The emblem was created by Arcenio J. Advincula in 1961. The crest of Isshinryu is based on a daydream that Tatsuo Shimabuku had while he was creating his karate style. It is called 'Isshinryu No Megami' (or Megami for short), which means 'Goddess of Isshinryu'. It is often incorrectly referred to as 'Mizu Gami' or 'Water Goddess'. The origina patch was designed by Sensei Advincula.

The border symbolizes the vertical fist, the primary trait of Isshinryu. The megami is half woman and half dragon. The upper body indicates that karate can be gentle as a woman, and is symbolic of 'soft'. The lower body indicates that karate can be fierce as a dragon if needed and signfies 'hard'. The megami's left hand is open, the universal symbol of peace and 'soft', while her right hand is closed in an Isshinryu fist, symbolic of 'hard' and ready to be used when necessary.

The dragon ascends from the water into the sky and symbolizes heaven. Isshinryu's founder's name Tatsuo means 'dragon man'. The tiger in the megami's headdress stands for earth. The dark background with the three stars stands for night and the unknown.

The three stars have several meanings. They represent Shimabuku's three teachers, Isshinryu's three elements (Shorinryu, Gojuryu, and Kobudo), as well as mind, body and spirit. The three stars are in one line, the Chinese and Japanese character for one. Sensei Shimabuku told his students that all things start with one, and Isshinryu means 'one heart method'.

The calm face of the goddess in a storm represents that one must be calm, especially in times of danger. The turbulent water and storm symbolizes danger, which is always present. The Japanese characters mean Isshinryu karate.