Mizu-Gami: The symbol of Isshin-Ryu
Mizu-Gami: The symbol of Isshin-Ryu
Mizu-Gami, also call Me-Gami by some is the symbol of Isshin-Ryu Karate. The original emblem was designed by Master Arsenio Advincula, a student of Grandmaster Shimabuku, and probably the most learned student of Isshin-Ryu.
The original emblem was in the shape of the unique Isshin-Ryu fist, pictured above, however, later versions are in the shape of an oval, still representing the vertical fist.
There has been some discrepancy over which name is correct "Mizu-Gami" or "Me-Gami". This is probably because of the similarity in their meanings. Mizu-Gami is translated to "water goddess" while the meaning of Me-Gami is "sea goddess".
What most practitioners do agree on is that this representation came about as the result of a dream by Grandmaster Shimabuku and has deep meanings. Here is an abbreviated version of it's meaning:
 | Mizu-Gami: Shinto Water Goddess, clenched right hand representing the power of Isshin-Ryu karateka and the open left hand in the sign of peace. |
| Turbulent Water: Trial and tribulations of life. |
| The gray sky: The calm the Karateka maintains during the trial and tribulations. |
| The ascending dragon: Power and good luck. |
| The 3 stars: Master Shimabuku's three main teachers, Kyan, Miyagi, and Motobu. |
| The Japanese characters: (on those that have them) Isshin-Ryu Karate-do. |
| Orange or gold border: the flame that surrounded Shimabuku in his dream. |
| The oval shape: the unique oval shape of the Isshin-Ryu fist. |
The representation of Mizu-Gami on the "Products" was designed by Black Dragon student John Wooley.
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