Mas Oyama, Japanese martial artist, founded Kyokushin kaikan (b. 1927)

Known affectionately around the world as Mas Oyama, Masutatsu Ōyama (大山 倍達) was a towering figure in the martial arts landscape, born Choi Yeong-eui (최영의, 崔永宜) on June 4, 1923, and passing on April 26, 1994. He is universally recognized as the visionary founder of Kyokushin Karate, a revolutionary style that forever changed the martial arts world, marking it as the first, and arguably the most influential, form of full contact karate.

Hailing from Korea, Masutatsu Ōyama was a "Zainichi Korean," a term used for ethnic Koreans who made Japan their home, often navigating unique social and cultural challenges in the post-World War II era. Despite his Korean heritage, he spent the vast majority of his life immersed in Japanese culture and martial traditions, dedicating himself to intense training and philosophical development. This journey culminated in his embracing Japanese citizenship in 1968, a significant step that reflected his deep integration into Japanese society while still honoring his roots. This blend of cultural backgrounds undoubtedly contributed to his unique perspective and approach to martial arts.

Ōyama's relentless pursuit of physical and spiritual strength led him to establish Kyokushin, which translates to "the ultimate truth." This style was a powerful departure from many traditional karate forms of its time, emphasizing rigorous conditioning, practical self-defense, and, most notably, full contact sparring. He believed that true understanding of karate could only be achieved through experiencing the reality of combat, pushing practitioners to their physical and mental limits without holding back. This philosophy, combined with his legendary feats of strength and discipline – such as fighting bulls bare-handed, training in isolation in the mountains, and breaking objects with his bare hands – garnered him immense respect and attracted a global following, solidifying Kyokushin's place as a cornerstone of modern martial arts and influencing countless other styles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mas Oyama and Kyokushin Karate

Who was Masutatsu Ōyama?
Masutatsu Ōyama, commonly known as Mas Oyama, was a legendary karate master and the visionary founder of Kyokushin Karate. Born Choi Yeong-eui in Korea, he dedicated his life to martial arts in Japan, becoming one of the most influential figures in its history.
What is Kyokushin Karate?
Kyokushin Karate is a distinct style of full contact karate established by Masutatsu Ōyama. It is renowned globally for its demanding physical training, practical combat techniques, and a profound philosophy that champions mental fortitude and spiritual discipline, making it a pivotal development in modern martial arts.
What does "full contact karate" mean in this context?
In Kyokushin, "full contact" refers to a method of sparring where practitioners engage with significant force, often without the heavy protective gear seen in other combat sports (though certain strikes to the head or specific joints may be restricted in competitions). This approach is central to Kyokushin's philosophy, aiming to cultivate resilience, courage, and a realistic understanding of combat.
Was Mas Oyama Japanese or Korean?
Mas Oyama was born Choi Yeong-eui, a Zainichi Korean, meaning an ethnic Korean who resided in Japan. While he spent the majority of his life immersed in Japanese culture and martial arts, he acquired Japanese citizenship in 1968, embodying a unique blend of both Korean heritage and Japanese martial traditions.
When did Masutatsu Ōyama live?
Masutatsu Ōyama was born on June 4, 1923, and passed away on April 26, 1994, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of martial arts.