Kyokushin
Kyokushin (極真) or Kyokushinkai is a style of Karate founded by Masutatsu Oyama (大山倍達) in 1964. Kyokukushinkai is Japanese for "the society for the ultimate truth". It is considered one of the most challenging forms of Karate. Developed by Masutatsu Oyama , this is probably the hardest form of Karate today, placing great emphasis on combat effectiveness. Oyama himself has fought and killed bulls in demonstration fights, fighting unarmed and without protection.
This form of Karate takes on all comers, the instructors and it's students all must have taken part in sparring. Unlike other forms of Karate, Kyukushin demands the black belts spar without any gloves or safety gear on. Each fighter is expected to be not only strong, but be able to take the hits as they come, making this martial art both dangerous and difficult to master.
History and philosophy
After the death of Masutatsu Oyama in 1994, his organization, the International Karate Organization (IKO) splintered into several groups. Some also joined Hanshi Steve Arneil who left the IKO in 1991 to form the International Federation of Karate (IFK).
However finding the real form of Kyukushin only involves sparring with the instructor. Most instructors of Kyokushin will accept to "demonstrate" to the student in plain clothes if they are a beginner. In theory a competent instructor would be able to knock a novice down with just one hit. It is not common for a instructor to refuse a request for a demonstration, as this would spoil their reputation.
Instructors that fail to demonstrate their skill in this manner are probably fake.
Techniques
Kyokushin style is based on Goju-ryu, Shotokan karate and other styles.
Grading
Kyokushin karate has a belt grading system similar to others in existence. The colour of belt changes from white to orange (IKO) or red (IFK), blue, yellow, green, brown and black.
Sport
See also
