Kumite ( Japanese : 組手 , literally "grappling hands") is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon . Kumite is the part of karate in which a person trains against an adversary.
91-403: Kumite can be used to develop a particular technique or a skill (e.g. effectively judging and adjusting one's distance from one's opponent) or it can be done in competition. Since the word "kumite" refers to forms of sparring, it covers a vast range of activities. In traditional Shotokan karate , the first type of kumite for beginners is gohon kumite . The defender steps back each time, blocking
182-581: A close connection with VIPs and celebrities, focusing on a mass media strategy to increase fans and gain students. In 1969, Oyama staged The First All-Japan Full Contact Karate Open Championships and Terutomo Yamazaki became the first champion. All-Japan Championships have been held at every year. In 1975, The First World Full Contact Karate Open Championships were held in Tokyo. Kyokushin Karate would develop notoriety as "Kenka Karate" or "Brawling Karate",
273-453: A disqualification. There are a list of 15 possible fouls or penalties recognised by the WKF; should a competitor receive a total of four of these warnings, then they will be disqualified from the match, or (depending on the severity of the offences) perhaps even the whole competition by the referee. A full, up to date list of competition regulations (including forbidden techniques) is available on
364-622: A dojo network in South America . That same year, Seiji Isobe permanently moved to Brazil and became the head of Kyokushin in South America. IKO1 (headed by Shokei Matsui, in which Isobe represents Brazil at international level) and Seiwakai Karate (headed by Ademir da Costa ) are the most prominent styles of Knockdown Karate in Brazil. Andrzej Drewniak is credited for bringing Kyokushin to Poland. Fascinated by karate, he founded
455-431: A few more traditional clubs that never use protective gear for sparring (except groin and mouth guards that protect against accidental injuries) argue that a karateka will not be able to make their most powerful strike when sparring in the dojo (against a friend whom they no doubt do not want to injure) even if this opponent is wearing protective clothing. Therefore, the karateka will still be using some level of control, as
546-425: A full range of target areas (including punches and kicks to the face, head, throat, and body) with no padding or protective gloves, but maintains a degree of safety for the participants. Throwing one's partner and performing takedowns are permitted in free sparring, but it is unusual for competition matches to involve extended grappling or ground-wrestling, as Shotokan karateka are encouraged to end an encounter with
637-574: A lesser degree, seniority. As with many martial arts, Shotokan uses a system of coloured belts to indicate rank. Most Shotokan schools use the kyū / dan system but have added other belt colours. The order of colours varies widely from school to school, but kyu belts are denoted with colours that in some schools become darker as a student approaches shodan . Dan level belts are invariably black, with some schools using stripes to denote various ranks of black belt. Gichin Funakoshi himself never awarded
728-675: A letter to Masutatsu Oyama and, on his instructions, began to cooperate with the President of the European Kyokushinkai Organization, Loek Hollander . Tanyushkin opened the first section of Kyokushinkai in the USSR in Moscow in 1973. By the end of the 1970s, a school had formed in the country with representatives in all major regions. After the almost 10-year ban on karate was lifted in 1989, Tanyushkin established
819-579: A long-term vice-president. Thanks to the support of Loek Hollander , the president of the European Karate Kyokushinkai Organization, he received an annual scholarship and an invitation to Japan, but only after six years, secretly from the political and sports authorities, he managed to go to Tokyo. At the end of his stay in Japan, he obtained the 4th dan, after 15 months of training under Sosai Masutatsu Ōyama, where he
910-469: A moniker Oyama disliked. At its peak, Oyama was alive in the 1990s, with branches set up in each prefecture, with more than 1,000 official branch dojos in 123 countries around the world, and a scale of 12 million members. Even before Mas Oyama's death in 1994, there have been several organizations that broke off from Oyama's IKO. In 1980, the Dutch Kyokushin instructor Jon Bluming would exit
1001-498: A much more fluid style that incorporates grappling, throwing and some standing joint locking techniques, which can be found even in basic kata. Kumite (fighting) techniques are practiced in the kihon and kata and developed from basic to advanced levels with an opponent. Gichin Funakoshi laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate (or Niju kun ), which form the foundations of the art, before some of his students established
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#17327724407131092-590: A name, just calling it karate . Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop
