Grand Master Sosai Mas. Oyama
Founder of Kyokushin Karate
By Shihan Monir Ahmed Bhuiyan (Branch Chief, IKO Bangladesh)
The toughest man in the world, founder of Kyokushin Karate, Grand Master Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama was born in southwest Korea, a few miles from the coast of the Yellow Sea. The day was 27 of July 1923, and the place, Kimji - about 180 miles southwest of Seoul.
His father was a renowned person name Sun Hyung. He was a well-to-do landowner and the mayor of the town (Kimji). Mas Oyama was the fourth son of Sun Hyung in a family of six boys and one girl. His childhood name is Hyung Yee. At a relatively young age he was sent to Manchuria, in Southern China, to live on his sister's farm. He had to walk six miles to school over a hill to Yongee Primary School. In school, he played soccer and took part in cross-country running. But most of his boyish enthusiasm was reserved for Chabee - a sort of Korean combination of jujutsu and Kempo. Chabee lessons were given at school by Mr. Yi and Hyung Yee never skipped this session. He was nine years old at the time. In a dramatic moment, Hyung Yee discovered a 40 year-old North Korean as a master. Every day for an hour in the evening, the North Korean farmhand drilled his enthusiastic young pupil in Chabee and Shaolin temple boxing. Each season Hyung Yee practiced under the expert eye of the North Korean until he was 13 years old - the year he went to Seoul to live with his aunt and attend junior high school in the capital. Next year at the tender age of 14, Hyung Yee left his native land for Japan to attend a boys' military academy in Yamanashi Prefecture. His specialty was mechanical training in aircraft engines. |
The year was 1937. Japan was at war with China and the country was steadily being turned into armed camp. He quickly picked up the Japanese name, Masutatsu Oyama - better known to his friends as Mas. Oyama.
While in Yamanashi, he began the study of karate, Shotokan style. He was trained in this electrifying martial art introduced into Japan from Okinawa. But Oyama was not satisfied with the training. In 1938, at the age of 15, he traveled to Tokyo to train as an aviator, to be like his hero of the time, Korea's first fighter pilot. Survival on his own at that age proved to be more difficult than he thought.
The young Karate enthusiast enrolled at the dojo of Gichin Funakoshi at Takushoku University. Legendary Master Funakoshi, the Father of Japanese Karate, taught the Shotokan Style. His training progress was such that by the age of seventeen he was already a 2nd Dan, and by the time he entered the Japanese Imperial Army at 20, he was a fourth Dan. At this point he was also renowned for both his physical and spiritual strength. It was he who encouraged Mas Oyama to dedicate his life to the Martial Way. At this time, Mas Oyama continued his interest in the martial arts by participating in Karate and Judo.
Mas Oyama studied the Gojukai style of karate and his progress there was no less amazing. It was around 1943 that Oyama met the Gojukai specialist, So Nei Chu and trained under him. At that time Mas Oyama was married to Chiyako.
In 1946, when he was 23 years old, Mas Oyama met Eiji Yoshikawa, the author of the novel Musashi, which was based on the life and exploits of Japan's most famous Samurai. Both the novel and the author helped to teach Mas Oyama about the Samurai Bushido code and what it meant. Around this time, he also visited another famous author, Shiro Ozaki who further enriched his knowledge of the Samurai Way. Soon afterward, he entered the Physical Department of Waseda University, Tokyo.
While in Yamanashi, he began the study of karate, Shotokan style. He was trained in this electrifying martial art introduced into Japan from Okinawa. But Oyama was not satisfied with the training. In 1938, at the age of 15, he traveled to Tokyo to train as an aviator, to be like his hero of the time, Korea's first fighter pilot. Survival on his own at that age proved to be more difficult than he thought.
The young Karate enthusiast enrolled at the dojo of Gichin Funakoshi at Takushoku University. Legendary Master Funakoshi, the Father of Japanese Karate, taught the Shotokan Style. His training progress was such that by the age of seventeen he was already a 2nd Dan, and by the time he entered the Japanese Imperial Army at 20, he was a fourth Dan. At this point he was also renowned for both his physical and spiritual strength. It was he who encouraged Mas Oyama to dedicate his life to the Martial Way. At this time, Mas Oyama continued his interest in the martial arts by participating in Karate and Judo.
