Kyokushin (極真)
is a style of karate founded in by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama (大山倍達 Ōyama Masutatsu). “Kyokushin” is Japanese word for “the ultimate truth”. It is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and hard training. Its full contact style had international appeal and it´s practitioners have over the last 40+ years numbered more than 12 million.
Terminology
Dojo kun
1. We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaken spirit.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinshin o renmashi, kakko fubatsu no shingi o kiwameru koto.
2. We will pursue the true meaning of the martial way so that, in time, our senses may be alert.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, bu no shinzui o kiwame, ki ni hasshi, kan ni bin naru koto.
3. With true vigour, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shitsujitsu goken o motte, kokki no seishin o kanyo suru koto.
4. We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, reisetsu o omonji, chojo o keishi, sobo no furumai o tsutsushimu koto.
5. We will follow our ethical principles and never forget the true virtue of humility.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shinbutsu o totobi, kenjo no bitoku o wasurezaru koto.
6. We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, chisei to tairyoku to o kojo sase, koto ni nozonde ayamatazaru koto.
7. All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin way.
Hitotsu, wareware wa, shogai no shugyo o karate no michi ni tsuji, Kyokushin no michi o mattou suru koto.
Sosai Masutatsu Oyama´s 11 mottos
Zayu no Mei Juichi Kajo
座右の銘十一個条
1- The Martial Way begins and ends with respect and courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.
2- Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff. Continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unflattering devotion to the task at hand.
3- Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.
4- Even for Martial Artists, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
5- The Martial Way is centered in posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.
6- The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.
7- In Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation of your actions as an opportunity to improve.
8- The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.
9- Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principle.
10- The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demand.
11- Always remember: In Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.
Dojo etiquette (Kyokushin requirements of etiquette)
Kyokushin karate is a disciplinary sport and has great demands on both practitioners and relatives / parents!
Dojo (club permises) is considered a sacred place where we train both physically and mentally. Students and their relatives must respect the dojo and observe the following rules throughout the entire club premises:
1. Remove your shoes upon entering the room and place them on the shoe shelves in the changing room.
2. No audience is permitted to be in the training room.
3. Maintain total silence in the lobby during training.
4. Always address the head coach in our club as ‘Shihan’, approach and speak to him with respect and humility.
5. Dojo Etiquette for Respect to Black Belt
In our Kyokushin Karate dojo, it is essential to show respect to senior members, especially black belts (Senpai, Sensei, Shihan). When a black belt enters or exits the dojo or training area:
- Standing and Greeting: Stand up promptly and greet them with a respectful “Osu.”
- Standing in Presence of Shihan: Maintain a standing position while a Shihan (master instructor) is present in the dojo or training area.
These practices demonstrate our respect for their dedication, experience, and leadership within our martial arts community.
6. If a higher graded student is standing behind you at the entrance to the dojo, let it go in or out first.
7. When you walk in or out of Dojo, turn to Shomen (forward in Dojo), bend and say Osu. Then you turn to the higher graded, bows and says Osu. When you walk in or out of an empty dojo you turn to the shomen, bows and says Osu.
8. If you get late to exercise, put yourself in seiza at the entrance with your face against the wall. There you wait your eyes closed in mokuso. When the instructor shouts, you rise up, turn around, bows and say Osu to Shomen and then Osu to the instructor. Then jump quickly into the training at the back of the dojon.
9. It is not allowed to take any part of their dogi during exercise without being told to do so.
10. It is not allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, reading, and take photo/film in the dojon.
11. When you are told to take a seat or when setting up before and after training, always do it as quickly as possible.
12. When practicing kumite, sparring, with someone who has a higher degree or black belt – do your very best but show respect for its degree.
14. Challenge a higher degree in kumite is not allowed.
15. Dojo Etiquette for Leaving and Moving in the Dojo
In our dojo, it is important to observe proper etiquette when moving and leaving your place:
- Permission to Leave: Never leave your designated place (or the dojo) without permission from the instructor.
- Movement in Front of Instructor: Do not walk in front of the instructor or pass between the columns during training.
- Exiting Properly: When given permission to leave, exit by moving behind the line where you are positioned.
These guidelines ensure respect for the instructor’s authority, maintain discipline within the training environment, and promote orderly conduct among all students.
16. Dojo Etiquette for Observing Exercises
When you receive permission to observe exercises in the dojo, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Proper Seating Position: When seated to watch exercises, sit correctly in seiza (formal sitting posture used in martial arts) or make necessary adjustments quietly. Avoid talking during the exercises.
- Parental Observation: Parents who have permission to watch exercises should not sit with their legs stretched out in the dojo.
These practices help maintain a focused and respectful atmosphere during training sessions for the benefit of all participants.
17. The instructor should always be addressed with the title that he has: Senpai 1st 2nd, Sensei 3rd 4th, Shihan 5th and then. Do not use their first name. This applies to both dojo, neighboring areas, E-mail, SMS, and phone calls. Keep in mind that even an instructor with kyu degree is appealed to Senpai.
18. Avoid swearing, laughing, kidding, talking, relaxing or acting informal in the dojon. Achieving a higher degree gives no reason for being relaxed or acting informal. Treat the other students and the training with respect and seriousness.
19. Turn away from the class or your partner if you have to fix your dogi (karate suit) or tie your belt (obi).
20. Your dogi should always be full and clean. The belt must never be washed – just aired. Respect your belt as a valuable symbol of your hard workout.
21. Listen carefully when instructed and always confirm the instructions with Osu. If you need to ask something, do it and always thank Osu.
22. The instructor should always be treated with respect and courtesy: karate begins and ends with courtesy. If you do not show respect for the instructor you should not be in a karate dojo. Do not question the instructions you receive during exercise and do not speak during exercise without the instructor’s permission.
23. Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, div. Piercings) and watches may not be worn during the training.
24. Nails on fingers and toes should be short cut. Wash hands and feet before exercise.
21. Go to the toilet before exercising to avoid interrupting the classroom for the restroom.
25. If you are an audience, you should be silent throughout the passport and not take the children’s attention in any way.
26. It is not allowed to use a mobile phone, tablet or computer on the dojo.