The patch or crest worn by Isshinryu karateka often raises admiration and curiosity. The patch is based on a day dream Tatsuo Shimabuku had in the fifties while he was creating his karate style. This dream was the missing piece in the puzzle called Isshinryu. The patch is often called Mizu Gami, which means 'water goddess'. Originally the Isshinryu emblem was called 'Isshinryu No Megami', which means 'Goddess of Isshinryu'. However; most Isshinryu karateka incorrectly call it Mizu Gami, or 'Water Goddess'. Master Eiko Kaneshi, Tatsuo's right-hand-man who is a Shinto priest when asked if it was 'Mizu Gami' said it has nothing to do with water. Isshinryu no Megami or Megami for short, is correct. This is collaborated by Marien Jumelet who asked Shinsho Shimabuku and Kensho Tokumura what was the correct name. The goddes is the Goddess of Isshinryu karate and not the goddess of water.
Arcenio J, Advincula, an American student of Sensei, created the Megami-patch in 1961 with Tatsuo Shimabuku's approval. As model he used Tatsuo's picture of the goddess. The shape of the emblem is as the vertical fist of Isshinryu, the trademark of this remarkable karate style. <-- Arcenio J. Advincula with the first Megami-patch
he created in the Agena, Okinawa dojo in 1961.
This is the original and traditional Megami patch as designed by sensei Advincula. Different organizations make their own emblem designs, but in every emblem you can see the Megami.
Not just a nice looking patch for it incorporates the thoughts of our founder and the ideals of our system.
The Isshinryu Megami patch has many meanings. One could easily write a book about it for in it is found the beliefs of our founder, Master Tatsuo Shimabuku and what our style stands for. Here in short are some of the innermost meanings.
Meanings of the Megami - patch
The gold border stands for the vertical fist which is the primary trait of Isshinryu.
The megami is half woman and half dragon. Her left hand is open, the universal symbol of peace or soft. Her right hand is closed in a Isshinryu fist, symbol of hard and is ready to be used in times of need to defend.
The dragon ascends from the water into the sky or heaven, and stands for heaven. Tatsu means 'dragon' and our founders name Tatsuo, means 'dragon man'. For the dragon to many followers of Isshinryu is Master Shimabuku, who is the spirit of Isshinryu.
The tiger in the headdress of the Megami stands for earth. Both dragon and tiger stands for heaven and earth.
The dark background with the three stars shows it is night. Night symbolizes darkness which is the unknown.
The three stars stands for all of Shimabuku's teachers who lighten the night bringing knowledge.
The three stars are in one line (-), the Chinese and Japanese character for one. Sensei Shimabuku told his students on the introduction of Isshinryu that all things starts with one. The one stands for one in Isshinryu, for Isshinryu means 'One heart way'.
The three stars can also mean: mind, body and spirit or any three things. Tatsuo said that Isshinryu was composed of three elements: Shorinryu, Gojuryu and Kobudo.
The upper body / woman despicts that karate can be gentle as a woman. Symbolic of soft.
The lower body / dragon shows that karate can be fierce as a dragon if needed. Symbolic of hard.
The calm face of the goddess in a storm or in times of crises one must be calm, especially in times of danger.
The turbulent water and storm or typhoon symbolizes danger which is always present.
The kanji (Japanese characters) means : Isshinryu karate.
Copyright: AJ Advincula