KYOKUSHIN KARATE
Kyokushin, in Japanese means "Ultimate Truth". The name was selected by our founder, Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama to describe the pinnacle of martial arts training; not an end result, but a never ending path to the point where dedication, perseverance and sweat meets strength, humility and wisdom.The original International Karate Organization (IKO) and the Kyokushin-kan follow the true Karate way of building character, and training the mind and body to contribute to society, based on Sosai Oyama's Kyokushin spirit:"Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (serenity); base yourself on filial piety and benefit others."The Kyokushin Karate-do federation Kyokushin-kan was established on January 13 2003, following the wishes of the late Sosai Oyama. As a martial art, we pursue karate by revising kihon(basics), kata(pattern), and buki(weapons) of karate. In our trainings, we emphasize on courtesy that modern Japanese are losing.
Sosai Mas Oyama
大山倍達総裁
Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, 10th Dan, was the founder of the Kyokushin system of martial arts. After studying several martial arts styles, Mas Oyama found that none offered what he felt was the 'true' way. He began practicing alone, and developed his own training, fighting methods and philosophy. Because Mas Oyama's technique was so powerful and realistic, he gained widespread recognition in Japan, and soon a huge following of would-be students around the world wanting to follow what they coined as "The Strongest Karate". Mas Oyama named his system, Kyokushin, which translates to "The Ultimate Truth", and his legacy began. The International Karate Organization (IKO) Kyokushin Kaikan was established in 1964, and has evolved into a global network of karate practitioners numbering over 12 millions in 125 countries. Sosai Oyama is credited as originating the "full-contact" style of karate. Since it's inception, Kyokushin has directly spawned thousands of martial arts champions. Indeed full-contact knockdown fighters of today can trace their current methodology in some way to the success of Kyokushin. Sosai Oyama passed away in April 1994 in Tokyo, Japan.
Kaicho
Hatsuo Royama
盧山初雄会長
Hatsuo Royama, 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan. Born March 31, 1948 in Yago, Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture. He entered the Oyama Dojo in Ikebukuro Japan in the fall of his first year of high school. Overcoming numerous challenges, he won the "5th All Japan Karatedo Championships" in 1973 and took a step forward as a true karate practitioner and martial artist. In April 1980, he opened a dojo in Saitama prefecture. On the other hand, he strives for his own training in search of true strength. In April 1994, Sosai Mas Oyama passed away unexpectedly. Under the new leadership, he was appointed as the chief advisor and chief instructor of Kyokushin Kaikan. In December 2002, in order to pursue true martial arts karate following the wishes of Sosai Mas Oyama, Kancho Royama established a new organization and became the director of the Kyokushin-kan International. In April of 2022, Kancho Royama retired from the day-to-day activities of Kyokushin-kan and was named the Kaicho of Kyokushin-kan.
Kancho
Hiroto Okazaki
岡崎寛人館長
Hiroto Okazaki, 9th Dan Hanshi Shihan, was born in April of 1961 in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. He recieved training from Royama Kaicho since the time he was in Saitama Branch and after learning the essense of Royama’s karate, he founded Kyokushinkaikan’s Fukushima Branch.
At Kyokushinkaikan, he was then appointed as the Chairman of the Kata Competition Committee and worked hard to establish the Kata competition while at the same time unify the movements and teaching methods for Kyokushinkaikan’s Katas. Furthermore, with the permission of then Shihan Royama, he studied under Shiokawa Hosho Sensei, a leading figure in Japanese Kobudo, and began to study the various traditional Japanese Kobudo, starting with Iaido.
In 2003, he joined then Shihan Royama’s newly established organization, Kyokushinkan as Deputy Honbu Chief, and Chairman of the Technical Committee, becoming a central figure in technical guidance. During this year, Shihan Okazaki also succeeded Shiokawa Hosho Sensei as the 16th Mugai-ryū Iai Hyōdō Sōke and became the Chairman of the Mugai-ryū Iai Hyōdō Federation.
In March 2022, he retired as a junior high school teacher after working for many years, and was officially appointed by President Umeda of the Kyokushin Scholarship Foundation as the second Kancho of Kyokushinkan on the 17th of April 2022.
