This Earlybirds Vintage Honour Emblem shirt pays tribute to a defining chapter in karate history. The Earlybirds classes were first introduced in 1965 by Sensei Stan Schmidt at the SA JKA Honbu in Johannesburg. What began as a disciplined sunrise ritual quickly grew into a movement adopted by dojos worldwide. Today, many karateka continue this early-morning tradition as a symbol of perseverance, humility, and devotion to the martial arts.
The design features a bold “Earlybirds” title positioned over a vintage-style globe, reflecting the international reach of the practice since its founding. Surrounding the emblem is the classic motto “We train hard while you are still sleeping”, encapsulating the determination and quiet pride shared by practitioners who rise before dawn to refine their craft. With its badge-of-honour look, the artwork feels like a symbol earned through years of dedication.
Perfect for training days, dojo events, or everyday wear, this shirt is a reminder of the legacy that began in 1965 and continues to unite karateka across continents. This design is also available internationally on our Redbubble Ossu shop at: www.redbubble.com/people/Ossu-Couture.
The Earlybirds tradition began in 1965, when Sensei Stan Schmidt launched the first early-morning training classes at the SA JKA Honbu. Since then, the movement has spread worldwide, uniting many karateka who choose to train before sunrise with discipline and quiet determination. This vintage emblem design features a globe and the classic motto “We train hard while you are still sleeping”, celebrating both the heritage and global reach of these sessions.
R350.00
Creating a custom-printed garment typically requires approximately one week. This process involves sourcing the clothing items, transporting them to the printing facility, and subsequently delivering the finished product to you, our valued customer. Due to these necessary steps, please anticipate a delivery time frame of up to one and a half weeks.
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