Written by Sensei Mitch on March 20, 2023
Sosai
HistorySosai (総裁) is a Japanese term that translates to “president” or “director-general.” The Japanese word Sosai (総裁, “Sōsai”) is a Japanese term that has two meanings, translating to “president” or “director-general.” : In the context of Kyokushin Karate, Sosai refers to the founder and head of the organization, Masutatsu Oyama (大山倍達). Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994) was
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 3, 2023
One Thumb Fist
Technique . Training notesWatch in awe as Mas Oyama demonstrates the devastating one thumb fist technique. This move is particularly effective when aimed at pressure points such as the temple, medulla oblongata or spinal cord, by striking from the opponent’s blind spot at a close distance. The perfect target areas are the temporal region and occipital region at
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 26, 2023
Mas Oyama Motivation
Karate . Styles . Training notes . UncategorizedMas 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
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 25, 2023
Kyokushin vs Seido Karate
Karate . Technique . Training notesBoth Kyokushin and Seido Karate are traditional Japanese karate styles. The main philosophical difference lies in the approach to training and self-improvement. Kyokushin focuses on physical strength and discipline through intense, full-contact training and emphasizes a “never give up” attitude. On the other hand, Seido places a greater emphasis on inner peace, personal development, and
Written by Sensei Mitch on May 2, 2022
Increasing Your Punch Power
FitnessMas Oyama would suggest you perform this power exercise 300 times daily! I would suggest that you build up to that slowly. To perform the power pushup exercise you should use a firm cushion as pictured. A couch cushion will do in a pinch. Start with a closed fist pushup position and execute as depicted
Written by Sensei Mitch on April 5, 2022
Mas Oyama: Street Fighter Ryu
EntertainmentRyu: A Study on Design and Inspiration This article is centered around a article originally posted on arttronik.wordpress.com on January 21, 2012, a now defunct website. The subject matter seems worth saving as it relates to Mas Oyama’s legacy and the history of Kyokushin and Karate in popular culture. The first Street Fighter game in the
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 20, 2022
Do I call you Master?
Karate . QuotesMas Oyama’s answer to this question: “I should say that this is important, but you immediately refer to your teacher as a “master.” However, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between “master”, “teacher” and “senior”. I want you to remember well, but the first and second dan are “seniors”. The third and fourth dans are
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 13, 2022
The Secret
QuotesIt is the human role to take the thirsty cow to the stream. Whether or not a cow drinks water is a matter for the cow itself. So it may be my elder’s job to teach, but it’s your own problem to get stronger. It’s been said that the secret, secret was bestowed from long
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 6, 2022
Mas Oyama World Tour
History . KarateIn 1968, Mas Oyama was welcomed by US branch managers Shigeru Oyama, Tadashi Nakamura, and Frank Walters at JFK Airport in New York. Mas Oyama was beginning a world tour and he went on to visit Puerto Rico, England, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Jordan, among others. Tadashi Nakamura went on to break with mas Oyama
Written by Sensei Mitch on March 4, 2022
Mas Oyama’s Home
History . KaratePictured below is Mas Oyama around 1955 practicing at his home in Mejiro, Toshima City, Tokyo, Japan. Here Mas Oyama appears to be executing the first move of the Pinan Shodan Kata executing a Chudan Soto Uke (middle outside block) with his left arm and an Jodan Age Uke (upper block/side arm strike sometimes referred
