Symbolism of the IsshinRyu Patch

[stl_karateka]

This post was originally published as an article in a dedicated KarateForums.com Articles section, which is no longer online. After the section was closed, this article was most to the most appropriate forum in our community.

 

There is a lot of history and interpretation behind the IsshinRyu patch. Everything from its placement on the gi to the shape has a meaning and encompasses the essence of the IsshinRyu system. There are different interpretations of some objects so I will try my best to cover those where applicable. The point of this article is to provide information and stimulate research. Before I go any further, take a good look at the patch, you'll probably want to refer back to it as you read this article.

 

http://www.karateforums.com/articleimg/isshinryupatch.jpg

 

Master Tatsuo Shimabuku (founder of IsshinRyu) had a dream. In his vision he heard a man enter the gate of the courtyard and approach him. When the man confronted Shimabuku, he challenged the Master to a fight, but instead of accepting his challenge, Shimabuku waved the man away with his left hand and made a fist over his head with his right hand. Symbolically, Shimabuku put out an open hand, meaning peace, but backed up the peace with a closed fist representing his ability to destroy the stranger if he tried to hurt the Master. (Each kata in IsshinRyu is started with the fist inside of the open hand - open hand for peace, but ready to strike if necessary. Each kata also starts with a block - IsshinRyu is a defensive art.)

 

Instead of leaving in peace, however, the man encircled the Master in flames and as mysteriously as he appeared, the man disappeared.

 

This left Master Shimabuku in a rather difficult position, but instead of running about in panic, the Master kept a cool head and used the bucket in the tank to pour water over the flames. Before too long, all the flames were extinguished and so was his dream. The Master awoke.

 

This left a lasting impression on the Master, so much so that he couldn't get the dream out of his mind. The next day, when he went to Naha (capitol of Okinawa) for business, he entered a great house and there hanging on the wall was a picture of a woman waist deep in water. Immediately he ran to an employee of the building and asked her who that was in the picture. The Master was told that it was Mizu Gami, the Shinto Water Goddess (the position she is in is also in Sunsu, the only pure IsshinRyu kata).

 

What impressed him most about the picture was that the lady, this Mizu Gami, was in the same stance that he took the night before in his dream against the strange man. Furthermore, Mizu Gami was in water, like he was on the tank and she was using water to extinguish flames in the sea as he used to extinguish flames around his body. The Master came to the realization that water was the symbol of purity, strength and goodness; whereas fire was the symbol of evil, aggression and destruction. What's more, he came to understand that evil can only be destroyed if first one is willing to yield to it with an open hand, tempered with the strength and confidence one achieves through proper karate training.

 

 

 

As the Master discussed the woman's image and how he would like it to somehow represent his karate system, an understanding and creative G. I. who was studying with Master Shimabuku at the time, set out to design and incorporate the Master's thoughts into an emblem. The soldier also did this to honor the Master. The IsshinRyu patch as it is known today is of oval shape to represent the vertical IsshinRyu fist (another variation of the patch is actually in the shape of the vertical fist). In the center is the figure of Mizu Gami (water goddess) and at the top are five stars representing Master Shimabuku and his four teachers: Chojun Miyagi (Goju Ryu), Chotoku Kiyan (Shorin Ryu), Choki Motobu (Shorin Ryu) and Taira Shinken (Kobu-do). (This is the newer version. The older versions of the patch only have 3 stars representing Choki Motobu, Chojun Miyagi, and Chotoku Kiyan - the latest version with 5 stars has been endorsed by Master Angi Uezu, 9th dan IsshinRyu).

 

The emblem is bordered by orange (sometimes red) signifying the flames that surrounded Shimabuku in his dream. The flames signify evil; the water purity; and the Mizu Gami, the equalizer and it is always worn on your uniform over the heart symbolizing the "One Heart Way". (This is why the patch is worn over the heart). The Japanese writing, or Kanji, says IsshinRyu Karate Kobu-do. The gray background is the storm that is calmed by Mizu Gami (sometimes written Misugami). Above Mizu Gami flies a dragon. The dragon in Eastern mythology represents good fortune. Also, the serpent, like the karateka, is born of the sea (or starting from the bottom, i.e. white belt), and when the dragon matures (or the karateka develops - to black belt) he ascends and achieves attainment.

[Patrick]

Thank you for the submission.

[aefibird]

Great article, stl_karateka, very informative! Thanks.

[gheinisch]

Nice Article! Explains it very well. Thanks for the good read.

[longarm25]

Very nice article

[isshinryu5toforever]

The dragon also represents Tatsu Shimabuku as his nickname was "Dragon Boy." The three stars can also represent a unity of mind, body, and spirit. The shape and position of the patch also represent the verticle fist unique to Isshin-Ryu. This is only what I was told at the beginning of my training, but it was a very complete and very good article. Good work.

[SenseiJMA]

Thanks, that was great!

[ShotokanKid]

That was pretty interesting. I've actually never seen the patch so thanks for showing me.

[IRKguy]

The Seiuchin presence of the posture is more obvious. Even obvious enough for me to see it. (After the 2nd 45 degree angle gedan.) Where do you see it in Sunsu?

Also, What do you see as the significance of the yoi in Chinto before the first Kai? For that matter, the yoi in Wansu? It's obvious in Naihatchi and Kusanku, but in Wansu, every bunkai I have seen is lacking.

[Isshinryu_heart]

great article!!!

the stars are also in a straight horizontal line - the japanese kanji for one. Isshinryu means "one heart way". Master Shimabuku also said it was because "all things begin with one"

The grey background signifies the unknown.

The patch is actually not of Mizu Gami (the water goddess) it is of Isshinryu no Megami (the Goddess of Isshinryu) The water is purely symbolic.