Patches
Patches are fun, there's no denying it. Currently we offer 2 ptches, an newly designed Mizagami, and my personal "tempus Fugit" patch.
Tempus fugit, "time flies" is our mantra.
I began studying Isshin-ryū karate later in life when I had assumed that the "ship had sailed" on those kinds of activities. Clearly, I was wrong, and in the best way possible. Now I try to share that mindset with everyone I know and every person I teach.
It is never too late to try something.
Our patches are a fun way of sharing our mindset and the GLOW in the dark.
Mizugami Patch:
The illustration is an adaptation of the traditional imagery created by the owner of Blue Toucan Studio (check our his fantastic fairy doors also on Etsy) and worn by Isshinryu Karateka (karate students) worldwide.
The patch is 100% embroidered with a copper/orange merrowed edge, has a standard backing (NOT iron on) and comes packaged in an individual polly bag to keep it as clean as possible before you sew it on.
About the tradition of the Mizugami patch: (from isshinkai.net)
The "Isshinryu No Megami" (Goddess of Isshinryu). The vision of Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei to represent his Isshinryu Karate system.
The patch or crest worn by Isshinryu karateka is based on a day dream Tatsuo Shimabuku had in the fifties while he was creating his karate style. This dream was the missing piece in the puzzle called Isshinryu. The patch is often called Mizu Gami, which means 'water goddess'. Originally the Isshinryu emblem was called 'Isshinryu No Megami', which means 'Goddess of Isshinryu'. However; most Isshinryu karateka incorrectly call it Mizu Gami, or 'Water Goddess'. Master Eiko Kaneshi, Tatsuo's right-hand-man who is a Shinto priest when asked if it was 'Mizu Gami' said it has nothing to do with water. Isshinryu no Megami or Megami for short, is correct. Arcenio J, Advincula, an American student of Sensei, created the Megami-patch in 1961 with Tatsuo Shimabuku's approval. As model he used Tatsuo's picture of the goddess. The shape of the emblem is as the vertical fist of Isshinryu, the trademark of this remarkable karate style.