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Biography and interesting facts of the founder of the Kyokushin style

Masutatsu Oyama (real name Yong I-Choi) was born on July 27, 1923 in a village near the South Korean city of Gunsan. At an early age he went to Manchuria and then to South China, where he lived on his eldest's farm. sisters. When he was 9 years old, he began learning one and a form of Chinese kempo, called "Eighteen Arms", from Mr. Yoi, who was working on a farm at the time. When Oyama returned to Korea at the age of 12, he continued his martial arts training , training in Korean Kempo. In 1938, at the age of 15, he left Korea and went to Japan to become a pilot. At this time, he wanted to become a hero, the first Korean combat pilot. His intentions could be seriously and severely tested and he might not have survived at that age, especially being a Korean in Japan.If Oyama had not enrolled in aviation school, he would have ended up at the “edge of the road.”

Fukanoshi Gichin

However, Oyama continued to practice martial arts, training in judo and boxing schools. One day he met several Okinawan karate students. He became very interested in this type of martial art and decided to go to the Gichin Fukanoshi dojo at Takusoku University, from which the now well-known Shotokan direction has grown. Oyama constantly progressed in training and achieved success, and when he was 17 years old, he received 2nd dan in karate. When he was recruited into the Imperial Army at age 20, he was 4th Dan. Oyama also continued to train in judo and his progress was amazing. It's only been 4 years since he started practicing judo, but he has already completed all the tests for 4th dan.

With Nei Chu

Japan's defeat in the war and subsequent occupation had an almost tragic effect on Masutatsu Oyama, who never lost. But fortune did not turn away from him, and at that time a man named So Nei Chu entered Oyama’s life. Master So, one of the Koreans (by the way, from the same province where Oyama was born and lived), living in Japan, turned out to be one of the great masters of the Goju-ryu style. In addition, he was known for both physical and spiritual strength. It was he who directed the life of Masutatsu Oyama along the path of studying martial arts. He was also the one who inspired Oyama to leave the bustle of this world for 3 years in solitude to train his spirit and body.

Training in the mountains

At the age of 23, Oyama met Yoji Yochikawa, the author of a novel about the life and adventures of the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Both the novel and the author of the novel helped teach Oyama the samurai code of honor of Bushido, helped him understand and realize the path of the Warrior. A few years later, Oyama goes to Mount Minobe in Shiba Prefecture, to the place where the legendary samurai trained and lived alone, and where Musashi created his school of Nito-ryu (school of two swords). Oyama wanted to find a suitable place where, in difficult conditions, he could begin training and make plans for the future. He took with him a small set of the most necessary things and a book by Miyamoto Musashi, and another of the students of the dojo, Shotokan Yoshiro, was also with him.

The relative loneliness in the mountains seemed unbearable and after 6 months, one night Yoshiro fled. Loneliness further hardened Mas Oyama, who, unlike Yoshira, did not intend to return to civilization so soon.
So Nei Chu advised Oyama to shave off one of his eyebrows so as not to feel the desire to return to people! Long and long months of training continued and Oyama became the strongest karateka in Japan. However, Oyama was soon informed by his sponsor that he had no means to support forest training and so, after 14 months, Oyama ended his solitude by returning from the mountains. months later, in 1947, Mas. Oyama took part in the 1st All Japan National Martial Arts Championship in the karate section and won it. However, he felt an unbearable emptiness of not being able to complete three years of training alone. This is why he decides to dedicate his life to the path of karate. So he goes to the mountains again, this time to Mount Kyozumi in Shiba Prefecture. There he trained fanatically for 12 hours every day without days off or rest, stood under a cold winter waterfall, breaking river stones and rocks with his hands, trained on the makevari, jumped over growing millet hundreds of times a day, increasing his jumping ability. Constantly, in addition to physical training, Oyama studied various schools of martial arts, philosophy, Zen and meditation. After 18 months of seclusion, he achieved enlightenment; the influence of the surrounding society lost its meaning for him.

Bulls, Challengers and the Divine Fist

In 1950 Sosai Mas. Oyama began testing his abilities and strength in bullfights. In total, he fought with 52 bulls, 3 of which died instantly, and 49 from which he cut off the horns with a blow from a shuto. These new victories were not easy. One day, Oyama, carried away by his memories, said that as a result of his first attempt, the bull only got angry and he could barely cope with the bull. In 1957, at the age of 34, he was nearly killed by a rampaging bull in Mexico City. Then the bull managed to gore Oyama, but Oyama somehow managed to pull him away from him and break the horn. After the fight, the master was bedridden for 6 months until he finally recovered from his fatal wound. In 1952, he traveled around the United States for a year, demonstrating his karate in arenas and on national television. Over the following years he was successful and defeated all his challengers. In total, he fought with 270 different people.
The vast majority of them were crushed with one blow! The fight never lasted more than 3 minutes and most of the time just over a few seconds. His fighting principle was simple: if he coped with you, so be it. If he hits, you are broken. If you blocked the blow incorrectly, your arm is broken or dislocated. If you didn't block, your rib is broken. Oyama became known as the “Divine Fist,” the living manifestation of Japanese warriors—uchi geki—or “one strike, certain death.” For him this was the real purpose of karate technique, footwork or higher technique was secondary. Once, during one of his visits to the United States, Mas Oyama met Jacob Sandulescu, a huge (190 cm and 190 kg) Romanian strongman who was captured by the Red Army at the age of 16 and sent to work in coal mines for 2 years. They quickly became friends and remained so until the last years of their lives. Yakov still coaches and is one of the IOC advisors.

Oyama Dojo

In 1953, Mas Oyama opened his first dojo, a grassy area in the Mejiro area of ​​Tokyo. In 1956, the first real dojo was opened in a former ballet studio behind Rikkyu University, 500 meters from the current IOC headquarters. By 1957, 700 members were training there, despite the high demands and brutality of the training. Many masters from other schools came to this dojo to train for conditioning and full contact. One of the lead instructors, Kenji Kato, said that they will study other styles that will be acceptable for real combat. Mas Oyama took techniques from all martial arts and was not limited to only karate. Members of Oyama's dojo entered into kumite with caution, initially viewing it as a combat fight. With some restrictions, attacks to the head (especially the shuto and knuckle techniques), grabs, throws, head strikes and groin strikes were common in training. The battle continued until the enemy gave up, so bruises and injuries occurred every day (injuries in training were 90%). The students did not have protective equipment or official karate training, and walked around in whatever they could find. Bobby Lowe In 1952, Mas Oyama gave demonstration performances in Hawaii. Young Bobby Lowe saw him and was stunned by his strength, although at that age he was no stranger to martial arts. Bobby's father was a kung fu instructor and trained in every style he could find. By the age of 33, he was 4th dan in judo, 2nd dan in kempo and 1st dan in aikido, and was also a good boxer and was famous for his heavy punches. Bobby Lowe became Mas Oyama's first uchi-deshi. He trained daily with the master for a year and a half. After all, it was he who put forward the uchi deshi slogan “1000 days of training is the beginning of the journey.” The Uchi-deshi became known as the "wakajishi" or "young lions", Mas Oyama's "20th century samurai". From only a few hundred applicants from around the world, the most worthy were selected each year to train under the guidance of Oyama himself. In 1957, Bobby Lowe returned to Hawaii to open the 1st Oyama School outside Japan.

