When a person decides to embark on a new hobby it can be extremely daunting, and even more so when you’re an adult and then adding to the mix something like martial arts. You start doing research on schools in your area, to decide which might be best for you. You stumble upon one that offers something called Kyokushin Karate. “Hmm, that sounds traditional and interesting”. However, upon a little further investigation, perhaps mixed with a few youtube videos, and you might be like, “hell no! Those people are crazy!” But, don’t let that stuff detour you.
I was reminded of that this week in a class at the dojo I attend, Contact Kicks, with Sensei Steve Fogarasi. There is a team preparing to go to a large full-contact tournament, but what Sensei Fogarasi reminded people of was, there are many paths up the mountain.
While Kyokushin is famous for it’s full-contact knock-down sport karate side, there are many facets to Kyokushin. Not everyone who attends a Kyokushin Karate dojo is there to compete. Actually, it is most probably a small portion. Most people are there because they were looking for a martial art, a way to stay fit, a new hobby, etc., and the fact it was Kyokushin was secondary.
The belt achievements are used as indicators of one’s time, ability and progress, and many people are aiming for black belts and high, but the path for each person can be very different.
Even for myself, as an example. I am in my 40s. While I have a background in martial arts, which no doubt helps me, I have no aspirations of being a champion. Though, the person standing next to me might be half my age with the goal of fighting on the world level. But, we both share the passion for learning and achievement.
So, while Kyokushin might look intimidating from the outside, don’t let that discourage you. If you are as lucky as I am to have a Kyokushin Karate school near you, I encourage you to at least try a couple classes.
Here is what you can expect in most good traditional Kyokushin Karate Dojos:
What is Kyokushin Karate?
Kyokushin (極真) is a style of stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Korean-Japanese Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama. Kyokushin is Japanese for “the ultimate truth”, developed from the determination of the pursuit of ultimate truth of mind, technique, and body. Kyokushin is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and hard training. It is grounded in both the Okinawan Shuri-te traditions (such as Shorin-ryu and Shotokan) and hard and soft characteristics of Naha-te and Tomari-te styles, such as Goju-ryu, and also includes realistic fighting.
The founder, Sosai Mas Oyama, often said that the difference between sports and Budō, or “The Martial Way“, is the path of self-discipline. Budō is this challenge in life itself. Kyokushin Karate was founded by a man who was dedicated to Budō. Read more about this NOW => here.
Where to attend?
Kyokushin Karate trains in Dojos, which can be anything from a studio, to a school gymnasium. Dojo (道場) is a Japanese term which literally means “place of the way”. Essentially, a training hall.
Classes are led by a Sensei, which is Japanese for “teacher”. Classes can be focused on usually one of three areas, depending on the day and personal style of the teacher. These three areas are Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Kihon (基本, きほん ?) is a Japanese term meaning “basics” or “fundamentals.” The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts. Think of standard blocks, kicks and strikes.
Kata (型 or 形 literally: “form”), a Japanese word meaning detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. In other words, if you think of the basics you learn in Kihon like words, kata now teaches you to form sentences, stringing those basics together in prearranged movements.
Kumite (組手) literally translated means “grappling hands” and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. It refers to forms of sparring. Kumite is the part of karate in which a person trains against an adversary, and the part which has made Kyokushin so famous. Unlike most other traditional forms of karate which do “point fighting”, Kyokushin is full contact. Now, before you go running the other direction, know that this isn’t all the time. When practicing, most dojo’s have students wear forms of protective equipment and it is done lighter contact, especially for lower belts and those inexperienced. Though it can look intimidating, it can be a lot of fun and an amazing confidence builder. As before, if you think of Kihon like words, Kata prearranged sentences, think of Kumite as open free-form conversation.
The Belt System
Kyokushin karate has a grading system where students move up a series of colored belts after undertaking testing. The belt system is divided into Kyu grades (beginner grades) and Dan grades (advanced grades). The system is as follows:
The path in Kyokushin is not a short one. One would expect to train twice to three times a week for at least 5 years before achieving the rank of 1st Dan, or Black Belt. 1st Dan is considered the beginning, with Dan grades going up to 10th Dan, with the 10th usually reserved for the founder of the system, or the head of an organization. Comparing the ranks to the Western schooling system, think of the coloured belts = grade school, 1st Dan through 4th Dan = undergrad, 5th Dan = Masters, and anything above = a phd.