1183-400: A point. Also, the question of discoloration of face due to contact, which can allow for disqualification. It is often difficult to gauge the true intensity of the attack, so this could cause questioning. Last, it is seen as sport and sport alone. Traditionalists may dismiss it as "useless", but modern dojos often band with other dojos to form organizations that utilize a tournament circuit as
1274-405: A point. Many international tournaments use a "point sparring" form of kumite that requires control ('pulling punches') and therefore warnings can be dealt for excessive force on techniques to the head, or sensitive areas. Full contact is permitted to the torso area of the body only. Some tournament rules allow for light contact to the head, whereas other rules do not allow this. Kumite also includes
1365-564: A rank higher than Godan (5th dan black belt). Kihon basics is the practice of basic techniques in Shotokan Karate. It includes stances, blocks, punches, kicks, various displacements and their combinations, as well as the practice of Kihon Kata like: Taikyoku Shodan, which was developed by Yoshitaka Funakoshi, the son of Gichin Funakoshi, as a basic introduction to karate kata. (Yoshitaka also developed Taikyoku Nidan and Sandan.) This first kata consists of successive restatements following
1456-415: A series of guidelines that, if followed correctly, result in a clean and safe fight. These are some of those guidelines: For the last point about stance and footwork: it is often taught that a karateka who wishes to be fast and agile while competing in kumite should always be 'pulsing'. Pulsing is where the karateka remains almost bouncing on the balls of their feet to maintain minimal frictional contact with
1547-431: A single attack ( ippon ), avoiding extended periods of conflict, or unnecessary contact in situations where there may be more than one attacker. Kaishu ippon kumite is an additional sparring exercise that is usually introduced for higher grades. This starts in a similar manner to freestyle one-step sparring; the attacker names the attack he/she will execute, attacks with that technique, and the defender blocks and counters
1638-426: A tournament environment, gloves and shin protectors are worn. Children often wear headgear to lessen the impact of any kicks to the head. Speed and control are instrumental in sparring and in a training environment it is not the intention of either practitioner to injure his opponent as much as it is to successfully execute the proper strike. Tournament fighting under knockdown karate rules is significantly different as
1729-606: A way to promote their dojos. International competition under the World Karate Federation (also known as the WKF) also includes the following point scoring: If the opponent is rendered unable to continue the fight due to a legal technique, then the one who delivered this technique should be announced the winner of the bout by KIKEN (or forfeiture) of the fight. Bouts are 3 minutes long for men, and 2 minutes long for Junior competitors and women. If, at any point during
1820-462: Is a performance or a demonstration, with every technique potentially a killing blow ( ikken hisatsu )—while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm). As the karateka grows older, more emphasis is placed on the health benefits of practicing kata , promoting fitness while keeping the body soft, supple, and agile. Several Shotokan groups have introduced "kata" (form) from other styles into their training. The original Shotokan kata syllabus
1911-647: Is freestyle one-step sparring ( jiyu ippon kumite ). This type of kumite , and its successor—free sparring, have been documented extensively by Nakayama and are expanded upon by the JKA instructor trainee program, for those clubs under the JKA. Freestyle one-step sparring is similar to one-step sparring but requires the karateka to be in motion. Practicing one-step sparring improves free sparring ( jiyu kumite ) skills, and also provides an opportunity for practicing major counter-attacks (as opposed to minor counter-attacks). Tsutomu Ohshima states that freestyle one-step sparring
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#17327724407132002-541: Is introduced in Funakoshi's book Karate-do Kyohan , which is the master text of Shotokan karate. Japan Shotokai's kata syllabus is the same as established in "Karate-do Kyohan" with the addition of Gigo Funakoshi's staff kata Matsukaze No Kon. When the JKA was formed, Nakayama laid down 27 kata (26 mainly practised throughout most organisations) as the kata syllabus for this organisation. The standard JKA kata are: Taikyoku shodan (sometimes termed Kata Kihon or Kihon Kata,
2093-488: Is no single "Shotokan school", although they all bear Funakoshi's influence. As the most widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of karate do. Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Gichin Funakoshi, in 1936 at Mejiro , and destroyed in 1945 as a result of the Tokyo air raids . Shoto ( 松涛 , Shōtō ) , meaning "pine-waves" (the movement of pine needles when
