Kyokushinkai Kanji
The kanji calligraphy is worn universally on the front of
the gi, "Kyokushinkai", is the name
given by Sosai Mas Oyama to the karate style he created. It is
composed of three characters:
Kyoku meaning "Ultimate".
Shin meaning "Truth" or "Reality".
Kai meaning "Society" or "Association"
Kyokushinkai translates to, "the society of the ultimate truth", however it should be simply understood that the path of kyokushin is the pursuit of the ultimate truth, for kyokushin karate is more than a society or association.
Kyoku meaning "Ultimate".
Shin meaning "Truth" or "Reality".
Kai meaning "Society" or "Association"
Kyokushinkai translates to, "the society of the ultimate truth", however it should be simply understood that the path of kyokushin is the pursuit of the ultimate truth, for kyokushin karate is more than a society or association.
Kanku
The symbol of Kyokushin Karate is the Kanku, which
is derived from Kanku Kata, the Sky Gazing Form. In this kata, the hands are
raised and the fingers meet to form an opening through which the sky is viewed.
The top and bottom points of the Kanku represent the first fingers of each hand
touching at the top and the thumbs touching at the bottom, symbolizing the peaks or
ultimate points. The thick sections at the sides represent the wrists, symbolizing
power. The center circle represents the opening between the hands through which
the sky is viewed, symbolizing infinite depth. The whole Kanku is enclosed
by a circle, symbolizing continuity and circular action.
The significance of "OSU"
Osu is the one word that you'll hear the most in a Kyokushin dojo or
at a Kyokushin tournament. When you enter or leave the dojo, you bow
and say "Osu". When you greet a fellow Kyokushin karateka, you say
"Osu" instead of "hello". When you respond to an instruction or
question in class, you say "Osu" instead of "yes" or "I
understand". When practicing jiyu kumite (free fighting) in class and
your opponent lands a good, hard technique, you say "Osu" to acknowledge
your opponent's skill. As a measure of respect, knockdown fighters
at a tournament bow and say "Osu" to the front, to the referee and to
each other, before and after the fight. Osu is used in many
situations and seems to mean a lot of things.
But what does it really mean? The word Osu comes from oshi shinobu, which means "to persevere whilst being pushed". It implies a willingness to push oneself to the limits of endurance, to persevere under any kind of pressure. It means patience, determination and perseverance. Every time we say "Osu", we remind ourselves of this.
Kyokushin training is very demanding. You push yourself until you think you've reached your limit. First your body wants to stop, but your mind keeps pushing you. Then your mind wants to stop, but your spirit keeps you going. You endure the pain. You persevere. That is Osu. This strength of character develops in hard training and is known as osu no seishin (the spirit of Osu).
Kyokushin karate is not learned overnight. It takes years to properly learn the fundamentals. The basic techniques are performed thousands of times (ren ma – "always polishing") until they are done by reflex or instinct, without conscious thought (mushin – "no mind"). It's easy to get frustrated by doing the same thing over and over again, especially when progress seems to be slow. To overcome that frustration and continue training takes patience and determination. That is Osu.
One of Sosai's sayings was, "Sekijou juunen." Translated, it means "Ten years on a rock." This saying symbolizes the need to persevere at all times. It is one of the most important philosophies in Kyokushin karate.
Kyokushin is an art offering many things according to the immediate and long term aims of the trainee. Ultimately, one realizes that transcending the kicks, the punches, and the kata, there is a special spirit in the heart of the participants. It teaches them to face the demands of daily life with a mature and enduring attitude. A budo-ka is not easily shaken by the blows of adversity, realizing that for a person to draw near to their true potential, a never-say-die spirit of perseverance is required.
The single word Osu captures most accurately the ultimate in what the art of karate, particularly Kyokushin, has to offer. One who is truly able to manifest the spirit of Osu in every word, thought, and action may be regarded as wise and brave. Training should first and foremost be approached in the spirit of Osu. One's daily life, and the responsibilities it holds, would be more completely lived if addressed in the spirit of Osu.
