EST 1964
FOUNDER MAS OYAMA
12 MILLION
PRACTITIONERS WORLD WIDE
125
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD
STRONGEST
KARATE STYLE
DISCLIPINE
RIGOROUS TRAINING
What Is Kyokushin Karate?
Kyokushin Karate is a style of full-contact karate that was founded by Masutatsu Oyama in 1964. It emphasizes rigorous training, discipline, and the development of both the body and the mind. One of the distinguishing features of Kyokushin Karate is its emphasis on full-contact sparring and the use of techniques like punches, kicks, and knee strikes to the body. Kyokushin Karate places great emphasis on physical conditioning, with practitioners engaging in intensive training sessions that include a variety of exercises, such as running, push-ups, sit-ups, and sparring drills. It also focuses on the development of a strong and resilient spirit, with practitioners encouraged to face their fears, push their limits, and never give up. In addition to its focus on physical training, Kyokushin Karate also emphasizes the importance of character development, with practitioners expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics and conduct themselves with honor and respect both inside and outside the dojo.
Masatutsu Oyama
Oyama, who was born in Korea but grew up in Japan, was a student of several martial arts, including Shotokan Karate, Judo, and Kendo. He began his own karate training at the age of nine, and eventually became one of the most renowned martial artists of his time.
Oyama was dissatisfied with the direction that karate was taking in Japan in the 1950s and 1960s. He believed that it had become too soft and focused too much on competition, and that the true spirit of the martial arts was being lost. In response, he founded Kyokushin Karate, which he described as a “full-contact” style that emphasized rigorous training, discipline, and the development of both the body and the mind.
The name “Kyokushin” means “ultimate truth” in Japanese, and reflects Oyama’s belief that his style represented the purest and most authentic form of karate. One of the distinguishing features of Kyokushin Karate is its emphasis on full-contact sparring and the use of techniques like punches, kicks, and knee strikes to the body.
Knockdown Karate
Kyokushin Knockdown Karate is a variant of Kyokushin Karate that places even greater emphasis on full-contact sparring and competition. In Knockdown Karate, practitioners engage in bouts that are similar to boxing or kickboxing matches, with the objective being to knock down one’s opponent. Knockdown Karate matches are typically held in a ring, and allow the use of punches, kicks, knee strikes, and throws. The bouts are judged based on the number of knockdowns, and a fighter who is knocked down three times in a single round is considered to have lost the match.
Knockdown Karate competitions are known for their intensity, and can be physically demanding for both fighters. As a result, practitioners must undergo extensive training in order to prepare for these competitions. This training typically includes conditioning exercises, sparring drills, and strategy sessions, as well as mental preparation to handle the stress and pressure of competition. While Kyokushin Knockdown Karate is a highly competitive variant of the martial art, it still emphasizes the importance of discipline, respect, and character development. Practitioners are expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct and to treat their opponents with respect and dignity, even during the heat of competition.
Shinkyokushin
Shinkyokushin Karate is a variation of Kyokushin Karate that was founded by Kenji Midori, a former student of Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. Shinkyokushin Karate emphasizes a balance between full-contact fighting and traditional martial arts philosophy, with a greater focus on the latter than the former. Shinkyokushin Karate incorporates many of the same techniques as Kyokushin Karate, including kicks, punches, knee strikes, and throws. However, it places greater emphasis on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the martial art, with an emphasis on developing a strong sense of discipline, respect, and humility.
In Shinkyokushin Karate, practitioners are expected to maintain a strong connection to their dojo and to their fellow students, with a focus on developing a supportive community of martial artists. Training is rigorous and physically demanding, with a focus on developing the body and mind in equal measure. Shinkyokushin Karate competitions are also different from those of Kyokushin Knockdown Karate, with a greater emphasis on kata (forms) and demonstration of technique than on full-contact sparring. Competitions often include a mix of kata and kumite (sparring) events, with judges evaluating the technique, spirit, and overall performance of each competitor. Overall, Shinkyokushin Karate represents a balance between the physical and spiritual aspects of the martial arts, with a focus on developing a well-rounded and disciplined practitioner.
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