2184-500: Is obviously necessary, and cannot truly capture the spirit of one lethal strike whilst sparring. Except for a life or death self-defense situation, the spirit and power of the single lethal strike can only be achieved when a karateka does not have to avoid injuring their training partner. The traditionalists therefore argue that there is no benefit to sparring with more forceful strikes. However, in Kyokushin Karate no padding
2275-409: Is permitted whatsoever. Ages below 14 years old are required to stop their kicks at least 10 cm away from the opponents head, whereas during the ages between 14 years old and 16 years old, this distance is reduced to 5cm away from the head. Punches for both age groups must be stopped just before the head/ face and not make contact. As previously mentioned, light contact to the head/ face is permitted from
2366-544: Is the current representative in Canada for Kyokushin Karate. Kyokushin was introduced by Mamoru Kaneko and Shigeo Kato. Kyokushin was introduced to Netherlands by Jon Bluming and Kenji Kurosaki . On January 2, 1962, Jon Bluming, on behalf of Masutatsu Oyama, creates the first European karate association, called the NKA (Netherlands Karate Association). Under his leadership, the new school quickly gained strength and popularity. In
2457-609: Is the martial arts organization founded in 1964 by Korean-Japanese Masutatsu Oyama ( 大山倍達 , Ōyama Masutatsu ) , officially the International Karate Organization . Previously, this institution was known as the Oyama Dojo . Since 1964, the style has continued to spread to more than 120 countries, becoming one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world, and in Japan itself. Initially, Masutatsu Oyama opened his first official dōjō -
2548-589: Is the most realistic practice in Shotokan Karate, and that it is more realistic than free sparring. Free sparring (or free style) ( jiyu kumite ) is the last element of sparring learned. In this exercise, two training partners are free to use any karate technique or combination of attacks, and the defender at any given moment is free to avoid, block, counter, or attack with any karate technique. Training partners are encouraged to make controlled and focused contact with their opponent, but to withdraw their attack as soon as surface contact has been made. This allows attacking
2639-503: Is the practical application of kihon and kata to real opponents. The formalities of kumite in Shotokan karate were first instituted by Masatoshi Nakayama wherein basic, intermediate, and advanced sparring techniques and rules were formalised. Shotokan practitioners first learn how to apply the techniques taught in kata to hypothetical opponents by way of kata bunkai . Kata bunkai then matures into controlled kumite . Kumite
2730-455: Is the third part of the Shotokan triumvirate of kihon, kata and kumite . Kumite is taught in ever increasing complexity from beginner through low grade blackbelt (1st – 2nd) to intermediate (3rd – 4th) and advanced (5th onwards) level practitioners. Beginners first learn kumite through basic drills, of one, three or five attacks to the head ( jodan ) or body ( chudan ) with the defender stepping backwards whilst blocking and only countering on
2821-426: Is used and fighters do not "pull their punches" as fights are finished by knockdown. In some forms of competition kumite, punching ("tsuki") and kicking ("keri") techniques are allowed at the head ("jodan") and abdomen ("chudan"). In some tournaments, face contact is allowed, sometimes limited to senior practitioners. One example of a scoring system is that the first competitor to take eight points in three minutes wins
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2912-537: The Japan Karate Association (JKA). Within these twenty principles, based heavily on bushido and Zen , lies the philosophy of Shotokan. The principles allude to notions of humility, respect, compassion, patience, and both an inward and outward calmness. It was Funakoshi's belief that through karate practice and observation of these 20 principles, the karateka would improve their person. The dōjō kun lists five philosophical rules for training in
3003-409: The Oyama Dojo - in 1953, in a small building behind Rikkyo University to teach Goju-ryu style of traditional Karate . Subsequently, Oyama's Karate theory would deviate from Goju-ryu and would form his own style. His instruction was distinguished by goals improving the strength in the actual battle by performing a kumite that directly hits the opponent's body with a thrust or kick. This was unlike
3094-550: The British organization has achieved great success. Kyokushin was introduced to Canada by Tats Nakamura in 1992 at Vancouver, British Columbia. There have been practitioners in Vancouver, BC, Canada since the late 70s/early 80s where it was referred to as Kyokushinkai and operated independently. Some known black belts are Tom Blaney, Andy Puuseppä, Shawn Ho, and Georges Saint-Pierre. Shihan Stuart Corrigal (7th degree black belt)
