U.S. Judo Federation Hall of Fame Ceremonial Jewelry Set

Inspiration

The five-petal sakura used on the ring is an ancient symbol of the samurai and a modern symbol of the judoka. A faceted ruby is set in the middle of the sakura.

A symbol of indomitable spirit, the octagon, borders the top of the ring and also represents the sacred mirror of the Japanese Imperial Court, which encourages self-knowledge.

A high-relief tatami pattern undergirds the face of the ring. Judo is practiced on tatami mats. Simultaneously forgiving and sturdy, these rice straw mats literally ground judo.

The symbol of the judo master, the black belt, circumscribes the ring. The knot and evenly tied ends of the belt are in view when reading the ring. The viewer is reminded of the thousands of times this Hall of Fame recipient has tied his or her own belt.

The USJF Hall of Fame Lapel Pin is made in silver and enamel. These pins are designed after the wall plaque system of charting dojo ranks. The center of the pin holds a faceted Akoya pearl carved by celebrated Japanese carver Kazuhito Komatsu.

The black belt, circumscribing the ring, reminds the viewer of the thousands of times this Hall of Fame recipient has tied his or her own belt.

Process

The box is made in New Zealand Jarrah wood with a merino wool-lined foam cushion.

The entire set is the work of The Intrepid Wendell, of Washington, DC. Its logo sits inside the rings and on the back of the pins. Components of the set were manufactured in Japan, New Zealand, and the USA.