About Kyokushin
The Strongest Karate
極真 — The Ultimate Truth
History
Founded by Mas Oyama
Kyokushin (極真) is a style of stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Masutatsu Oyama (大山倍達). Born in Korea in 1923, Oyama moved to Japan and dedicated his life to the martial arts, training under Gichin Funakoshi (the founder of Shotokan karate) and Nei-Chu So (a Korean master of Goju-ryu).
Oyama is legendary for his extreme training methods — including a 14-month solitary retreat on Mount Kiyosumi — and for fighting and killing bulls with his bare hands to demonstrate the power of Kyokushin. He founded the International Karate Organization (IKO) in 1964, and Kyokushin grew to become one of the largest martial arts organisations in the world, with over 12 million practitioners across more than 120 countries.
Kyokushin is Japanese for 'the ultimate truth', developed from the determination of the pursuit of ultimate truth of mind, technique, and body. It is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline, and hard training.
極真
Kyokushin
"The Ultimate Truth" — a philosophy of relentless self-improvement through hard training, discipline, and respect.
1964
Founded
120+
Countries
12M+
Practitioners
IKO
Organisation
Philosophy
Osu No Seishin
The spirit of Osu (OSU!) is the foundation of Kyokushin. It represents perseverance under pressure — the willingness to push through pain, fatigue, and adversity to reach one's true potential.
忍
Nin
Perseverance
To endure hardship and push beyond your limits. The spirit of never giving up, no matter the obstacle.
礼
Rei
Respect
Respect for your instructors, training partners, and the dojo. Bowing is not submission — it is acknowledgement of shared effort.
誠
Makoto
Sincerity
Train with honesty and genuine effort. There are no shortcuts in Kyokushin — only hard work and dedication.
自
Ji
Self-Improvement
Kyokushin is a lifelong journey. Every class is an opportunity to become stronger, more disciplined, and more focused.
Training
What to Expect
Kyokushin training is physically demanding and technically rigorous. Classes typically include warm-up exercises, kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Full-contact sparring — without gloves, to the body and legs — is a hallmark of Kyokushin and sets it apart from many other karate styles.
Beginners are always welcome. You do not need any prior martial arts experience to start. Our instructors will guide you through the fundamentals at your own pace, building your fitness, technique, and confidence over time.
At Kyokushin Karate Gold Coast North, we train in a welcoming, disciplined environment open to people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are looking to get fit, learn self-defence, or compete — Kyokushin has something to offer you.
Grading System
The Belt System
Kyokushin uses a coloured belt system to mark a student's progress. Advancement requires demonstrated technical ability, fitness, and spirit — tested through formal grading examinations.
Black Belt — Dan Grades
Ready to Train?
Come down to Helensvale Community Centre and see what Kyokushin is all about. All ages and skill levels welcome.