Beginning of Kyokushinkai

The current IOC World Center was officially opened in June 1964, and in the same year the final name of Kyokushin, meaning “absolute truth,” was adopted. Since that time, Kyokushin has continued to spread to over 120 countries and over 10 million people, becoming one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world. Famous people who practice in Kyokushin include Sean Connory (honorary 1st dan), Dolph Lundgren (3rd dan, former European champion, participant of the 2nd World Open Tournament) and President Nelson Mandela of South Africa (honorary 7th dan). Is it really the end? Sadly, Sosai Mas Oyama died of lung cancer at the age of 70 in April 1994, leaving 5th Dan Master Akiyoshi Matsui (Honbu's technical director) in charge of the organization. This led to many economic and political ramifications in the world of Kyokushinkai, the problems of which are still being resolved. Ultimately, the result could be a split in Kyokushin, similar to what happened with the Shotokan style after the death of Gichin Funakoshi. When every group or organization will demand to become the sole and true heir of Kyokushin Oyama, both spiritually and even financially. One of the Austrian reporters, who often wrote about Kyokushin, said not at all jokingly that Mas Oyama himself created turmoil within the entire organization, because. wanted Kyokushin to remain after his death. However, it is reasonable to believe that all Kyokushinkai groups, regardless of their specificity, still maintain the standards set by Oyama. Maybe, over time, Kyokushin will live like a good big family, but as in all big families, some children sometimes leave their “father’s house” and begin to live with their own family. Some of these splinter groups have remained true to the principles of Kyokushin (such as the shihan Steve Arneil in the UK). Many others, such as Shigiru Oyama in the US, have chosen to develop their own style based on Kyokushin.

The founder and creator of the Kyokushin style of karate isMasutatsu Oyama. Years of life 1923 - 1994.

Oyama is a recognized unsurpassed martial artist. He reformed karate. Made it lively and practical. Most importantly, he brought back the spirit and principles of Budo to karate.

Karate has ceased to be “dancing” and at the same time it has not become just physical education or even a sport. Oyama Karate is a method of personal growth through training and body development. By overcoming personal fears, shortcomings and weaknesses.

The main victory in karate is victory over yourself. This is the way of the warrior. These are the principles of Budo.

Masutatsu Oyama was from Korea. There in Seoul he graduated from high school. After graduating from high school, he went to Japan and entered Takushoku University in 1941.

At university he trained with master Funakoshi Yoshitaka. Achieved excellent results and received the 2nd dan qualification

The World War was going on and Masutatsu joined the army in 1943. In the army he practices Goju-Ryu. By the end of the war, he defends the 4th dan qualification.

After the end of the war, at the very first tournament he becomes the champion. From this moment on, Sosai's life consists only of karate.

In 1948, he becomes a hermit and lives alone in the mountains. Only training. All day long

Returning to the city, he continues to study. A lot of people start practicing next to him. Incredible energy, charisma and a thorough knowledge of the methods of combat attracted students from all over Japan to him.

Bullfighting gave him additional fame and fame. He had at least fifty fights with bulls. He killed three bulls with blows of his fist. Particularly impressive was the moment when he broke off the horns of bulls with a blow of his palm.

These performances began to be shown on television in Japan.

In 1956, a well-known demonstration battle was organized with the head of the Goju-Ryu school, Yamoguchi Gogen. It was to this teacher that Oyama passed the 7th Dan exam a little earlier.

Having become famous in Japan, Oyama decides to show the whole world what karate is. He is going to America. Where he holds many stunning exhibition fights. Then he goes to Europe and other places.

Everywhere he shows things that are incredible to Europeans and Americans. In addition to defeating local champions in martial arts, Oyami shows the tamishewari technique. He breaks stones, boards, and tiles with his bare hands.

Everywhere he visited, karate schools were organized. In Japan, Masutatsu Oyama also opens his own dojo. Students from all over the world strive and come to it. It was these first students who created the glory not just of Oyama, but of the Master’s school. The school then had the simple name “Oyama Karate”

In 1963, Oyama built the center of his school (Honbu) and the following year the system received the official name that we know now: “Kyokushin Kaikan

Many traditional schools in Japan did not take Oyama's school seriously for a very long time. They said it was a so-so school.

In 1966, a famous landmark competition took place in which the students of Oyama confirmed the significance of the strength and practicality of the Kyokushinkai style. The students defeated the strongest Mua Thai fighters in Bankong.

Three years after that, an open all-Japan karate tournament was already held. From these events begins the story of the victorious ascent of the Kyokushinkai school and its recognition by other schools.

In 1975, the First Open World Championship in Kyokushinkai Karate took place.

Sosei Oyama conducted training until his last days. He showed an example of a true master of following BuDo. Check out some stills from an old video of Oyama:

Masutatsu Oyama (07/27/1923 – 04/26/1994), better known as Mas Oyama, was a karate master and founder of Kyokushin, probably the first and most influential style of full contact karate. Born in Gimje City in Jeollabuk-do Province, South Korea. During the Japanese occupation, being an ethnic Korean, he lived almost all his life in Japan and in 1964 decided to become a citizen of Japan.

early years

At a young age, Oyama was sent to his sister's farm in Manchuria, where at the age of 9 he began to learn martial arts from a Chinese seasonal worker. His name was Lee, and he gave young Oyama grain to grow; when the grain began to grow, he had to jump over it a hundred times a day. When the grain became a plant, Oyama said, "I could jump walls back and forth without any effort," but as the young Oyama's story was replayed in manga and movies, the line between fiction and fact gradually blurred.

In March 1938, Oyama went to Japan following his brother, who entered the aviation school "Yamanashi Aviation School of the Imperial Japanese Army".

After World War II

In 1945, after the end of the war, Oyama left the aviation school and founded the "Eiwa Karate Research Center" in Suginami (Suginami is one of the districts of Tokyo), but quickly closed, - "I soon realized that I belonged to ` "unwanted Koreans" and no one will even rent me a room to live in." In the end, he found a place to live in one of the corners of Tokyo, where he met his future wife, whose mother ran a hostel for university students.

In 1946, Oyama entered Waseda University Sports Education.

Wanting to improve his teaching skills, Oyama established contacts with the Shotokan karate school, which was run by Gigō Funakoshi, the second son of karate master Gichin Funakoshi. As a student at this school, he began a lifelong career in karate. Feeling like a stranger in this country, he was isolated and trained alone.

