This is Karate
Kyokushin Karate was developed by Korean-Japanese Masutatsu Ōyama after having trained with various well respected practitioners of modern karate. Oyama's karate developed a reputation for a tough, intense, hard-hitting, but practical style, which was finally established in 1964 as Kyokushinkai.
"Kyokushin" is Japanese for "the ultimate truth." It is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and hard training
"Kyokushin" is Japanese for "the ultimate truth." It is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and hard training
"The heart of karate is real fighting. There can be no proof without real fighting. Without proof there is no trust. Without trust there is no respect.
This is a definition in the world of Martial Arts.”
SOSAI MAS OYAMA
27 July 1923 - 26 April 1994
Known as the strongest karate, Kyokushinkai in South Africa is led by 8th dan, International Committee Member Shihan Kenny Uytenbogaardt.
Shihan Kenny started karate under the late Shihan Len Barnes, known as the "Father of Karate" in South Africa.
Shihan Kenny started karate under the late Shihan Len Barnes, known as the "Father of Karate" in South Africa.
Having completed in numerous tournaments, Shihan Kenny became a popular fighter internationally and was appointed South African Branch Chief by the late Sosai Mas Oyama.
Shihan Kenny was awarded his 8th dan by Kancho Matsui in 2015. |
Kyokushin Philosophy
Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (serenity); base yourself on filial piety and benefit others.
The Kyokushin philosophy is based on the rigid discipline of the practitioner’s acts, on the understanding of the limitations of companions and opponents, on the respect to parents and superiors, and on the loyalty to its ideals. The practitioner of Kyokushin must not measure efforts to improve him/herself and must not compare him/herself with the less favoured to justify his/her failings. He/she must not only know, but also practice all his/her knowledge. Learning Kyokushin requires 1000 days, but to understand all its essence, at least 10,000 days are required. Who opts for Kyokushin must have the strength to surpass any obstacle, without change of mind, until he/she reaches his/her objective. A good example for the practitioner to follow is that of the tea-kettle with water: When the fire heats the water to the boiling point, we have to keep it lighted with the same intensity, because if we reduce its flame, the water gets cold. It is not enough to boil the water, we have to keep it boiling all the time. |
The Eleven Mottoes of Mas Oyama
- The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
- Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff – continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.
- Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
- Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
- The Martial Way is centred in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
- The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
- In the Marital Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation of your actions as an opportunity to improve.
- The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
- The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.
- The true essence of the Marital Way can only be realised through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demand.
- Always remember: In the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.
Dojo Kun (Oath)
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinshin o renmashi, kakko fubatsu no shingi o kiwameru koto.
We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaking spirit.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, bu no shinzui o kiwame, ki ni hasshi, kan ni bin naru koto.
We will pursue the true meaning of the martial way so that in time our senses may be alert.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shitsujitsu goken o motte, jiko no seishin o kanyo suru koto.
With true vigour, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, reisetsu o omonji, chojo o keishi, sobo no furumai o tsutsushimu koto.
We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinbutsu o totobi, kenjo no bitoku o wasurezaru koto.
We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, chisei to tairyoku to o kojo sase, koto ni nozonde ayamatazaru koto.
We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shogai no shugyo o karate no michi ni tsuji, Kyokushin no michi o mattou suru koto.
All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the Kyokushin way.
We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaking spirit.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, bu no shinzui o kiwame, ki ni hasshi, kan ni bin naru koto.
We will pursue the true meaning of the martial way so that in time our senses may be alert.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shitsujitsu goken o motte, jiko no seishin o kanyo suru koto.
With true vigour, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, reisetsu o omonji, chojo o keishi, sobo no furumai o tsutsushimu koto.
We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinbutsu o totobi, kenjo no bitoku o wasurezaru koto.
We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, chisei to tairyoku to o kojo sase, koto ni nozonde ayamatazaru koto.
We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shogai no shugyo o karate no michi ni tsuji, Kyokushin no michi o mattou suru koto.
All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the Kyokushin way.
The Meaning of OSU
Osu means patience, respect and appreciation. In order to develop a strong body and spirit it is necessary to undergo rigorous training. This is very demanding, because you must push yourself to what you believe to be your limit, and you want to stop to give up. When you reach this point you must fight yourself and your weakness and you must win. To do this you must learn to persevere but above all you must learn to be patient. This is OSU!!
The reason you subject yourself to hard training is because you care about yourself and to care about yourself is to respect yourself. This self-respect evolves and expands to become respect for your instructor and fellow students. When you enter the dojo you bow and say “Osu”. This means you respect your dojo and the time you spend training there. This feeling of respect is OSU!
During training you push yourself as hard as possible because you respect yourself. When you finish you bow to your instructor and fellow students and say “Osu” once more. You do this out of appreciation. This feeling of appreciation is OSU!
Thus OSU is a very important word in Kyokushin Karate because it signifies patience, respect and appreciation. That is why we always use the word OSU; to remind ourselves of these indispensable qualities.
OSU!
Osu means patience, respect and appreciation. In order to develop a strong body and spirit it is necessary to undergo rigorous training. This is very demanding, because you must push yourself to what you believe to be your limit, and you want to stop to give up. When you reach this point you must fight yourself and your weakness and you must win. To do this you must learn to persevere but above all you must learn to be patient. This is OSU!!
The reason you subject yourself to hard training is because you care about yourself and to care about yourself is to respect yourself. This self-respect evolves and expands to become respect for your instructor and fellow students. When you enter the dojo you bow and say “Osu”. This means you respect your dojo and the time you spend training there. This feeling of respect is OSU!
During training you push yourself as hard as possible because you respect yourself. When you finish you bow to your instructor and fellow students and say “Osu” once more. You do this out of appreciation. This feeling of appreciation is OSU!
Thus OSU is a very important word in Kyokushin Karate because it signifies patience, respect and appreciation. That is why we always use the word OSU; to remind ourselves of these indispensable qualities.
OSU!