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ARTICLES
AND COMMENTARY PATCHES OF DISTINCTION AND HONOR
This is a departure from the other commentaries
and article I have done. I think however, you will find it interesting as it is
revealing. I took the liberty of displaying some people's patches that were
given to me earlier and not sent in for the purpose of this article. I have no
philosophical description for them, so they will have to stand on their visual
merit. What you will discover as I have, is that each of these patches are as
distinctive as the people who designed them, and very similar in style, to the
personalities of their originators. As an example; you will notice the boldness
of Master Laney's patch, Master Sandubrae's solidarity in his patch. The
uniqueness, versatility and creativity of Master Wilson's patch. Sensei Tony
Williams patch is straight forward and unique. Master Hill's Nashville patch has
a strong name identity with a Red Dragon for linage to my first Red Dragon
group. Sensei Jerry Lewis stays with tradition, by using the base Harold Long
Patch. Master's Cooling (Toby & Diane) patch, is symbolic, with an intellectual
identity. Scott and Ruth Ann Shamblin; another super couple team, submitted a
patch also symbolic and philosophic at the same time. Master Dave Park as usual,
put a lot of thought into his patch, designing it in his creative style. My
patches?? From simple to complicated. A pretty accurate description of my
personality.
Submitted By: Sensei Wayne Wayland
Background: Display: Meaning: A. Red: Represents the common blood
shared by the members of the Family. Blood is also symbolic of our life. 2. The outer red circle represents the Family and students struggling with Karate training. 3. The three large red interwoven circles represent Gou-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu and Isshin-Ryu. They are interwoven representing the unity of Martial Arts. 4. The inter-most circle represents the Family. 5. The Kanji (Japanese writing) reads: Bohan’s Isshin-Ryu. 6. The seven stars: (7 Codes of the Bushido) 7. If the seven stars are laid one on top of the other there would by only one star with that star having five points. The five points represent the original five family members. (Donald Bohan, Wayne Wayland, Raymond Heberlig, Gary Bush, and Arthur Jolly (Deceased)). 8. The three large circles are interwoven creating three triangles. These three triangles have nine sides. A. Strength of mind and body. 9. It is important to note that these patches were not just handed out or bought by the dojo's Karate-Ka. A vote would be taken by the Family members once a year and if one member voted no then the Karate-Ka in question did not represent the Family by wearing the patch -end of story. It was considered an honor and a privilege to be presented with and to wear the Family patch. Not all of Master Bohan's black belts got the privilege of adorning the patch and very very few Kyu ranks even knew the meaning of the patch. 10. It's been seven years since I've seen anyone wearing the Family patch posted above. I personally have not worn one since I gave the eulogy at Pap's funeral. Since two of the founding Family members have passed and two others have chosen to be inactive within the Isshin-Ryu system we (the remaining active high Dans of the Family) have chose to go a different “way”. We now wear the following Family patch in honor of our Sensei. The patch was designed and made by Pap's good friend Master Sam Santilli. Sam presented them to Master Bohan's top students shortly after his passing. If you do not know the meaning of this patch stop the next karate-ka you see wearing it and ask him about his Sensei. Wayne Wayland
Submitted By: Grandmaster Phil Little
It is pretty
simple really,. I was driving to Knoxville Tennessee from Anderson to attend an
Isshin-Ryu event. At the time owned a white Cadillac which by the way, was one
of my favorite cars. On the road I have always been able to relax and think
about things when I travel,.. at the time had a slight moment of creativity,..
and was thinking how Isshin-Ryu Karate, really is the Cadillac of the Martial
Art. With that in mind,.. and glancing at the GM Cadillac hood ornament that was
staring me in the face. I looked at my right hand on the steering wheel, just
off to the right of center and at an angle about two o'clock,. It just came
together. The "Caesar Leaf",.. part of the Cadillac Logo and the Isshin-Ryu
fist. Hummmm,.. Works for me,..