Etiquette
There is specific etiquette you must adhere to, such as bowing when entering and leaving the Dojo. I have covered the other etiquettes in a different post. Some people are not comfortable with all the bowing, and words that are used, but Kyokushin is a Japanese martial art, and it is important to keep up the customary aspects of the etiquette, out of respect of its founder and country of origin.
Etiquette is a way to honour the founders of our style and honour the Sensei that teaches us. It teaches respect and self-control, it sets the dojo apart from ordinary life.
As stated, if you would like to know more, I covered etiquette in more detail in an earlier post.
Benefits of Kyokushin Karate training
Kyokushin Karate is whole body training, and it works on both the body and the mind. It can also help in recovery after injuries or illness by strengthening the body and keeping a positive and focused mind set.
Kyokushin karate encourages and develops an attitude of perseverance and determination. These personal attributes developed through karate training can also be used in daily life.
In Kyokushin Karate the focus is on the full-contact aspect of fighting, without neglecting the other other aspects, such kihon and kata. Whatever your reasons and goals are, practicing Karate can help you become stronger, healthier and a better human being.
Why Kyokushin Karate?
Sensei Darren Stringer – IFK World Championship Kata 2014, photo by Dave Geentjens
Kyokushin Karate is more than just a martial art for self-defence; it is Budō Karate and encompasses an entire system of well-being for the individual and teaches skills and attitudes that will last a lifetime.
Positives of the training include; discipline, respect, exercise regimen, confidence and a social atmosphere.
The classes are very structured and beginners are welcomed, and regardless of age, sex and physical capabilities, anyone can start training in Kyokushin Karate and enjoy it.
Comments 46
CAN YOU DO KYOKUSHIN AT THE AGE OF 50 I WANT TO DO IT BUT IM WONDERING IF IT WILL BE TOO HARD ON MY BODY AND CAN ANY AGE REALLY DO KYOKUSHIN?
Author
Yes, absolutely! You just have to take it at your own pace and listen to your body.
I’m 69, in my third year of training and it takes a dedicated sensei and student to progress. My sensei is a true chameleon; he trains me as I can.
by the way do you have to be of certain age or have previous karate qualifications to start doing it or could I just start straight off?
L LICKE TO KARATE
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Osu very enlightening thanks
I use too do that ?. .
am three days old of training kyokushin
18 years old i used to train other martial arts in 2012 when i was 13 but i stopped for some reasons but now am a happy karateka
am in zambia (africa) thanks for mentioning that its normal to train three days a week i have faith that one day ill be dan10 OSU
Osu….
I’m 46 years old and have taken other martial arts ….finally have found happiness in kyokushin….just earned my 1st Dan ….I have arthritis in my hip and knees but I deal better with it and have less trouble with stiffness and pain since about 6 weeks of beginning.
this was very informative and will be sharing with my sensei and class
Are there any schools in MD around Annapolis
Age is no reason to not feel able to take up Kyokushin Karati .I did at 60 and am still teaching and participating at 87 ,which I find stimulating .I am now 5th dan , but strongly believe that the colour of the belt is a guide to ability not necesaraly how better how you are to other people but how you install knowledge and a pride in acheavement
Author
Wow! Shihan Bennett, that is truly inspiring! BIG Osu!
I was going to join kyokushin before anyways,but this gave me a heads up on what to expect. Self trained right now…former type of karate,apparently invented by Chuck (Carl) Norris. Thanks!
Konnichiwa Can u please email this information to me
Very good articles
and full info
Tq very forbimfo
Amazing article, sharing it everywhere! Osu!
Author
I am glad you enjoyed it Mihir! Thank you for sharing. Osu!
Very Nice post.Thank you so much for the motivation. Osu!!👊
Where can I learn kyoshin karate. I live in greenwood ms
Thank you for all what you mention above and you where right , I have change a lot since I attend these classes , Now it’s been 2.5 months and I just got promoted to orange belt and I’m soo excited to learn different technique that i can’t do yet just because i’m not flixible yet ,But I’m working on stretching and yoga a lot lately to improve myself .
Osu ! .
Osu, training 2-3 times a Week for 5 years gives you the opportunity to try for shodan? This a great example of the value for that grade, meaning shodan is not always a true shodan.
Muito obrigado pela matéria, pra quem não conhece a arte, já dá pra ter uma ideia, e tirar a visão de agressividade e pancadaria!
Osu!!
