Mind Body Dojo
Logo Design + Motion
“Train your body, cultivate your mind.”
Many people are in search of a training that provides not just a sweaty workout, but also flexibility, control over their body, self-confidence, and a way to cope with the stressors of life. This is the goal of Sensei Mark Lewkowitz, someone who has devoted his life to teaching the real, authentic practice of karate and making it available to people of all ages with or without experience in martial arts. He has trained under the renowned Sensei Yoshio Kuba as well as many other teachers directly in Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of karate.
Rooted in its traditional Okinawan style, Mind Body Dojo is a martial art school that evolves authentic practices of Goju-Ryu and Shotokan karate to create a multi-faceted blend. This dojo embodies its name, teaching how to forge a connection between the mind, body and spirit. With rigorous cardio, whole-body stretching, deep breathing, self-defense, and kata, MBD covers a widely diverse set of skills that improve each student’s physical health, mental coordination, and overall sense of well-being.
Role
Freelance Designer & Animator
Challenge
The primary challenge was integrating three culturally and symbolically rich elements—Enso (circle), Ryu (dragon), and Bu (martial)—into a single, cohesive logo that feels modern yet deeply respectful of Japanese heritage. Each symbol carries significant weight individually, so the difficulty lay in blending them without visual clutter, while preserving their spiritual and philosophical meanings. Maintaining harmony between brush-style fluidity and bold clarity was key, especially for scalability and recognition across various applications.
Solution
The solution was a composition rooted in balance and intention. The Enso forms the foundation—a dynamic circle symbolizing unity, emptiness, and protection. Inside it, the dragon emerges in a stylized, calligraphic form that echoes the brushwork of the circle while anchoring the logo with strength and presence. Placed at the heart of the dragon is the kanji for “Bu”, grounding the design in the martial art’s purpose. Together, these elements create a powerful emblem that feels both spiritual and commanding, aligning with the values of the dojo and the essence of karate.
Skills
Logo Design
Motion Design
Type
I designed the official typeface for MBD to blend modern sensibility with subtle nods to Japanese kanji. The sans-serif letterforms feature softly rounded corners, angular protrusions on select characters, and a squared structure that gives the type a clean yet distinctive presence. These qualities ensure strong legibility across both print and digital media, while also allowing it to pair harmoniously with Japanese typography when needed. The result is a typeface that reflects the brand’s bold identity with a minimalist, disciplined design.
Color
The color palette is rooted in the cultural and geographic origins of the dojo. A vibrant yellow-green evokes the tropical landscapes of Okinawa—the birthplace of karate—infusing the brand with brightness and vitality. Cardinal red symbolizes energy, courage, and power, offering striking contrast and emotional resonance. The off-white and soft gray tones reflect the interior elements of the dojo—tatami mats, pinewood, and gi uniforms—bringing a sense of calm, structure, and groundedness to the overall visual identity.
