Kyokushin Karate

Kyokushin Karate is a popular martial art that has a strong emphasis on self-defense. Developed by Mas Oyama in the late 1950s, Kyokushin Karate is known for its intense training regimes that include hard sparring, heavy bag punching, and full-contact fighting. Kyokushin Karate is a popular form of martial arts, and it has been used by many famous practitioners over the years.

In this article, we will explore the history of Kyokushin Karate, its key principles, and famous practitioners who have used it for self-defense.

History of Kyokushin Karate

In the late 1940s, Mas Oyama was training under the tutelage of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. Oyama was known for his aggressive temperament and his desire to push his limits. He was constantly seeking new methods to challenge himself physically and mentally.

In 1953, Oyama left Japan to travel the world to further his martial arts training. During his travels, Oyama challenged and defeated many practitioners of different martial arts, including Muay Thai fighters, boxers, and wrestlers.

Upon his return to Japan, Oyama founded Kyokushin Karate in 1957. The name Kyokushin means “the ultimate truth,” and the main principles of this martial art were to push oneself to the limit and never give up. Oyama believed that the human spirit could overcome any obstacle with enough determination and willpower.

Key Principles of Kyokushin Karate

Kyokushin Karate is known for its emphasis on hard training and full contact fighting. The key principles of Kyokushin Karate are:

Discipline: Kyokushin Karate requires a high level of discipline from its practitioners. This means following a strict training regime, adhering to the rules of the dojo, and respecting one's training partners and instructors.

Perseverance: Kyokushin Karate emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Practitioners are taught to never give up and to keep pushing themselves to their limits.

Kyokushin Spirit: The Kyokushin spirit refers to the inner strength and determination that is developed through hard training and mental discipline. Practitioners of Kyokushin Karate are expected to maintain a strong spirit, even in the face of physical and mental challenges.

Full contact fighting: Kyokushin Karate is known for its emphasis on full contact fighting. Practitioners are trained to develop power and technique to deliver devastating blows to their opponents, while also learning how to defend themselves against attacks.

Famous Practitioners of Kyokushin Karate

Kyokushin Karate has been used by many famous practitioners over the years, both in martial arts competition and for self-defense.

Mas Oyama: The founder of Kyokushin Karate, Mas Oyama, is also known as “the ultimate warrior.” Oyama was known for his physical and mental toughness, and he believed that Kyokushin Karate was the ultimate form of martial arts training. Oyama passed away in 1994, but his legacy lives on in the Kyokushin Karate community.

Andy Hug: A Swiss Kyokushin Karate practitioner, Andy Hug was known for his powerful kicks and his ability to knock opponents out with his flying kicks. Hug was a three-time Kyokushin Karate world champion and competed in K-1 kickboxing tournaments as well. Unfortunately, Hug passed away in 2000 due to leukemia.

Francisco Filho: A Brazilian Kyokushin Karate practitioner, Francisco Filho is a five-time Kyokushin Karate world champion. Filho was known for his powerful kicks and his ability to finish fights with a single blow. Filho retired from competition in 2007 and is now a Kyokushin Karate instructor.

Glaube Feitosa: A Brazilian Kyokushin Karate practitioner, Glaube Feitosa is a two-time Kyokushin Karate world champion. Feitosa is known for his powerful kicks and his ability to deliver devastating blows to his opponents. Feitosa has also competed in K-1 kickboxing tournaments and is now a Kyokushin Karate instructor.

Nicholas Pettas: A Danish Kyokushin Karate practitioner, Nicholas Pettas is a former Kyokushin Karate world champion. Pettas was known for his flamboyant personality and his ability to finish fights with his spinning back kicks. Pettas now operates a chain of fitness centers in Japan and is also a television personality.

Michael Jai White: An American martial artist and actor, Michael Jai White is a black belt in Kyokushin Karate. White is known for his roles in action movies.