Isshinryu Patch
The Isshinryu Karate Patch
The Mizugami patch was created in the mid-1950s by Tatsuo Shimabuku to symbolize the spirit and principles of Isshinryu.
Isshinryu, meaning “One Heart Way,” reflects the unity of mind, body, and spirit, while the central Mizugami figure—often described as a water goddess or dragon deity—represents fluidity, adaptability, and the balance of softness and strength that defines Isshinryu technique.
The orange border stands for the vertical fist, which is the primary trait of Isshin Ryu. Karate is golden and should not be misused.
The figure 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 fist, symbol of hard and is ready to be used in times of need.
The dragon in the sky stands for heaven. The dragon, to many followers of Isshin-Ryu, is Master Shimabuku – the spirit of Isshinryu.
Continuing the Interpretation
Upper Body
The upper body of the figure depicts that karate can be gentle as a woman – symbolic of soft
Lower Body
The lower body is of a dragon shows that karate can be fierce as a dragon – symbolic of hard
Face
The calm face of the goddess in a storm or in times of crises one must be calm, especially in times of danger
Water
The turbulent water and storm or typhoon symbolizes danger, which is always present
Background & Headdress
The tiger in the headdress of the figure stands for earth.
The dark background with the three stars indicates it is night. Night symbolizes darkness, which is the unknown.
Kanji
The kanji (Japanese characters) means: Isshin-Ryu karate
The Three Stars
The three stars are in one line (-), the Chinese and Japanese character for one. The one stands for one in Isshin-Ryu, for Isshin-Ryu means ‘One heart way.’
Mind, body and spirit
The three stars can also mean mind, body and spirit or any three things
Three Elements
Master Shimabuku said that Isshin-Ryu was composed of three elements: Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, and Kobudo
Three Teachers
The three stars stands for all of Shimabuku’s teachers who lighten the night bringing knowledge
The Mizugami tells a story of symbol and spirit
Explore the history of Isshinryu and the principles that shape its path