3185-682: The IKO organization to establish the BKK (Budo Kai Kan) in 1980. In 1991, Steve Arneil lead exodus of British Karate Kyokushinkai from IKO, to establish IFK - the International Federation of Karate. In April 1994, Oyama died of lung cancer at the age of 70 without naming a successor, leaving Akiyoshi Matsui in charge of the IKO. This has brought much political and economic turmoil to the Kyokushin worldwide, leading to fragmentation of
3276-722: The KKD (Kyokushinkai Karate Germany) and the DKO (German Kyokushin Organization) and the IKOK-D (International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan Germany). These are not automatically in the IKO1 on an international level, so the IKOK-D is in the IKO1 (Kyokushinkaikan Honbu) and the DKO in the WKO/IKO2 (Midori). Daman Basnet is the founder chairman of Nepal. Academy of Kyoukushin Karate (NAKK) He
3367-477: The Kyokushinkai Federation of the USSR. The creation of such a federation was a huge step forward for the development of martial arts in the USSR. During the period of work of the national organization, Kyokushinkai karate entered the country's sports classification system as an official sport (1990), and development reached the international level. In 1993, the Kyokushinkai Federation of Russia
3458-597: The Netherlands ( Kenji Kurosaki ), Australia (Mamoru Kaneko and Shigeo Kato), the United States ( Miyuki Miura , Tadashi Nakamura, Shigeru Oyama and Yasuhiko Oyama), Great Britain (Bob Boulton, later joined by Steve Arneil ), Canada (Tatsuji Nakamura) and Brazil ( Seiji Isobe ) to spread Kyokushin in the same way. Many students, including Steve Arneil, Jon Bluming, and Howard Collins, traveled to Japan to train with Oyama directly. Kyokushin also sought to develop
3549-537: The Okinawan culture and Funakoshi's philosophies. However, many schools of JKA (Japan Karate Association) affiliated with Shotokan Karate used the full terminology on a daily basis, providing translations also. For example, the KUI (Karate Union of Ireland), utilises the full and proper Japanese name for each move and kata in training, grading and competition. Rank is used in karate to indicate experience, expertise, and to
3640-571: The Okinawan kata names easier to pronounce in the Japanese Honshū dialect. In 1924, Funakoshi adopted the Kyū / Dan rank system and the uniform ( keikogi ) developed by Kano Jigoro , the founder of judo . This system uses colored belts ( obi ) to indicate rank. Originally, karate had only three belt colors: white, brown, and black (with ranks within each). The original belt system, still used by many Shotokan schools, is: Funakoshi awarded
3731-415: The age of 16 years old and upwards. The rule of KIKEN (or forfeiture) is commonly only found with blows to the body. If a (legal) punch or kick is delivered to the body, and causes an athlete to forfeit the bout (as they cannot continue), then the opposition is announced as the winner. When an athlete is legally downed (if they fall or are knocked down by their opponent) and does not immediately get up after
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3822-481: The aim of training is that each single strike should be enough to subdue the opponent. However, this clearly would make it difficult to train due to the possibility of injury. Many beginners, while sparring, will be instructed to develop control and accuracy first, then speed and power later. In doing this, it may seem like the student is pulling his punches, when actually, he is developing technique first. For injury purposes, certain targets are discouraged, like strikes to
3913-675: The attack. Unlike freestyle one-step sparring, however, the attacker may then be required to block the defender's counter-attack and strike back. This exercise is often considered more difficult than either freestyle one-step sparring or free sparring, as the defender typically cannot escape to a safe distance in time to avoid the counter to the counter-attack. Kumite within the dojo often differs from competition kumite . In dojo kumite any and all techniques, within reason, are valid; punches, knife hand strikes, headbutt, locks, takedowns, kicks, etc. In competition certain regulations apply, certain techniques are valid, and certain target areas, such as
4004-405: The attacks and performing a counterattack after the last block. This activity looks nothing like the jiyu kumite (or "free sparring") practiced by more advanced practitioners. Types: Many schools feel it is important that karateka "pull their punches". Karate training is designed to give its practitioners the ability to deliver devastating power through techniques like punches and kicks. Often
4095-459: The bout, a competitor accumulates an 8 point lead over their opponent, or if their opponent is disqualified then they will also be declared as the winner of the fight. Contact to the body is allowed from all ages during competition. When a competitor turns 16 years old, then they will be allowed a "skin touch" (light contact) to the opponents head for both punches or kicks, which stays the same from this age upwards. Prior to this age, no head contact