Its Fantastic Guide of Kyokushinkaikan.
Osu.
Shihan Zakir Hussain
WKO &Kyokushinkaikan
Bangladesh Honbu Dojo
Author
Thank you Shihan Zakir Hussain! Osu!
I was wondering what belts are considered “beginner level”. Because I don’t know if my friend is in the advanced or beginners class.
Author
Hi Garson,
It’s a bit grey honestly,as traditionally Shodan, or black belt, is considered the beginning.
Mugan,
I fought in knockdown tournaments until my early 50’s. You are right that age is just a number.
Your body changes, though, and you have to be aware of its potential and of its limitations. But if you are in your thirties I see novreason why, after initial training and conditioning, you should not have at least a decade of knockdown ahead of you.
Go for it.
I am 32 and wish to start Kyokushin karate. I also desire to compete in knockdown competitions. Many have too me that I was too old to start training for such things but not too old for martial arts in general,. I personally see age as just a number (for the most part), but are there any older kuokushin practitioners that still compete. Just looking for some outside inspiration for my goal.
Osu…
Author
Hi Mugan, first… thanks for reading and commenting. Second… no!!! You are not too old. I came back to martial arts and specifically Kyokushin when I was 43. There are “senior” devisions you can compete in if you wish. Osu!
Hi Mugan,
Age is in your brain, I started just under 5 years ago and managed to survive fight training to to fight in my first tournament this past August at 47. I had signed up to fight in the veterans division but there was no fight for me there so they dropped me into the middle weight division necessitating a slight weight cut on top of everything thing else that goes with the anxiety, fear and battering your body undergoes in fight training.
Scared as I was I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything and am considering doing it again this year.
At the end of the day showing up to the dojo has nothing to do with anyone else the only person you are in competition with is yourself.
I spent over twenty years doing no training, sports or extra exercise outside of normal everyday life. Getting into to Kyokushin after that in my forties was a steep learning curve particularly in how to take care of bruised legs but it’s worth it.
To anyone else getting up there in age who looks and thinks dame that’s too scary just jump in there is nothing more motivating to get fit, learn and improve then other people trying to hit you. It is rewarding in ways you can only experience by doing. So just walk in and keep showing up and showing up and showing up you will be amazed at what happens over time.
OSU
I enjoyed reading your article. I didn’t think about the many different paths up the mountain. I joined up early this year (After turning 40) and your article resonated well with me and reinforced my decision… My path up the mountain is very different from others in the class, but hay at least I’m climbing the mountain and that’s pretty cool. Thank you for sharing your story
Author
Phil, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment. I am so glad my words resonate with you. I too am on a journey up that mountain side, so I understand where you’re coming from. To your point, at least your attempting the climb! I will see you at the top! Osu!
Very good articles and full info
Tq very forbimfo
Author
I am glad you enjoy. Thank you for reading! Osu!
Scott
I am a 53 years old Shodan Who returned to Kyukushin after a two year break caused by two herniated disks. Évén if my habilities are not has they havé been in the past, I still get to enjoy my favorite sport very much . As I’ve been tought I must now be a karatéka That Knows “the real virtues of humility”
Author
So great to hear you’re recovering from the herniated disc and training again! I had a herniated disc myself, so I can empathize. Good for you! Thank you for reading. OSU!
Johanne,
Good to hear you are coming back to the Kyokushin family. I too had a herniated L5 and bulging L4L5 back in 2000 and was paralysed for 4 days on both legs from the knees down. I stubbornly kept the surgeon away and let my body heal itself with rehab. I had to stop Kyokushin for about a year and when I could tolerate it I started again. I am now a 3rd Dan and competed in the 2015 World IKO in Tokyo Masters Open division full contact at 53 years old. In other words, I can do anything I have done before and I have to say it is mostly due to what Kyokushin Karaté has taught me both physically and spiritually… Osu!
I rarely read an article to the end, bud i did this time.
I wish to go back to karate teaining and deiffinately would love to join a kyokushin dojo if i could find one.
Author
Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to read and comment. I too hope you return to karate. OSU!
OSU!
Very nice post. I shared in Facebook. 🙂
Author
Thank you for reading and sharing. Osu!
Super Nice
Author
Thank you for reading and commenting! Osu!
Thank you on the informative wedsite -Yes we may be holding high belts in Kyokushin but we still learn a lot and that makes us new students all our days of our life -and kyokushin has become a way of life
OSU