Shisa

Shisa is an apparel brand my partner Phyllis and I started to counterweight what we feel is missing in the lifestyle wardrope when it comes to martial arts. As practioners ourselves we wanted to create something that respects and reflects the culture and attitude in all martial arts: improvement of body and mind. At the same time we try to maintain the vibe and cool edge from the 90's streetwear brands we love and grew up with.

It may seem difficult at first but everything is difficult at first

Okinawa, Japan is not only the birthplace of Karate it's also home to traditional guardian figures called shisa. In Okinawan mythology, shisa are protective beings that ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

In anthropology there's the concept of "high-context culture" which describes societies where meaning lives between the lines. A shared history, symbols, and unspoken understanding build the foundation to make that happen. I had a fascination with Japanese culture since I saw that 1980's TV show "Shogun" as a kid and coming of age in subcultures, I recognized a similarity. Beyond the music, it was the DIY ethics, community building, and youthful urgency that shaped us. That's why in SHISA we see natural parallels between martial arts and street cultures like skateboarding, punk, and hip-hop. They all communicate through practice, tradition, and collective experience rather than explicit rules.

Since this is an ongoing project I can only invite you over to the Shisa website to view our complete collection or visit our blog.