4186-414: The bout. Kumite is an essential part of karate training, and free sparring is often experienced as exciting, because both opponents have to react and adapt to each other very quickly. In tournaments kumite often takes place inside of a 'ringed' area similar to that of a boxing ring. If a karateka steps out of the ring, they are given a warning. If they step out of the ring two times, the other person gains
4277-709: The death of Masutatsu Oyama in 1994 and the split of the Kyokushinkai, from the late 90s, other Kyokushin Federations began to develop in Russia, representing various international organizations. Now in Russia they are working: These five Federations are united in the Kyokushin Association of Russia, accredited by the Ministry of Sports and headed by Yu. P. Trutnev (currently Vice Prime Minister of
4368-499: The defender to execute a counter-attack faster than in the earlier types of sparring. Counter-attacks may be almost anything, including strikes, grapples, and take-down manoeuvres. Some schools prescribe the defences, most notably the Kase-ha Shotokan-ryū, which uses an eight step, three directional blocking and attacking pattern, which develops from yellow belt level through to advanced level. The next level of kumite
4459-522: The dojo: seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor to excel, respect others, and refrain from violent behaviour. These rules are called the Five Maxims of Karate. The dōjō kun is usually posted on a wall in the dojo, and some shotokan clubs recite the dōjō kun at the beginning and/or end of each class to provide motivation and a context for further training. Funakoshi also wrote: "The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in
4550-595: The family Court of Tokyo in 1995. There were claims that near the end of his life, Oyama named Matsui (then ranked 5th dan , and clearly junior in rank to several senior instructors) to succeed him in leading the IKO. However this claim has been disputed with Oyama's family and Matsui himself. At present there are now several IKO organizations, such as IKO1 ( Shokei Matsui ), IKO2 Shinkyokushinkai ( Kenji Midori ), IKO3 (Y. Matsushima), IKO4 (T. Tezuka). Kyokushin Karate training consists of three main elements: technique, forms, and sparring. These are sometimes referred to as
4641-475: The first 1st dan (初段; shodan ) Shotokan karate ranks to Tokuda, Hironori Ōtsuka (Otsuka), Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Makoto Gima, and Shinyō Kasuya on 10 April 1924. Kyokushinkai Kyokushin ( 極真 ) is a style of karate originating in Japan. It is a full-contact style of stand-up fighting and is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline, and hard training. Kyokushin Kaikan
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#17327724407134732-600: The first Polish Karate Kyokushin section at AZS in Krakow in 1972. In 1974 he became the Polish middleweight champion in kyokushin karate. In the same year he went to a training camp in the Netherlands, where he passed the 1st dan exam, becoming the first Polish holder of a black belt and the title of Kyokushin karate sensei. In 1979, he became a co-founder of the Polish Karate Association, of which he has been
4823-473: The floor. Kyokushinkai and its "offshoot" karate organizations are the styles usually known to promote knockdown tournament rules. They believe this type of tournament competition is closer to "real life" personal combat, although still in a tournament setting with rules. There are three criticisms to date. First, is the quickness versus skill argument. The tournament fighter learns how to shoot in quickly but deliver an unimpressive strike that gains him or her
4914-417: The ground, allowing them to move quickly. Another aspect of kumite which is often seen in international tournaments, as well as many local competitions is what is referred to as clashing. Clashing is where both opponents throw techniques against each other at the same time, often resulting in both getting hit with the techniques. This creates a problem for referees as they are unable to make out which technique
5005-501: The head referee should declare "aiuchi" which means "simultaneous hit". When a winner is decided, the referee will announce "~ no kachi" which means "~'s win". The tournament rules of full contact or "knockdown" styles of karate often don't award any points for controlled techniques delivered to the opponent. In fact, they usually don't award points for full-force techniques delivered to the opponent either. Instead, points are only awarded for knocking, sweeping, or throwing your opponent to
5096-400: The joints or throat, are forbidden. The purpose of competition is to score points through the application of kumite principles while creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere, whereas the purpose of training kumite in the dojo is to be prepared to kill or cripple an opponent in a realistic situation. Gichin Funakoshi had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan karate of
5187-418: The kata "Yantsu" which possibly originates with Motobu-ha Shito-ryu . There is also Ura Kata - Several kata are also done in " ura ", which essentially means all moves are done in mirrored form. The ura , or 'reverse' kata, were developed by Oyama as an aid to developing balance and skill in circular techniques against multiple opponents. Sparring , also called kumite , is used to train the application of
