Mas Oyama Motivation

Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, was known for his unwavering discipline, focus, and determination. He was dedicated to pushing the limits of both his physical and mental abilities, and was driven by a strong will to succeed in his martial arts training. Oyama incorporated the principles of Zen Buddhism into his practice, and sought to find spiritual growth and enlightenment through his martial arts journey. He had a deep respect for the tradition and discipline of karate, and was known to approach his training with a no-nonsense, serious demeanor. Oyama’s mental state can be characterized as disciplined, focused, and driven, with a strong willpower and unwavering determination to achieve his goals.

Mas Oyama’s mental state played a significant role in his founding of the Kyokushin style. His unwavering determination and discipline drove him to develop a unique style of martial arts that emphasized physical strength, mental toughness, and a never-give-up attitude. He incorporated intense training methods, including full-contact sparring and breaking, to push his students to their limits and help them develop mental resilience. Oyama’s incorporation of Zen Buddhism into his practice also reflects his desire for spiritual growth and enlightenment. His respect for the tradition and discipline of karate is evident in his decision to name the style Kyokushin, which means “the ultimate truth”. Overall, Mas Oyama’s mental state, characterized by focus, discipline, and a deep desire for personal growth and self-improvement, drove his actions in founding the Kyokushin style and shaping its unique approach to martial arts training.

Mas Oyama developed and perfected the techniques of Kyokushin Karate through a combination of his own personal experience, training with various martial arts masters, and borrowing from other martial arts styles. Here are some examples of the styles he borrowed from and what was unique compared to earlier styles:

1. Goju-Ryu Karate: Oyama studied Goju-Ryu Karate with So Nei Chu and incorporated its circular movements and dynamic tension exercises into Kyokushin.
2. Shotokan Karate: Oyama trained under Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, and borrowed several techniques, such as the straight punch and front kick, which he modified for use in Kyokushin’s full-contact style of training.
3. Western Boxing: Oyama admired the efficiency of boxing techniques and incorporated them into Kyokushin, particularly the use of upper body movement and footwork.
4. Muay Thai: Oyama studied Muay Thai and incorporated its knee and elbow strikes into Kyokushin’s repertoire, making it a more complete martial art.
5. Breaking: Oyama developed his own unique approach to breaking, using not only hands but also elbows, knees, and feet to break objects such as concrete blocks and ice slabs.

Overall, what was unique about Kyokushin compared to earlier styles was its emphasis on full-contact training and conditioning, which prepared practitioners for real-life fighting situations. Oyama developed a rigorous training regime that focused on developing mental toughness and physical strength, which set Kyokushin apart from other styles of Karate. Additionally, the incorporation of techniques from other martial arts styles, such as boxing and Muay Thai, made Kyokushin a more well-rounded martial art.

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