THE HISTORY OF SANSÁRA AND MEANING.
The Sansára patch, now worn with pride across the Oliveri Dojos, has a legacy that stretches back to the early 1980s. It was originally created and given birth to by Shihan Elsa, a 5th Degree Black Belt and, at the time, the highest-ranking female martial artist in Queensland—possibly even in all of Australia.
As I recall Shihan Elsa explaining to me, the name Sansára is a variant of Samsara, a concept rooted in Hindu philosophy. It refers to the Wheel of Life—the eternal cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth, and karma. It is a reminder that all things move in cycles, and that growth is found not just in beginnings, but in endings and the spaces between.
Shihan Elsa had a profound influence on my martial arts journey. She introduced me to exceptional teachers, mentors who took me under their wing, shaping the martial artist—and person—I would become. But in 1987, for personal reasons, Shihan Elsa stepped away from training. With her departure, the Sansára patch faded from the Dojo Floors.
In 1990, Oshinden Malcolm Anderson gave me his blessing to establish my own martial arts family. As a tribute to Shihan Elsa, I revived the name Sansára, breathing new life into its meaning. This rebirth also marked the beginning of Oliveri Dojos. Yet, even this incarnation was not to last forever. In 1994, I closed the clubs, and the patch, once again, was laid to rest.
The most recent revival of Sansára brought with it new energy and symbolism. The grey of the original patch, which represented neutrality and balance, was replaced with brown. While grey reflects stillness, it can also suggest detachment or loss. Brown, by contrast, is grounded—it speaks of earth, resilience, stability, and dependability. These are the qualities we aim to cultivate through our martial arts training and way of life.
The Sansára patch was born once originally, died twice along the way, but reborn two more times.
Like the philosophy it represents, it continues to evolve—just as we do, through the cycles of our training and the seasons of our lives.
Shinden Sam Oliveri
Probationary 10th Dan
Respect – Strength – Honour
Thank You Shihan
THE STORY OF SANSÁRA
