Legends of Karate : Series – 1
Masutatsu Oyama, popularly known as Mas Oyama, is one of the most legendary figures in the history of modern Karate. He was the founder of Kyokushin Karate, a style famous worldwide for its powerful full-contact fighting system, physical conditioning, and strong spirit of discipline.
Early Life
Masutatsu Oyama was born on July 27, 1923, in Korea when it was under Japanese rule. His birth name was Choi Young-Eui.
From a young age he was interested in martial arts and began training in Chinese Kempo and other traditional combat methods.
Later, he moved to Japan where he continued his martial arts training and eventually became a student of two great Karate masters:
- Gichin Funakoshi
- So Nei Chu
Through these teachers, Oyama developed a strong foundation in traditional Karate techniques and philosophy.
Masutatsu Oyama, popularly known as Mas Oyama, is one of the most legendary figures in the history of modern Karate. He was the founder of Kyokushin Karate, a style famous worldwide for its powerful full-contact fighting system, physical conditioning, and strong spirit of discipline.
Early Life
Masutatsu Oyama was born on July 27, 1923, in Korea when it was under Japanese rule. His birth name was Choi Young-Eui.
From a young age he was interested in martial arts and began training in Chinese Kempo and other traditional combat methods.
Later, he moved to Japan where he continued his martial arts training and eventually became a student of two great Karate masters:
- Gichin Funakoshi
- So Nei Chu
Through these teachers, Oyama developed a strong foundation in traditional Karate techniques and philosophy.
The Mountain Training
One of the most famous parts of Oyama’s life was his intense mountain training.
Inspired by the samurai tradition of spiritual and physical isolation, Oyama trained alone in the mountains for long periods.
His training included:
- Practicing techniques for 10–12 hours daily
- Breaking stones and wood with bare hands
- Meditation and Zen practice
- Extreme physical conditioning
This period helped him develop the powerful fighting spirit that later defined Kyokushin Karate.
Creation of Kyokushin Karate
In 1964, Masutatsu Oyama officially founded Kyokushin Karate, meaning:
“Kyoku” – Ultimate
“Shin” – Truth
So Kyokushin means “The Ultimate Truth.”
Kyokushin became famous for:
- Full contact kumite
- Extremely strong body conditioning
- Knockdown tournaments
- Practical fighting ability
It was different from many other Karate styles that emphasized controlled sparring.
Today Kyokushin has millions of practitioners in over 120 countries.
Famous 100-Man Kumite
One of the most legendary tests in Kyokushin Karate is the 100-Man Kumite (Hyakunin Kumite).
In this test, a Karate master must fight 100 opponents consecutively.
Mas Oyama created this challenge to demonstrate:
- Physical endurance
- Mental strength
- True fighting spirit
Only a very small number of Karate masters in history have successfully completed this challenge.
Demonstrations of Power
Mas Oyama became world-famous for his dramatic demonstrations of strength.
He was known for:
- Breaking stones, bricks, and bottles
- Breaking bull horns with a knife-hand strike
- Fighting bulls in demonstrations
- Delivering extremely powerful strikes
These demonstrations made him an international martial arts icon.
Legacy
Masutatsu Oyama passed away on April 26, 1994, but his legacy continues through Kyokushin organizations around the world.
His teachings influenced many full-contact martial arts, including:
- Kickboxing
- MMA striking systems
- Knockdown Karate competitions
His philosophy emphasized:
- Osu no Seishin (Spirit of perseverance)
- Respect and discipline
- Continuous self-improvement
Famous Quote of Mas Oyama
“The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.”
Leave a Reply