Learn about Kyokushin Karate - A "Hard" Karate Style

Kyokushin Karate is famous for being one of the "harder" substyles of Karate. This style of Karate allows full contact sparring (kumite) and does not use any protective gear, except for a mouth guard and groin protection. They do not even use gloves or protective headgear during tournament sparring events. Kyokushin does not practice Olympic-style "sports" sparring. Kyokushin kumite allows kicks against an opponent's head, body and legs. It also allows knee strikes and punches to an opponent's body (but not to their head).

This focus on more realistic unarmed combat is exemplified by the "spirit" of Kyokushin which states "The heart of our karate is real fighting. There can be no proof without real fighting. Without proof there is no trust. Without trust there is no respect. This is a definition in the world of Martial Arts."

This style of Karate is also famous for the "100 man kumite". This grueling sparring match consists of one man or woman fighting 100 rounds of kumite against 100 similar or higher level opponents (although some opponents may go multiple times if the match does not have significant numbers of participants). The participant will fight each of the 100 opponents separately and one after another. Each kumite round lasts for roughly one and half to two minutes.

You should also visit the Karate section of our community site in order to discuss Karate techniques and/or meet Karate students/instructors.

Main Elements of Kyokushin Karate - These sections contain videos and/or instructions.

• Kyokushin Katas - Videos & instructions for katas such as Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Taikyoku Sono Ni, Taikyoku Sono San, Pinan Sono Ichi, Pinan Sono Ni, Pinan Sono San, etc.
• Kyokushin Stances
• Karate Kicks - Instructions for Karate kicks such as the Mae Geri and Mawashi Geri
• Karate Punches
• Karate Hand Strikes
• Karate Elbow Strikes
• Karate Blocks
• Karate Kihon - "Basics"
• Karate Kumite (Sparring) Techniques & Drills
• Kyokushin Wheel Kick - A powerful rolling/falling kick associated with Kyokushin Karate.
• Kyokushin Spirit - Eleven Mottoes of Mas Oyama
• 100 Man Kumite - Hyakunin Kumite
• Famous Kyokushin Practitioners

Other Elements

• How To Tie Your Belt In Karate
• Karate Terminology and How To Count In Karate
• Karate Stretches & Warm-Up Routines

References

1. International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan, About Spirit, http://www.kyokushinkaikan.org/en/about/spirit.html, Added - 12/8/13