Kyokushin Karate: A Unique Martial Art - But It Ain't Karate! (clickbait warning)

During a recent conversation with a mate of mine in the UK, she was surprised to hear that in Japan, Kyokushin Karate is viewed mostly as its "own" thing within most karate circles and even by large swathes of Kyokushin practitioners. While not a system I have explored too deeply, I have several friends and training partners who do practice Kyokushin and make no bones about it—it is effective at kicking and punching (and elbows, depending on which branch they practice). I tend to see it as its own "thing," but the problem with such a stance is, what do we mean by karate? Unfortunately, I do not believe "we" actually have a shared, clear definition of what we mean by karate, and thus the confusion. I see Kyokushin as more like Japanese-style kickboxing than "karate," but that would take way too long to explain and would be best done face-to-face. However, below I do a snapshot overview of Kyokushin and what I know about it.

Kyokushin Karate: A Unique Art
Kyokushin Karate, founded by Mas Oyama, is often considered distinct from traditional karate systems in Japan for several reasons, both positive and critical. Here are some perspectives that contribute to this distinction:

Full-Contact Sparring:

• Kyokushin’s Approach: Kyokushin Karate is known for its emphasis on full-contact sparring without protective gear, significantly different from the point-based sparring seen in many traditional karate styles. This approach leads to a more realistic combat experience, focusing on resilience, physical endurance, and the ability to take and deliver full-force strikes. This practical focus in real combat situations sets Kyokushin apart from other traditional styles that might emphasise form and kata more heavily.

2. Training Intensity and Philosophy:

• Rigorous Training: The training in Kyokushin is famously rigorous, involving practices like breaking objects to demonstrate offensive power and conditioning. This rigorous training regimen is both praised for building mental and physical toughness and criticised for its potential to cause injuries and promote a "toughness at all costs" mentality.
• Mas Oyama’s Influence: Oyama's philosophy, which drew from various martial arts and personal experiences, emphasised physical toughness, mental discipline, and practical fighting skills. This philosophy diverges from more traditional karate teachings, which may focus more on theoretical aspects and spiritual development.

3. Synthesis of Techniques:

• Mixed Influences: Kyokushin Karate incorporates techniques from various modern martial arts, including elements from traditional Okinawan karate, Japanese judo, and other combat sports. This pragmatic approach to martial arts further distinguishes Kyokushin from more rigid, traditional karate styles, which might adhere strictly to their own established techniques and philosophies.

4. Organisational Independence:

• Separate Organisation: The establishment of the International Karate Organisation Kyokushinkaikan by Mas Oyama created an independent entity focused on promoting Kyokushin Karate globally. This organisation operates separately from traditional karate federations, reinforcing Kyokushin’s distinct identity. The separate organisational structure and branding contribute to its perception as something unique.

5. Cultural and Religious Sensitivities:

• Controversial Practices: Some aspects of Kyokushin, such as its bowing rituals and the emphasis on breaking techniques, have been points of contention for practitioners from different cultural or religious backgrounds. For example, some Muslim practitioners may modify or reinterpret bowing practices to align with their religious beliefs, highlighting the cultural adaptations sometimes necessary within Kyokushin dojos.

6. Criticisms of Methodology:

• Health Risks: The intense physical demands and the full-contact nature of Kyokushin sparring have led to criticisms regarding the potential for long-term injuries. Critics argue that the emphasis on physical toughness can sometimes overshadow the traditional karate principles of balance and moderation.

7. Role of Kata:

• De-emphasis of Kata: Unlike traditional karate schools, where kata (pre-arranged forms) play a central role in training, Kyokushin places less emphasis on kata. While kata are still practised, they are not a focal point of the training regimen. The primary focus remains on kumite (sparring) and physical conditioning. This de-emphasis on kata further differentiates Kyokushin from other karate styles.

Additional Insights and Linguistic Distinctions
In Japan most Kyokushin schools do not use the "karate" kanji (空手) used in traditional schools but instead use the katakana rendering of the word "karate" (カラテ). This choice further sets Kyokushin apart, symbolising its unique identity within the martial arts community.

Myths and Realities Surrounding Mas Oyama

Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, is a figure surrounded by numerous myths and embellished stories that have contributed to his legendary status. Here are some of the most notable myths and the reality behind them, supported by multiple sources, including Japanese references:

The 300-Man Kumite:

• Myth: Mas Oyama is often said to have completed a 300-man kumite over three days, fighting 100 opponents each day.
• Reality: Oyama did complete a 100-man kumite, a feat that is well-documented and incredibly challenging. However, the 300-man kumite appears to be an exaggeration without credible evidence. This myth likely arose to enhance his legendary status.

