What is Kyokushin

What is Kyokushin?

This blog was prepared to address a recent training event focused to which we invited any martial artist, particularly around Sydney. The event was great, but I believe there is a reluctance to embrace the Martial Way at this time. My hope is that this will change as young people find that what they are being promised today is failing to deliver. I used Mas Oyama’s Karate Philosophy as told in ‘The Kyokushin Way’ as a major source.

As you should be aware the characters for Kyokushin can be translated as ‘Ultimate Truth’, but what does this mean?

Firstly, to Aspire to be the best person you can be, to discard anything that is worthless. Step out into the World with Aspirations and return only on fulfilling them. This requires a commitment from your Mentors/Parents/Coaches to prepare you for the World and let you go to achieve your own aspirations. I impeach of the instructors to earn the title of Sensei.

Next is Diligence, meaning training, ‘Lifelong Learning’ in the search for the truth, the ‘Ultimate’ truth. Studying the Martial Way is like climbing a cliff; keep going forward without rest. Persevere day in and day out without rest. Resting even one day causes recession to old stages of achievement. Remember, learning the ultimate meaning cannot rely on verbal explanation, but requires hard training to develop Spirit, Body, and Intentions.

Approach your training with the Courage to attain in this world an awareness transcending life and death - Bushido. The irresponsible crowd may thoughtlessly critique a martial art based on incidental results, like winning and losing, but a fighter is indifferent to praise and blame alike. Use a Socratic method to test your training in conflict with non-compliant opponents, with those who will challenge your beliefs. Be cautious of our latest fad of arrogant pride, but rather chose humility in your search for the truth. In a traditional Western culture Pride is the first of the deadly sins, placed above Wrath and Envy. Do not train with anger but with courage. Kyokushin kumite is courageous kumite. Overcome egoistic desires and abide by courtesy. Suffering minor setbacks is a way to grow stronger. When a person loses, he should train with all his might to correct the faults, the sins if you will, that brought defeat. Search for Truth.

Zen is Karate; and karate is true Zen. Zen is the complete unification of the body, the intentions, and the spirit. I choose to call my dojo Kanzen 完全 to signify this completeness.

What is Kyokushin Karate? It is the search for, the struggle towards this unification, this completeness. Spiritual cultivation is the ultimate goal and deals with the actual relations between the spirit and the body. Important in mental unification and body strength is tanden, the centre of gravity and energy, around which arms and legs move. The stronger the muscles, bones, joints and ligaments of the hips and abdomen the greater the power of the body.

Train your body with courage and stubborn persistence toward noble goals. This is the Martial Way.