What is Kyokushin Karate?

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Remember full contact Karate movies like Bloodsport featuring Jean Claude Van Dam in this 80's and 90's? Kyokushin Karate meaning "Ultimate Truth", aims to provide practitioners with a devastating fighting style that harnesses power in each technique while being able to take blows. The Karate is modernly popularized as a sport in which only Traditional Karate techniques may be used on your opponent in a knockdown or forfeit match.

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There are a few more rules to Kyokushin Kumite but generally no pads or protection is used in 18+ matches. Lots of short ranged punches are typically used to the body as none are allowed to the face, while huge swinging kicks are delivered to the legs, torso and head.

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Kyokushin has borrowed a few kata from other Karate styles and also created their own. Mas Oyama the founder studied with Gichin Funakoshi which lended him the enthusiasm to add Kata to the curriculum.

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Want to visit the headquarters of KyokushinKai in Japan? From the USA a lengthy 16 hour flight will take you to the headquarters location below. As a side bit of information, the honk for Kyokushinkai owns a production company called Media8 where they produce the DVDs and video content that is sold and distributed globally.

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You may need an appointment to show up at their door. Personally, that's one door I wouldn't want to barge through unannounced.

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Kyokushin Karate Schools

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In America there are 100s of Karate Schools that have little or no affiliation to Japan. Many instructors learn from DVDs, Youtube, and private lessons or just make it up as they go. In my opinion, if the Karate works then it works. I've studied Traditional Karate my entire life, and to be honest, I've lost a sparring match once to a guy who did some amazing Capoeria. If it works it works.

The Main Karate Schools recognized around the world for their legitimacy are listed below.

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1.) Ikosai: IKOK So- Honbu

Founded by Sosai Mas Oyama in 1964, where the founder trained many students who went on to create their own branches of Kyokushin Karate later on. This International Karate Organization Kyokushinkan So Honbu had inspired the creation of over 1200 Karate Schools Globally.

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In 2005 the IKO opened an official 2nd Main Branch in Singapore that is still thriving today.

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To contact this organization use the following methods.

Headquarters ("Honbu Dojo")The Headquarters of the IKO is located in Tokyo, Japan at 2-38-1, Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021, JapanTel: +81-3-5992-9200 / Fax: +81-3-5992-9600

‍Head OfficeThe Head Office of the IKO is located at 3-7 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0033, JapanTel: +81-3-6452-5773 / Fax: +81-3-6452-5774 E-mail: honbu@kyokushinkaikan.org

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2.) KWF: Kyokushin World Federation

The Kyokushin World Federation is a group of Karate Practitioners whom had studied collectively with Mas Oyama in the 60's. They created their own branch in honor of Mas Oyama and teach the same Karate style they learned. This organization has representatives in 61 counties currently.

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3.) International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan Union

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The IKOKU or International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan Union is based in Japan and holds the All Japan Championships and World Championships in coordination with the Kyokushinkaikan Branch Chief's Association to determine new legitamate competition champions each year.

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They have branches in Africa, America, Asia, Europe, South Pacific and Japan.

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A list of upcoming events and Tournaments can be found on their website.

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4.) IFKK: International Federation of Karate: United States Kyokushin Kai

The International Federation of Kyokushin Karate is the biggest tournament circuit for Kyokushin in the USA. They focus on hard and fast fights, trying to score as many punches and kicks as possible in the time limit of the match.

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There is a list of about 20 affiliated Karate Schools on their website.

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Who Created Kyokushin Karate?

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Mas Oyama, popularly known globally for his stunts fighting bulls with his Karate was even featured in the New York Times as God Hands. His Full Name is Masutatsu Oyama and he opened his own dojo in 1953 which still exists today,.

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Mas Oyama is somewhat of a Karate Legend. After obtaining his 2nd Dan Black Belt he went into the woods and mountains to train his karate for 18 months. Upon returning he won the World Karate Championships for Fighting and then decided to fight a bull with his bare hands. His popularity skyrocketed and his style influenced around 12 million to date to become a student.