Oyama Masutatsu
Sosai Mas Oyama
Birth name: Choi Yeong-eui | Place of birth: Gimje, Korea | Date of birth: 27 July 1923 | Date of death: 26 April 1994 | Nationality: Japanese (Korean descent) | Style: Kyokushin Karate | Rank: 10th Dan — Sosai
Masutatsu Oyama was a Korean-Japanese martial artist who founded Kyokushin Karate – a style that stands for toughness, honesty and character perfection like no other. His life's work continues to shape millions of karateka worldwide, including the Shinzen Dojo Berlin.
From a boy from Korea to a fighter
Born in 1923 as Choi Yeong-eui in Gimje, Korea, young Oyama grew up in a time marked by war and displacement. At 15, he went to Japan, where he studied Shotokan Karate under Gichin Funakoshi's students and Judo.
He realised early on: conventional karate was too theoretical for him. He sought a martial art that truly worked – with real contact, real hardness and real stance. Years later, Kyokushin was born from this search.
The path of life of Mas Oyama
Birth in Gimje (Korea) as Choi Yeong-eui
Arrival in Japan. Start of Shotokan Karate and Judo.
Victory at the first Japanese Karate championship after the Second World War.
Trip to the USA, famous bullfighting demonstrations.
Opening of the first Oyama Dojo in Tokyo.
Founding of the Kyokushin Kaikan.
Founding of the International Karate Organization (IKO).
Publication of What is Karate?.
Awarded 9th Dan.
Death in Tokyo. Legacy lives on in 120+ countries.
What Sosai Mas Oyama teaches us
Technique
Cleanliness (diligence) beats strength. Perfect technique is the result of a thousand repetitions.
Spirit
The unshakeable spirit. Those who can be focused in the Dojo can be in life as well.
Discipline
The willingness to get back on the mat every day. Patience and endurance.
Humility
True strength does not need posturing. Those who become strong learn to be silent.
The eleven mottos of Kyokushin
The martial arts path begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be sincere and truly courteous at all times.
Walking the path of martial arts is like climbing a cliff – keep climbing upwards without pausing.
Strive to take the initiative in all things, and beware of acts arising from selfish animosity.
For the martial artist, money can never replace the true justice of Budo.
The path of Budo shows itself in the righteousness of the individual, the nation and all of humanity.
Humility is the foundation of the martial arts path.
Budo is misunderstood if one only looks at the appearance and obvious actions.
Never lose the will to fight, but always remember: the true fight takes place within yourself.
For the Budoka, the beginning and the end are the same.
Strive to dedicate yourself to the path of Budo – always mindful of the seasons.
The path of martial arts rests on posture. Strive to maintain the correct posture at all times.
Words of Sosai
The highest purpose of martial arts is not victory, but the perfection of the character of the practitioner.
Those who give up easily can never defeat themselves – and that is the only defeat that matters.
A hard fist without a soft heart is not strength, but raw violence.
His Books
Mas Oyama shaped the global spread of Kyokushin not only through dojos but also through his books. His work What is Karate? (1965) is considered a standard reference.
What is Karate? (1965) · This is Karate (1965) · Advanced Karate (1966) · Vital Karate (1966) · The Kyokushin Way (1979)
Sosai Mas Oyama
Documented historical footage of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate.
More about Sosai Mas Oyama & Kyokushin
Immerse yourself in the tradition behind the Shinzen Dojo Berlin.
Follow in his footsteps.
Begin your journey in authentic Kyokushin Karate – free of charge and without obligation.
Mas Oyama at a glance
Read more
Staying fit in winter: Karate, nutrition and healthy training routines
Staying fit through the winter with Kyokushin Karate: At the Shinzen Dojo Berlin, regular exercise, a good warm-up and sufficient recovery go hand in hand. Read why dry clothes after training, a clean karate gi and well-maintained equipment are important. We also provide practical tips on broth, herbal tea with honey and a balanced diet. We explain when Vitamin C, Vitamin D or magnesium might be useful and why you should rather take a break from training if you have a cold.
Read more
IFK German Open 2026: A first competition that remains in memory Black belt
A white belt, his first tournament and straight away an experienced black belt as an opponent: For Victory Ogbonna, the IFK German Open 2026 became a special experience. In Naunhof, the 27-year-old from Shinzen Dojo Berlin competed for the first time in the Kumite +90 kg category. After regular fight time and extra time, he lost by Waza-ari, but showed fighting spirit and got back up after a hard head strike. A first competition, an important experience – and definitely not the last.
Read more
First World Zen-Kyokushin German Summer Camp 2026 at Werbellinsee
Three days of Kyokushin Karate, intensive training sessions, grading and true community: From August 28 to 30, 2026, the first World Zen-Kyokushin German Summer Camp took place at Werbellinsee. Karateka of different generations and grades trained Kihon, combinations, Kata and Kumite together. A review of a special weekend full of training, challenges and shared experiences.
Read more