Mas Oyama studied the Gojukai style of karate and his progress there was no less amazing. It was around 1943 that Oyama met the Gojukai specialist, So Nei Chu and trained under him. At that time Mas Oyama was married to Chiyako.
In 1946, when he was 23 years old, Mas Oyama met Eiji Yoshikawa, the author of the novel Musashi, which was based on the life and exploits of Japan's most famous Samurai. Both the novel and the author helped to teach Mas Oyama about the Samurai Bushido code and what it meant. Around this time, he also visited another famous author, Shiro Ozaki who further enriched his knowledge of the Samurai Way. Soon afterward, he entered the Physical Department of Waseda University, Tokyo.
That same year, Oyama went to Mt. Kiyosumi in the Chiba Prefecture, where Musashi had developed his Nito-Ryu style of sword fighting. Oyama thought that this would be an appropriate place to commence the rigors of training he had planned for himself. He entered the mountain for training, but a few months later he had to return. Not long after, Mas Oyama Mount Minobu.
In 1947, he became the champion of the All Japan Karate-do Tournament. He studied Goju-ryu Karate extensively under Master Gogen Yamaguchi, and became Vice Chairman of the organization, holding the 9th Dan degree. In 1948, once again Oyama entered the mountain alone for training. Month after month passed by while he followed a strict daily routine of practicing karate. It was during this time that he made a form of kyokushin and he worked out his original breaking techniques. A year slipped away and still Oyama remained on Mount Minobu, living and training like the Yamabushi (warrior monk) of ancient Japan. After 18 months, he came down from Mt Minobu. |
In 1950, he began his training against the live bulls, acquiring a room in a butcher's establishment. Around that time, he had developed huge calluses on his fist knuckles. Mas Oyama went to the cattle ranch every day, observing the bulls, watching them get killed with a hammer. He could break 30 pieces of tiles with his fist at a single stroke, but so could a hammer. A hammer could also kill a bull, so why not Mas Oyama? There have been reports that Mas Oyama has killed 53 bulls among which 4 dying instantly.
In 1952, he visited America for Karate instructions and demonstrations in 32 locations and had 7 real matches.
In 1953, he revisited America, and fought against a bull in Chicago, where he broke its horn by Shuto strike (knife hand). In 1954, Mas Oyama decided to go on a three-month karate tour of Southeast Asia. In this tour, he accepted a challenge fight from the top welter weight famous Kick boxer Black Chopra, needless to say, Oyama won the bout. He returned to Japan to under-go 3 months training for a movie in Boso, Chiba. In the same year, he opened his first dojo in a burned out area in Mejiro, Tokyo. The instructors were K. Mizushima and E. Yasuda. In 1955, he went all around South America and Europe with Bedford Day, President of Chrysler Corp. There he fought numerous mixed matches. In 1956, he started a small Oyama Dojo at an old ballet school behind Rikko University. |
In 1957, Mas Oyama travelled to the most northern island of Hokkaido. He even challenged fighting a bear during his stay there. It is also the year in which Mas Oyama completed his first Karate book 'What is Karate'.
In January 1958, he published "What is Karate" which became a bestseller with 500,000 copies sold. Mas Oyama went back to the States in 1959, giving exhibitions teaching and opening 'School of Oyama' dojos in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco. In this year, he accepted the invitation from the FBI in Washington D.C. for Karate instructions and demonstrations. In the same year, he was also invited by West Point Military Academy for Karate instructions and demonstrations. |
In 1960, Mas Oyama brought out a larger edition of 'What is Karate'.
