Kyokushin Karate has been known as “The strongest karate”, not only because of the incredible feats of strength and endurance that Founder Masutatsu Oyama performed, but also because of the rigorous requirements of the training and tournaments. The founder, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, often said that the difference between sports and the Budo Way is the path of self-discipline.

Sports can always be associated with a game in some form or another where people compete for leisure, money, or fame. The Budo way is never these since it was developed from harsh-living situations where one must fight for their life in the midst of human suffering and pain - this can either be of the mental or physical kind. The Budo Way is this challenge in life itself. Kyokushin Karate was founded by a man who was dedicated to the Budo Way. The reason Kyokushin fighters become the strongest under Mas Oyama's teaching is that they train for real-life application.

The late karate legend, Mas Oyama, said time and time again that the most important element of Kyokushin karate was the BUDO SPIRIT which encompasses elements of proper behavior, courtesy, the spirit of Osu,
and good will towards man, in addition to fighting prowess.

The World Headquarters in Japan were officially opened in June 1964, where the name Kyokushin was adopted. From then, Kyokushin continued to spread to more than 120 countries, and registered members exceed
12 million making it one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world.

Kyokushin Karate is known as the most powerful karate in the world.

Japanese Terminology

Dojokun and The Meaning of OSU

Link to Kyokushin-Kan USA website

---

Link to OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KYOKUSHIN-KAN INTERNATIONAL HONBU IN JAPAN