Mas Oyama was The founder of Kyokushinkai Karate. He was born in 1923 near Seoul in South Korea. He studied Chinese Kempo at 9 years of age. When he was 12, he went to Japan to live and enrolled at University. After mastering Judo, he became a pupil of Gichin Funakoshi himself making such... more »
Mawashi empi uchi (inside circular elbow strike) is a Karate technique. Empi uchi are very strong, they are applied mainly for close range fighting where it’s difficult to avoid or lock them. The elbow strikes are generally forbidden in Karate competitions. They are studied mostly in Katas and self... more »
Mawashi geri (round kick) may be executed from a variety of stances, and there are several methods of proper execution. The portion of its execution that is always consistent is that the kick is executed inward and at an angle that is anywhere from parallel to the floor to 45 degrees upward. In general,... more »
Oi tsuki (lunge punch) is a Karate punch where the leg and fist are on the same side. The chamber, or preparatory position, of Oi tsuki is with the striking hand retracted to the hip or ribs, in a fist, with the palm facing up. The punch travels in a linear path directly toward... more »
Learn how to do an over head elbow strike (hiji otoshi) in this free martial arts training video from expert Kyokushin karate instructor Tony... more »
Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushinkai Karate, initially became famous with stunts such as bull-fighting Karate-style. Unlike Mexican bull-fighters, he would actually wrestle the bull to the ground and break off one of its horns. He wasn’t too popular with animal rights activists in... more »
Pinan sono go is the last Kata in the Pinan group in Kyokushinkai Karate. Pinan sono go is practised in order to unite several of the core aspects of Karate. In particular: Defence of Jodan, Chudan and Gedan areas. Seizing and countering an opponents attack. Counters quickly followed with change of direction (in order... more »
Pinan sono ichi is the first Kata of the Pinan group in Kyokushinkai Karate. Pinan Katas are similar to those found in Shotokan Karate, since they were developed from Mas Oyama’s training under Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi in turn derived these kata from northern Chinese kempo and Shorin Ryu, the Okinawan karate style based... more »
Pinan sono ni is a basic Kyokushin Kata. The entire Pinan series was synthesized by Itosu, Anko and introduced as part of the Okinawan school systems physical education routine in the early 1900’s. Legend has it that he synthesized the five Kata out of the Kata known in Okinawa as Kusanku (Kanku Dai, Kong... more »
Pinan sono san is a basic Kyokushin Kata, the third of the Pinan series. This kata contains many techniques for close combat and focuses on the usage of Kiba Dachi. Pinan Katas was synthesized by Itosu, Anko and introduced as part of the Okinawan school systems physical education routine in the early 1900′s. Legend has... more »
Pinan sono yon is a basic Kyokushin Kata, the fourth of the Pinan series. The flow of Pinan sono yon is characterised by the dynamic use of ‘double defence’ movements and foot techniques. Many are quick to point out that Pinan sono yon is from the Kanku Kata. Pinan Katas was synthesized by Itosu, Anko and introduced as... more »
Originally a Chinese kata. It was brought to Okinawa and Karate by Kanryo Higaonna. Its name translates to “smash and tear down”. It contains quick whipping motions, hammerfists, and back fist strikes; it particularly emphasizes moving off-line from an opponent’s main force, while simultaneously closing distance and exploding through them. [From... more »
Sanchin literally means “three battles” or “three conflicts”. It is the principal kata in certain Okinawan karate styles, such as Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu, and it is likely one of the oldest kata. Certain legends attribute the creation of Sanchin to Bodhidharma in the early sixth century. Sanchin kata seeks to develop three... more »
Seienchin means conqueror and subdue over a distance, or attack the rebellious outpost. In feudal Japan, Samurai warriors would often go on expeditions lasting many months, and they needed to maintain their strength and spirit over a long period of time. This kata is long and slow, with many techniques performed from kiba dachi... more »