The Hardness of Kyokushinkai Karate

There have been different styles of Karate that have gained a very large following. Each known for their different skill sets, emphasizing different techniques, some hard and some soft. Kyokushin Kai is a more modern style of Karate and it is very well known for its hard training and full contact techniques.

Developed and founded by Masutatsu Oyama, it formally earned its title,’Kyokushin Kai’ in 1957 during a formal ceremony. This style, which translates to ‘Ultimate Truth’ , focuses on the hard style, gruelling, intense side of training. Born in South Korea, Oyama, started his martial arts training at a farm in China . His first instructor was farmer who introduced him to the Chinese Fighting Arts. Years later in Japan, Oyama studied Shotokan Karate with Gigo and Gichin Funakoshi then later studied Goju Ryu Karate with So Nei Chu, a senior student of Chojun Miyagi. Tension was at a high after the war. Oyama was angry much of the time. Consequently, getting into many fights and seeking out fights with people, especially US Military Police. As time passed, Oyama sought solitude and lived in the mountains training.In 1953 he opened up his first dojo, simply named, ‘Oyama Dojo’. In 1957 his dojo and style got its official name ‘Kyokushin Kai’. Master Oyama, focused on the hard style training, full contact aspects of kumite. Kata and Kihon (basics) also made up part of the training requirements of this style. One very unique aspect of Kyukoshin Kai is its emphasis on breaking and striking training. Breaking boards, bricks, became a trademark of this style and is believe to help a student develop power and strength and to gage the offensive side of their training . There was strong emphasis put on this as Oyama believe it to be a very important part of training. One thing that Oyama was known for was his fighting bulls to train his striking techniques. In 1964, Oyama moved his dojo into a building which would then serve as the headquarters of Kyokushin Kai Karate. He formed large championships in full contact fighting, which gained quite the popularity, thus building a large Kyokushin Kai following. Hand selecting his instructors, he then guided them to opening other dojos in other towns, cities, and even other countries. Today, it is practised all over the world.

Over the years, Kyokushin Kai has gained lots of popularity. Its influence can be seen in other martial arts such as Full Contact kickboxing to MMA fighting. Many books, movies and even video games have been inspired by this style and Mas Oyama’s influence. This hard, full contact style of karate shows us just how intense and sometimes dangerous hand to hand fighting can be. It pushes the practitioner beyond their limits physically and brings the reality of full contact training into perspective.

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About the Author:

Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong ,Act Strong ,Be Strong Self Defence Program.