Even for the beginner, who is conscious of his lack of training and does not necessarily want to face the demand of training, it is enough merely being aware that through perseverance and the will to continue, there comes great physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional gains. All that is needed is that special determination.
But what does it really mean? The word Osu comes from oshi shinobu, which means "to persevere whilst being pushed". It implies a willingness to push oneself to the limits of endurance, to persevere under any kind of pressure. It means patience, determination and perseverance. Every time we say "Osu", we remind ourselves of this.
Kyokushin training is very demanding. You push yourself until you think you've reached your limit. First your body wants to stop, but your mind keeps pushing you. Then your mind wants to stop, but your spirit keeps you going. You endure the pain. You persevere. That is Osu. This strength of character develops in hard training and is known as osu no seishin (the spirit of Osu).
Kyokushin karate is not learned overnight. It takes years to properly learn the fundamentals. The basic techniques are performed thousands of times (ren ma – "always polishing") until they are done by reflex or instinct, without conscious thought (mushin – "no mind"). It's easy to get frustrated by doing the same thing over and over again, especially when progress seems to be slow. To overcome that frustration and continue training takes patience and determination. That is Osu.
One of Sosai's sayings was, "Sekijou juunen." Translated, it means "Ten years on a rock." This saying symbolizes the need to persevere at all times. It is one of the most important philosophies in Kyokushin karate.
Kyokushin is an art offering many things according to the immediate and long term aims of the trainee. Ultimately, one realizes that transcending the kicks, the punches, and the kata, there is a special spirit in the heart of the participants. It teaches them to face the demands of daily life with a mature and enduring attitude. A budo-ka is not easily shaken by the blows of adversity, realizing that for a person to draw near to their true potential, a never-say-die spirit of perseverance is required.
The single word Osu captures most accurately the ultimate in what the art of karate, particularly Kyokushin, has to offer. One who is truly able to manifest the spirit of Osu in every word, thought, and action may be regarded as wise and brave. Training should first and foremost be approached in the spirit of Osu. One's daily life, and the responsibilities it holds, would be more completely lived if addressed in the spirit of Osu.
Even for the beginner, who is conscious of his lack of training and does not necessarily want to face the demand of training, it is enough merely being aware that through perseverance and the will to continue, there comes great physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional gains. All that is needed is that special determination.
What is Budo?
Budo, the "Martial Way", is a Japanese term for arts that use peaceful combat as a means of perfecting the self. The word Dō 道 comes from the Chinese word Tao and the philosophy of Taoism. Do
does not mean the "way" or method of learning something, such as the
learning the techniques of karate, but rather it is the path of life
whereby what is learned is transcended into wisdom. Do and Zen are complementary. Zen 禅 seeks self-perfection through passive means, such as meditation. Do
seeks self-perfection through active means, such as the training
itself. In fact, the practice of kata is sometimes referred to as Dōzen 道禅,
or "Moving Meditation". That which is gained through Budo is much more
than just the techniques and applications of the martial arts, and it
transforms all aspects of life.
Karate and Budo are sometimes combined as Karatedō , or the "Empty Hand Way".
Kyokushin karate is a way of life that transcends the physical aspects of training. Kyokushin karate is Budo Karate.
Karate and Budo are sometimes combined as Karatedō , or the "Empty Hand Way".
Kyokushin karate is a way of life that transcends the physical aspects of training. Kyokushin karate is Budo Karate.
Dojo
The word Dojo, or training hall,
literally means the "Way Place", and it is also the name of the room
used for meditation in a Buddhist temple. A karate dojo is not a gym,
even though the training is physically demanding and a lot of sweat is
shed in a Kyokushin dojo. It is a sacred a place of learning, and as
such, it is treated with respect. Karateka (karate
practitioners) bow before entering or leaving the dojo. Shoes are not
worn in the dojo not only to keep the dojo clean, but to keep the
"outside world" out. Mokuso (meditation) is sometimes done before training to clear the mind and
depart from the "outside world", and after training to clear the mind
again in order to return to the "outside world".
