Our Vision
Our vision at Templo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to provide a clean, safe, and fun learning environment for people of all ages and skill levels.
We believe that the lessons and skills learned by the art of Jiu-Jitsu are beyond that of just self-defense or traditional martial arts. Our classes are designed to help build confidence, develop a positive attitude, and create a balance in your every day life.
While embracing the value of lineage, we strive to promote a common ground for people to learn and train without the "politics" of jiu-jitsu which has proven to hinder the growth and development of both the individuals and the art itself.
Our continued goal has been to spread the beautiful art of Jiu-Jitsu and its lifestyle.
Templo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was founded in Honolulu Hawaii in 2012 by certified personal trainer and martial arts instructor Chris Templo.
Our Design
ocean inspired ensō
Our design/logo was created and trademarked in April of 2015. The inspiration behind this design was a fusion of a historical Japanese art form known as ensō as well as the representation of the ocean, where head instructor and founder (Chris Templo) has been known to find his true balance and center both within himself and on this Earth.
Ensō [the meaning and its purpose]
In Zen Buddhism, an ensō (円相 meaning "circle") is a circle that is hand-drawn using brushstrokes to express a moment when the mind is free to let the body create.
The ensō symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and "mu" (the void). It is characterised by a minimalism born of Japanese aesthetics.
Drawing ensō is a disciplined practice of Japanese ink painting—sumi-e (墨絵 meaning "ink painting"). The tools and mechanics of drawing the ensō are the same as those used in traditional Japanese calligraphy.
Usually a person draws the ensō in one fluid, expressive stroke.
When drawn according to the sōsho (草書) style of Japanese calligraphy, the brushstroke is especially swift.
Once the ensō is created, one does not change it. It evidences the character of its creator and the context of its creation in a brief, contiguous period of time.
Creating ensō is a spiritual practice.
The creation of this Japanese calligraphy is also meant for self-realization called hitsuzendō (筆禅道 meaning "way of the brush").
Ensō exemplifies the various dimensions of the Japanese wabi-sabi perspective and aesthetic:
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Fukinsei (asymmetry, irregularity)
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kanso (simplicity)
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koko (basic; weathered)
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shizen (without pretense; natural)
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yugen (subtly profound grace)
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datsuzoku (freedom)
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seijaku (tranquility)
Examples of ensō (created by others)
“Don't get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water.
Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup;
You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle;
You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot.
Now water can flow or it can crash.
Be water, my friend.”
- Bruce Lee