History of Kyokushin-Ryu

Specificity of karate as a martial art is being lost. And at the same time under the influence of the ideology of Western sports is tested for strength and spiritual and moral basis of the centuries-old tradition of arts Budo. Oyama seeks to find a source for the revival of traditional karate. Refers to the study of the old way of the samurai, Miyamoto Musashi to biographies, famous master of Kendo. Plus visited the two famous writers Eiji Yoshikawa and Shiro Ozaki. Who are connoisseurs of Japanese history. As well as making the first practical step in finding their way, going to exercise in the privacy of the mountain Minobu.

History of Kyokushin-Ryu

Oyama efforts aimed at reviving Budo karate. Karate that is understood not as a sport but as a real martial art, very soon bear fruit. In 1947 he participated in the first All-Japan championship in Kyoto. And he wins a convincing victory over all rivals. Even though he must control the degree of contact in the fighting according to the rules of the sports. In the same year he became the owner of 4th Dan Black Belt. It was then Oyama decides to devote his life to karate. In 1948, following the precepts of the old masters, it goes back into the mountains alone to focus on improving technology and strengthening of body and spirit.

On the mountain Kiёdzuma in Chiba Prefecture, as well as its famous predecessors, Oyama passed 18-month exclusively heavy course discipline. He lives an intense spiritual life, studying the works of ancient sages and following the recommendations of the Zen masters in search of enlightenment.

And according to him, at this time "training more than sleep." Thus exposing themselves to severe physical tests required of the adept of martial arts. Plus laid the foundation for a new style of karate and school, dates back to the reality of the Arts of Budo. And thus transformed into a special way of improving human rights. Oyama set out to develop maximum strength, endurance and "killing power" of the body. Done in order to subsequently establish themselves in Japan to counter the style of "limited" sports karate martial arts now. During the brief but fruitful asceticism in the mountains Oyama lived strictly to develop a regime that often appears in the biography of the master and the doctrine is frivolous disciples.

Founding Kyokushin-Ryu

He also developed a reputation for being 'rough' with his students. Most of all the training sessions were grueling and students injuring themselves in practice fighting (kumite) was quite common. Along with practice fighting that distinguished Oyama's teaching style from other karate schools, emphasis on breaking objects such as boards, tiles, or bricks. This was to measure one's offensive ability became Kyokushin's trademark.

History of Kyokushin-Ryu

Oyama believed in the practical application of karate and declared that ignoring 'breaking practice is no more useful than a fruit tree that bears no fruit.' As the reputation of the Dojo grew students were attracted to come to train there from inside and outside Japan. Therefore the number of students grew. Many of the eventual senior leaders of today's various Kyokushin based organisations began training in the style during this time.

In 1954 he opened the first Dojo in Tokyo Oyama, where instructors began K. Mizushima and E. Yasuda. Plus he continues to travel to different countries and continents. And is involved in numerous fights, demonstrating their outstanding achievements.

In 1956 he opened another Dojo Ryadoms Rikkyo University. By the same instructors joined M. Ishibashi and T. Minamimoto. It was the beginning of Karate Dojo, based on the principle of "1,000 days of training for the beginner, 10,000 days - a glimpse of the mystery." This is indicative of the highest standards of style - Kiokusin Budo karate. The new style has quickly gained the sympathy of many fans of martial arts.

An in 1961 at the All-Japan Student Open Karate Championship, one of Oyama's students, Tadashi Nakamura, at 19 years old (1961) made his first tournament appearance, where he was placed first. Nakamura later became Mas Oyama's Chief Instructor as referenced in Mas Oyama's book, "This is Karate."

History of Kyokushin-Ryu

In 1964 Oyama moved the Dojo into the building that would from then on serve as the Kyokushin home Dojo and world headquarters.  And in connection with this he also formally founded the 'International Karate Organization Kyokushin kaikan' to organize the many schools that were by then teaching the Kyokushin style.

Also in 1969, Oyama staged the first All-Japan Full Contact Karate Open Championships which took Japan by storm and Terutomo Yamazaki became the first champion, which have been held every year since. In 1975, the first World Full Contact Karate Open Championships were held in Tokyo.