Today, Kyokushin (also spelled Kyokushinkai) is one of the most popular and sought-after karate styles. And it is not just because of the bulls that the founder of the style, Masutatsu Oyama, reportedly dropped with a single punch and his iron fists.
Today, Kyokushin (also spelled Kyokushinkai) is one of the most popular and sought-after karate styles. And it is not just because of the bulls that the founder of the style, Masutatsu Oyama, reportedly dropped with a single punch and his iron fists. Oyama managed to build an organization that brought together all the karateka who wanted to fight but could not fully realize that in their own schools, because before Kyokushin, karate in Japan was more a way of life than a sport — competitive results were not given much importance.

No matter how you look at it, defending against a token light tap is a completely different proposition from dealing with powerful strikes whose aim is to put the opponent down for good. In Kyokushin karate, the main goal is «ikken hissatsu» — «kill with one blow.» This idea has been there from the very birth of the style and remains relevant to this day.

Of course, MMA-spoiled audiences will not see much freedom of movement, hard face punches, or ground grappling in this style, but Kyokushin still allows fighters to express themselves fully within the established rules. The style permits strikes at all three levels — upper (kicks only), middle, and lower — and allows attacks to any part of the body except the groin and the spine.

In fairness, it should be noted that in the heat of a bout these restrictions can sometimes be more theoretical than real.

Pros of Kyokushin karate

Despite a certain degree of toughness, this karate style has advantages that have kept it popular for so long.

Philosophy

Karate is not only a sports discipline but also a philosophical current that pursues noble goals such as respect for one’s opponent and for elders, and promotes the principle of non-aggression and non-use of force unless your life or the lives of your loved ones are threatened. In Kyokushin karate, discipline holds a very important place — a discipline that will help the student not only inside the dojo but far beyond its walls.

Kicking technique

Karate produces excellent kicking technique. So excellent, in fact, that karateka successfully compete in any striking sport and often outperform opponents who have a base in kickboxing, Muay Thai, or taekwondo. A few years of intensive Kyokushin training is enough to acquire — and keep for the rest of your life — the ability to kick while moving.

Effective technical combinations

The biggest advantage of Kyokushin karate, however, is the remarkable hand-foot combination game — provided the training is solid, of course. It is crucial to understand the nuances and to have a coach who breaks down every combination and gives lead-up drills to practice them. Mastery of Kyokushin technique turns a karateka into a very dangerous opponent, especially once head punching has been added to the mix. A number of well-known fighters — Slowinski, Pichkunov, Filho, Andy Hug, Greco, Feitosa, Pettas, Schilt — always put on bright, spectacular, breathtaking bouts in K-1. Often these fighters finished opponents with their hands alone, without even setting things up with kicks first.

Physical conditioning

For all the spectacle of the sparring, Kyokushin karate also means impeccable physical conditioning, achieved by working all muscle groups. Training sessions include a large number of exercises that build strength, endurance, speed of movement, and reaction. The curriculum also includes the skill of breaking hard objects, most commonly boards.

Body conditioning

During a bout, the majority of strikes land on various open parts of the body. This regular conditioning does not go unnoticed — karateka develop very resilient bodies capable of absorbing strikes of any force.

Cons

Like every coin, Kyokushin karate has not only advantages but also disadvantages compared with other martial arts.

Lack of experience with head punches

There is a common belief that Kyokushin fighters lack the skill of punching to the head. This claim is only partly true. In training, karateka do practice upper-level (jodan) hand strikes — in line drills, on pads, and on other equipment — the only thing they do not do is use them in sparring. What can fairly be said is that there is a real lack of practical experience applying head punches in sparring and defending against them.

Occasional injuries

As in any other contact sport, Kyokushin karate athletes occasionally suffer minor injuries — most often bruises and scratches on the body — but when athletes begin taking their fight preparation seriously and step up to major tournaments, there is a risk of more serious injuries.

Fees

Karate classes, like most other Eastern martial arts in our country, are fee-based, since they are not state-supported and are not included in state sports school programs. Parents will need to cover monthly training fees as well as the cost of all required equipment and fund the athlete’s travel to competitions and belt examinations. But as many parents point out, it is worth it!

Summary

A great many athletes have chosen Kyokushin. Its appeal lies in the philosophy that produces people of good character and in the training system that produces tough fighters. The advantages of this sport clearly outweigh its minor drawbacks.