Kyokushin Kaikan Philosophy
Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

Founder, International Karate Organization KYOKUSHINKAIKAN

Masutatsu Oyama, also known as Mas Oyama

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama was born on June 4, 1923.

He studied martial arts from a young age and learned Karate from Gichin Funakoshi of Shotokan, Gogen Yamaguchi of Goju-ryu, and Soh Nei-Chu. After World War II, he secluded himself at Mount Minobu and underwent rigorous training. In September 1947, he won the first All-Japan Karate Championship held after the war.

From April 1948, he undertook another 18 months of intensive secluded training at Mount Kiyosumi. After descending from the mountain in 1950, he fought bulls with bare hands in Tateyama, Chiba.

In 1952, he traveled across the United States, performed Karate demonstrations, and engaged in matches with professional wrestlers and boxers. He continued to travel worldwide, performing demonstrations, teaching, and spreading Karate globally.

In 1964, he founded the International Karate Organization KYOKUSHINKAIKAN. In 1969 he introduced Knockdown Karate by holding the First All Japan Open Karate Championship. In 1975, he organized the First World Open Karate Championship, also known as the “Karate Olympics”, which sparked a global Kyokushin Karate boom.

He devoted his life to Kyokushin Karate and created over 12 million disciples in 120 countries worldwide. 

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama passed away on April 26, 1994, due to lung cancer at the age of 70.

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama Biography
  • 1923 年
    Masutatsu Oyama was born
  • 1943 年
    Joined Japan Air force
  • 1946 年
    Admitted to Waseda University Physical Education Department Isolated himself on Mt. Minobe for training
  • 1947 年
    Won the All Japan Karate Championship in Kyoto
  • 1948 年
    Determined to devote his life to karate; isolated to Mt. Kiyosumi for 18 months
  • 1950 年
    Started bull-fighting at Tateyama, Chiba
  • 1951 年
    Taught martial arts to the US armed forces stationed in Japan
  • 1952 年
    Taught seminar in Chicago by invitation of its karate association; spent 11 months in USA, visiting 32 cities for seminars and demonstrations
  • 1954 年
    Hung his first sign, “Oyama Dojo” at Mejiro, Tokyo
  • 1956 年
    Started dojo operations at a ballet studio in Ikebukuro
  • 1960 年
    Opened 72 branches in 16 countries in USA and Europe
  • 1963 年
    Started construction of KYOKUSHINKAIKAN Honbu at Ikebukuro
  • 1964 年
    Completed the construction and formally established the International Karate Organization KYOKUSHINKAIKAN
  • 1969 年
    Inaugurated the 1st All Japan Open Karate Championship
  • 1975 年
    Inaugurated the 1st World Open Karate Championship
  • 1988 年
    Established branches in each of the 47 prefectures in Japan
  • 1994 年
    Sosai passed away due to lung cancer at age 70

The Eleven Mottoes of Mas Oyama

1.
The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
2.
Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.
3.
Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
4.
Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
5.
The Martial Way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
6.
The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
7.
In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your action as an opportunity to improve.
8.
The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
9.
The Martial Arts begins with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.
10.
The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demands.
11.
Always remember: In the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.