KYOKUSHIN KARATE
Kyokushin Karate(極真) is a full-contact martial art founded in 1956 by Korean-Japanese martial artist Mas Oyama (大山倍達 Ōyama Masutatsu), originally named Choi Young-Eui (최영의).
The core philosophy of Kyokushin is “Osu,” a Japanese term that embodies patience, perseverance, and respect. It encourages practitioners to push their limits and face challenges head-on, both in martial arts and life.
Kyokushin Karate is known for its practical approach to combat, using powerful kicks, punches, knee strikes, and elbows. Techniques are direct and aim to incapacitate the opponent with efficiency. Practitioners develop the ability to withstand strikes, enhancing both their physical and mental toughness.
It is renowned for its emphasis on discipline, physical conditioning, and realistic combat techniques. The name “Kyokushin” translates to “ultimate truth,” reflecting the philosophy of self-improvement, perseverance, and seeking personal strength through rigorous training.
Kyokushin has grown into one of the most respected and widely practiced styles of Karate worldwide. Its rigorous training methods and emphasis on full-contact competitions have inspired numerous offshoots and have contributed significantly to modern martial arts.
HOW YOU WILL TRAIN
KIHON (BASICS)
Kihon forms the foundation of all Kyokushin training, focusing on precise body mechanics and breathing while practicing fundamental techniques such as stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and strikes. Beyond physical movements, Kihon cultivates the karateka’s discipline, attitude, and fighting spirit, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in every action.
Regular practice of Kihon is essential, as these basics underpin every advanced technique in Kyokushin. Just as professional athletes continually hone their core skills, karate practitioners revisit Kihon to refine their movements and build a strong foundation for more complex techniques.
KATA (FORM)
Kata is a structured series of movements designed to simulate combat scenarios and enhance both physical and mental discipline. Kyokushin Kata incorporates unique “Ura” (reverse) movements, where spins and turns are used to develop dynamic and circular fighting techniques, perfect for defending against multiple opponents. These movements blend tradition with the innovative training principles introduced by Kyokushin founder, Mas Oyama.
Through diligent practice, Kata becomes a living art form that sharpens technique, timing, and strategy, while offering a glimpse into the depth of Kyokushin philosophy.
KUMITE (SPARRING)
Kumite, or sparring, represents the practical application of Kyokushin techniques in a real combat scenario. Kyokushin places a strong emphasis on full-contact sparring, often performed without gloves or protective gear, especially at advanced levels. This fosters resilience and precision under pressure.
Earning a Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) requires completing the rigorous 20-man kumite, a test of endurance and willpower involving twenty consecutive one-minute bouts. Sparring challenges the karateka’s strength, stamina, and spirit, embodying the essence of Kyokushin karate.
GRADING, GRADES & BELTS
In Shinkyokushin karate, grading is more than a test—it’s a path of self-discovery, discipline, and growth. Each grading session challenges students to demonstrate their mastery, resilience, and commitment to advancing. Gradings are held every 4 months.
Mu Kyu – White Belt
10th Kyu – Orange Belt
9th Kyu – Orange Belt
8th Kyu – Blue Belt
7th Kyu – Blue Belt
6th Kyu – Yellow Belt
5th Kyu – Yellow Belt
4th Kyu – Green Belt
3rd Kyu – Green Belt
2nd Kyu – Brown Belt
1st Kyu – Brown Belt
Shodan – Black Belt
Nidan – Black Belt
Sandan – Black Belt
Yondan – Black Belt
Godan – Black Belt
Rokudan – Black Belt
Shichidan – Black Belt
Hachidan – Black Belt
Kyudan – Black Belt
Jyudan – Black Belt
White Belt (Purity and Potential)
The white belt signifies the beginning of the journey, a state of innocence and untapped potential. The karateka is like a blank slate, ready to absorb knowledge. Achieving stability is the focus at this stage, emphasizing foundational techniques and stances.
Orange Belt (Stability)
At this stage, the karateka reaches the 10th Kyu and focuses on grounding techniques and physical balance, representing the element of Earth.
Blue Belt (Fluidity and Adaptation)
Representing the element of Water, the blue belt marks the development of flexibility and the ability to respond dynamically. Karateka learn to move fluidly between techniques, embodying grace under pressure.
Yellow Belt (Affirmation)
The yellow belt is associated with Fire, symbolizing energy, focus, and determination. Karateka work on harnessing their internal energy, centered in the hara.
Green Belt (Emotionality and Sensitivity)
Green represents Air, connected to the heart and breath. Breathing techniques and emotional awareness become central to training at this stage.
Brown Belt (Creativity and Practice)
At this advanced level, karateka begin to develop their own combinations, blending creativity with mastery. They are expected to demonstrate confidence and control in all techniques.
Black Belt (Mastery and Renewal)
The black belt is the culmination of years of hard work and symbolizes the unification of all previous knowledge. Over time, as the belt wears, it begins to fade, symbolizing the return to purity and the cyclical nature of mastery.
Grading tests a broad spectrum of skills, emphasizing both physical execution and mental focus. Components typically include:
Correct Warming-Up Techniques
Proper preparation of the body and mind for the grading process.
Kihon (Fundamental Techniques)
Execution of stances such as horse stance and right sanchin stance.
Mastery of punches (e.g., middle, high, low), blocks, kicks, and thrusts.
Ido-geiko (Moving Basics)
Incorporating fundamental techniques with movement.
Typically performed in three-step forward and backward motions.
Kata (Forms)
Memorized patterns of movements specific to the student’s belt level.
Focus on precision, discipline, and flow.
Kumite (Free Sparring)
Live sparring to test adaptability, courage, and combat effectiveness.
Tameshiwari (Board Breaking)
Breaking wooden planks to showcase power and focus.
Strength & Endurance
Knuckle pushups, jumping squats for flexibility and stamina.
Pad Work
Testing the accuracy and power of advanced kicks, including:
- Jodan mawashi-geri (high kick)
- Ushiro-geri (back kick)
- Ushiro mawashi-geri (reverse roundhouse kick)