The Symbol of the WJJC: Saint George and the triumph of virtue
The emblem of the World Ju-Jitsu Corporation is none other than Saint George slaying the dragon a powerful and timeless symbol of courage, honor, and righteousness. Born in Cappadocia around 275–285 A.D. and martyred in Nicomedia in 303, Saint George stands as a universal icon of gallantry and selfless bravery.
A noble knight of the 3rd century, George is remembered not only for his fearless heart but also for his unwavering commitment to justice and the defense of the innocent. Among the many legends surrounding his life, the most famous tells of his heroic confrontation with a fearsome dragon.
The tale begins in a land terrorized by a monstrous beast that had made its lair in a large lake. To appease the dragon’s rage, the townspeople fed it a sheep each day. But when the livestock ran out, the creature demanded human sacrifices instead specifically, young maidens chosen by lot. One by one, the daughters of the city were devoured, until only the princess the daughter of the King of Egypt remained.
Despite the King’s desperate pleas, the people insisted on justice: his daughter was to meet the same fate as theirs. Dressed as a bride and prepared for death, she was led to the lake where the dragon awaited.
It was at that moment that George, passing by on horseback, encountered the grieving princess. Upon hearing her story, he refused to leave her to her fate. “Fear not,” he told her, “for by the grace of God, I shall protect you”. She begged him to go, believing no man could face the beast and live, but George stood firm.
As they spoke, the dragon emerged with a thunderous roar. Towering and terrible, it lunged at the knight. George charged forward, lance in hand, but was struck down by the beast. Wounded but undeterred, he rose again and pressed the attack. With divine strength and precision, he drove his sword beneath the dragon’s wing, where its scales were weakest. The creature collapsed, slain beneath the feet of the knight. The princess was saved, and the town delivered from terror.
But George’s story does not end there. His final act of courage came during the Christian persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. When ordered to renounce his faith and offer sacrifices to the Roman gods, George refused. Though the Emperor promised riches, land, and slaves in exchange for his submission, George stood by his beliefs. He was arrested, tortured, and eventually executed yet even in prison, he inspired others with his example and gave away his possessions to the poor before facing martyrdom with peace and dignity.
Today, the figure of Saint George, immortalized in the WJJC's symbol, represents the very essence of our martial path: strength in the face of fear, protection of the weak, and unwavering fidelity to one's values. Like the Saint who defeated the dragon, the modern martial artist is called not only to master technique, but to embody honor, resilience, and the spirit of service on and off the tatami.