Not all self defense methods are created equally. If you want to improve your combat self defense skill, Kyokushin Karate is one of the best disciplines. For years, experts have called it one of the toughest martial arts, because of its hand to hand combat fighting and its extremely difficult training regimen. While some have begun training in Kyokushin with a self defense video, this method is best learned with an instructor.
Kyokushin Karate in Japanese literally translates to "the ultimate truth." It is a full-contact, stand up version of karate that is taught all across the globe. Masutatsu Oyama is the founder of Kyokushin. He studied the martial arts and combat self defense from the time he was little, and he founded this discipline in 1964.
The training practiced by Oyama in this discipline was extremely difficult. It included extended periods of isolation in the mountains of Japan. The story goes that he shaved one his eyebrows off in order to keep from re-entering civilization until he had completed all of his training. This isolated form of training is a tribute the to spiritual and religious elements of the martial arts discipline.
History
Oyama began training others after he returned from the mountains. This eventually helped to spread the form of Karate throughout the world and popularize it as a martial art. He often challenged people to matches. With his methods he beat his opponents swiftly. Most of the fights lasted for only 60 seconds.
When practicing Kyokushin Karate, users greet each other by sayin "Osu." A loose translation of this term means to "push and endure." Training includes three categories: the basics, choreographed movements, and sparring.
Competitive Tournaments
Competitive Kyokushin tournaments are intense. The fighting is full-contact, and practitioners rarely wear guards or other protective gear. A groin cup and mouth piece are the only things worn for protection. In this discipline, the hands are not allowed to come in contact with the opponent's head. Fighters attack with a variation of punches and strikes using the hands and elbows. The goal is to force the opponent into submission or to knock them out.
Kyokushkin Karate can potentially be a danger form of combat self defense. Some practitioners suffer serious injuries, but they are rare. There is a slight risk of concussions and fractured collar bones. To win, a practitioner must take their opponent to the ground before the 2-minute round ends. The can also force them outside the ring three time and disqualify their opponent. The last way to win is by decision. The winner gets the majority of votes from the judges after the time has ended.
The sport of Karate in general is very popular, and this specific form is practiced by those who love to participate in tournaments. If you don't enjoy a challenge and full-contact sparring, you might want to try a less intense form of karate. Regardless of the form of karate you choose, you'll get great physical training.
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