Bull Fights:

• Myth: Oyama is reputed to have fought and killed bulls with his bare hands, breaking their horns with knife-hand strikes.
• Reality: Oyama did engage in demonstrations involving bulls, but these accounts are often exaggerated. He successfully broke the horns of some bulls, but the narrative of killing multiple bulls instantly is likely overstated. These demonstrations were part real, part theatrical, with some suggestions that the bulls were weakened beforehand.

Training in the Mountains:

• Myth: Oyama reportedly spent several years training in isolation in the mountains, living a life of extreme austerity.
• Reality: Oyama did spend significant time training in the mountains, such as 14 months on Mount Minobu and 18 months on Mount Kiyozumi. While these periods were rigorous and involved intense training, the often-cited three-year isolation is likely an exaggeration. His training included meditating under waterfalls and breaking river stones, but the durations are generally shorter than popularly claime.

Invincible Warrior:

• Myth: Oyama was portrayed as an invincible warrior, undefeated in all his fights.
• Reality: While Oyama was a formidable martial artist with numerous victories, the narrative of complete invincibility is likely an exaggeration. Like all martial artists, he faced challenges and setbacks throughout his career, which are often downplayed in popular accounts.

Origin of Kyokushin Techniques:

• Myth: Some claims suggest that all techniques in Kyokushin were either created or perfected by Oyama himself.
• Reality: Kyokushin Karate is a synthesis of various influences, including traditional Okinawan karate, Japanese martial arts, and other combat sports. The development of Kyokushin was a collective effort, with contributions from many practitioners and instructors. Oyama's own training under masters like Gichin Funakoshi and Nei-chu So influenced his approach.

Oyama's Formal Dan Grades

• Training with Funakoshi: Mas Oyama trained under Gichin Funakoshi for approximately two years at Takushoku University in Tokyo. While this period significantly influenced Oyama's martial arts foundation, he did not receive a dan grade directly from Funakoshi.
• Goju-Ryu Karate: After training with Funakoshi, Oyama studied Goju-Ryu Karate under Nei-chu So, a senior student of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju-Ryu. It was through this training that Oyama received higher dan grades, eventually achieving a 4th dan in Goju-Ryu
• Kyokushin Karate: Mas Oyama later developed his own style, Kyokushin Karate, synthesising various martial arts techniques and philosophies he had learned. The grades and titles within Kyokushin were established as part of his new system, separate from those awarded by Funakoshi or other traditional karate schools【

These myths and embellished stories helped create a larger-than-life image of Mas Oyama, significantly contributing to the popularity and influence of Kyokushin Karate. His real achievements were impressive enough, but the addition of these myths has cemented his legacy in the world of martial arts.

Conclusion
Kyokushin Karate, with its rigorous training, full-contact sparring, and unique philosophy, stands apart from traditional karate styles. While it has garnered praise for its practical and effective approach to martial arts, it also faces criticism for its potential health risks and deviation from traditional karate principles. The independent organisational structure and cultural adaptations further contribute to Kyokushin's unique status. Despite the myths and embellishments surrounding Mas Oyama, his creation continues to influence and inspire martial artists worldwide.

Post-Script:
This blog received a lot of readership (many thanks to all who take the time to read my ramblings) and a very good question was asked regarding Oyama and Daito Ryu. While, as a historian, I cannot verify the connection I have summarised below what I found in the populist press regarding the matter:

Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, had a significant relationship with Yoshida Kotaro, a master of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. This connection was pivotal in shaping Oyama’s martial arts education. Yoshida Kotaro, known for his expertise in Daito-ryu, directly taught Oyama, who received a menkyo kaiden (a high-level certificate of mastery) from him. This training influenced Oyama's development of Kyokushin Karate, particularly in its self-defence techniques.

Oyama’s martial arts journey was diverse. He trained in Shotokan Karate under Gichin Funakoshi, Goju-ryu Karate under Nei-chu So, and Judo. His eclectic training, combined with the principles he learned from Yoshida Kotaro, allowed him to integrate effective techniques from various traditions into Kyokushin Karate. Yoshida’s influence is evident in the joint locks, throws, and other techniques incorporated into Kyokushin, reflecting the practical and rigorous approach of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu.

Yoshida Kotaro’s emphasis on discipline, rigorous training, and practical application resonated with Oyama’s philosophy. Oyama’s time training under Yoshida provided him with a profound understanding of martial arts principles, which he later refined and integrated into Kyokushin Karate, enhancing its effectiveness and versatility.

In summary, Yoshida Kotaro's mentorship was crucial in Mas Oyama's martial development, deeply influencing Kyokushin Karate's distinctive techniques and training philosophy.

For more detailed information, you can refer to sources such as the [Wikipedia entry on Mas Oyama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mas_Oyama), [Kyokushin United](https://www.kyokushin-united.com), and [Milk Blitz Street Bomb](https://milkblitzstreetbomb.com). For academic perspectives, you might consider exploring journals on martial arts history or cultural studies related to Japanese martial arts.

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