Oyama applied to Takushoku University in Tokyo and was accepted as a student in the dojo of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan. He trained with Funakoshi for two years, then studied Gōjū-ryū karate for several years with So Nei Chu, one of the best students of the system's founder, Chojun Miyagi, and achieved 8 dan in the system of Gogen Yamaguchi, who at that time headed the Goju ryu school on mainland Japan.

Korea was officially annexed by Japan in 1910, but during World War II (1939–1945) a wave of discontent swept across Korea, and South Korea began fighting against North Korea over political views, and Oyama became increasingly "problematic." . He said: “Although I was born in Korea, I unwittingly acquired liberal views; I was disgusted by the strong feudal system of my homeland, and this was one of the reasons that forced me to run away from home to Japan.” He joined the Korean Political Organization in Japan, which advocated for the unification of Korea, but soon became the target of persecution by Japanese police. He then consulted another Korean from the same province, Mr. Neichu So, who was a master of Koju Karate.

Around the same time, he traveled around Tokyo and took part in skirmishes with the US Military Police. He later recalled this time in television interviews on Nihon Television (“Itsumitemo Haran Banjyo”): “I lost many friends in this war - it happened that early in the morning before they departed as kamikaze pilots, we would have breakfast together, and in the evening "their places were already empty. After the end of the war, I was terribly angry, so I fought with the US military as long as I had enough strength, my photo hung in all the police stations in the city." At this time, Mr. So suggested that Oyama retire to the mountains to calm and train his body and mind. He decided to spend three years on Mt. Minobu, in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Oyama lived in a shack he built on the side of a mountain, in the company of one of his students, Yashiro, but after grueling isolated training, deprived of any amenities, the student ran away one night, leaving Oyama alone. Contact with the outside world was limited to monthly meetings with a friend in the city of Tateyama, in Chiba Prefecture. As time passed, the loneliness and grueling training became more and more unbearable and Oyama began to doubt his decision to retire and wrote a letter to the person who advised him to retire. Mr. So enthusiastically advised Oyama to stay and offered to shave off his eyebrows to avoid the temptation to leave the mountains and show himself to anyone. Oyama remained in the mountains for another fourteen months and returned to Tokyo an even stronger and more brutal karateka.

He was forced to leave his mountain retreat after his sponsors stopped supporting him. A few months later, after winning the National Japanese Martial Arts Championship in the karate category, Oyama was worried that he had not achieved his original goal of training in the mountains for 3 years, so he decided to retire to the mountains again, but this once on Mount Kyosumi, in Chiba Prefecture, Japan and spent 18 months there.

Kyokushin Basics

In 1953, Oyama opened his own dojo, called the Oyama Dojo, in Tokyo, but continued to travel throughout Japan and the world demonstrating martial arts, including fighting and killing live bulls with his bare hands. His dojo was initially located in a vacant lot, but over time, in 1956, it moved to the premises of a ballet school. Oyama's technique soon gained fame as a hard, intense, percussive, but practical style that was eventually given the name Kyokushin at a ceremony in 1957. He also developed a reputation for being "rough" as students were often injured during training. As the dojo's reputation grew, so did the number of students arriving by train from different parts of Japan and the world. Many of today's leaders of various Kyokushin organizations began training in this style at that time. In 1964, Oyama moved the dojo to the building that still serves as Kyokushin's home and world headquarters. In this regard, he formally founded the "International Karate Organization Kyokushin kaikan, more often called IKO or IKOK" to unite under one authority the many schools that began to teach the Kyokushin style. That same year, his dojo was challenged from Thailand by Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). Oyama, believing that no other style could compare to his own, sent three students (Kenji Kurosaki, Tadashi Nakamura, Noboru Ōsawa) to Thailand, where they won 2 of the 3 fights that took place, which established the reputation of his style of karate .

After the official creation of Kyokushinkai, Oyama set the course for popularization and expansion. Oyama and his associates, selected from among the instructors, showed remarkable abilities in popularizing the style and attracting new members of the community. Oyama would personally select an instructor to open a new dojo in another city in Japan, and the instructor would travel to the designated city while demonstrating his karate skills in public places such as civilian gyms, local police gyms (where many students practiced judo), local parks, and martial arts demonstrations. arts at local festivals and school events. Thus, the trainer soon received students for his new dojo. After this, news of the new dojo spread throughout the surrounding areas until a “core” of students was recruited. Oyama also sent instructors to other countries such as the USA, Holland, Great Britain, Australia and Brazil to spread Kyokushin in the same way. Oyama also promoted Kyokushin by holding the annual All Japan Full Contact Open Karate Championship and the World Open Full Contact Karate Championship held every four years, in which anyone could participate, regardless of style.

Notable students:

• Terutomo Yamazaki, first champion of the All Japan Full Contact Open Karate Championship, former professional kickboxer;
• Sonny Chiba, famous Japanese actor and fighter;
• Tadashi Nakamura, founder of Seido juku;
• Bobby Lowe, 8th Dan;
• Steve Arneil;
• Hideyuki Ashihara, founder of Ashihara Karate;
• Yoshiji Soeno, founder of Shidokan;
• Loek Hollander;
• John Jarvis;
• Miyuki Miura;
• Howard Collins;
• Takashi Azuma, founder of Daido Juku;
• Phillip C. Haynes;
• Shokei Matsui, who succeeded Oyama as director of IKO;
• Tae-hong Choi, one of the pioneers of taekwondo in the USA.

Public demonstrations

Oyama tested his strength in kumite, improved in fights, each of which lasted two minutes and emerged victorious from each. Oyama developed a system of 100 battles, which he completed three times in three days.

He was also famous for fighting bulls with his bare hands. He fought 52 bulls in his life, three of which were allegedly killed with just one blow, earning him the nickname "Hand of God." The reliability of this information is disputed; one of Oyama's students, Jon Bluming, said: "The story about Oyama's bullfights is a fiction, he never met real bulls, since he had never been to Spain. I also doubt that he was gored because he never told me about it, but he told me everything. Kenji Kurosaki was there and told me what happened. Early in the morning they went to the Tateyama barnyard, where they a worker was waiting with an old fat bull already prepared for Oyama, the worker used a hammer to knock the bull's horns so that they almost fell off. Oyama did not kill the ox, he only tore off its already poorly held horns. Bill Backhus and I saw sixteen-minute film in 1959, Oyama himself showed it to us. I advised Oyama that he should never show this film in Europe, because it looked too fake and would be laughed at. Since then, as far as I know, no one saw this film,” in addition, Oyama himself admitted that the bulls were quite old...

Oyama also had many matches with professional wrestlers during his travels around the United States. In his 1958 book, What Is Karate, Oyama revealed that he only fought three professional wrestling matches, thirty exhibitions, and nine television appearances. The Electronic Journal of Martial Arts and Studies (EJMAS) noted: "All matches between American professional wrestlers of the 1950s, as well as Oyama's fights, should be classified as exhibitions, not fights, and thus it should be considered that Oyama participated in 33 -x demonstration performances and 9 TV shows, in part of which he was frankly urged.

