KYOKUSHIN KARATE

KYOKUSHIN INTERNATIONAL KARATE FEDERATION NAKAMURA

Sosui Makoto Nakamura
The Kyokushin Karate School of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is affiliated with the federation of Karate International Nakamura. The honbu (head office) is located in Kobe, Japan.

Nakamura Dojo, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura, Son of Makoto Nakamura, he travels around the world to spread the teachings of traditional Kyokushin karate. His mission is to promote Kyokushin karate by conducting seminars in the dojos that are members of the organization, which encompasses 17 countries.

Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura during the Kyokushin karate seminar at Collège Trinité in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville on October 27, 2018.

Autograph session with Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura, during his last trip to Quebec.

The tradition of

Kyokushin Karate

The Kanji

The Kanji is universally displayed on the dogi of Kyokushin practitioners. It must be understood that the path of Kyokushin is the pursuit of ultimate truth.

The Kanku

The Kanku is the symbol representing the Kyokushinkai style of karate. It comes from the kata of the same name, which means “to contemplate the sky.”

IKO Nakamura

Here is the Kanku used by the Kyokushin International Nakamura Karate Federation. A fist and the universal symbol have been added to the center.

The prerequisites

for belt promotions

At that time, there was no color system for rank advancements, commonly referred to as belt promotions. It is said that over time, the perseverance of the karateka in training caused the white belt to become darker with wear. This is how students of a more advanced level could be distinguished. Of course, washing the belt was forbidden.

After several years of hard work and effort in karate, the student could achieve the rank of black belt by passing a rigorous examination. Subsequently, the karateka could wash their belt, which would return to white. This represents a symbolic return to the initial origins, a new beginning, a new purity, with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of karate. This is why it is said that karate begins at the level of the black belt.

Later on, the colored belt ranks replaced the old system of the soiled white belt. A distinct belt color was assigned to each level, corresponding to the rank achieved.

The required katas

by belt level.

White to Orange

Taikyoku First Level
Taikyoku Second Level
Sokugi First Level
…..
…..

Orange to Blue

Taikyoku First Level Ura
Taikyoku Second Level Ura
Taikyoku Third Level
Pinan First Level
Sokugi Second Level

Blue to Yellow

Taikyoku Sono San Ura
Pinan Sono Ichi Ura
Pinan Sono Ni
Sokugi Sono San

Yellow to Green

Pinan Second Level Ura
Pinan Third Level
Pinan Fourth Level
Sanchin Kata
Basic Bo Kata First Level
……

Green to Brown

Pinan Sono Go
Pinan Sono Son Ura
Pinan Sono Yon Ura
Happo-no Kuzushi
(the first 8 counts)
Tonfa no Kata

Brown to Shodan

Pinan Sono Go Ura
Gekisai Dai
Gekisai Sho
Teki Sono Ichi
Bassai Dai
Happo-no Kuzushi
(the first 16 counts)

Shodan to Nidan

Tsuki No Kata
Yantsu
Tensho
Saiha (Saifa)
Tekki sono ni
Scion Bô
Happo-no kuzushi (the 32 counts)

Nidan to Sandan

Seienchin
Seipai
Kanku
Ushiro Bo
Tekki Third Level
——
………

Sandan to Yondan

Taizen kata (Bo)
Sokei
Garyu
Sushiho
——
——
……..

* Shodan: Black Belt 1st Dan * Nidan: Black Belt 2nd Dan * Sandan: Black Belt 3rd Dan * Yondan: Black Belt 4th Dan

Interpretation

Kyokushin belt colors

WHITE
Purity and potential: White symbolizes potential and purity. The new karateka is pure because they have no experience and are completely unaware of the demands of this art.

ORANGE
Stability. The element of earth, which signifies that training should focus on stability.

BLUE
Fluidity and adaptation: The element of Water, which signifies that the karateka develops the ability to adapt and react with fluidity.

YELLOW
Affirmation: The element of Fire. Focus on the Hara and feel the energy flowing from this center.