5278-554: The kata of Kyokushin are classified into Northern and Southern Kata. The northern kata stems from the Shuri-te tradition of karate, and are drawn from Shotokan karate which Oyama learned while training under Gichin Funakoshi . The southern kata stems from the Naha-te tradition of karate, and are mostly drawn from Goju-ryu karate, which Oyama learned while training under So Nei Chu and Gogen Yamaguchi . One exception may be
5369-472: The knee and face contact for low ranks. Many schools prohibit strikes to the groin, while others allow it completely. Some schools might limit contact to light contact all around, while others may employ power usage at higher grades. All types of sparring allow the martial artist to develop both control and experience in delivering powerful strikes against an opponent. In full contact karate, punches are often "pulled" to some slight extent in training, to minimize
5460-631: The last 40 years numbered more than 12 million. Bobby Lowe opened the first Kyokushin dojo outside of Japan in Hawaii in 1957. After Lowe, Oyama ordered Miyuki Miura , Tadashi Nakamura, Shigeru Oyama and Yasuhiko Oyama to establish Kyokushin Dojos in mainland United States . Kyokushin Karate was introduced to United Kingdom by Steve Arneil . Originally from Republic of South Africa , Arneil initially intended to establish his Kyokushin Dojo there, but
5551-432: The last defence. These drills use basic ( kihon ) techniques and develop a sense of timing and distance in defence against a known attack. At around purple belt level karateka learn one-step sparring ( ippon kumite ). Though there is only one step involved, rather than three or five, this exercise is more advanced because it involves a greater variety of attacks and blocks usually the defenders own choice. It also requires
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#17327724407135642-526: The late 1970s, Jon Bluming leaves the leadership of the organization to his students, and he himself creates a new organization, Kyokushin Budokai Karate. Kyokushin is integral part of Dutch martial arts scene, as it laid foundation for "Dutch-style Kickboxing", advocated by entities like Mejiro Gym and Chakuriki Gym . There are various associations at national level in Germany today, including
5733-667: The name has been discontinued in some Shotokan dojos) (太極初段), Heian shodan (平安初段), Heian nidan (平安二段), Heian sandan (平安三段), Heian yondan (平安四段), Heian godan (平安五段), Bassai dai (披塞大), Jion (慈恩), Enpi (燕飛), Kanku dai (観空大), Hangetsu (半月), Jitte (十手), Gankaku (岩鶴), Tekki shodan (鉄騎初段), Tekki nidan (鉄騎二段), Tekki sandan (鉄騎三段), Nijūshiho (二十四步), Chinte (珍手), Sōchin (壯鎭), Meikyō/Rōhai (明鏡), Unsu (雲手), Bassai shō (披塞小), Kankū shō (観空小), Wankan (王冠), Gojūshiho shō (五十四歩小), Gojūshiho dai (五十四歩大), and Ji'in (慈陰). Kumite , or sparring (lit. Meeting of hands),
5824-613: The newcomers to Oyama's dojo. Later, Kenji Kurosaki also became a teacher in the school. On December 6, 1959, Hirofumi Okada [ ja ] was the first person to practice at the Oyama Dojo that was granted a black belt (first dan), and was listed as the first in the official yearly promotion register of the Kyokushin Kaikan. In April 1964, Mas Oyama established the 'International Karate Organization Kyokushin kaikan' (commonly abbreviated to IKO or IKOK) under
5915-525: The objective is to down an opponent. Full-contact sparring in Kyokushin is considered the ultimate test of strength, endurance, techniques and spirit. Also known as Goshin Jitsu , the specific self-defense techniques of the style draw much of their techniques and tactics from Mas Oyama's study of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu under Yoshida Kotaro . These techniques were never built into the formal grading system, and as karate itself grew increasingly sport-oriented,
6006-419: The occurrence of injuries that would interrupt practice. However, some karate schools use protective gear in free sparring, so that strikes can be delivered closer to their full power. Most karate clubs and most styles of karate combine some controlled full-contact sparring and some sparring with protective gear (from gloves to feet pads and up to full head and even chest guards such as in taekwondo ). However,
6097-629: The official WKF website. Shotokan Shotokan ( 松涛館 , Shōtōkan ) is a style of karate , developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (1906–1945). Gichin Funakoshi was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing "karate do" through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including those at Keio , Waseda , Hitotsubashi (Shodai) , Takushoku , Chuo , Gakushuin , and Hosei . Funakoshi had many students at
6188-493: The organization at the national and international level. After Mas Oyama's death, the International Karate Organization (IKO) split into two groups, primarily due to personal conflicts over who should succeed Oyama as chairman. One group led by Shokei Matsui became known as IKO-1, and a second group led by Yukio Nishida and Sanpei became was known as IKO-2. The will was proven to be invalid in
