjutsu) we call this our "Compass Method".
The white color of the Crown of Thorns represents the purity and sinless nature of Christ Jesus and those that follow Him. The red accents represents His blood that was shed for us, that we could be saved in Him. The red accents of blood also symbolizes that we are under His protection, His blood acts as a hedge of protection for those that follow Him.
The actual thorns are also a symbol of protection and direction for followers of Christ Jesus. Protection of the secrets of Nin, of the true way of Christ - enduring to the end (Matt. 24:13)
Direction for those that follow Christ. God calls different people to different callings and places according to His will. The major thorns are a reminder of the diversity and true calling of each of us and that it is God who calls according to His will and purpose -Not everyone is an eye or an ear. Therefore, it is also a reminder to remain humble and respect the path that other brothers and sisters in the Lord are called to do, and not allow pride to convince you that yours is the only correct path. Instructors allow God to direct the steps of His people and encourage faith to grow (Proverbs 3:5-9 / 16:9).
The combination of the Crown of Thorns and the Nin symbol is saying keep your mind and spirit sharp and focused on Jesus Christ as you endure this world. It is also saying to follow Christ's example of endurance till the end, endure past the point of blood and have faith that God will do what He said He will do (2Cor. 4:8-10).
About our Name (Seisho Ryu Ninjutsu): Seisho means Holy Bible, Ryu means tradition or school, Nin means endurance, Jutsu means "the study of" similar to the English "ology"
So it can be but together like: The Christian Art of Enduring
It is always good to respect the past, and create the new. This is the philosophy of Seisho Ryu Ninjutsu and part of it's essence.