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 the culture and reflects some of the universal principles common in all martial arts. 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

In anthropology there's the concept of "high-context culture" which describes societies where meaning lives between the lines. Asian and arabic cultures are often named as an perfect example of this unspoken understanding of shared history, symbols and meaning that create the foundation.

As a kid I already had a fascination with Asian culture and especially Japan mainly from watching martial arts movies and TV shows like "Shogun". As a designer the mix between clean minimalism and absolute exaggeration and super over-the-top-ness creates a tension that represents past, present and future like no other.

In the meanwhile Phyllis and I also grew up in subcultures and the underground music scene. Beyond the music, it was the DIY ethics, the community and youthful energy that shaped us. After getting back into martial arts training after a hiatus of a couple of years, we recognized a similar dynamic between the two. To us these parallels between martial arts and street cultures like skateboarding, hardcore music or hip-hop are rooted in the ways to communicate through practice, handed down traditions and a collective experience. Both offer a connection to the world and drown you in experiences if your heart and mind are open to it.

The brand takes its name from Okinawan mythology. Okinawa, Japan is the birthplace of Karate and home to traditional guardian figures called shisa. These are protective beings that ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. They always come in pairs, a male and a female one and are placed on rooftops or in front of houses.

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.