Kyokushin connects: Our third trip to Japan in a row – Culture, Karate, and deep gratitude
A field report from the perspective of Shinzen Dojo Berlin
It is a special moment when karate becomes more than just a martial art – when it becomes a bridge between cultures, people, and generations.
Senpai Son und Yusuf, Vertreter des Shinzen Dojo Berlin, waren 2025 zum dritten Mal in Folge in Japan, um genau diese Verbindung zu leben: Kyokushin in seiner reinsten Form.
Why Japan?
Japan is not just the country of origin of karate – it is the heart of Kyokushin.
Every trip there is a return to the roots, a deep immersion into the spirit of Budo as taught by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin:
„Ein wahrer Krieger ist nicht derjenige, der gewinnt – sondern derjenige, der nie aufgibt.“ — Sosai Mas Oyama
Kamakura – Where Zen, Samurai, and Kyokushin meet
The highlight of this year did not begin in the dojo – but in the historic city of Kamakura, a spiritual center of Japan.
A gift full of respect and generosity
Shihan Shigeo Niitsu, representative of Tokyo Hachioji, organized a full day of cultural depth for Senpai Son and Yusuf:
- Visit to traditional temple complexes
- Sharing a meal with typical Japanese cuisine
- Open discussions about karate, life, and spirit
And the special thing: Shihan Niitsu covered all costs himself.
This gesture shows what true karate hospitality means.
„Nicht Technik entscheidet über Größe, sondern Herz und Haltung.“ — inspiriert durch japanische Budo-Philosophy
The JKJO All Kanto Tournament – Karate at the highest level
The very next day, Senpai Son and Yusuf were spontaneously invited to the JKJO All Kanto Karatedo Tournament – one of the largest full-contact tournaments in the region.
Over 500 participants – and incredible up-and-coming talent
What they experienced there was impressive:
- Children from 6 years old with explosive techniques
- Highest discipline and respect in every encounter
- Fighting spirit as only known from Japan
Senpai Son accompanied the event as:
- A spectator with an open heart
- A photographer and videographer with an eye for the essential
- A Kyokushin representative with pride and humility
“Karate is not a game – it is a path. And every step on this path is a step towards oneself.” — Sosai Mas Oyama
Hachioji calls – Training with Shihan Niitsu
The next highlight is coming up on Friday:
Joint training in Hachioji at the dojo of Shihan Niitsu.
We are looking forward to it!
Interim conclusion – What remains of this trip?
For Shinzen Dojo Berlin, it is certain:
This trip was not a tourist venture – it was a spiritual and human enrichment.
Three key findings:
- Culture connects when respect and curiosity meet
- Karate lives when practiced with heart, discipline, and humility
- Kyokushin grows when people carry it together across borders
OSU from Japan – with gratitude in our hearts
We thank Shihan Niitsu for his generosity, inspiration, and his living example of what it means to be a Karateka.
Our appreciation also goes to all the fighters and teachers we were able to meet on this trip.
We return to Berlin with new strength, a fresh spirit, and the deep conviction:
Kyokushin is more than karate. It is a school of life.
OSU and see you soon at the dojo!