6279-621: The other schools of Karate at the time. Over the next ten years, Oyama built his organization and demonstrated his karate around the world to spread it. Around 1956, Oyama would rename his school the "Oyama Dojo". In early days of the dojo, Oyama would not take the duty of teaching newer students. Instead, Eiji Yasuda [ ja ] (a Shotokan teacher from Gakushuin University Karatedo Club), Masashi Ishibashi , Ichiro Minamimoto (both Goju-ryu practitioners from Karatedo Club of Nihon University ) and others would teach
6370-406: The perfection of the character of the participant." Many terms used in karate stem from Japanese culture. While many are names (e.g. Heian , Gankaku ), others are exclusive to martial arts (e.g. kata , kumite ). Many terms are seldom used in daily life, such as zenkutsu dachi , while others appear routinely, such as rei . The Japanese form is often retained in schools outside Japan to preserve
6461-614: The political problems in IKO, following death of Mas Oyama. Since then, they have been on separate paths, but working towards the same goal. Hungary is particular for hosting the Ibutz Oyama Cup , which was held three times between 1983 and 1986 at the National Sports Arena in Budapest. The tournament was held in three different weight classes. Kyokushin founder Masutatsu Ōyama first visited Hungary in 1983 and
6552-459: The rank structure used by Kyokushin Karate's West Los Angeles Branch although the order of belt colors does vary between Kyokushin groups. For example, 10th & 9th kyus in most groups wear orange belts, while in other groups in rare cases they wear red belts instead. Numerous tournaments are arranged by several Kyokushin organizations. Some of the most prestigious tournaments are: The style has international appeal with practitioners have over
6643-458: The referee calls "YAME" (stop) then the referee will call for the tournament doctor and count to 10 out loud in English (identical to the 10 count in boxing) for the athlete to rise. If they do not rise within 10 seconds, then the opponent wins the bout by KIKEN (or forfeiture). However, blows to the head rarely ever win by forfeiture, as it is normally deemed as excessive contact which results in
6734-540: The self-defense training started to fall into obscurity. Today it is only practiced in a limited number of dojos. However, the proper Kyokushin Karate techniques are extremely effective when it comes to self-defense in any type of fight due to its full body contact fighting style . Colored belts have their origin in Judo , as does the training gi , or more correctly in Japanese, dōgi or keikogi . The example below uses
6825-514: The style and gaining new members. Oyama would choose an instructor to open a new dojo. The instructor would move to that town and demonstrate his karate skills in public places. After that, word of mouth would spread through the local area until the dojo had a dedicated core of students. Kyokushin sought to expand its presence with contact with other martial arts disciples, interaction with other groups, matches, assimilation of martial arts technique. Oyama also sent instructors to other countries such as
6916-437: The theme of gedan barai — oi tsuki , and performing three oi tsuki by following the known "H" pattern or Embusen . Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organised into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes and blocks. Body movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, kata
7007-424: The three "K's" after the Japanese words for them: kihon (basics), kata (formalized sequences of combat techniques), and kumite (sparring). Kata is a form of ritualized self-training in which patterned or memorized movements are done in order to practice a form of combat maneuverings. According to a highly regarded Kyokushin text, "The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama" by Cameron Quinn, long time interpreter to Oyama,
7098-477: The time: Shōrei-ryū and Shōrin-ryū . After years of study in both styles, Funakoshi created a simpler system that combined the ideals of the two. He never named this system, however, always referring to it simply as "karate." Funakoshi's karate reflects the changes made in the art by Ankō Itosu , including the Heian/Pinan kata series. Funakoshi changed the names of some of the kata in an effort to make
7189-589: The umbrella of the Kyokushin Scholarship Foundation. Upon formation, Eisaku Sato acted as chairman and Matsuhei Mori as the vice chairman, with Oyama as the director (later president). Oyama directed the organization through a period of expansion. In June of the same year, the headquarters dojo (later the general headquarters) was completed in Ikebukuro , Toshima , Tokyo. Oyama hand-picked instructors who displayed ability in marketing
7280-525: The university clubs and outside dojos , who continued to teach karate after his death in 1957. However, internal disagreements (in particular the notion that competition is contrary to the essence of karate) led to the creation of different organisations—including an initial split between the Japan Karate Association (headed by Masatoshi Nakayama ) and the Shotokai (headed by Motonobu Hironishi and Shigeru Egami ), followed by many others—so that today there
