In 2023 we celebrate 100 years since the birth of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama – founder of the Kyokushin Karate, born on June 4, 1923.
After 1 year and 8 months of mountain training in Kiyosumiyama, he faced off against a bull in Tateyama, Chiba. Sosai Oyama kills 47 cows, 4 of which died instantly with one blow. He then went to the United States and traveled all over the country doing karate demonstrations and presentations to promote karate. In the meantime, Sosai Oyama fought serious matches with professional wrestlers and won all seven competitions.
Since then, Sosai has traveled the world frequently to demonstrate and teach karate, spreading karate around the world. In 1964, the International Kyokushin Kaikan Karate Federation was established. In 1969, he promoted the “direct strike (full contact) system” and held the first All-Japan Karatedo Championships. In 1975, he held the first World Absolute Championships, which caused a boom in Kyokushin karate throughout the world. By the time of his death, he had accredited dojo in 120 countries around the world and dedicated his life to Kyokushin Karate as president of over 12 million students.
On April 26, 1994, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama died suddenly of lung cancer at the age of 70.
Video: Karate Taiyo Production 1954
