The Isshinryu patch, or Mae Gami, is the symbol for Isshinryu Karate.  Each picture has a meaning pertaining to Isshinryu karate.

Woman:  A sea goddess, half-serpent half woman, named
              "Mizu-Gami".  She symbolizes the quietness a
              karate student should exhibit, but having the
              strength of a serpent if necessary.

Left Hand (open):  Represents Peace.

Right Hand (clenched):  Represents strength if evil prevails.

Dragon:  An old Oriental legend that the dragon is a god and
             rises from the sea to the sky.  The dragon has
             forced  himself above the troubles of life and the
             world into the peace and quiet - we all seek through
             the knowledge of Karate.  Sign of good luck; that
             Isshinryu karate will prosper.  Some people find it
             significant the fact that Master Shimabuku's first
             name "Tatuso" means "Dragon Man."

Is:  Means one.

shin: Means heart.

Three Stars:  physical mental spiritual; Shorin ryu Goju ryu
                    Isshin ryu; or Kyan Motobu Miyagi.

Gray Background:  Represents calm and quiet nights and that
                            Karate is to be used for defense only.

Troubled Water:  Indicates a typhoon, danger that cannot be
                          seen; the troubles of life, to be mastered
                          through the discipline of Karate training.
 

Back