About Kyokushin Karate
Kyokushin Karate is a hard style of karate, characterized by its realistic full-contact style of fighting, its emphasis on graceful power in technique and its use of "tameshiwari" (Board breaking) in the development of spirit and character.
This style of karate was developed during the 1930's, 40's and 50's by the founder, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, 10th Dan. Kyokushinkaikan Karate is administered by the International Karate Organization-Kyokushinkaikan. The Kyokushinkaikan is one of the largest karate organizations in the world with over 12 million members worldwide, with its head-quarters in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan.
Currently, the IKO is directed by "Kancho" Shokei Matsui.
What is Kyokushin?
Kyokushin is the name of the style of karate which we teach. It was founded by Mas Oyama.
KYOKU means "The ultimate", SHIN means "truth" or "reality", and KAI means "meet, join associate".
The KANKU, which is the symbol of Kyokushin Karate, originates from the Kanku Kata. In this kata, the hands are raised into the sky with the thumbs and the index fingers touching, thereby forming the symbol. The fingers are represented by the points and imply ultimate or peaks. The wrists are represented by the wide sections and imply power. The centre represents infinity, implying depth. The circle enclosing the Kanku represents continuity and circular motion.