The Isshinryu Patch

                                         

 

There have been many meanings and interpretations given to the origins and meanings of the patch over the years.

For our young students, beginners and kids. We want to keep it very basic and simple. The italicized answer below is an acceptable answer when you are ask about the Isshinryu patch on our Gi. 

Mizu Gami Patch

The most simple explanation

The most simple explanation of the patch was given to us at a dinner party with Kichiro Shimabuku, in the late 1970's.

The idea for the design of the patch came to Tatsuo Shimabuku in dream. The Gray background symbolizes the dream.

The central figure. Mizu Gami (Sea-Goddess) is standing in troubled water, with her left hand down in a shuto position. Mizu Gami is attempting to hold the troubled water back. The raised right hand in a tetsui position, shows that she has the power to fight if necessary.

The Dragon above symbolizes Tatsuo, whose name was Dragon Man.

The 3 stars - "Good - Better - Best - Best Dragon Man"  That is a direct quote! 

The Kanji Japanese writing on the left of the patch, says Isshinryu Karate as does the English writing below.

The Orange border around the patch. Represents the trouble or the fire that surrounded Tatsuo in his dream. 

The Oval Shape - Represents the vertical fist of Isshinryu. 

 

Other Explanations

The 3 stars are said to symbolize any one of the below

Three Stars;
1. Good, Better, Best
2. Grandmaster Shimabuku's three primary instructors. Chotoku Kyan, Chojun Miyagi, Choki Motobu.
3. Mind, Body, and Spirit.
4. Shorin-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Isshin-ryu 

Other common stories of the origin of the patch have Master Shimabuku, either in meditation or sleeping, on a water barrel. When he is challenged by a stranger who wants to fight him. The stranger saying "Sensei, fight with me." Master Tatsuo not feeling threatened waved for him to leave with his left open hand saying "I do not want to fight you go away!" At the same time raising his right fist showing his strength and lack of fear. The stranger suddenly disappeared, leaving Master Tatsuo surrounded by flames. Master Shimabuku staying calm, extinguished the fire with water. The position left hand opened, right hand closed is the position of Mizu Gami in the patch, which symbolizes Isshinryu Karate.

There are other stories about the patch, but most of the stories fall somewhere between these 2 stories.