Musashi and Kyokushin: The Roots of True Budo

What Kyokushin Students Can Learn from Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa

—A Timeless Tale of Endurance, Discipline, and Budo—

Osu, CKMA students and families,

Sosai Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin, was deeply inspired by the life and philosophy of Miyamoto Musashi. Like Kyokushin, Musashi’s story is about more than fighting—it’s about the pursuit of mastery, self-discipline, and spiritual growth.

The novel Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa follows a young, reckless swordsman who becomes one of Japan’s greatest warriors—not just through combat skill, but by conquering ego, fear, and doubt through relentless training and humility.

Musashi’s Journey and Kyokushin Values

Musashi’s journey mirrors our values in Kyokushin:

• Endurance over comfort

• Discipline over aggression

• Humility over pride

• Spirit over ego

He lived Osu No Seishin—walking Japan with no money, training alone in nature, constantly pushing himself to improve.

A Recommendation for Serious Students

I strongly recommend this book to all serious students. It’s not a fast read, but it’s powerful. It reflects the very spirit Sosai Oyama sought to pass down to us through Kyokushin.

Read it. Reflect on it. Let it deepen your training.

Osu! – Shihan Steve

Find it on Amazon HERE