Last years

Before his death, Oyama built IKOK into one of the most prominent martial arts associations with branches in over 120 countries and over 10 million registered members. In Japan, many books, films and comics have been dedicated to him, telling about his colorful and adventurous life.

Oyama died at the age of 70 on April 26, 1994 from lung cancer, and he never smoked.

Images

A manga about Oyama's legacy, Karate Baka Ichidai (literally: "Life of a Crazy Karate"), was published in Weekly Shonen Magazine in 1971, written by Ikki Kajiwara and artists Jirō Tsunoda and Zoya Kagemaru (Jōya Kagemaru). The 47-episode anime was released in 1973, with some changes made from the original plot, such as Mas Oyama being replaced by the fictional character Ken Asuka. However, despite the plot changes, the anime still followed the events described in the manga about Oyama's legacy.

In the trilogy of martial arts films (Champion of Death (1975)), Karate Bearfighter (1975), Karate for Life (1977) based on the legacy manga, Oyamu played by Japanese actor Sonny Chiba. Oyama also appears in several episodes of the first two films.

Oyama's life story was also shown in the 2004 South Korean film Baramui Fighter.

The character in the SNK (Shin Nihon Kikaku Electronics Corporation) video game King Of Fighters, Takuma Sakazaki (aka Mr. Karate), was based on Mas Oyama. Takuma Sakazaki is the founder and supreme master of the fictional Kyokugenryu Karate, which is based entirely on Oyama's karate.

The manga character Grappler Baki, Doppo Orochi, is a karate master, also created in the image of Mas Oyama, the founder of his own school of Shinshinkai Karate; Keisuke Itagaki's other most famous work is Garouden, a special one whose main character is Shozan Matsuo, who is probably also taken from the image of Oyama.

Kyokushin Honbu Dojo

Hyakunin Kumite (100 fights)

Creating Kyokushin, Oyama sought to develop a system that would allow a person to rise above himself, turn the body and spirit into steel, go beyond the limits of the possible and thus know the absolute truth - Kyokushin. For his extraordinary tenacity and perseverance, he was even nicknamed “the demon.” Oyama was not a pioneer in his developments in this area. Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-88), one of the greatest masters of kenjutsu, the founder of the Muto-ryu school, is considered the creator of a test similar to hyakunin-kumite. Yamaoka Tesshu was a great swordsman. He is the founder of the Hokushin Itto-ryu style. This man is believed to have fought 100 consecutive fights, defeating 100 different opponents with a shinai (a bamboo sword used in kendo training).

Yamaoka, in his search for supreme mastery in the art of the sword, came to the idea of ​​merging martial art and Zen Buddhism - this is evidenced by the very name of the school (“muto” means “without a sword,” which cannot but recall the famous Zen expression “mushin” - “without a sword”). consciousness”, “lack of consciousness”), as well as the name of his dojo - “Syumpukan” (“Hall of the Spring Wind”), borrowed from a poem by the 13th century Zen master Bukko Kokushi. In his youth, Yamaoka Tesshu underwent very harsh training in the dojo of one of the best ken-jutsu masters, Chiba Shusaku. Tesshu did not know defeat until he faced the master Asari Gimei in battle. Yamaoka attacked first, punching furiously with all his might, but... his opponent was not impressed by all this outburst of aggression, he did not even change his face. In this battle, Tesshu suffered the first defeat in his life, but was not offended - the enemy simply turned out to be a master of a much higher flight. To achieve the same level of mastery, Tesshu became Asari's student. At that time he was 28 years old. Studying under the guidance of a new teacher, Yamaoka became more and more convinced of his strength. It was impossible to force Asari to retreat, to impose defensive tactics on him. His body was like a rock, and a frightening look seemed to be imprinted in the minds of opponents. One of the most important methods of achieving a breakthrough (prepared by many years of training using a special method) in the knowledge of the truth of being is Hyakunin Kumite. Asari simply suppressed his spirit, even when Yamaoka closed his eyes, his mentor’s fearless face and his smashing sword, from which there was no escape, appeared in his inner gaze. Yamaoka unsuccessfully struggled with himself for a long time in search of a state of consciousness that would allow him not to break under the heavy gaze of his mentor. In search of a solution to this problem, he turned to the famous Zen master Tekisuyu of the Tenryu-ji Monastery in Kyoto for help. Tekisui offered him a koan that would lead to the desired insight. This koan was a short poem of five lines: "When two blazing swords meet, There is nowhere to run. Move calmly, like a lotus flower Blooming amidst the roaring flames, And pierce the Heavens with all your might!" For many years, Yamaoka could not comprehend the essence of this koan. But one day, when he was already 45, during a sitting meditation, the meaning of the monk’s poem suddenly became clear to him, and he experienced an epiphany. Tesshu momentarily lost his sense of time and space, and the threatening sword of Asari disappeared from his memory. The next day, Yamaoka went to the teacher to test the effectiveness of his new state of consciousness in a duel with him. But as soon as they crossed swords, Asari Gimei suddenly lowered his bokken and said: “You have reached the desired state!” After this, he announced Tesshu as his successor as the chief master of the Nakanishi-ha Itto-ryu school.

Yamaoka was convinced that the true purpose of martial arts is to strengthen the spirit and body, improve a person, and lead him to enlightenment. To designate "training" he used the term "shugyo", which means not just exercises, but ascetic activity, asceticism. The master believed that fencing "should lead a person straight to the heart of things, when a person comes face to face with life and death." To implement this idea, Yamaoka Tesshu developed a special type of training, called "seigan-geiko" - "oath training". The very name of this training method indicates that it requires the highest dedication and determination from the student. Only trained students who had several years of study behind them were allowed to seigan-geiko. So, after 1000 days of continuous practice of kenjutsu, a follower could be admitted to the first test in seigan, which consisted in conducting 200 consecutive fights in one day with one small break for eating. If the candidate passed the test successfully, he could be admitted to the second test: 600 contractions within 3 days. The highest seigan test consisted of 1400 fights over 7 days. It was a terrible test, requiring truly superhuman efforts and unbending will from the candidate. The fighter had to use all his physical and mental strength without a trace, to root in his heart the idea that the only choice he had was to win or die. Fights were carried out wearing protective equipment (bogu) with bamboo swords. At the same time, certain rules were observed, dictated by common sense and designed to alleviate the fate of the test subject. For example, a fighter followed a special diet, eating semi-liquid or completely liquid food. His hands were specially bandaged with soft silk to prevent bursting of the skin, with a worn sword handle, etc. As a rule, on the first day, when the fighter was still full of strength, the test was relatively easy (it must be taken into account that Yamaoka’s senior students trained daily for 4-5 hours), on the second day the fatigue became very noticeable, and on the third the swordsman’s hands were barely held a sword and could not effectively manipulate it, their legs lost mobility, and their reaction rate dropped catastrophically (we add that on the third day the fighters’ urine usually turned reddish, i.e. mixed with blood, which indicates numerous internal injuries and extreme dehydration). The seven-day test in seigan-geiko was the lot of the greatest fighters, and only a very few achieved success in it.

