Founder and Creator, Masutatsu Oyama (1923~1994), originated what is known today as "Full Contact Karate".
Traditional Karate is non-contact and while at it s peak of recognition, Oyama claimed that the true way of Budo Karate was in the actual physical contact.
Renounced by the Japanese karate community, he traveled overseas to challenge his skills and brought life to his ideals.
When he returned from his long journey and endeavors, he named his karate "Kyokushin", which means the "Ultimate Truth". In 1964, he founded the International Karate Organization Kyokushin-kaikan as the entity to collectively represent his karate as a worldwide organization.
The spirit of Kyokushin is based in rigorous and lifelong training…its motto is "head high, eyes low, ears open, mouth shut". Kyokushin Karate provides a foundation for improving physical and mental discipline and is intended to function as a contribution to society.
The Spirit of Kyokushin emanates from the Budo axiom, "One thousand days of training completes a beginner. Ten thousand days of training begins the mastery of the art."
The training to find the Ultimate Truth is a rigorous and never-ending process for the practitioner. It is a life long dedication to the Kyokushin Way.
The greeting OSU used in Kyokushin resonates humility, gratitude, perseverance and above all, respect for one another.
Based on Sosai's point and circle concept by which one draws a circle around one point and attach the lines around the circle.
Oyama designed the "Kanku" mark with his wife Chiyako, who was an artist. Oyama got the inspiration while practicing the Kanku kata. This symbol is assembled by six circles representing the six continents. The main circle in the middle is surrounded by four other partially invisible circles and the final one encompassing all others. "En" is a curve equidistant from the point of center and the six circles are representative of the comradeship of these continents which Kyokushin bridges and unites. This mark is used as a collective mark for IKO Kyokushinkaikan.
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 religious principles, 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.