Kyokushin Karate
Kyokushin Karate is a traditional Japanese style of karate that was created by Sosai (President) Mas Oyama (1923–1994), who developed the style in part from Shotokan, the first karate style ever to be taught in Japan, Goju Ryu karate, a traditional Okinawan style, and Chinese Kempo.
At the time – and even today – most karate styles featured little or no contact in their training or their tournaments. Mas Oyama, on the contrary, believed that if you wanted to use karate effectively for self-defense, you had to train hard and fight hard. In addition to traditional Kyokushin kihon (basics) and kata (forms), with their self-defense applications, Mas Oyama incorporated jissen kumite (full-contact fighting) into his style.
As a result, Kyokushin Karate evolved into one of the most formidable martial arts styles in the world. It soon became known as "The Strongest Karate", not only because of the incredible feats of strength and endurance that Mas Oyama performed, but also because of the rigorous requirements of training and competition. Today, there are more than twelve million practitioners of Kyokushin Karate in over 120 countries worldwide.
For more information about Sosai Mas Oyama and Kyokushin Karate, visit the USA-IFK Kyokushin Karate website.
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What Can I Get Out of Karate?Self-Defense Self-Confidence Self-Discipline Fitness Flexibility Strength
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Is Kyokushin Karate Hard to Learn?Students progress at different rates, depending on their natural abilities and frequency of training. Generally, the learning process follows these steps: 1. Position – Stance. 2. Balance – Control of position. 3. Coordination – Control of balance and position in the techniques. 4. Form – Performing the techniques correctly. 5. Speed – Increasing the rate of performance without a loss of form. 6. Power – Strengthening the techniques. 7. Reflex – The techniques become natural movements without thought. It is important that the learning process is not rushed, but is developed at each stage. As with most worthwhile things in life, you get out of Kyokushin Karate what you put into it. The important thing in training is to always do your best.
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Does Everyone Fight Full-Contact?No – you fight only to the extent of your ability and experience, and that of your opponent. Senior students may fight hard with each other, but when they fight against a junior student, they fight at the junior’s level. Women are able to spar against much larger men in class, since students learn to focus and control their techniques during training.
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How Much Does it Cost to Train?New students can train for two weeks free, with no obligation. If you’d like to continue training, the dues are $45 per month for adults and $35 per month for youths (13 to 17). In addition, there is an initial $25 fee to join the USA-IFKK organization, with a $15 annual renewal fee thereafter.
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Do I Have to Sign a Contract?No – you pay dues only for the months that you train.
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How Often Can I Train?You can come to as many classes per week as you’d like.
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How Can I Find Out More?To find out more about Kyokushin Karate, Sosai Mas Oyama and Hanshi Steve Arneil, visit the USA-IFK Kyokushin Karate website. If you want give Kyokushin Karate a try, call Shihan Bill Richards at (607) 343-9079, or stop by the dojo to see what it's all about.