Kyokushin Techniques

Kyokushin is a full-contact style of karate created in Japan in 1964 by Masutatsu Oyama. According to Kyokushin Wildeboer, its philosophy mandates discipline, intense training and the commitment to self-improvement. Kyokushin's popularity extends around the world, with nearly 12 million karateka (karate students) training in the style. Techniques developed by Master Oyama combine the elements of traditional karate styles such as Shotokan and Goju-ryu with boxing and Muay Thai, making Kyokushin a strong and challenging stand-up fighting system.

  1. Basic Punch

    • Execution of the basic Kyokushin punch differs from that of other Japanese styles. While most karate punches begin with the fist resting at the hip, Kyokushin Karate Lessons Online states that the Kyokushin punch begins up near the armpit. The palm faces upward at first and then twists downward when the strike is completed. The elbow snaps as the strike is delivered, but it does not completely extend. Should the opponent deliver a hard block to the arm, the slight bending will protect the elbow from hyperextension. The opposite hand pulls backward in sync with the punch, adding thrust to the strike and preparing for the follow-up technique.

    Kicks

    • According to Kyokushin Karate Lessons Online, the straight kick is the most popular leg technique. It is often used as a counterattack when fighting in tight, but it can also be extended to strike from a longer distance. The fighter raises his knee straight up to his chest, turns his hips approximately 45 degrees and thrusts his leg out in a straight line. The strike can be made with either the ball of the foot or the heel.

      The fighter sets up the back kick by turning his head and looking over his back shoulder. He then twists his hips away from his opponent, almost turning his back to him. He raises his knee and thrusts his leg backward, flexing his foot and striking with the heel. It is always important to quickly pull the leg back after a kick, but this is especially true when performing the back kick. If the opponent catches the extended leg while the fighter's back is turned, the fighter will be unable to defend himself.

    Blocks

    • The low block is used to repel attacks to the stomach and groin. The fighter begins with his blocking raised to chest level and drives it down in a straight line toward his front knee. Middle blocks can move in two directions. With the elbow bent, the blocking arm can move across the body either from the inside out to open up the opponent's chest or from the outside in to allow the fighter to spin around to the opponent's back. All blocks can be performed with an open hand for speed or with a closed hand for power.

    Sparring

    • Kumite (sparring) is a vital aspect of Kyokushin training. Karateka must know how to practically apply their striking and blocking techniques. Control is emphasized when sparring, but strikes are executed in a manner as to show their intent, and thus contact is usually made. Most Kyokushin dojos (training halls) require students to wear protective gear. According to Kyokushin Wildeboer, tournament fighting is full-contact, with hand strikes allowed to the chest and stomach, and kicks allowed to the face, chest, stomach and inner thighs.

    Kata

    • Kata (form) is a set pattern of movements that are memorized and performed to replicate combat situations. Mas Oyama developed Kyokushin kata from the traditional forms he learned while training in Shotokan and Goju-Ryu. The karateka practices and perfects these combinations of blocks, attacks and counterattacks to hone his technique, strengthen his stances and become fully aware of his body movements. Performing kata can be physically exhausting, but its greater purpose is to develop and sharpen the karateka's mental focus.