KYOKUSHINKAI KARATE

Kyokushin Karate is also a martial art style founded by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama. He gained fame for his extremely rigorous and tough training methods. Kyokushin Karate is an incredibly intense and disciplined system based on powerful techniques that strengthen both the body and the spirit. Oyama's goal was to showcase the true power and effectiveness of Karate through Kyokushin. Among his principles were hard training, perseverance, and overcoming fear. Oyama became a legend in the world of Karate, and his legacy continues to be faithfully upheld through Kyokushin Karate seminars and competitions.

Kyokushin is a stand-up, Full Contact Karate style founded in 1964 by the Korean-Japanese Masutatsu Oyama. KYOKUSHIN in Japanese means: "The Ultimate Truth". The kanji (Japanese characters) calligraphy we universally wear on the gi simply means "Kyokushinkai", which Mas Oyama Sosai gave to the karate style he created. It consists of three characters:

- Kyoku means "Ultimate".

- Shin means "Truth" or "Reality".

- Kai means "Society" or "Association".

Kyokushin is based on a philosophy that emphasizes personal development, discipline, and the principles of hard training.

KYOKU SHIN KAI / THE ULTIMATE TRUTH JOINS

Karate is not just a martial art, but a way of life that teaches a practitioner to be peaceful; but if conflict is unavoidable, then true karate dictates that the opponent must be neutralized with a single blow.

This requires strength, speed, concentration, and proper knowledge.

True karate is based on the philosophy of Bushido. In this practice, the body, mind, and spirit - the whole person - must be developed simultaneously. Through kihon, kumite, and kata, we learn to control our movements.

We are able to perform techniques without thinking about them, while remaining concentrated. In fact, the body remembers how to move, and the mind remembers how to be calm.

Dojo kun - oath

We will train our hearts and bodies, for a firm unshaking spirit.

We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, so that in time our senses may be alert.

With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.

We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.

We will follow our God, and never forget the true virtue of humility.

We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.

All our lives, through the discipline of Karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.

The symbol of Kyokushin Karate is the Kanku, which comes from the Kanku Kata, the form facing towards the sky. In this kata, the hands are raised and the fingers form an opening through which the sky is visible. The upper and lower points of the Kanku represent the first fingers, which touch at the lower part, symbolizing the tips or end points. The thick side sections represent the wrists, symbolizing strength. The central circle symbolizes the opening towards the sky, symbolizing infinite depth. The entire Kanku is enclosed in a circle, symbolizing continuity and circular action.

Osu

Osu is not just a greeting or salutation, but it also has a spiritual content within the world of Kyokushin Karate. Osu means approaching training and life with patience, respect, and appreciation. Osu is not just a word, but an attitude, a life philosophy.

In Osu lies the beauty of patience. Developing a strong body and a strong spirit is not an easy task, and in this struggle, patience is what allows us to persevere through difficulties. Osu reminds us that achieving results requires time and perseverance.

Osu also expresses respect. We are inclined to respectfully approach those who have come before us, who have set an example, and to whom we are committed. This respect gives us inner strength during training and in other areas of life.

Osu also speaks of appreciation. When we overcome difficulties and succeed in our efforts, Osu reminds us to appreciate our own progress and those who have helped us along the way.

So, Osu is not just a word, but an expression with deep, spiritual content that encompasses everything that Kyokushin Karate and life mean to us. Osu encourages us to be patient, to respect the path and the people, and to appreciate all that we have achieved.

This is Osu!