Introduction

Karate (kara=empty te=hand) has a long history dating back to the 5th century. A child of a king in India was taught weaponless fighting methods. Later becoming a buddhist priest he introduced his Zen practices to the Chinese monks of the Shaolin Temple. The idea of karate was to condition the body and mind through breathing exercises in combination with a Chinese fighting style called Kenpo (ken=fist  po=method).

Centuries later after several styles were created by the priests of Buddhist monasteries, it was called "kung fu" which was known in Japan as Chinese Kenpo. This, mixed with the fist fighting practiced in the Ryukyu Islands became the birth place of the word "karate" in Okinawa.

In 1915 karate was brought to Japan by Gichin Funakoshi and afterwards the Okinawan experts set out to teach Japan this "must learn" art.

Kyokushin (kyoku=ultimate shin=truth). This style of karate is considered to be one of the strongest and the most challenging in the world. Mas Oyama (founder of Kyokushin Karate) started martial arts at the age of 9 yrs. old and dedicated his entire life to the art. Some of the martial arts that Mas Oyama mastered include several types of Karates, Kenpos, Judo, and Aikijutsu. He adopted the top qualities of each style, and the combination of the best of his learning is what resulted in the birth of his own style called Kyokushin.

Sosai (founder) Mas Oyama traveled throughout the world in order to study and learn the different types of Martial Arts. Sosai Oyama experienced over 700 fights in his career against different martial artists with different styles, and remained undefeated.

Kyokushin is influenced by a wide variety and combination of several philosophies, physical karate practices, Zen buddhist religious beliefs, and samurai warrior codes. The idea is incorporating a strict and severe conditioning of the mind and body, along with meditation and strengthening the center of gravity of the body. Practicing and achieving this combination you can utilize the body to reach its' peak of capabilities possible and transform the human body into a weapon.

DOJO KUN (Dojo Oath)

• We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm, unshaking spirit.
• We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way so that, in time, our senses may be alert.
• With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.
• We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors and refrain from violence.
• We will follow our gods and Buddha and never forget the virtue of humility.
• We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
• All our lives, through the discipline of Karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Way.

The 11 Mottoes

The following are the 11 mottoes of the Budo Spirit summarized in the Martial Arts philosophy written by the Grand Master Mas Oyama:

1. The Martial Art Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
2. Following the Martial Art 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 Art Way is centered on 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 actions as an opportunity to improve.
8. The nature and purpose of Martial Arts is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
9. The Martial Arts begin 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 demand.
11. Always remember; in the Martial Arts, the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.