Honoring Sosai Mas Oyama

Honoring the Legacy of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama – April 26, 1994

Today, we pause to honor Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, founder of Kyokushin Karate, who passed away on April 26, 1994. Though decades have passed, his spirit and teachings continue to inspire martial artists around the world.

The Journey of Sosai Oyama

Born in 1923, Sosai Oyama dedicated his life to martial arts. Dissatisfied with the dilution of traditional karate, he sought to create a style based on realism, toughness, and spirit. Thus, Kyokushin Karate — the "ultimate truth" — was born.

What Makes Kyokushin Unique

Kyokushin stood apart for its full-contact sparring, intense conditioning, and mental fortitude. While other styles emphasized light-contact training, Kyokushin demanded real-world toughness. Sosai famously fought bulls bare-handed and created the legendary 100-man kumite, a brutal test of endurance and spirit he completed himself three times.

The Philosophy Behind the Art

Yet Sosai’s greatness was not only physical. He taught that karate was a path of discipline, humility, and respect, forging character as much as skill. His vision spread worldwide, with Kyokushin now practiced in over 120 countries.

A Legacy of Perseverance and Respect

Through Kyokushin, Sosai Oyama offered not just a martial art, but a way of life — one that demands perseverance, respect, and continual self-improvement.

Sosai. Your legacy continues in every dojo and in the hearts of those who walk your path.

Osu!