The Kyokushin Way: Mas Oyama's Karate Philosophy

by Masutatsu Oyama

English, Japanese (translation)

Genres: Martial Arts, Biography

112 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1979

About the author

Masutatsu Oyama (大山 倍達 Ōyama Masutatsu, July 27th, 1923 – April 26, 1994), more commonly known as Mas Oyama, was a karate master who founded Kyokushinkai Karate, considered the first and most influential style of full contact karate. He was born Choi Yeong-eui (Korean: 최영의 in Korea, Hanja: 崔永宜). A Zainichi Korean, he spent most of his life living in Japan and acquired Japanese citizenship in 1964. He is an alumnus of Waseda University in Japan.

Reviews

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The correct title of this book is "The Kyokushin Way, Mas. Oyama's Karate Philosophy' and it was published in 1979 not 1980!

[Raven, · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've taught Ninjutsu, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai Chi for decades and read way too many books on the martial arts, and this one remains a favorite of mine. True martial arts has always been more about self-discipline than kicks, more about navigating life than practicing punches, and more about developing a peaceful character than a powerful punch. This book covers family, relationships, and the patterns of life in such an impressive way. Mas Oyama clearly had a deep understanding of history and shares historical points throughout this book. I've heard his book, "This Is Karate," was originally 600 pages and it was reduced by the publisher down to 300. Did they remove this kind of writing? A shame if they did. I hope one day my own writing is as rich as Oyama's. Regardless, I am proud to display this work in my bookcase. Osu.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Matthew Gibb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare book now and it chronicles the masters period of isolation, where he lived in the woods and meditated under icy waterfalls and punched trees. A modern day warrior.

[Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I haven't finished it yet, it has some good advice and hits on some good ideas to which I more or less already subscribe. A couple of warnings, however, for would-be readers:

(1) The book is not very long, so if you see a cost attached to it that is more than any other short (hundred and twelve page) hardback books, I suggest you get a library to borrow it from another library.

(2) There are a number of typographical errors, which can be annoying for some people to read.

(3) He repeats himself often (also annoying in a book of already diminished length).

(4) In some places his tone is very superior, and he has lots of negative things to say about "young people these days", homosexuals, and other such "hoodlums".

Otherwise, it does seem like a decent quick read if you are at all interested in Karate, martial arts philosophy, or a justification for fighting in a modern world. Enjoy!

[Da House · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this very inspiring when I read this as a teenager studying Taekwondo, but as an adult, while I can still learn from this great practitioner of Karate, it's sad to see a man who can't come to grips with the lies fed to the Japanese people prior to and during WWII. He seems to be in total denial, or perhaps ignorance, of the reasons for Japan's involvement in the war. True, the book is not about WWII, but it is a backdrop that had a significant influence on his philosophy of life.

I'm not saying don't read the book, but what I am saying is know this is a man who could't come to grips with some of the profound events in his life and in the history of Japan. It just proves that you can be great at what you do, and even one of the best, which I judge him to be, and still be in denial of some basic truths of life.

If you really want to understand what "old school" mentality is, read it from a man who lived it. Few people made of the metal Oyama was are around today.

[Guillermo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book by one of the last great martial arts masters. The book is focused in the great values that allow a man to carry himself with honor. A great formative book that, no matter the times, will always ignite a postive change in people's spirit.

[Marianne Staveley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another senitmental favorite. My sensei gave this to me years ago, autographed by Bobby Lowe.

[Danilo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Très bon livre sur la philo du Kyokushin, mais très mal traduit en français.

[Elchin]

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