One of Yamaoka’s students, Kagawa Zenjiro, who successfully passed the three-day test, later said: “On the third day of these difficult tests, I could not get out of bed, and I had to ask my wife for help. When she tried to lift me, she felt as if she was lifting a lifeless body, and she unconsciously withdrew her hands, which were supporting my back. I felt her tears on my face. Touched to the depths of my soul, I asked her not to be so soft-hearted and with her help I managed to sit up. I had to rely on a cane to get to the dojo. They also helped me put on my training suit. I took a position, and then my numerous opponents began to appear. One of them approached my teacher and asked permission to fight me. Sensei immediately gave permission, and I saw that it was a fencer who had been punished earlier for dishonest behavior in battle. Even after defeat, when the fight was stopped, he struck at places unprotected by God. This was prohibited by the rules. When I saw that he was approaching me, I decided that this was my last contraction, because I would not survive it. When I thought this, I suddenly felt a surge of strength in myself, as if some source had opened in me. New energy came to me, and I felt like a person in a new capacity. My sword took the right position, I approached the enemy, feeling this inexhaustible flow of energy in me, raised my sword above my head and was ready to defeat the enemy with one blow. Then my teacher shouted for us to stop the fight, and I lowered my sword.” According to Kagawa Zenjirō, Yamaoka Tesshu said at the time that he saw a student experience the state of the “no-sword sword” (muto-no too) and realized that he had attained enlightenment.

Another predecessor of Masutatsu Oyama was the legendary Masahiko Kimura, who fought a duel with 200 opponents. Masahiko Kimura, perhaps the most famous judoka in the history of the sport, was a close friend of Masutatsu Oyama. Oyama said that Kimura was the only person he knew who trained as hard or even harder than Oyama himself! Kimura's record in the Japanese judo rankings (which he held for 12 years, including the period of World War II, during which championships were not held) was broken only by Yasuhiro Yamashi-toi, who held the title of champion for 9 years in a row. There is a proverb in the world of Japanese judo that says: “Before Kimura, there was no Kimura. After Kimura, there will be no Kimura.” Although Shihan author Cameron Queen could not confirm this information, it is said that Kimura performed 100 throws in matches against 200 black belts for two days in a row, invariably winning. It was this feat of Kimura that motivated his good friend ( Masutatsu Oyama) introduce a similar test in Kyokushin.

Oyama himself, shortly after finishing his famous training in the mountains, went through a test of 300 fights - 100 fights for 3 days in a row! His strongest students took part in these fights. Each of them, according to preliminary calculations, was supposed to have 4 fights against the sensei, but for many the first round ended so badly that they could no longer physically fight with their mentor the second time - the blows of the great karateka were so strong. They say that, having stood for 300 fights, Oyama felt the strength to exchange the fourth hundred, but he did not have partners for this - almost all of his students received serious injuries in previous fights. However, the master himself suffered a lot. He suffered several serious injuries, not to mention the bruises that covered his entire body. Having thus given an example to others, Masutatsu Oyama began to introduce kumite against 100 people as a prerequisite for obtaining IV and V Dan. However, he soon discovered that not every applicant is mentally prepared for this test, despite the fact that in the physical aspect he can be prepared quite “easily”. The indomitable will to win, courage, determination - all those qualities that underlie the “Spirit of Osu” - are not present in everyone. Thus, kumite against 100 people became a voluntary test for people with the appropriate character. In the beginning, if the challenger so desired, the fights could last for two days, but after 1967, Masutatsu Oyama decided to reduce the trial time to one day. In addition to the basic requirement of surviving 100 fights, the challenger was required to win a clear victory in at least 50% of the fights, and in the event of a knockdown, be able to get to his feet in no more than 5 seconds. In Australia and perhaps elsewhere, 50-opponent kumite is the minimum test possible. In the UK and other countries under the auspices of Hansi Steve Arneil, the student, whether he or she, can choose a challenge from any number of fights - for example, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, etc. - and receive the appropriate certificate. The point is that not everyone is able to reach the Kyokushinkai maximum of 100 fights, but personal results also matter a lot. In addition, even 10 consecutive knockdown fights can be equated to a half-hour intense fight. In Russia, fights with 100 opponents have never been held. In August 1997, in the presence of Steve Arneil, Ulyanovsk resident Andrei Anufriev tried to pass the 30-bout test. But in the 12th fight he suffered a broken arm. In June 1998, again in the presence of Steve Arneil, Andrei tried again to pass this test, but the test was stopped at the 22nd fight, again due to a hand injury. In the same place, after Andrei, Muscovite Artur Oganesyan also tried to pass the test of 30 fights, but the bouts were stopped at the 27th fight due to injuries to Arthur's elbows and the inability to continue the fights. Note that these tests were carried out with the prohibition of low-kicks on the legs of a fighter passing the test. Perhaps this was the reason for the injuries to the fighters’ hands.

Initially, applicants had the opportunity to complete the test in two days, with 50 fights per day, but later one day became a mandatory rule. Few dared to do this, and those who did show courage most often suffered defeat. Therefore, in the entire history of the existence of the Hyakunin Kumite test at the Kyokushinkai school, only 13 people, in addition to Oyama himself, managed to survive this fierce battle. They were:

List of fighters who completed hyakunin kumite:

• Steve Arneil (Great Britain, 21 May 1965);
• Nakamura Tadashi (Japan, October 15, 1965). Now known as Kaicho Nakamura, founder of the World Seido Karate Organization, headquartered in New York;
• Oyama Shigeru (Japan, September 17, 1966). Has no relation to Sosai, is the founder of his own style - the World Organization of Oyama Karate, whose headquarters are located in New York;
• Luke Hollander (Holland, August 5, 1967);
• John Jarvis (New Zealand, November 10, 1967);
• Howard Collins (Great Britain, December 1, 1972). It is believed that the “white samurai” was the first in Kyokushinkai to conduct hyakunin kumite on one day. However, others believe that the first was Steve Arneil;
• Miura Miyuki (Japan, April 13, 1973). The first Japanese to pass the test in one day, currently the head of the Western Branch of the World Oyama Karate Organization, (WOKO);
• Matsui Akiyoshi (Japan, April 18, 1986). Akiyoshi Matsui is currently the head of the International Karate Organization (IKO-1). He was the winner of the 1985 and 1986 Japan Open Championships, as well as the IV World Open Karate Championship in 1990;
• Ademir da Costa (Brazil, 1987). This Brazilian took fourth place at the 1983 World Championships;
• Sampei Keiji (Japan, March 1990);
• Masuda Akira (Japan, March 1991);
• Yamaki Kenji (Japan, March 1995);
• Francisco Filio (Brazil, some sources claim that Filio performed hyakunin kumite twice: first in February 1995 in Brazil, and then in March of the same year in Japan; the second case can be considered official).

