When one keeps himself spiritually pure – as pure as can humanly be expected – he becomes one with God’s heart (Shin shin), and is able to catch glimpses of God’s insight (Shin gan), thereby achieving Shin shin, Shin gan. This insight or intuition is used to sense danger before it occurs.

Shin shin, Shin gan was the spiritual goal and state of mind the warriors of ancient Japan strove to achieve. The foundation of the path to Shin shin, Shin gan is through the practice of honesty, without which no other virtue can be effective. Shin Gan Dojo is aptly named as it is our goal as well – through our commitment, effort and honesty – to achieve God’s Eyes. The name Shin Gan Dojo was chosen to honor the Divine Spirit and its presence in my life. It is my belief that knowing this Divine Spirit gives me the strength and power to achieve anything in my life, both in the great battles of survival as well as the battles of daily life.

The Emblem of Shin Gan Dojo In the center of the Shin Gan emblem is the Japanese kanji for Shin, symbolizing integrity/genuineness/honesty. On the path to enlightenment, honesty is the foundation on which all other character traits hinge. It is this essence of Shin that the warriors of ancient Japan endeavored to attain.

Surrounding the kanji, a triangle is enclosed in a circle, an ancient symbol for fire (triangle) and water (circle). Here, each [leg] of the triangle is equally important, symbolizing the trinity of Mind, Body and Spirit. The circle also serves to remind us that our power comes from stability. Outside the circle is the lotus flower that grows in mire but remains pure. In Buddhism, the human heart—like the lotus flower—should stay independent of evil thoughts. The lotus shows us this by displaying its beauty despite the filth surrounding it. Inside the lotus petals the swords of the Dharma Wheel can be seen. Dharma is the law and order of the universe; the eight swords protect the law and order of the universe by banishing all evil. The eight directions of the swords are also the eight directions of Happo no Sabaki. An understanding of Happo no Sabaki is the key to mastering this ancient art. The gold band unites Shin Gan Dojo to the Ninpo legacy, as it tells us that we too are under the banner of Ninpo Bugei arts.