Open Hand is a non-profit academy aimed at teaching classical karate and self defense. The Open Hand brand system incorporates inspiration and ideas from Japan, the home of karate.
The brand system is built on the tatami proportion (2:1). Tatami mats are used as flooring in many Japanese buildings including homes and karate dojos. Their unique proportion created specific room layouts and sizes. The Open Hand brand uses these mat patterns as the basis for document layouts, and the 2:1 ratio for sizing of visual elements and typography.
The majority of martial arts branding focuses on combat and is loud, aggressive, and in-your-face. Since this is the opposite of Open Hand's philosophy, we created a brand that was active, yet quiet, fresh, and paid homage to its historical roots.