In 1961, he changed the named "school of Oyama" to "Kyokushinkai." In 1961 it wasn't until In 1962, Mas Oyama went to Europe and USA to study many kinds of fighting and to demonstrate karate. In the same year, the 4th Hawaii Tournament was held. In 1963, he built his four-storey Honbu Dojo near the old one in Ikebukuro directly behind the Hiratsuka Hospital. In 1964, Muai Thai Kick Boxing challenged Japanese Karate, but this challenge was not accepted by the Japanese Karate Federation. At this time, Mas. Oyama's Karate School (dojo) accepted this challenged and sent three student to Thailand. There they won 2 fights and redeemed the name of Japanese Karate. E. Sato (Former Prime Minister of Japan) who had recently won a Nobel Prize, became the President of the Kyokushinkai Karate Organization, and Mas. Oyama became (Kancho) Director. International Karate Organization (I.K.O.) Headquarter (Honbu) was officially opened, and established. The Georgia State University invited Mas. Oyama to teach Karate. |
In 1965, the first Winter Training Camp was held at Mount Mitsumine. The Book “This is Karate” was published and became known as the Bible of Karate. 3,000 pages of preparation notes and 20,000 photos were used for this publication. S. Arneil of Britain achieved the 100 men fight (kumite), the first student of Kyokushin Karate to do so.
In 1966, K. Kurosaki was sent to Europe to teach Karate. The Book “Dynamic Karate” and Modern Karate were Published. Segero Oyama was sent to USA to teach Karate. The USA I.K.O. was founded in the same year. Sean Connery of 007 fame came to Japan and received Kyokushin Karate lessons from Mas. Oyama. Segero Oyama achieved the 100 Men Fight (Kumite).
In 1967, K Kato was sent to Australia to teach Karate. Loek Hollander of Holland achieved 100 Men Fight (Kumite). The Book “ Vital Karate “ was published.
In 1968, S. Ogura was sent to Brazil to teach Karate. The story book “Fighting Travel Around the World” was published. The European I.K.O. was founded and the Middle East I.K.O. was started. Mas. Oyama gave private lessons to His Majesty the King of Jordan. The South Pacific I.K.O. was founded.
In 1969, the movie “Boys' Karate," “Karate for the Millions” and “Young Man’s Karate Self-defense" were released. The South African and the South East Asian IKO were started. Y. Matsushima went to South East Asia to teach Karate. The 1st All Japan Open Karate Tournament was held in Tokyo which attracted Kick Boxing, Judo-Ka, Kareta-ka from other styles and a large audience.
In 1966, K. Kurosaki was sent to Europe to teach Karate. The Book “Dynamic Karate” and Modern Karate were Published. Segero Oyama was sent to USA to teach Karate. The USA I.K.O. was founded in the same year. Sean Connery of 007 fame came to Japan and received Kyokushin Karate lessons from Mas. Oyama. Segero Oyama achieved the 100 Men Fight (Kumite).
In 1967, K Kato was sent to Australia to teach Karate. Loek Hollander of Holland achieved 100 Men Fight (Kumite). The Book “ Vital Karate “ was published.
In 1968, S. Ogura was sent to Brazil to teach Karate. The story book “Fighting Travel Around the World” was published. The European I.K.O. was founded and the Middle East I.K.O. was started. Mas. Oyama gave private lessons to His Majesty the King of Jordan. The South Pacific I.K.O. was founded.
In 1969, the movie “Boys' Karate," “Karate for the Millions” and “Young Man’s Karate Self-defense" were released. The South African and the South East Asian IKO were started. Y. Matsushima went to South East Asia to teach Karate. The 1st All Japan Open Karate Tournament was held in Tokyo which attracted Kick Boxing, Judo-Ka, Kareta-ka from other styles and a large audience.
In 1970, “Karate Class" and “Advanced Karate" were published.
In 1971, “For People who Start Karate" was published. The USA Main Branch was established in Manhattan, New York. N. Kishi was sent to the US to teach Karate. In 1972, “Fighting Spirit” was published. Seiji Isobe was sent to Brazil to teach Karate. Y. Oyama went to the US to teach Karate. The Movie “Kenka Karate" was released. In 1973, Mas. Oyama visited many branches throughout the world in connection with staging the World Karate Tournament 2 years later. Miyuki Miura achieved the 100 men fight (Kumite). The Movie “My Karate Life” was released. |
In 1974, Mas. Oyama demonstrated for Prince Sharam of Iran and awarded the Prince Hon. 2nd Dan.
