Kyokushin Karate Training Methods

A style of full-contact karate, Kyokushin, was developed by Masutatsu Oyama in Japan in the 1950s. Translated from Japanese, Kyokushinkai means “the society of the ultimate truth.” According to "Karate School" by Oyama, he imbued Kyokushin with a philosophy, “dojo kun,” and with the “11 mottos” that stress discipline, integrity and wisdom. Oyama founded the International Karate Organization Kyokyshinkaikan (IKO) in 1964, an umbrella institution that organized Kyokushin-style schools.

  1. Osu

    • The first lesson for every student revolves around the word “osu,” which means to persevere, and is used as a universal sign of respect. A student says "osu" when he enters or leaves the dojo (studio), reacts to an instruction, completes a basic move or compliments an opponent’s technique.

    Training

    • The regimen is subdivided into three parts: 1) basic technique, or “kihon,” 2) forms, or “kata” and 3) sparring, or “kumite.” Basic technique or kihon encompasses simple movements such as punches, blocks, kicks, and stances. Forms or kata combine these movements into choreographed fight sequences, thus emulating methods to attack or evade. Sparring encourages a student to employ kihon and kumite while fighting an opponent.

    Technique

    • The basic moves--stances, punches, chops, blocks, kicks and so forth--blend traditional forms of karate with elements from boxing and other combative martial arts. In contrast to the linear style of Shotokan karate, which involves frontal chops and high kicks, Kyokushin kihon adheres to circular movements, such as rotation of the hips and leg sweeps.

    Forms

    • Kata is a ritualized sequence of battle maneuvers. A mix of offensive and defensive techniques, each kata requires a precise number of movements--e.g., punches, kicks, blocks and stances--distinct flow and direction. Students repeat kata in order to stamp these maneuvers into body memory and achieve the Zen concept of “mushin” (no mind). Reverse kata (“ura”) forces the student to do the entire series of movements, only in reverse order. Oyama stressed three principles concerning kata: the variance of tempo, the balance of strength and relaxation to achieve power and control of breath. Regular practice of kata leads to better balance, concentration and coordination.

    Sparring

    • Known as kumite, sparring involves the application of kihon and kata techniques in a combat scenario. While hits to the upper body, strikes to the head or knee and kicks to the leg are allowed, hand/elbow strikes to the neck or head are forbidden. Sparring relies on agility, control, strength and speed.

    Competition

    • Kyokushin tournaments encourage advanced students to test skills by confronting opponents. The majority of tournaments adhere to “knock-down” rules, whereby a fighter earns points by employing a combination of punches, kicks and sweeps and finally knocking his adversary to the ground. Throwing and grabbing are forbidden. The highest score wins the match.

    100-Man Kumite

    • Perceived as the apex of training, the 100-man kumite involves two-minute rounds of sparring between 100 rivals. Fighters perform rounds in quick succession with only a minute break in between each new adversary. In order to win, contenders can’t be knocked down in at least half of the bouts. This extreme form of fighting is rare; few advanced fighters have the stamina to complete the circuit.