Over the thirty-year history of Hyakunin Kumite in Kyokushinkai, this test has undergone many metamorphoses: the technical arsenal of participants, the set and level of training of test partners, the rules and regulations of fights, etc. have changed. Thanks to this, almost every test was new and unique, but I would like to dwell in more detail on the very first successful test, because being the first is always more difficult.

Steve Arneil from Great Britain (currently IX Dan) became the first person to pass the test, completing it in one day. Today he is the head of the International Federation of Karate (IFK), whose headquarters are located in the UK and operates completely separately from the Japanese Honbu. There are two versions of Arneil's passage of Hyakunin Kumite. According to the famous Kyokushinkai fighter Michel Bebel, Arneil fought 50 fights for 2 days in a row. However, Liam Keaveney, editor of the English magazine "Kyokushin Magazine" and a close friend of Arneil, claims that the test took place on one day - "...Steve Arneil had been in the Oyama dojo for four years when a teacher suddenly approached him and said the words, which the young Englishman could hardly bring himself to believe: “Do you want to try the Hyakunin Kumite?” It was 1965. By that time, Arneil had reached the rank of 2nd dan. During the four years he spent in Japan, he had already witnessed fighters trying to stand a hundred fights in a row, but none of them achieved success. And now it was his turn... Teacher Oyama stood and looked at him, waiting for an answer, and Arneil's thoughts were racing in his head. He simultaneously felt pride and joy for the trust of his mentor, and fear, and self-doubt. He could not say “no” to the Teacher, who gave him so much and who with this question showed his faith in his steadfastness and courage, so Arneil said “yes!” Oyama told Arneil that he was confident in his abilities. He did not say a word about the date of the test and only assured the student that he will have enough time to prepare, physically and mentally, for this extremely difficult test.Oyama also advised Steve to concentrate entirely on the task of winning Hyakunin Kumite, give up all entertainment and avoid all distractions: do not go to cinemas and clubs, do not drink alcohol etc. The master told him, “You must live in purity,” meaning the need to clear your mind of all worldly affairs and immerse yourself in preparing for the test.

The next day, the life of the young karateka changed dramatically. Although Arneil had been training hard every day for several years, it was only now that karate came to the fore in his life. And it was not very easy. I had to give up many habits, abandon other things, establish a harsh regime... Let us add that shortly before this, Steve Arneil married a young Japanese woman, Tsuyuko, and did not know how his wife would react to his intention to fight in a hundred fights: after all, this is fraught with serious damage to his health , or even death. Arneil was lucky: Tsuyuko understood the situation perfectly and decided to take all the worries upon herself, becoming the fighter’s main assistant. Every day Steve rose at dawn and went for a run through the deserted streets of Tokyo. Each time he timed the distance, trying to beat the previous day's record. Sometimes this was successful, and Arneil felt a surge of strength, sometimes not, then disappointment and despondency overwhelmed him. After his run, Steve did various stretches and then went to the dojo, where he spent the entire day. His training included working on a heavy bag, jumping rope, practicing basic techniques and freestyle fighting. Oyama was nearby all the time and daily helped Arneil reach the limits of endurance of body and psyche. Steve paid a lot of attention to weight training to increase his strength and thus compensate for his short stature. In this regard, the conditions in Oyama's dojo were not very good, so sometimes Steve went to train at the Kurakoen gym, which was considered the best athletic gym in Tokyo. Having trained with regular groups almost the entire day, Arneil was the last to leave the gym, since his “real classes” began only after the end of general training. It was at this time that Masutatsu Oyama personally worked with him. He gave Steve advice, checked his level of training, and developed special training methods. The main emphasis was on achieving maximum strength in strikes and improving technical and tactical skills. Steve and his teacher were well aware that to be successful in Hyakunin Kumita, a fighter must finish fights as quickly as possible, i.e. knockout or knockdown. Progress was tested in tough fights with comrades. Gradually, Steve gained confidence that he was capable and would be able to successfully pass the test in Hyakunin Kumite. His determination grew stronger day by day. Arneil felt that the day of his examination was approaching. Oyama increasingly asked him about his well-being and injuries, but still did not give the slightest hint about the date of the Hyakunin Kumite.

Early in the morning of May 21, 1965, Steve, as usual, went from home to the Ikebukuro area, where Oyama's dojo was located. When he entered the locker room, he was immediately alerted by the unusual atmosphere that reigned that day. Usually at this time the locker room was full of people, there was a cheerful hubbub, but now it was completely empty. Arneil put on a karate-gi and went to the training room. It was about 10 am. The hall was filled to overflowing with karatekas with black and brown belts. At the door, Steve was met by Oyama himself and his closest assistant, Kurosaki Taketoki. Oyama said, "Dojo!" (Please!) - and with a nod invited him to enter. After that, Arneil was informed that the day of his trial had finally arrived. The karatekas exchanged greetings, Steve went to the center of the hall, and his comrades sat around the perimeter. Teacher Oyama once again explained the rules of Hyakunin Kumite: an attempt will be considered successful if the challenger wins the majority of fights, and a significant part of them with a “pure victory” (ippon); he does not have the right only to defend himself and take blows to the body, but must definitely attack; the fighter should not be knocked down for more than 5 seconds, otherwise he will be considered a clear loss and the attempt will be considered unsuccessful, even if this happens in the last fight; Strikes to the legs are permitted, including strikes to the joints, to the body, as well as strikes to the face with the palm of the hand. Oyama added that he would closely monitor Steve's actions and if he felt that he did not meet the necessary requirements, he would immediately terminate the test, regardless of the number of fights performed. After this, one of the students hit the drum, announcing the beginning of the first fight... Arneil's strategy was very simple: he tried to end the fights as quickly as possible in order to save strength to continue, and tried to knock out his opponents. They, in turn, did not condone this at all - who wants to get kicked in the head?! Therefore, they fought brutally, aggressively, giving it their all, and Arneil, despite his brilliant form and technique, had a hard time. Time has stopped for him. Having no idea how many fights he had already fought, he simply defended himself and hit, hit, hit... Subsequently, Arneil recalled that he was never able to knock out anyone, but there were a lot of knockdowns. Steve himself was knocked down several times, but always got back to his feet within the set time. He doesn't remember being in any particular pain, or having to make any incredible effort to get up from the floor. He never felt that he would not be able to continue fighting due to injury or lack of strength. His motivation was so strong that even in the most difficult moments the thought of saying “Maitta!” did not pop up in his head. (“I give up!”). 100 fierce battles merged into one drawn-out, harsh battle, and today Arneil cannot remember almost any details of individual battles. He only says that he had the most difficult time in battles with the strongest karatekas of Kyokushinkai - Oyama Shigeru and Nakamura Tadashi (both later successfully overcame the test in Hyakunin Kumite). When it was his turn to fight them, he was already very exhausted, his whole body ached and groaned from countless bruises and abrasions.

