What is Kyokushin Karate ?
Founder and Creator, Masutatsu Oyama (1923~1994),
originated what is known today as "Full Contact Karate".
Traditional Karate is non-contact and while at it s peak of recognition, Oyama claimed
that the true way of Budo Karate was in the actual physical contact.
Renounced by the Japanese karate community, he traveled overseas to challenge his
skills and brought life to his ideals.
When he returned from his long journey and endeavors, he named his karate
"Kyokushin", which means the "Ultimate Truth". In 1964, he founded the
International Karate Organization Kyokushin-kaikan as the entity to collectively
represent his karate as a worldwide organization.
The spirit of Kyokushin is based in rigorous and lifelong training…its motto is "head high,
eyes low, ears open, mouth shut". Kyokushin Karate provides a foundation for improving
physical and mental discipline and is intended to function as a contribution to society.
Kyokushin Spirit
The Spirit of Kyokushin emanates from the Budo axiom,
"One thousand days of training completes a beginner.
Ten thousand days of training begins the mastery of the art."
The training to find the Ultimate Truth is a rigorous and never-ending process for the practitioner.
It is a life long dedication to the Kyokushin Way.
The greeting OSU used in Kyokushin resonates humility, gratitude, perseverance and above all, respect for one another.
Defining Kyokushin Karate
Based on Sosai''''s point and circle concept by which one draws a circle around
one point and attach the lines around the circle.
“Kanku” (the Kyokushin symbol)
Oyama designed the "Kanku" mark with his wife Chiyako,
who was an artist.
Oyama got the inspiration while practicing the Kanku kata.
This symbol is assembled by six circles representing the six continents.
The main circle in the middle is surrounded by four other
partially invisible circles and the final one encompassing
all others. "En" is a curve equidistant from the point of
center and the six circles are representative of the
comradeship of these continents which Kyokushin bridges
and unites.
This mark is used as a collective mark for IKO Kyokushinkaikan.