Kyokushin is a style of stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Korean-Japanese Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama. Kyokushin is Japanese for “the ultimate truth”, developed from the determination of the pursuit of ultimate truth of mind, technique, and body. Kyokushin is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and hard training. It is grounded in both the Okinawan Shuri-te traditions (such as Shorin-ryu and Shotokan) and hard and soft characteristics of Naha-te and Tomari-te styles, such as Goju-ryu, and also includes realistic fighting.
The founder, Sosai Mas Oyama, often said that the difference between sports and Budō, or “The Martial Way“, is the path of self-discipline. Budō is this challenge in life itself. Kyokushin Karate was founded by a man who was dedicated to Budō.
Where to attend?
Kyokushin Karate trains in Dojos, which can be anything from a studio, to a school gymnasium. Dojo is a Japanese term which literally means “place of the way”. Essentially, a training hall.
Classes are led by a Sensei, which is Japanese for “teacher”. Classes can be focused on usually one of three areas, depending on the day and personal style of the teacher. These three areas are Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Kihon
A Japanese term meaning “basics” or “fundamentals.” The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts. Think of standard blocks, kicks and strikes.
Kata
A Japanese word meaning detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. In other words, if you think of the basics you learn in Kihon like words, kata now teaches you to form sentences, stringing those basics together in prearranged movements.
Kumite
Literally translated means “grappling hands” and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. It refers to forms of sparring. Kumite is the part of karate in which a person trains against an adversary, and the part which has made Kyokushin so famous. Unlike most other traditional forms of karate which do “point fighting”, Kyokushin is full contact.
The Belt System
Kyokushin karate has a grading system where students move up a series of colored belts after undertaking testing. The belt system is divided into Kyu grades (beginner grades) and Dan grades (advanced grades). The system is as follows:
The path in Kyokushin is not a short one. One would expect to train twice to three times a week for at least 5 years before achieving the rank of 1st Dan, or Black Belt.
Benefits of Kyokushin Karate training
Kyokushin Karate is whole body training, and it works on both the body and the mind. It can also help in recovery after injuries or illness by strengthening the body and keeping a positive and focused mind set.
Kyokushin karate encourages and develops an attitude of perseverance and determination. These personal attributes developed through karate training can also be used in daily life.
In Kyokushin Karate the focus is on the full-contact aspect of fighting, without neglecting the other other aspects, such kihon and kata. Whatever your reasons and goals are, practicing Karate can help you become stronger, healthier and a better human being.
Why Kyokushin Karate?
Kyokushin Karate is more than just a martial art for self-defence; it is Budō Karate and encompasses an entire system of well-being for the individual and teaches skills and attitudes that will last a lifetime.
Positives of the training include; discipline, respect, exercise regimen, confidence and a social atmosphere. The classes are very structured and beginners are welcomed, and regardless of age, sex and physical capabilities, anyone can start training in Kyokushin Karate and enjoy it.