Kyokushin is known Internationally as the "strongest karate". The style has a full and rich history starting with its founder Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.

Kyokushinkai is translated as follows:

Kyoku = ultimate,

Shin = truth, and

kai = to to meet, join, or associate.

Famous for its spirited kumite and breaking techniques, Kyokushin is also a well rounded art.

Introductory Kata have their origin in the Shotokan tradition, while most advanced kata have their origin in Goju Ryu tradition. There are also several kata unique to Kyokushin, and some of the Kyokushin off-shoots.

Traditional Japanese Kyokushin has an emphasis on: discipline, etiquette, basics, rigorous training, Kata, Kumite, realistic self defense, and the code of Bushido.

Over 12 million individuals practice this art internationally. It is reportedly the 5th largest Japanese karate style. Kyokushin was the largest unified style in the world organized under the direction of one man prior to the death of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994).

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