Artist: Dante Lividini
Medium: Pen & Ink, colored in Adobe Photoshop
Created: February 2001

The tiger represents strength, grace, balance, and beauty. Funakoshi Sensei, the founder of Shotokan Karate-do, chose the Tiger as an unofficial symbol for his art. This piece was originally designed to convey the strength the Tiger represents as a symbol of Karate-Do.

Originally done in Black and White Pen and Ink, the art has now changed. Just as Aikido practice has added color to my martial art background, this piece has been given new life with color in Adobe Photoshop. I have changed the artwork to represent Aikido with the Kanji on the belt and the addition of the Harmony symbol to the left. I believe the tiger stands as an appropriate symbol for Aikido as well as Karate-do. The cat conveys the balance, center, and "fall on your feet" ukemi we practice (o.k. we're not that good). Like all cats, the tiger can be soft and relaxed (good qualities for good Aikido), but likewise can be quick and efficient in his strength. This particular Tiger is sporting Bu Jin® Design's 12 oz Dogi jacket and pants, and is ready to take ukemi for Tres Hofmeister Sensei at Boulder Aikikai.

"Bu Jin® Tiger with Dogi" is available 17" tall by 11" wide, printed on glossy card stock, and signed and numbered by the artist, Dante Lividini.