Kyokushin karate is a type of full contact karate that was founded by Masutasu Oyama in 1964. Oyama was a legend in the karate world, emphasizing rigorous training and discipline in his approach. He was famous for killing bulls with a single bare handed strike, as well as fighting 300 full contact bouts against fresh opponents in three days.
Kata
Kyokushin Karate is best known for its full contact sparring and knockdown competitions. However, it still retains aspects of traditional karate styles. Kyokushin has several katas, or forms, to teach practitioners skills and technique. Kata is a form of practice, similar to shadow boxing, where blocks, strikes and stances are practiced by rote, allowing Kyokushin stylists to practice their techniques and movements until they become second nature.
Techniques
Kyokushin karate has most of the techniques associated with traditional karate, since founder Mas Oyama origianally learned from the founder of Shotokan karate, Gichin Funakoshi. These include the usual kicks, punches and blocks. However, thanks to the emphasis on knockdown competitions and full contact sparring, Kyokushin practitioners also use techniques that are often absent from other styles of karate. Low kicks and knee strikes are all used in Kyokushin, borrowed from other kickboxing styles.
Sparring
Kyokushin karate is best known for its full contact sparring and knockdown tournaments. Sparring is done without protective equipment. However, the one concession to safety is that punches to the face are not allowed. Punches to the body are therefore very common, while kicks to the head are permitted as they are less likely to land. Kicks to the leg and knee strikes are also common. Full contact sparring has ensured that in Kyokushin, only these high percentage strikes are commonly used.
Unique Techniques
Kyokushin karate has some moves that are unique to the style. Two examples are the so called 'Brazilian kick' made famous by Brazilian fighters such as Francisco Filho and Glaube Feitosa. The kick is disguised as a roundhouse kick to the legs or ribs of an opponent, but at the last minute the fighter throws the hips over to strike the head of the opponent. Another technique is the rolling heel kick, an unusual kick where the fighter launches himself off his feet, aiming to strike with the heel of the foot having spun 360 degrees towards his opponent. Peter Graham has successfully used this kick to knock out opponents in kickboxing matches.
Member Comments