Page "Isshin-ryū" Paragraph 54

The image represented at right is just one of the many versions of the Isshin-ryu no Megami.

The ovular shape of the patch represents the characteristic vertical fist of Isshin-Ryu.

The border of the patch is always a warm color — usually orange or yellow — and represents a ring of fire that appeared in Shimabuku's vision.

The Megami is allegedly a mother protecting her child ; she is gentle like a mother, but fierce and threatening towards enemies who may harm her child. In this simplified version of the Isshin-ryu no Megami, one important symbol is left out ; in the traditional patch depicts the goddess with a raised right fist and a lowered open palm.

Her hands represent a well-known saying among karateka: " fierce in battle and gentle in life.

" The small dragon above the goddess is a sea dragon of Oriental mythology, which was born at the bottom of the sea, but transformed by ascending to the heavens.

The dragon is thought to represent Master Shimabuku, who was once called " Dragon Boy " in his youth.

The rough seas and grey background depict a terrible typhoon, which represents the uncertainty of the future, and how trouble may arise spontaneously at any time.

Finally, the three stars at the top of the patch represent the three tenants of Isshin-ryu: the spiritual, the mental, and the physical.

Each of these core symbols are depicted in each patch, regardless of how different they may seem to the untrained eye.