About the Aikido Image
The “Aikido Image” was designed in early 1961 by former Los Angeles Aiki Kai Chief Instructor, Clement Yoshida, and is intended to represent, in a simple visual signal, the basic concepts of Aikido.
Graphically, the image consists of three black crescent shapes arranged to form a triangle on a white circle enclosed by a golden ring.
The three black crescents represent the Body, Heaven, and Earth. The white circle stands for the Mind or Ki. Both the triangle and circle are important forms in Aikido movements (i.e. triangular posture and circular movements).
Black symbolizes the infinite capacity of man, while white stands for purity of the Aikido ideal. Gold signifies the “golden vapor” that enveloped O-Sensei at the moment of enlightenment of the Aikido philosophy.