The first chapter of the Benkei Trilogy.
This tee pays tribute to one of the most iconic moments in Japanese folklore: the legendary encounter between the warrior-monk Benkei and the young samurai Yoshitsune on the Gojo Bridge. The artwork captures the raw tension of their confrontation, a clash not just of swords but of spirit and destiny.
Benkei, the towering monk armed with a massive naginata, was on a mission to collect 1,000 swords from defeated samurai, believing this task would bring honor and divine favor. Known for his brute strength, unshakable resolve, and spiritual discipline, Benkei had already defeated 999 warriors by the time he encountered Yoshitsune—a seemingly delicate, agile samurai. But what he saw as just another duel would transform into an encounter that altered the course of both their fates.
The fight on the bridge wasn’t just a battle of weapons, but of styles: Benkei’s raw power clashed against Yoshitsune’s elegant agility and superior strategy. The young samurai danced through Benkei’s wild strikes, using the narrow bridge and his speed to outmaneuver the giant. In an unexpected twist, Yoshitsune defeated Benkei—an outcome that left the proud monk stunned. But instead of holding resentment, Benkei’s defeat turned into a deep sense of loyalty. He vowed to serve Yoshitsune for life, becoming his most trusted ally.
In modern times we too experience a similar bond with our teammates and at times with our adversaries. No other sport creates a close bond between two indivduals as BJJ, MMA and the other fight sports do. The sweat, the pain, the tears, the glory of victory, and the shame of defeat are all strong emotions that only two fighters can understand when competing or training together.
Every detail has been reproduced with high fidelity on a premium cotton tee using waterbase ink to provide a soft and comfortable feel. Every line, every brush stroke is like a katana strike that has left an indelible mark on the surface of this tee.
Please note for this tee we used our vintage blank. If you are usually size M, go ahead and order an M.
As always 100% cotton, crafted in the USA with heavier yarns, this garment has been hand-treated with intentional imperfections for authentically worn-in softness and style...pretty bad ass.