Submitted By: Master Willie Wilson
What do you see when you look at a Dojo Patch? Does it give a message? Is it judged for its shape, it’s content, or its beauty? Recently, the Karate Five Dojo completed its design of the new Dojo Patch. A lot of thought and effort were given to its contents and message. The gold, blue, and black are the Dojo colors. The patch embodies the Dojo’s character. At the heart of the Patch is a fire-breathing dragon curled in the shape of a 5…the symbol of the Karate Five Dojo. Within this patch, the dragon embodies the dojo’s masters, sensei’s, and the karate-ka. The head is the Dojo’s Sensei and mentor. The heart is the one of the Five that serves as head instructor. The dragon’s four legs are the remaining Masters/Sensei’s of the Five that support the Dojo’s activities. The dragon’s strength and weapon of attack is the tail…as such, the Dojo instructors adorn that part of the dragon. The dragon’s body is the embodiment of the Dojo’s karate-ka. In the martial arts culture, the dragon is the mythical fierce fighting monster that has the power to fight against hostile and evil forces. Master Shimabuku envisioned the dragon as a part of Isshin-Ryu’s Mizu-Gami. The dragon rests in a golden pyramid with blue background. The pyramid is the symbol of longevity, stability, and a firm foundation. At the base of the pyramid is ISSHINRYU …the firm foundation of the Dojo’s martial arts training. Cross training at the Dojo of VeeJitsu, SanucesRyu, and Modern Arnis complete the boundaries of the pyramid. Surrounding the blue background of the pyramid is a black circle with the Dojo’s name etched in gold. The circle is the symbol of unity, wholeness, and infinity. The Dojo’s Masters, Sensei’s, instructors, and karate-ka are united to merge and be what the Dojo Patch embodies. The Dojo colors of black, blue, and gold are symbolic of the Dojo karate-ka, its environment, and the training within. Masters, Sensei’s, and instructors wear the black Karate Five Dojo shirts. Black is the opposite of white. A white belt identifies a karate-ka as a beginner. A black belt identifies a high level of expertise. Black indicates the absence of color…it represents protection shrouded in humility. Blue symbolizes the calmness of the discipline. When one views a blue sky, the destination is heavenward. It represents those that are able to overcome obstacles and live in the environs of peace and success. Gold is usually identified with wealth and purity. The gold in the patch symbolizes a wealth of information and skills. Studying martial arts enriches our life. Gold is put through fire to rid it of impurities. Once out of the fire…it is pure. Trial by fire leads to victory.
Submitted By: Master Joe Laney Laney Steel Hand Dojo Patch.
A couple of years before Mr. Long retired I started a dojo in Sevierville, Tennessee, while still driving back to Knoxville a couple of nights a week to train with him. Some of my students rode with me and I considered my group an extension of the Harold Long School of Karate. During that time, I continued to wear his patch and so did my students. When Mr. Long announced his retirement in 1995 we discussed names and patch designs for my dojo. My first name choice was “Joe’s Dojo.” I thought the name was catchy but Mr. Long didn’t find it amusing in the least. That idea was quickly abandoned. I still like the name. Over the years, I had assisted him with public demonstrations. Besides being his uke, I demonstrated breaking several types of material including wood and concrete. There were no spacers used in those days. My hands remind me of the past abuse every time I grip a pencil. Never the less, in reflection of my demonstration participation the second choice was “Laney Steel Hand Dojo.” This met with Mr. Long’s approval and so it was. It was now necessary to come up with a patch. I loved the one I wore for years from the “Harold Long School of Karate” and admired its design. It was the black and white patch with the red, white, and blue American flag shield with the three stars. It would have been just fine with me to continue wearing that patch or some likeness of it. Mr. Long however, was adamant about that design not being duplicated or impersonated in any way. He did not want anybody using a likeness of it for their own patch. I could understand that due to the fact that it was hard to live up to wearing it on one’s gi. To my knowledge, nobody copied that design while he was alive. He briefly switched to yet another design shortly before his retirement due to supply problems with the old patch. No more of those were made and he officially considered the old patch retired. One of those original old patches hangs in my dojo under an American Flag that was flown over the U.S. capital with a certificate that reads “Flown in memory of late Grand Master Harold G. Long, U.S.M.C.” He could not be duplicated and neither should his patch. It was time to design my own. I contacted a number of translators at different Universities for the kanji on my patch design. I did this mainly to guarantee accuracy. Since “Laney’ is of Scottish origin, finding a direct translation from Japanese was impossible so I settled for the use of a homonym. Since kanji on the patch reads vertically right to left the characters REI and NI were used to sound like Laney. REI means fee or compensation and NI means baggage or load. Some argue these meanings to be appropriate. I suppose that can be taken a number of ways. Steel Hand was easy to translate directly with HAGANE meaning steel and of course, TE is the translation for hand. My patch reads REI NI HAGANE TE (Laney Steel Hand)
Sincerely, Joe Laney, 8th Dan
Submitted By: Master Arnold Sandubrae
Here is the American Okinawan Karate Academy patch, designed by me in 1976, This is a REGISTERED TRADEMARK that has been in constant use since registration. The
following is my explanation of my creation, the "Isshinryu Fist" The
BLACK circle surrounding the Red area represents the "BOND" within our Family.
Submitted By: Sensei Tony Williams
The patch is simple. Although few will ever understand the meaning behind it's design. The size of the patch itself is close to the size of an Isshin-Ryu fist. The opposing yin-yangs are a representation of balance. Mental balance as opposed to physical, which is much harder to achieve and why few will ever truly understand the meaning in the design. In their equality, they are balanced. The sine wave that weaves between represents the different stages of life and karate. The true test of a great martial artist is the consistency in his art, his family life and his beliefs, standing behind them all through adversity as well as prosperity.
Submitted By: Master Denny Shaffer
These patches were not submitted, but I felt they were of interest. Patches represent the following Masters dojo's left to right. Starting at top left: Phil Mcelroy, David Gabbard, Isshin-ryu Hall of Fame, Butch Hill.
Submitted By: Jerry Lewis
We had permission from the Long Family to use the original Dojo patch from Master Long. It is a great honor to carry on the tradition given to us from Master Long. To remember our roots and pass on that knowledge and explore new is the beauty represented by this design. It was a really interesting getting that patch from one of my first gi's and taking it to have our designs made. I remember getting and having the honor to wear that patch when I was a kid and reflecting on that now 20yrs later is real special.
