Karate styles – Kyokushin

Kyokushinkai, meaning ‘the ultimate truth style’, is a major karate school established by Oyama Masutatsu (大山倍達). Its formal beginning is typically dated to 1964, though the name Kyokushin had been in use for several years prior. Oyama’s intention was not to inaugurate a new “style” (ryu) but rather to bring together the most effective elements of other martial arts, which is suggested by its name ending in “kai” (association) instead of “ryu” (school).

Oyama Masutatsu (1923–1994) was the creator of Kyokushin karate. He was known for his indefatigable self-promotion and the myths fostered by him and his followers, which make his history difficult to ascertain. Born in 1923, Oyama opened his own karate dojo, named Oyama Dojo, in Tokyo in 1953. Initially, the dojo was located in an empty lot and later moved to a ballet school in 1956.

Oyama’s background included studying Shotokan karate in Gichin Funakoshi‘s dojo and later Gōjū-ryū karate with So Neishu. His own curriculum rapidly developed a reputation as a tough, intense, hard-hitting, and practical style. Oyama became famous for his fights with bulls, having killed three with his bare hands and deprived several others of their horns with his “sword-hand” since 1951. He also gained a reputation for being ‘rough’ with his students due to gruelling training sessions where injuries from practice fighting (kumite) were common.

Influences and Distinguishing Characteristics

Kyokushinkai is described as the youngest of the major karate schools and is considered by some to be the most widely practised style in the world. It is notably the most challenging in terms of its training regime. Oyama adapted characteristics from his chosen methods to create what he believed to be the most combat-oriented and effective martial art.

The style emphasises the practical application of karate, with Oyama famously stating that ignoring ‘breaking practice is no more useful than a fruit tree that bears no fruit’. A trademark of Kyokushin is its emphasis on breaking objects such as boards, tiles, or bricks to measure offensive ability. This practice fighting, or kumite, also distinguished Oyama’s teaching style from other karate schools.

The Kyokushinkai kata are largely of Gōjū-ryū and Shotokan descent. The style incorporates elements from these previous influences, but also introduces unique aspects, such as the “ura” (裏, “reverse”) performance of certain kata.

Growth and Official Organisations

The reputation of Oyama’s dojo attracted students from within and outside Japan, leading to significant growth. In 1964, Oyama moved the dojo into what would become the Kyokushin home dojo and world headquarters. Concurrently, he formally founded the International Karate Organisation Kyokushin kaikan (IKO or IKOK) to organise the many schools teaching the Kyokushin style worldwide.

Katas Associated with the Style

The Kyokushinkai style incorporates a variety of kata, drawing from its Shotokan and Gōjū-ryū influences, while also developing unique adaptations. The sources list the following kata as being part of the Kyokushinkai curriculum:

  • Taikyoku (太極) #1-3: These are elementary or training kata. The term “Taikyoku” is the Japanese rendering of the Chinese “taiji,” signifying that within their simplicity, they contain the ultimate principles of karate. Oyama Masutatsu developed the original Taikyoku series.
    • Unique aspect: The Taikyoku kata are performed within the Kyokushinkai in a way unique to it, called “ura” (裏, “reverse”), featuring backward spinning turns between each technique.
  • Pinan (平安) #1-5: These are also elementary or training kata. They were extracted by Itosu Anko from the longer Kūsankū and Chang Nian/Channan kata taught by Sōkon Matsumura.
    • Unique aspect: Similar to Taikyoku, the Pinan kata are performed within the Kyokushinkai in a unique “ura” version, involving backward spinning turns between each technique.
  • Gekisai (撃砕)
  • Seisai
  • Sanchin (三戦)
  • Sesan
  • Seyonchin
  • Sepai
  • Suparinpa
  • Passai Dai (披塞大)
  • Passai Sho (披塞小)
  • Chinto (鎮東)
  • Kusanku (観空)
  • Gōjūshiho (五十四歩)

Many of these kata, such as Pinan, Passai, Chinto, Kusanku, and Gōjūshiho, are also found in other karate styles like Shotokan and Shitō-ryū, reflecting their shared Okinawan origins and historical influences. The key difference in Kyokushinkai for some of these, particularly Taikyoku and Pinan, lies in the specific “ura” execution, which involves distinct backward spinning turns. This adaptation alters the flow and application compared to how these kata might be performed in other organisations.

Legacy

Kyokushinkai is referred to as the “ultimate truth style” and has gathered many thousands of pupils throughout the world due to the high standards set and the reputation of its founder. Its strong emphasis on practical, full-contact fighting and physical conditioning has left a significant impact on the martial arts world, influencing many subsequent full-contact styles.