Dojo Kun
We will train our hearts and bodies
for a firm unshaking spirit
We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, so that in time our senses may be alert
With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial
We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors and refrain from violence
We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility
We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires
All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way
We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, so that in time our senses may be alert
With true vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial
We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors and refrain from violence
We will follow our religious principles and never forget the true virtue of humility
We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires
All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way
Dojo Etiquette
1.
When entering or leaving the Dojo, stand in the doorway, face the front,
bow and say "OSU". This represents
a mark or respect for the Dojo and the people in it.
2. If late for training, kneel at the side of the class towards the back, facing away in SEIZA (formal kneeling position). When the instructor acknowledges you, stand up, turn to the front , bow and say "OSU" then "Shitsurei Shimasu" (excuse me for disturbing), then quickly join the back of the class.
3. Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in the Dojo.
4. Always move quickly in class when intructed to do something. DO NOT STROLL.
5. Do not practise KUMITE unless instructed to do so.
6. Do not break rank for any reason, without asking permission from the instructor. If you must leave your position, do not walk between the instructor and the class. Walk behind the row you are in to either side and proceed from there.
7. Always address the instructor and seniors by their proper title (SEMPAI, SENSEI, SHIHAN) inside the Dojo. Acknowledge them with a loud "OSU" when they speak to you.
8. Your training should be a serious matter. Do not laugh, giggle, talk or cause disruption during the class. You should always stand in FUDO DACHI when awaiting the next command.
9. All directions, by instructor, should be obeyed in the Dojo, without question. You will not be asked to do anything that your instructor has not done him/herself already. If you cannot keep up, do the best you can.
10. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
11. During the break: No sitting on chairs, leaning against the wall or lying down. Do some training rather than waste time.
12. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times.
13. Your karate-gi must be neat and washed clean at all times. Your belt should NEVER be washed, only aired dry. It symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training, and under no circumstances are male karatekas allowed to wear t-shirts or other clothing underneath their karate-gi.
14. Don't wear jewellery or watches during training.
2. If late for training, kneel at the side of the class towards the back, facing away in SEIZA (formal kneeling position). When the instructor acknowledges you, stand up, turn to the front , bow and say "OSU" then "Shitsurei Shimasu" (excuse me for disturbing), then quickly join the back of the class.
3. Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in the Dojo.
4. Always move quickly in class when intructed to do something. DO NOT STROLL.
5. Do not practise KUMITE unless instructed to do so.
6. Do not break rank for any reason, without asking permission from the instructor. If you must leave your position, do not walk between the instructor and the class. Walk behind the row you are in to either side and proceed from there.
7. Always address the instructor and seniors by their proper title (SEMPAI, SENSEI, SHIHAN) inside the Dojo. Acknowledge them with a loud "OSU" when they speak to you.
8. Your training should be a serious matter. Do not laugh, giggle, talk or cause disruption during the class. You should always stand in FUDO DACHI when awaiting the next command.
9. All directions, by instructor, should be obeyed in the Dojo, without question. You will not be asked to do anything that your instructor has not done him/herself already. If you cannot keep up, do the best you can.
10. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
11. During the break: No sitting on chairs, leaning against the wall or lying down. Do some training rather than waste time.
12. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times.
13. Your karate-gi must be neat and washed clean at all times. Your belt should NEVER be washed, only aired dry. It symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training, and under no circumstances are male karatekas allowed to wear t-shirts or other clothing underneath their karate-gi.
14. Don't wear jewellery or watches during training.
Sosai's Eleven Mottoes
1. The Martial Way begins and ends with 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 unfaltering 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 the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
5. The Martial Way is centred 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 the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on 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. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stems from this principle.
10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demands.
11. Always remember: In the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.
2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering 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 the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.
5. The Martial Way is centred 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 the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on 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. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stems from this principle.
10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demands.
11. Always remember: In the Martial Arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.