7371-463: The various techniques within a fighting situation . Sparring is usually an important part of training in most Kyokushin organizations, especially at the upper levels with experienced students. In most Kyokushin organizations, hand and elbow strikes to the head or neck are prohibited. However, kicks to the head, knee strikes, punches to the upper body, and kicks to the inner and outer leg are permitted. In some Kyokushin organizations, especially outside of
7462-400: The wind blows through them), was Funakoshi's pen-name, which he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. The Japanese kan ( 館 , kan ) means "house" or "hall". In honour of their sensei, Funakoshi's students created a sign reading shōtō-kan , which they placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught. Gichin Funakoshi never gave his system
7553-427: The world. After Shigeru Ōyama retired from the leadership of the organization, hanshi Jan Dyduch (8th dan) from Krakow became the director of the organization (OYAMA International Karate Federation), who is also the leader of the Polish organization. In Hungary, István Adámy and Kálmán Furkó are credited for establishing Kyokushin in the country. In 1977, István Adámy received the 1st Dan Black in Kyokushin and
7644-541: Was also honored as Observer in Australian Tournament 1997, World Cup 96, Japan and had also taken his students to compete and many more. He is now devoted in producing students of International Standard. Kyokushin was introduced to Brazil by Seiji Isobe . Isobe had been operating a Kyokushin Dojo in Fukui, established on September 20, 1972 - when Mas Oyama offered Isobe the mission of promoting and setting up
7735-503: Was also involved in overseeing the next two tournaments. The founder of Kyokushinkai karate in the USSR is Alexander Ivanovich Tanyushkin [ ru ] . While in Poland on a business trip, Tanyushkin met Andrzej Drewniak in Krakow and began to practice karate with him. After some time, having learned about the existence of Kyokushinkai style karate, Tanyushkin and Drewnyak wrote
7826-636: Was appointed as a representative of Nepal from International Karate organization Kyoukushin Kai-kan Japan. For the past many decades, he has been devoted in Kyokushin Karate and had also organized many tournaments in Nepal. He has participated in many international competitions, some of his accomplishments are: He was selected as a Referee in 7th Asian Open Karate Tournament, held in India in 1995 and 30th All Japan Open Karate Tournament held in Japan in 1997. He
7917-532: Was appointed branch leader of Hungary by IKO. Kálmán Furkó obtained his first dan degree in 1978 and became a shihan in Szolnok in 1984. The development of domestic Kyokushin started in 1976. By the mid-1980s, there were nearly ten thousand practitioners of Kyokushin Karate in Hungary. Since then, Kyokushin has been one of the most popular karate styles in Hungary. István Adámy and Kálmán Furkó worked together until
8008-575: Was one of the first to join the new International Karate Federation (IFK), headed by Hansi Steve Arneil (now 10th dan). On behalf of IFK, on the basis of the Russian national organization, the Eurasian Committee (EAC) was created, representing IFK in the territory of the former USSR. It was headed by S. Stepanov (now 5 dan Kyokushin-kan). The Committee existed until 1998, having held 6 international class "A" tournaments during this time. After
8099-492: Was quick, on target and recoiled - all the things that constitute a clean technique that is scored. Because of clashing, most modern day karateka are taught to practice kumite in a 'one for one' situation where one attacks, then the other attacks and so on. However, due to the speed of these techniques, and the speed of the footwork of each karateka, to the casual observer it may appear that they are still clashing when in fact they are not. When opponents are considered to be clashing,
8190-523: Was requested by Mas Oyama to go to the United Kingdom to help establish Kyokushin karate there. Subsequently, he and his wife traveled to London in 1965. British Kyokushinkai Karate was founded in 1965 after the return of Steve Arneil and Bob Boulton from Japan, where they studied Kyokushinkai in the Tokyo Hombu. Thanks to the deep knowledge and efforts of Shihan Steve Arneil (now 10th dan),
8281-843: Was the only Polish uchideshi . Most Kyokushin karate clubs, regardless of their affiliation to world organizations, are also concentrated in the Kyokushin Commission of the Polish Karate Association (KK PZK / Komisji Kyokushin Polskiego Związku Karate) under which inter-organizational competitions of the rank of the Polish Championships and the Macro-region Championships are held. The "World Oyama Karate"-style, founded by Shigeru Ōyama (10th dan) - has its largest concentration of practitioners in Poland, with largest number of clubs in
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