Seeing Oyama Shigeru in front of him, Arneil felt that the end of this terrible “marathon” was close. He said later: “Shihan Oyama was and remains an outstanding fighter. He was renowned as a particularly capable fighter. He fought extremely hard. Then Shihan Nakamura came out, he fought mercilessly, attacking me with low kicks and hands in the face...” When the command “Yame!” interrupted their fight, Oyama Masutatsu rose from his seat, walked up to Arneil and simply said: “You did it.” And Arneil answered just as simply: “Yes.” Hyakunin-kumite ended so unexpectedly that the karateka’s emotions instantly overwhelmed him, and he screamed with all his might. Happiness that he managed to emerge victorious in the highest test of Kyokushinkai, that he had earned the recognition and respect of the Teacher, filled his heart. Then he was taken, almost by the arm, to the shower room, where he freshened up and relaxed. At this time, someone called his wife, Tsuyuko, who had no idea that her husband was facing a test that day, and reported his success. Soon she arrived at the dojo. Then there was a gala dinner, during which Oyama spoke about the courage, dedication and discipline of the new true devotee of karate. He said that he had long dreamed that one of his students could walk this path, and that Arneil was the first who could make his dream come true. Oyama expressed the hope that other Kyokushinkai students will find the strength to accept the challenge of Hyakunin Kumite and make a breakthrough to the absolute truth of karate. Arneil was given a modest gift - not only as a prize for his personal achievement, but also as a reward for what he had done for Kyokushinkai and karate in general, providing a wonderful role model for other fighters. By this time the winner had already completely lost his strength. There wasn't a place on his body that didn't ache or pierce with pain. Every movement became painful. Only a few weeks after the Hyakunin Kumite, Arneil was able to finally recover from exhaustion and injuries received during the battle, which lasted almost 3 hours! Later, Oyama Masutatsu told him: “It’s good that you only had bruises and didn’t break anything...” (In fact, during one of the fights, Steve’s nose was broken with a blow from the heel of his palm, which Arneil himself described as follows: “During kumite with a hundred fighters, one of my opponents managed to break my nose with a shotei blow. After the test was over, I went to the hospital to straighten it out, but the anesthesia was too much for me. So the Japanese doctors did the operation without anesthesia, and it was quite painful," Apparently Oyama didn’t even consider a broken nose to be a fracture).

When Luke Hollander was preparing to return to Holland, he received orders from Kante Oyama to attempt a “fight with a hundred opponents.” Luke's attempt had several additional difficulties: firstly, the dojo was very crowded with white belts (the ones who get the most serious injuries), and secondly, there was a very high temperature that rose above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (approx. 45 degrees). in Celsius). Luke's main advantage was his height - 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) - and also his “long range”, because of which many Japanese had difficulty closing the distance. During the entire test, Luke adhered to the hard locking system, i.e. met strong blows with blocks with hard contact. And although he had shields on his arms that protected his arm from hand to elbow, they had to be cut at the end of the test due to tumors that formed on both sides of the shield. At certain times he had to take blows on his body, which was less painful than taking them on his hands. Luke's reward for his efforts was two weeks of inactivity due to two dozen minor injuries. I received my order to take the test three months later. Luckily the weather got cooler and I had time to learn from Luke's attempt and practice to correct some of the shortcomings. I remember very little about this ordeal. In the last weeks leading up to it, I had put aside all thoughts except the desire to perform successfully. The “battle with a hundred opponents,” as it seemed to me at times, was happening somewhere around me, but not with me. I remember the beats of the taiko (drum) that announced the beginning and end of each bout, the marks of each fight made on the board, the critical eyes of the cante. The first 15 opponents were black belts. I discovered that by using the softer circular block system taught to me by Oyama Shigaru, I could avoid the terrible bruises that Luke Hollander suffered and use my opponents' mistakes to my advantage to perform my own moves. I also took the advice of my teacher on jo fighting (a stick about 120 cm long). He reminded me of the words of the great Miyamoto Musashi: “When you go on a long journey, think only about the next stop, and not about the whole journey. When you fight many opponents, do the same.” One of the black belts gave me a lot of trouble every time I fought him. (It was later suggested that I may have hit him too hard in the past. ) And it was very important to save a fraction of the extra energy for the time when it was his turn again. At the end of the test, my year of training 6 hours a day, 6 days a week paid its dividends in a fresh burst of energy just at the moment when I felt close to exhaustion. The last reminiscences concern some of the arguments over the number of fighters I fought (later found out I fought about 115 opponents), the feeling of glee I experienced when I was tossed into the air by my fellow trainees an unfair number of times, and liters of beer, drank in record time at the local pub after everything.”

JOHN JARVIS (New Zealand, November 10, 1967) This is what New Zealander John Jarvis says about hyakunin kumite. I remember very little about this test. In the last weeks leading up to it, I had put aside all thoughts except the desire to perform successfully. The “battle with a hundred opponents,” as it seemed to me at times, was happening somewhere around me, but not with me. I remember the beats of the taiko drum that announced the beginning and end of each fight, the marks of each fight made on the board, and the critical eyes of the cante. The first 15 opponents were black belts. I discovered that by using the softer circular blocking system taught to me by Oyama Shigeru, I was able to avoid the terrible bruises that Luke Hollander suffered and to take advantage of my opponents' mistakes to perform my own moves. I also took the advice of my teacher on jo fighting (a stick about 120 cm long). He reminded me of the words of the great Miyamoto Musashi: “When you go on a long journey, think only about the next stop, not about the whole journey. When you fight many opponents, do the same.” One of the black belts gave me a lot of trouble every time I fought him. It was later suggested that I might have hit him too hard in the past. And it was very important to save a little energy for each time his turn came. At the end of the test, my year of training 6 hours a day, 6 times a week paid dividends in the form of a fresh burst of energy at a time when I was already close to exhaustion. My most recent memories involve arguments over the number of opponents (it was later revealed that I fought 115 opponents) and the feeling of exultation I felt as I was thrown into the air countless times.

Francisco FILHO (Brazil, February and March 1995) Winner of the IKO-1 World Championship in 1999. Passed ku-mite at the same time as Francisco Filho. This Brazilian passed two tests within a short interval of two months. The first time it happened in Brazil, and the second time in Japan, on the same day with Kenji Yamaki. Moreover, in the same year he took 3rd place at the 5th World Championship in November 1995. Sensei Ademir da Costa from Brazil confirmed that Francisco Filho practiced kumite with 50 opponents every Friday! And although it was not a full-contact sparring and Sensei Filho limited his punches, still fifty people were clearly not required for this. However, it should be noted that for each participant in the 1995 World Championships this was standard training. And it wasn’t just Francisco who did this. To this, Francisco can only say: “OSU!”

