Written by Sensei Mitch on February 17, 2014
Taikyoku Sono Ichi (1)
Karate . Styles . Technique . Training notesMaster Gichin Funakoshi (Shotokan) derived the three Taikyoku kata from northern Chinese kempo and Shorin Ryu, the Okinawan karate style based on Chinese Shaolin (i.e. “Shorin”) kempo. Mas Oyama in turn adapted these for Kyokushin as he trained under Master Funakoshi. The Taikyuko kata utilize long, powerful stances and strong blocks and strikes. The Taiyoku
Written by Sensei Mitch on January 5, 2014
Mas Oyama Trained James Bond…Seriously!
Articles of Interest . History . KarateMas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin “Ultimate Truth” Karate, trained James Bond star Sean Connery. Not only did Mas Oyama train Sean Connery, Sean Connery was granted the rank of Black Belt (honorary Shodan)… Anyone familiar with the militaristic training requirements set by Mas Oyama understands what a momentous accomplishment it was to train with Mas
Written by Sensei Mitch on April 26, 2013
Mas Oyama – Rest in Peace
Events & Holidays . Training notesOne hundred and twenty-five years ago today, Miyagi Chojun (Mas Oyama) – sensei was born. It is a good time to remember the shoulders we are standing on, and reflect on your karate. His style lives on stronger (though more fractured) then I think he could have imagined. His burial site and memorial in Japan
Written by Sensei Mitch on February 25, 2013
The Eleven Proverbs of Mas Oyama
A Zen Thing . Quotes . State of MindThe Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy, therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff – continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming
Written by Sensei Mitch on September 26, 2011
Kyokushin Katas
History . Styles . Technique . Training notesKata (forms) Kata is the synergy or technique and skill. Kata is a form of ritualized training in which patterned or memorized movements are done in order to practice a form of virtualized combat. Several kata are also done in “ura” denoted by the ura at the end of the Kata name. Ura indicates a
Written by Sensei Mitch on September 22, 2011
The 3 K’s of Kyokushin
Styles . Technique . Training notesI train in and teach Kyokushin Karate. One of the things that I love about my style is the simplicity of it all. Yes you read correctly. At its core Kyokushin training consists of three main elements: (1) technique, (2) forms, and (3) sparring. These are sometimes referred to as the three “K’s” after the
Written by Sensei on February 12, 2006
The Importance of OSU in Kyokushin Karate
Karate . Styles . Training notesOSU! You will hear Kyokushin students say this phrase. You will see Kyokushin students write this phrase as a salutation. So what does it mean? In the Kyokushin School of Karate, “OSU” means many things, it is used as a greeting and to replace words and phrases such as “yes“, “good“, “I will“, and “excuse
Written by Sensei on June 8, 2005
In Geelong Kyokushin Rules!
News . ProfilesThis article is part news part interview with Gary Viccars chief of the Victorian Kyokushin Branch. The article focuses on the number of medals the local Kyokushin students brought home to Geelong, AU. An interesting, brief read.
