Yin Yang

Sensei K.D. Lintott

A further element of Chinese philosophy adapted by the Japanese over the ages is the concept of the basic duality of the universe.

Originally known in Chinese as yin and yang, the tradition holds that there are two opposing forces in the universe, positive and negative.

The yin represents the negative, dark, female, passive, and weak forces, whereas the yang represents positive, bright, male, active, and strong forces. The standard yin-yang symbol is a circle divided by a curved line. This indicates that the two forces are inexorably intertwined within all things.

In Japanese this concept of duality is known as in and yo and is represented by a dark circle inside a light one. The outside circle represents the universe, a large portion of which is shown as light (yo). Within the large yo circle is shown a smaller circle (in) representing the opposing forces in the universe. Both are inseparable, as one is contained within the other.

In Yo

The symbol for in and yo is used by many Karate Organizations in Japan, the most notable among them being the Japan Karate Association. Philosophically, it would be a good choice for most of the modern systems of Japanese karate since they all claim to be combinations of the two traditional schools of karate in Okinawa: the shorin, which practiced light, flexible movements; and the Shorei, which emphasized strength in movement