Budo Zen Martial Arts

Kyokushin Karate officially came into being in 1964.  Its founder Sosai Masutatsu Oyama had been developing it during the 1930's, 40's and 50's. It rapidly gained popularity and spread into 120 countries including over 12 million members.

The first Canadian dojos opened in 1966 in Montreal, Quebec and Vancouver.  The Canadian Kyokushin Karate Organization ( C.K.K.O. ) events include the Canadian Kyokushin Karate Championships, the Canadian Kyokushin Karate Kata Championships, Summer Training Camp, Winter Training Camp, as well as regional coloured belt tournaments.  An annual Black Belt conference and training camp is also held as well as periodic clinics and training seminars.

Kyokushin Karate is a hard style of karate which requires its participants to conduct strenuous training, conditioning, and realistic contact while sparring.  The phrase "osu no seishin" ( perseverance under pressure ) expresses the mental strength and discipline of Kyokushin students.

The Dojo Kun (Dojo oath) written by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama demonstrates the meaning of the Kyokushin Way...

- We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm unshaken 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. 

 The Kanku is the symbol of Kyokushinkai Karate. Derived from the Kanku Kata, its points represent the fingers and have the meaning of the ultimate or peaks.

The thicker sections of the design imply power and serve to represent the wrists. Infinity is represented by the centre of the Kanku which also implies depth. Continuity and circular action is denoted by the enclosing circle with the Kanku as a whole being base.

Kyoku: ultimate, Shin: truth or reality, Kai: to meet, join, and associate

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 action 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 begins 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 demands.

11 Always remember: In the martial arts the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.