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

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 create the foundation. As a kid I already had a fascination with Asian culture mainly from watching martial arts movies and as a designer because of how naturally especially Japanese design embodies Bauhaus minimalism on the one hand and embraces absolute exaggeration and super over-the-top elements on the other.

Growing up in subcultures and the underground music scene, Phyllis and I recognized a similar dynamic at work. Beyond the music, it was the DIY ethics, the community building, and youthful urgency that shaped us. We see natural parallels between martial arts and street cultures like skateboarding, punk, and hip-hop because of its ways to communicate through practice, tradition, and collective experience.

The brand takes its name from Okinawan mythology. Okinawa, Japan - the birthplace of Karate - is home to traditional guardian figures called shisa, protective beings that ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

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.