Submitted By: Master Toby Cooling
Order of Isshin-Ryu's Torii Patch In Asian cultures, the torii is a gateway built at the entrances to temples, schools, and harbors. It connotates a gateway to higher learning or a safe place. Sensei Toby Cooling chose a red torii gate with the words "Order of Isshin-Ryu" in gold lettering on it, to be the symbol of his students and their dojo’s. His goal as a sensei was to have an atmosphere of mutual learning and working together as a team to become better martial artists. He wanted each student to feel they could ask questions and be an active part of the learning process without fear of feeling inferior or of getting hurt in the process. The torii represents this to members of his organization.
Submitted By: Master Scott Shamblin
A variation of the Ryukyu Emperor's seal. The Tomae represented the three unified kingdoms of Okinawa. Our first patch that we used was the standard black and white emblem without the "Isshin-Ryu" wording in the middle. We changed it about 2 years ago to black and red and added the style name in yellow (gold actually) to represent that Isshin-Ryu is golden. The black background represents emptiness. The red signifies passion for knowledge. The three red "figures" in the seal represent our three primary instructors; J.C. Burris, Angi Uezu and of course Mr. Wheeler. Scott Shamblin
Submitted By: Master Dave Park
PKI Dojo Patch Design Explanation (created 1993) 1. Gray Background is: peace, harmony & self-confidence. 2. Outer Black Ring is: the skilled Black Belt of fighting, grappling, kata & weapons. 3. Printed Text is: school name (Park’s Karate of Isshinryu), and place (Dayton, TN). 4. Japanese Writing is: (left) Park, (right) Isshinryu. 5. (The Five) 5 are: PKI dojo lineage starting with (1) Founder Tatsuo Shimabuku, (2) Grandmaster Harold Long, (3) Master Denny Shaffer / Master Devoid Wright, (4) Master Kelly Markham / Master Snake Smith, (5) Master Dave Park. 6. Pyramid Shape is: the student Karateka always reaching to improve & learn. 7. Red Background is: the remembrance for the blood of Christ. 8. Okinawan Symbol is: Isshinryu originated in Okinawa. 9. Dragon is: the Founder Tatsuo Shimabuku (Nickname: dragon-boy).
Submitted By: Master Chris Spruiell
The dragon was designed by a tattoo artist especially for my dojo. The triangle represents the three methods of fighting that I have used and taught for the past 30+ years and also forms the basis for my book on combative flow training. The fight strategy is based on the various ranges of non-sport combat Isshin-Ryu, with the addition of the low roundhouse kicks, knees, boxing, elbows and head butts of Muai Thai - combined with the ground fighting of jujitsu while using the system of Dimmak for both stand-up and ground KOs, pain compliance, escapes and Isshin-Ryu Kata bunkai.
Submitted By: Master Denny Shaffer
THIS WAS OUR FIRST PATCH. I DESIGNED IT IN 1967 TO GO ON OUR NEW BLACK GI'S. IT WAS TO LOOK LIKE A SHURIKEN TO SYMBOLIZE A CUTTING EDGE PHILOSOPHY. THE YEN YANG BECAME OUR CORE SYMBOL AFTER I LEARNED OF IT'S MEANING. THE "D" IS FOR DENNY AND THE "S" FOR SHAFFER. THAT HAS ABSOLUTELY NO MEANING EXCEPT AT 23, I THOUGHT IT LOOKED COOL.
Submitted By: Master Denny Shaffer
Explanation of the Red Dragon Club Patch and Coat of Arms: The dragon was chosen for many reasons, the first being that it represents a portion of the Isshin-Ryu patch which was interpreted in Master Shimabuku’s dream as a symbol of the fighting furry of Isshin-Ryu Karate. It is also an ascending dragon, which represents good luck, supreme wisdom, power, control, and social influence. The dragon is red due to the tie-in with my former art KungFu, in which the dragon is a mystical creature from ancient Chinese culture and represents the yang force of creative energy. It is also a tribute to a former organization within the Nashville Karate Club called the “Red Dragon Society” where students excelled beyond normal expectations. This is why the patch is only given to those who distinguish themselves in combat tournaments on a competitive bases. The yen yang within the patch was one of the first symbols chosen by me as a backdrop for the Karate School of Nashville patch. Some years later the yen yang was adopted into the new patch designed by Butch Hill along with the Red Dragon. The yen and yang is also a symbol of unity between the Nashville Karate group and ours. It is first and foremost a symbol of unity within our own Red Dragon School. The dots or the eyes in the yen and yang are symbolic of inter dependency which sets up the perfect paradox. Although the yen yang is a symbol of opposites, the dots reminds us that there is some of us in each of us. It is a continual reminder that we are the same but different. The patch is lined and lettered in gold as a tribute to the first Mizu-Gami which was hand embroidered in Okinawa and made with real gold thread. This later changed to orange for commercial reasons, but the gold remains as a tribute to the first authentic Mizu-Gami patch. |
