THE THREE STARS: Basically represent; Mind, Body, and Spirit. Some people claim the three stars represents the masters under whom Master Shimabuku studied; Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu karate as the parents and Isshin-Ryu as the offspring. To me the three stars have multiple meaning to it, such as, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. To me the three stars also represent the ones who have gone before us. and made it possible for us to study, learn, and enjoy the things we sometimes take lightly or for granted. For example, Christianity. At one time it was a sure death sentence just to admit you were a Christian. Most early Christians, believed so strongly in their faith, they were willing to die before they put anything above God or their faith.

In Okinawa there was a period of time when it was unlawful to study or practice the martial arts. To be caught meant severe punishment. There were a few people who believed so strongly in their martial arts that they continued to study and learn and pass it on the next generation.

To me the three stars also represents three very special young ladies, who lost their Lives to a drunk driver. Two of the young ladies where Sherman and Linda Harrill’s daughters. The other young lady was a close friend of the Harrill family, and the daughter of Gregg and Gwenn Eggers. It was their wish that someday Sensei Harrill would openly teach karate.

OUTSIDE BLACK BORDER: Basically represent; the eight hexagram symbols comprising the foundation of the 3,000-year-old I-Ching or Book of Changes. To me the outside border has multiple meaning to it, such as doings kata in eight different directions, workings basics and techniques forward and backwards around the circle, also inward and outward of circle in different directions.

TWO MEN IN CENTER OF PATCH: To me they represent two traditional men, in a modern day society. Not only are they holding on to the traditional ways in techniques, but also the moral values that seem to have been lost or forgotten over the years.

RED IN PATCH: Represents the ones, whom in the past have stood, and the ones in the present who are standing up against all odds for their beliefs, and for what they feel is the right thing in their heart.