THE EMBLEM OF ISSHINRYU KARATE

The emblem of Isshinryu karate symbolizes the "Mizu Gami"(Water Goddess), but the emblem is also called; Isshinryu Megami or Goshu Gin Sama. Its oval shape was originally designed to represent the vertical fist of Isshinryu. The symbol depicts a woman whose lower body appears to take the shape of a sea dragon. Her left hand is held open in a universal sign of peace while her right hand forms a fist. This position is adapted in the Seiunchin Kata, which comes from the Goju-ryu style of Okinawan Karate.

In oriental mythology, the sea serpent is born at the bottom of the sea and ascends into the heavens. This scene is depicted by the small dragon above the woman's head. This dragon is also Shimabukuro Sensei looking upon the Isshinryu system from heaven. The churning sea and gray background represent the swell of a typhoon. A mother caring for her child is symbolized by the Mizu Gami. Although she appears calm and gentle under these circumstances, the water Goddess can become forcefully protective should any element attempt to harm her child. Normally there are only three stars in the Mizu Gami, but Grandmaster Angi Uezu made up the "5 Star Mizu Gami".

The emblem of Isshinryu Karate "Mizu Gami"

The five stars represent: Kyan Sensei, Miyagi Sensei, Motobu Sensei, Taira Sensei and Shimabukuro Sensei.

This colorful emblem, with its deep and profound meaning, illustrates a vision experienced by Shimabukuro Sensei during his development of the Isshinryu System and symbolically expresses his goals.