GREEN
Emotionality and sensitivity: The element is Air and is connected to the heart. In the dojo, the green belt focuses particularly on breathing techniques.

BROWN
Creativity and practice: At this level, the karateka will develop their own combinations. The karateka should be strong and very comfortable in executing all techniques.

BLACK (SHODAN)
The black belt is the most significant in a karateka’s life. Black is a strong color, as it encompasses all other colors. A black belt who trains extensively will see their belt wear down and eventually turn white again. The circle is complete.

Name and meaning

Kyokushin katas

Taikyoku (1, 2, 3), created by Gishin Funakoshi.
The Ultimate Action.

Sokugi (1, 2, 3), created by Mas Oyama in 1980.
Kata of kicks.

Ichigai kata
Means the union of spirit and will (or a single will).

Hiji kata
Kata of attacks, especially with the elbows.

Pinan/Heian (5), Created by Anko Itosu in 1905 (trainer of Gichin Funakoshi)
Forms of peace and calm (long peace).

Sanchin no kata, Brought by Kanryo Higaonna from China to Okinawa.
Three Battles.

Gekisai sho, Created by Chojun Miyagi in 1940.
Conquer and occupy with discretion.

Gekisai Dai, Created by Chojun Miyagi in 1940
Conquer and occupy with strength.

Yantsu, created by Mas Oyama,
Maintain purity.

Tsuki no kata
Kata of punches.

Seipai
The eighteen hands (6 x 3), where 3 represents good, evil, and peace.

Tensho, created by Chojun Miyagi as a complement to Sanchin.
Reversed palm techniques.

Saiha (saifa), created by Chojun Miyagi
Maximum destruction.

Seienchin
Calm through the storm.

Garyu
Reclining dragon.
Created by Mas Oyama (Garyu was Mas Oyama’s pseudonym in his early karate days)
Develop a spirit of humility like a reclining dragon that possesses strength but chooses not to unleash it.

Kanku
Looking at the sky.
Originally Kushanku, Okinawa in 1756
Kata chosen by Gichin Funakoshi during his first karate demonstration in Japan in 1922. Kanku is the supreme kata of Kyokushin.

Sushiho
Fifty-four steps.

The Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun teaches us a clear path toward the ultimate goals of Kyokushin: working on character, sincerity, constant effort, respect for others, and self-mastery. Technique is secondary; what matters is the inner spirit that must be disciplined. By following these simple principles, the karateka begins to make progress on the Way of Kyokushin Karate.

We will train our heart and body in order to acquire a firm and unshakable spirit.

We will always pursue the true meaning of martial arts and keep our senses alert.

With vigor, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of personal deprivation.

We will respect our superiors and the rules of courtesy, and avoid all acts of violence.

We will follow our master and never forget the true virtues of humility.

Wisdom and strength: these are the only goals toward which we must strive.

Throughout our lives, thanks to the discipline of karate, we will strive to obey the demands of our path and our heart.

Such is the path of Kyokushin.

KYOKUSHIN INTERNATIONAL KARATE
CANADA DIVISION

Website of the K.I.K. federation

The federation of Kyokushin International Karate, Canada Division, currently, it includes 12 dojos in the region. At the last seminar led by Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura, on October 27, 2018, over 300 karatekas participated.

Shihan Pierre Cataford, sixth dan, is the branch chief of the Kyokushin International Karate Federation for the Canada Division. Throughout his career, he has trained with several grand masters and world champions in Kyokushin karate, such as André Gilbert, Bobby Low, Akiyoshi Matsui, Kengi Midori, Katsuhito Gorai, Royama Hatsuo, Francisco Filho, Emil Kostov, Gergana Kostova, Garry O’Neil, and Hitoshi Kiyama. With over 40 years of experience in Kyokushin karate, he has earned a solid international reputation.

The honbu (head office) for the Canada Division, is located in Boucherville, at Shihan Pierre Cataford’s Shihan Pierre Cataford dojo. We regularly have the opportunity to participate in Kyokushin karate clinics to refine techniques and standardize the teaching of Kyokushin in Canada.

