“Kyokushin” is comprised of two Japanese words, Kyoku (ultimate) and shin (reality or truth from within).
At one level, Kyokushin Karate is a discipline through which practitioners may find clues to assist them in their own spiritual development and self-exploration. As a martial art it encompasses philosophical considerations of life and death, struggle and survival. It is a practical form of self-defense, emphasizing (at the initial stages) kicks, punches, blocks and body movement. It is an intense physical activity, which directly benefits mental conditioning. It is characterized by requiring strenuous training, conditioning and realistic contact while sparring |
Kyokushin karate-ka believe this contact is necessary in order to fully appreciate the resiliency of the human body and spirit and to prepare for any serious confrontation.
Kyokushin Karate is not simply a form of self-defense or exercise that happens to involve kicking and punching. The distinguishing characteristic of martial arts, including Kyokushin Karate, is the central role accorded spiritual development.
A true karate-ka takes the physical skills, discipline and power of concentration developed at the dojo and applies them to work, family and social life. In this way, karate is integrated into the fabric of our lives, not kept separate. So, we can say that the way of karate is the way of everyday life.
The discipline of Kyokushin Karate, in particular, demands that the practitioner push the bounds of his or her physical and mental abilities to expand the individual's self-knowledge and spiritual awareness. A multitude of challenges await the Kyokushin karate-ka: training is intensely physical, culminating (at a more advanced level) in realistic fighting and self-defense practice. Absolute concentration and mental focus must be developed to overcome fear, fatigue and distraction; only in this way can the karate-ka avoid the real danger of injury inherent in the training activities.
These challenges comprise the foil on which the Kyokushin karate-ka sharpens his or her resolve. In rising to meet them, the karate-ka initiates and perpetuates a process of self-discovery and personal growth. It is that process that constitutes the essence of Kyokushin Karate.
It should be clearly understood that the spirit of Kyokushin Karate is to fight to overcome oneself, and not others.
Kyokushin Karate is not simply a form of self-defense or exercise that happens to involve kicking and punching. The distinguishing characteristic of martial arts, including Kyokushin Karate, is the central role accorded spiritual development.
A true karate-ka takes the physical skills, discipline and power of concentration developed at the dojo and applies them to work, family and social life. In this way, karate is integrated into the fabric of our lives, not kept separate. So, we can say that the way of karate is the way of everyday life.
The discipline of Kyokushin Karate, in particular, demands that the practitioner push the bounds of his or her physical and mental abilities to expand the individual's self-knowledge and spiritual awareness. A multitude of challenges await the Kyokushin karate-ka: training is intensely physical, culminating (at a more advanced level) in realistic fighting and self-defense practice. Absolute concentration and mental focus must be developed to overcome fear, fatigue and distraction; only in this way can the karate-ka avoid the real danger of injury inherent in the training activities.
These challenges comprise the foil on which the Kyokushin karate-ka sharpens his or her resolve. In rising to meet them, the karate-ka initiates and perpetuates a process of self-discovery and personal growth. It is that process that constitutes the essence of Kyokushin Karate.
It should be clearly understood that the spirit of Kyokushin Karate is to fight to overcome oneself, and not others.
THE DOJO KUN
Kyokushin Karate is a Martial Art called BUDO. Without truly understanding the philosophy, a practitioner never reaches his or her full potential.
The Dojo Kun (Oath) is the foundation for fulfilling the True Kyokushin Spirit. The Dojo Kun was written by Kyokushin's founder Sosai Mas Oyama, with the assistance of Eiji Yoshikawa, author of "Musashi", which details the life and exploits of Japan's greatest warrior, Musashi Miyamoto.
being. Our primary goal is to improve our spirit with daily practice and discipline |
- We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, so that in time our senses may be alert.
opponents move-ments and control the outcome of a fight. Over time, our senses sharpen, making us aware of
our surroundings.
- With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.
know that the long term outcome will be negative. Through training, we nurture our spirit to control our
weaknesses and develop a spirit of self denial.
- We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.
outside the Dojo. Treat people the way you expect to be treated, respect your elders, and use violence only as a
last resort.
- We will follow our religious principles, and never forget the true virtue of humility.
always remember that our dedication to training, could not have been possible without the support of our
family, friends, team mates, instructors, and society.
- We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
they have gained through their training. They understand their strength and do not abuse this power. Sosai's
quote: "Power without Justice is Violence. Justice without Power is Meaningless." is one way to sum up this
principle. We must acquire both wisdom and strength.
- All our lives, through the discipline of Karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.
The first word means "To push oneself". The second one means "Perseverance". OSU is the essence of
Kyokushin Karate. A lifetime commitment is required to fulfill the true meaning of Kyokushin Way.
The Eleven Mottoes of Sosai
Sosai Oyama summed up his entire Martial Arts philosophy in these eleven mottoes, also known as the Zayu no Mei Juichi Kajo, which are central in his teaching.
1. The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering
devotion to the task at hand.
3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or
thoughtlessness.
4. Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become
attached to it.
5. The Martial Way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
6. The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
7. In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to
improve.
8. The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of
hard training.
9. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stems from this principle.
10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its
demands.
11. Always remember: In the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant
1. The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering
devotion to the task at hand.
3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or
thoughtlessness.
4. Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become
attached to it.
5. The Martial Way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
6. The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
7. In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to
improve.
8. The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of
hard training.
9. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stems from this principle.
10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its
demands.
11. Always remember: In the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant
Kyokushin Symbols
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Kyokushin Philosophy
Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (serenity); base yourself on filial piety and benefit others.
Kyokushin Spirit
"The heart of our karate is real fighting.
There can be no proof without real fighting.
Without proof there is no trust.
Without trust there is no respect.
This is a definition in the world of Martial Arts."
There can be no proof without real fighting.
Without proof there is no trust.
Without trust there is no respect.
This is a definition in the world of Martial Arts."