Kyokushin is a full-contact style of karate. Here is what that means, where it comes from, and what training actually looks like, so you can decide whether it's for you.
Kyokushin (pronounced kyo-koo-shin) means "ultimate truth". It is known for hard, honest training: strong basics, conditioning, and sparring done with real contact. It is also a style built on respect, and in our dojo beginners are never asked to take a step before they're ready.
Kyokushin was founded in Japan in the 1950s by Mas Oyama, who built a karate around hard training and real contact. His emphasis on conditioning, spirit and perseverance gave the style its reputation.
Today it is practised in dojos around the world, and The Black Swan Dojo is part of that worldwide family through Matsushima Kyokushin Australia (MKA).
In Kyokushin, kumite (sparring) is done with real contact, rather than stopping every strike short. Competition is called knockdown karate.
What it doesn't mean here is being hit before you're ready. Beginners start with no-contact drills, move to agreed light contact, and only reach controlled kumite when they choose to. Either partner can say "lighter" or "stop" at any time, and it's treated as normal.
Stances, punches, kicks, blocks and movement, repeated until they become natural. Most of your first months go here, and it's where good technique comes from.
Set sequences of movements that train balance, timing, breathing and focus. You'll learn your first kata in First Contact.
Working with a partner, from no-contact drills through to full-contact kumite for students who choose it. Competition is optional, and comes later.
Alongside these, expect conditioning: strength, flexibility, stamina and the mental toughness to keep going when it's hard. Kyokushin asks for effort, and gives a lot back for it.
You'll bow when entering and leaving the dojo and address your instructor and seniors respectfully. You may hear the word osu, a greeting and expression of determination and respect used in the dojo. It's easy to pick up, and nobody expects you to know it on day one.
Progress is marked by a belt system and formal gradings. Each grade has requirements in basics, kata and kumite, so a belt reflects what you can do. Belts aren't the point of training here, but they give you something to work toward.
If that's you, it's better to know now. We'd rather you found the right fit than joined us and left.
The best way to try Kyokushin here is First Contact, our beginner course: four weekly lessons with the same instructor, in a small group of beginners who start together, then two more inside the regular class.
Not sure yet? Send us a message and ask anything. We reply personally.
Or email theblackswandojo@gmail.com