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 »
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 »
Originally a Chinese kata. It was brought to Okinawa and karate by Kanryo Higaonna. In other karate styles, this kata is sometimes called Seipaite, or eighteen hands. The number 18 is derived from the Buddhist concept of 6 x 3, where six represents color, voice, taste, smell, touch and justice and three represents good, bad... more »