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Tatsuo Shimabuku
Clarence Ewing
M.L. Allen
                  Mizu-Gami
                  The Isshinryu Emblem
                 
                                     When Master Shimabuku was developing Isshinryu karate, he had a dream that seemed to express in symbols what he was trying
                                      to accomplish with his system of karate. While interpretations of the symbol may vary, the
interpretations listed below are fairly 
                                      standard:


                                     The Woman: A sea goddess, half-serpent, named "Mizu-Gami", symbolizing the quietness a karate
                                     student should exhibit, but having the strength of the serpent if needed. 
                                     Left Hand Open:
Sign of peace.

                                     Right Hand Clenched:
Represents strength if evil persists.

                                     Dragon:
The dragon has forced himself above the troubles of life and the world into the peace and quiet (symbolized by the gray 
                                     night sky) that we all seek through the knowledge of karate. Sign of good luck; that Isshinryu karate will prosper. Some people     
                                     find significant fact that Master Shimabuku's first name "Tatsuo" means "DragonBoy".
                                                              
                                     Three Stars:
May represent virtues, growth, or aspects of Isshinryu karate: physical, mental, spiritual; the three master under
                                     whom Master Shimabuku studied; Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu karate as the parents and Isshinryu as the offspring.
                                     The Gray Background:
Represents calm and quiet nights--that karate is to be used for defense only.

                                     The Writing:
Spells "Isshinryu Karate"

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

                                     In essence, the symbols are saying that you should avoid trouble if possible, and use karate only as a LAST RESORT for        
                                     defense.