Kyokushin Karate is one of the most respected full-contact martial arts systems in the world. It was founded by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, a legendary martial artist whose life was dedicated to discovering the true essence of karate.

The word Kyokushin (極真) means “Ultimate Truth.” For Sosai Oyama, this truth could only be found through discipline, hardship, and relentless training of both body and spirit.

The history of Kyokushin Karate is inseparable from the remarkable life journey of its founder.

Masutatsu “Mas” Oyama (1923–1994) was the founder of Kyokushin Karate, one of the world’s most respected full-contact martial arts systems. His life was dedicated to the pursuit of the true spirit of Budo — the ultimate union of technique, discipline, and fighting spirit.

Born in Korea and later establishing his life in Japan, Sosai Oyama devoted himself to forging a karate that was practical, powerful, and spiritually grounded. His legacy continues today through millions of practitioners worldwide.

Masutatsu Oyama was born Choi Yeong-ui on July 27, 1923, in Korea during the period of Japanese occupation.

From a young age he showed strong physical ability and interest in martial arts. As a child he began studying Chinese martial arts (Kempo) while living on a farm in Manchuria.

At the age of 15, Oyama moved to Japan with the dream of becoming a military pilot. Although that dream never materialized, Japan would become the place where he would dedicate his life to martial arts.

During this time he adopted the Japanese name Masutatsu Oyama, the name under which he would later become famous worldwide.

While living in Japan, Oyama began training seriously in karate.

He studied under several influential masters including:

Gichin Funakoshi

Founder of Shotokan Karate, Funakoshi helped introduce karate to mainland Japan and greatly influenced Oyama’s early training.

Gigo Funakoshi

The son of Gichin Funakoshi, known for developing many dynamic techniques used in modern karate.

So Nei Chu

A Korean martial artist and teacher who deeply influenced Oyama’s philosophy. So Nei Chu encouraged him to dedicate his life completely to the martial path.

Nei-Chu So’s Influence

So Nei Chu believed that martial arts should be pursued with total commitment and spiritual depth. His teachings had a profound impact on Oyama’s thinking and future training.

Following World War II, Oyama sought deeper understanding of martial arts.

Inspired by traditional stories of warriors training in isolation, he retreated to the mountains of Japan to train alone.

During these periods of solitude he practiced:

• kata thousands of times
• meditation
• intense physical conditioning
• breaking techniques (tameshiwari)

Training in the mountains helped Oyama develop the philosophy that true karate requires absolute dedication and perseverance.

In the 1950s, Mas Oyama began demonstrating the power of his karate through public challenges and exhibitions.

These demonstrations included:

• powerful breaking techniques
• full-contact fighting
• endurance challenges

One of the most famous stories associated with Oyama is his demonstrations involving fighting bulls, which became legendary symbols of his strength and determination.

These events brought international attention to his martial arts abilities.

His devastating power earned him the nickname “Godhand.”

In 1964, Masutatsu Oyama officially founded the International Karate Organization Kyokushin Kaikan in Tokyo.

The style was named Kyokushin, meaning Ultimate Truth.

Kyokushin training emphasized:

• powerful striking
• strong physical conditioning
• full-contact sparring
• mental discipline

Unlike many traditional styles of the time, Kyokushin focused heavily on realistic fighting ability.

Kyokushin quickly became known as “The Strongest Karate.”

One of the most legendary challenges in Kyokushin Karate is the 100-man kumite.

This challenge requires a fighter to face 100 opponents consecutively in full-contact matches.

Mas Oyama himself is believed to have completed this challenge multiple times, demonstrating incredible endurance and fighting spirit.

Today the 100-man kumite remains one of the most difficult tests in martial arts.

By the 1970s and 1980s, Kyokushin Karate had spread across the globe.

Dojos were established throughout:

• Japan
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Asia

Kyokushin became known as one of the toughest karate systems and influenced the development of modern combat sports such as kickboxing and K-1.

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama passed away on April 26, 1994.

His teachings, however, continue to influence millions of martial artists around the world.

Kyokushin Karate remains a symbol of:

• discipline
• perseverance
• respect
• fighting spirit

Through the dedication of instructors and students worldwide, the legacy of Sosai Oyama continues to live on.

Albanese Karate proudly follows the Kyokushin tradition preserved by:

Kancho Hatsuo Royama

• Born March 31, 1948

• Began training under Sosai Oyama in 1963

• 1973 — All-Japan Open Champion

• 1975 — World Open Runner-up

• 2002 — Founded Kyokushin-kan International

Royama Kancho is renowned for preserving the traditional Budo spirit of Kyokushin while maintaining strong full-contact standards.

Kyokushin Karate is more than a fighting system.

It is a path of self-discovery through discipline and training.

At Albanese Karate, we honour the traditions established by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama and strive to pass on the values of Kyokushin to the next generation.

The history of Kyokushin is not behind us.

It continues through us.

Osu.