Matsui's success was particularly impressive. He fought 100 fights in 2 hours 25 minutes in the presence of 500 spectators. At the same time, he squeezed small pieces of wood in his palms. which excluded his use of open-hand strikes and grabs. while his opponents were allowed to do both. In the words of Oyamys, “Matsuya’s way of conducting 100 kumites was magnificent. He won more than 50 fights with ippon. He did this for Kyokushin karate, for Japan and for the world history of karate”...

Almost everyone who has written about Hyakunin Kumite in Kyokushinkai draws attention to the fact that none of the fighters (and among them there were very strong masters, for example, the two-time world champion 130-kilogram giant Nakamura Makoto) in the period from 1973 to 1986 failed to complete Hyakunin Kumite. This phenomenon is explained in different ways. Michel Wedel associates this with the introduction of a circular kick at the lower level (low kick) into the practice of fighting. He states that “if in kumite with a hundred opponents only the first fifty fighters can land one low kick, the task will become impossible.” John Jarvis refers to the fact that the first followers of Kyokushin-ryu studied this style from wonderful mentors. In particular, he says: “I attribute my success to the fact that I was lucky enough to study under the guidance of excellent Kyokushinkai instructors, who, including Sensei Kurosaki (Kurosaki Taketoki, the first senpai of Oyama Masutatsu, later quarreled with the teacher and left Kyokushinkai - author’s note), more continued to train actively during the first half of my stay in Japan.” Steve Arneil explained this “hole” 1973-1986. because, in his opinion, today's karatekas are gradually losing the dedication, assertiveness and supreme devotion to karate, which are absolutely necessary to achieve success in Hyakunin Kumite.

However, relatively recent successful attempts at hyakunin kumite refute all these arguments. Fighters have long learned to hold low kicks, even if they are thrown by very, very trained people. There are also plenty of excellent coaches in Kyokushinkai now. It is enough to mention only the Tokyo sensei Hiroshige, who trained such brilliant fighters of our time, possessing original fighting styles, a huge technical arsenal and excellent physical condition, as Midori Kenji (winner of the 5th World Championship) and Yamaki Kenji (winner of the 6th World Championship, winner in Hyakunin Kumite in March 1995), as well as the Brazilians Sensei Ademir da Costa (winner in Hyakunin Kumite in 1987) and his student Francisco Filio (winner in Hyakunin Kumite in 1995). Well, as for spirit and dedication... one can hardly agree with Ariel. There are still people on earth with a will of steel and a fiery heart!

It is interesting that some fighters, in search of support in passing the highest test of Kyokushinkai, turn not to ultra-modern methods of physical training, but to good old recipes tested many centuries ago. For example, Yamaki Kenji claims that Zen meditation in the standing position Ritsuzen (analogous to “pillar work” in wushu) helped him achieve success in the Hyakunin Kumite test. Here is what he says about his experience of “fighting with a hundred opponents”: “Unfortunately, I began to practice ritsuzen only recently, after the end of the All-Japan Championship in 1995. Before that, I only did what immediately gave a clear effect in training, for example, working with weights or training on a heavy bag. However, I really wanted to ensure that by the 6th World Championship (1996) there were no gaps or deficiencies left in my karate. Just before the Hyakunin Kumite, I began to introduce Ritsuzen standing meditation into my training ". The practice of ritsuzen greatly strengthens the legs and lower back, and when you have strong legs, the power of punches and kicks increases greatly. Concentrating on the tanden and regulating your inhalations and exhalations, you should try to breathe slowly and evenly. If your breathing is correct, then you will be born explosive power. During Hyakunin Kumite, the only thing I remembered all the time was how not to lose my breath and survive to the end. I will say from experience that if the breathing is regulated, then you can find calm and not lose a sense of your own integrity. I think the one who finishes to the end wins. consumed only by the desire to win. The most important thing is to have the mindset for absolute victory. If you are afraid, you will definitely lose. It’s the same in breaking: if you strike, imagining that you will break, then you will definitely break. In competitions, you can’t allow yourself to worry and think that you will lose. When I won the 26th All Japan Championship, everyone said that I was surrounded by an energetic aura. I entered this championship with a great desire to win at all costs and had to fight with faith in myself. It is the attitude that is most important. If you have a fighting spirit, then even if you get injured, you will win, because losing is truly worthy of regret. As for the 1995 All-Japan Championship, I entered it injured; during the filming of the film, I twisted my right leg. While protecting it, I also dislocated my left one, so before the championship I could not run at all. So I took to cycling instead of running, but my general condition was not the best as my injured legs and wrists were causing me a lot of pain. When I won the 21st All Japan Championship, I broke my leg in the very first fight. Putting on a hard bandage, I continued my performance, and in the decisive battle with the thought "It will break, well, to hell with it!" struck blows with this foot, after each of which the pain pierced the whole body from the heels to the top of the head. Although my wrists also hurt, I used my hands to beat without thinking about the consequences. They said that at the 21st Championship I literally radiated the vital energy “ki”. Feeling good does not guarantee victory. I think when you get injured, on the contrary, you become more collected. I was probably as scary as a wounded lion. During the test of hyakunin-kumite, my health was again not satisfactory. About a couple of weeks before, I took a preliminary test of 50 continuous fights, during which I pulled a ligament in my right knee. Even squatting slightly to stand up was painful, and although on the day of Hyakunin Kumite I could already walk normally, when I tried to kick, it was immediately pierced by a sharp pain. I entered the Hyakunin Kumite with a bandage on my knee, both ankles and my wrist, which was also injured. After the 30th opponent, apparently due to the bandages interfering with normal blood circulation, I began to experience cramps in the biceps of my right thigh. During the break, they removed the bandages and massaged my leg, but then the cramps resumed. It continued until the very end and I felt like I was fighting in a swimming pool filled with water. I was going to hold out until the last minute. It hurt everywhere: arms, legs, and all the organs inside. I didn't care what happened to my arms and legs. I fought with the thought that I might even die on the spot. The diagnosis that I was given at the end was this: acute renal failure due to numerous blows throughout the body. And indeed, I think that in such a state it would not be at all surprising if I died if I made even one mistake. But the 100-fight challenge gave me self-confidence: I felt that I could do anything, in any conditions."

Hyakunin-kumite became the peak in Kyokushinkai, to which, in theory, every follower of the school should strive. The softened versions of the test that appeared later (50 battles, 30, etc.) allowed a flexible approach to assessing the individual capabilities of each student, but reduced the value of the test as some kind of absolute limit.