The practice of kihon during the Kyokushin karate seminar with Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura and Shihan Tats Nakamura on October 27, 2018, in Saint-Bruno.

Shiihan Tats Nakamura from the Vancouver dojo.

Shihan Tats Nakamura, the international secretary of the IKO Nakamura Federation, was born in Japan in 1967. He began practicing karate at the age of 15 and achieved his black belt in 1987. Subsequently, he was appointed director of the Amagasaki dojo in Japan, and this experience served as a foundation for his teaching. In 1991, he immigrated to Canada and opened a new dojo in Vancouver in June 1992. He has been training in Kyokushin Karate for 34 years within the IKO and holds a 7th dan black belt. He shares his skills and experience with passion.

Sensei Michel at the headquarter of the Nakamura Federation during Shihan Tats Nakamura's visit.

Visit of Shihan Tats Nakamura, from the Vancouver dojo to the headquarters of the Kyokushin International Kyokushin International Karate Federation in Boucherville. By maintaining regular contact with the Japanese leaders, we have the privilege of preserving the true traditions of Kyokushin karate.

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The group of black belt karateka listening to Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura during the seminar at Collège Trinité in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

TO REGISTER OR TO BOOK A TRIAL CLASS

KYOKUSHIN KARATE STYLE

Kyokushin karate was founded in 1964 by Masutatsu Oyama, and today it is the most practiced style of karate in the world, with over twelve million karatekas across the five continents. Kyokushin karate is based on full-contact fighting. The endurance and exceptional physical fitness of practitioners of this karate style are, in fact, what set it apart.

Kyokushin Karate is considered the physically hardest, most demanding, yet also the most effective style of karate. The rapid and successive execution of techniques helps to reduce the opponent’s resistance. It consists of combat techniques, physical conditioning, and effective, realistic self-defense.

MASUTATSU OYAMA studied several styles of martial arts, including judo. He trained with Master Funakoshi, Master Yamaguchi, and Master So Nei Chu. He created a new form of karate, Kyokushin, which is a blend of Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and several other styles.

Kyokushin Nakamura Karate is present in 140 countries and has over 20 million practitioners. It is one of the most popular styles of karate.

Find out more about the history of Kyokushin karate

Sosai Oyama said: “We must constantly push the limits of our potential. We should never stop and always pursue the way of martial arts.” To accomplish this difficult task, we must always persevere and, above all, learn to be patient.

This style allows karateka to develop both their body and mind. Although it is very physical, the spiritual aspect is also very important. Without it, Kyokushin karate would be useless and lacking in foundation. It provides the student with calmness, serenity, and better self-control. In addition to reducing stress, it increases respect for oneself and for others.

First learn to know yourself, then get to know others. With practice, the karateka knows his favorite techniques as well as his own weaknesses; in combat, he needs to know his own strengths as well as those of his opponent.

Gishin Funakushi

Man’s goals must be the highest and greatest possible; and only perseverance and step-by-step progress will enable him to reach them on his own path.

Masutatsu Oyama

You who walk the path, never let your mind wander; be diligent and skillful. Whether adopting a spiritual or technical perspective, the practitioner must never allow their mind to “wander” and must be “diligent and skillful.” Many masters have illustrated this principle:

Gishin Funakushi

KARATE FEDERATION
KYOKUSHIN NAKAMURA

Sosui Makoto Nakamura The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Kyokushin karate school is affiliated with the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu federation Nakamura International Karate.
Le honbu (head office) is located in Osaka, Japan.

Nakamura Dojo, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.

Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura, son of Makoto Nakamura travels around the world to disseminate the teachings of traditional Kyokushin karate. His mission is to promote Kyokushin karate by conducting seminars in dojos that are members of the organization, which encompasses 17 countries.

Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura during the Kyokushin karate seminar at Collège Trinité in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville on October 27, 2018.

Autograph session with Daihyo Masanaga Nakamura, during his last trip to Quebec.

The tradition of