In 1975, The First World Open Karate Tournament was held in Tokyo. 128 competitors attended from 36 countries. “My Karate Gorin-no-sho” was published. In 1976, “Karate All Round the World" was published. The First World Tournament movie “The Strongest Karate” was released. “The Way of Kyokushin” was publisheed and “The Strongest Karate – part 2" was released. In 1977, “Challenge to the Limits” was published. The English quarterly magazine “Kyokush Karate” started. The Japanese monthly magazine “Power Karate" started. |
In 1978, “The Godhand" comic strip started. Mas. Oyama went to Hong Kong and he gave a grand and important speech in the ancient capital of Nara, Japan. The first European Karate Tournament as held in London. The Malaysian Open Karate Tournament was held.
In 1979, The 2nd World Open Karate Tournament was held in Nippon Budokan indoor stadium, where 62 countries participated and 32,000 spectators followed the event over three days.
In 1980, the book “The Last Strongest Karate" concerning the 2nd World open Karate Tournament was released. The Second L.P. “The Essence of Kyokushin Karate -- Mas. Oyama`s Philosophy" was released under the label of King Records. In 1981, The 1st Asia Open Karate Tournament was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 1982, following requests from Hong Kong Mr. Mizuguchi and Mr. Oga, under the leadership of Shihan Goda gave a Karate exhibition. TBS broadcasted the Kyokushin Karate demonstration. Singapore Kyokushin Karate Branch arranged a karate demonstration, held in the FAFRA Gardens of the Singapore Army. |
In 1983, a welcoming Karate demonstration was held for the France Navy’s crew of Jean D` Arc. The first Sri Lanka Karate Championships was held. 3,000 people attended a party to celebrate 20 years of Kyokushin Karate and the 35th Wedding ceremony of Sosai Mas. Oyama and Mrs. Oyama. In this year's December, “My Karate Budo Education" and “Showa Gorin-no-sho“ were published.
In 1984, the 3rd World Karate Tournament was held at Nippon Bodokan from 20th to 23rd Jan.
In 1985, the movie “The Kyokushin Way" was released by Shochiku Fuji Co. The 17th All Japan Karate Tournament was held at Tokyo, with the champion being Akiyoshi Matsui. The book “Kuken-Shikon" was published in the same year. In 1986 June, Akiyoshi Matsui currently the Kancho (Director) of IKO, succeeded in completing the one hundred man Fight (Kumite) at Daiei Oizumi Studio in Nerima, Tokyo. He is the 3rd man to achieve this in the history of Kyokushin. The 18th All Japan Karate Tournament was held at Yoyogi National Stadium, Champion – Akiyoshi Matsui. |
In 1987 November, The 4th World Open Karate Tournament was held at Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, from 6th to 8th, the Champion being Akiyoshi Matsui.
In 1990 April, The 4th All Asia Karate Tournament was held at Hokkaido, Japan, Champion – Abei from Japan. In 1991 November, The 5th World Open Karate Tournament was held at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Tokyo, from 6th to 8th, the Champion – Midori Kenji. In 1992 Jun, The 5th All Asia Karate Tournament was held at Sri Lanka, Champion – Rupesh Dangol from Nepal. On July 1st, The Commonwealth Kyokushin Karate Tournament was held at Singapore, Sosai Mas Oyama was present at the event. |
In 1994 April 23rd and 24th, the 6th All Asia Open Karate Tournament was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. Akiyoshi Matsui, Keiji Sampei and Shihan Goda attended the Tournament but unfortunately, due to illness, Sosai Mas. Oyama could not travel to Nepal. On the morning of April 26 at 8.30 am a heartbreaking event took place for every Kyokushin Karateka around the world.
The Karate Godhand, Grand Master, Sosai Mas. Oyama Passed Away After Sosai Mas.Oyama`s death, Shokei Akiyoshi Matsui, became the Director of the International Karate Organization (IKO) Kyokushin kaikan, appointed by Sosai Mas. Oyama. |