Shihan
Tom Callahan, Kyokushin Kan-USA Chairman
Shihan Callahan has been involved in the martial arts since 1972 starting at Mattson Academy’s Uechi-Ryu Karate in Boston. Shihan studied for 4 years in Uechi-Ryu under Shihan Al Wharton, before turning his attention to boxing, where he trained for 2 years. He returned to the martial arts in college where he trained and taught with the martial arts college club. Shihan took a break from training as he built his career in the music business and returned to training in mid 90’s in Kyokushinkai Karate Under IKO-1 Matsui group..Shihan moved over to Kyokushin-Kan Organization in 2008 and holds the rank of Rokudan (6th dan), the honorific title bestowed by Kaicho Royama of “Renshi Shihan”. He is also the Vice-Chairman “All-Americas” & International Committee Secretary. Shihan Callahan continues to supplement his training in Krav Maga/Israeili ju-jitsu, with Sensei Roy Elghanayan and in Jukkendo with Kaicho Nori Bunasawa when time permits. Shihan Callahan believes we should always be learning and expanding our own training to pass on our knowledge and skill to the next generation.
Sensei
Yuka (Sophia) Miyamoto, Branch Chief
宮本裕嘉 支部長
Sophia Miyamoto Sensei serves as both the chief instructor and founder of Mizukagami Dojo. Born as Yuka Miyamoto, also known as Kayu Lui, in Hong Kong to an immigrant family, she boasts a unique Japanese/Chinese heritage. Her journey into the realm of Japanese Budo commenced at a tender age, beginning her training at just 10 years old.
Upon relocating to the United States, Sophia Sensei furthered her commitment to service by joining the US Army and subsequently served as a Police Officer in the St. Louis County Police Department. The inception of Mizukagami Dojo in 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri, was driven by Sophia Sensei's recognition of a void in full-contact Karate schools in the region.
In 2021, recognizing her dedication and skill, Sophia Sensei received an invitation to join Kyokushin-kan as a Branch Chief. This appointment enables her to advance the vision set forth by Sosai Oyama, Kaicho Royama, and Kancho Okazaki, all under the guidance of Tom Callahan Shihan. Currently holding the esteemed rank of San Dan (3rd Dan) Black belt in Kyokushin-kan Karate, Sophia Sensei's expertise extends beyond the realms of traditional martial arts.
In addition to her role in Karate, she is a certified Yoga Instructor, a practitioner of Muay Thai, and a formidable powerlifter and bodybuilder. Sophia Miyamoto Sensei exemplifies versatility, embodying a holistic approach to physical fitness and martial arts, making her a multifaceted and inspiring figure within the martial arts community.
Training Philosophy
At Mizukagami Dojo, our commitment extends beyond mere physical prowess – we strive to foster the holistic development of martial artists, nurturing their body, mind, and spirit. Our mission transcends the creation of formidable fighters; we aim to mold individuals with a profound sense of self-discipline, self-respect, and unshakable confidence.
The essence of our training philosophy lies in the principle: train in full-contact karate not just for the mat, but for life itself. Our meticulously crafted classes concentrate on three fundamental aspects: Kihons (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring), laying the foundation for a comprehensive martial arts education.
In tandem with Kihons, Kata, and Kumite, we place a strong emphasis on enhancing athleticism through rigorous mind and body conditioning. Expect each class to be a dynamic and challenging experience, tailored to push you toward your physical and mental goals. While individual needs are considered, be prepared for a workout that demands dedication, sweat, and the potential for bruises—a testament to the transformative power of our training regimen.
Within our dojo, we embrace full-contact fighting, utilizing light pads for conditioning during training and practicing functional self-defense techniques. Our commitment is simple: if it doesn't work, we won't teach it. Whether your aim is to achieve a robust workout, build strength, or train as a fighter, our classes are designed to unveil your latent potential.
Karate emerges as the epitome of fitness for adults, offering a myriad of benefits that extend beyond physical conditioning:
1. **Total Body Workout:** Karate stands as a high-aerobic exercise engaging every muscle group, enhancing stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, balance, and strength.
2. **Stress Relief:** Kick, punch, and scream away stress—an ageless practice that not only serves as a physical release but also carries ancient calming effects.
3. **Weight Management:** Karate's total-body nature burns calories effectively, regulating natural eating signals and diminishing food cravings.
4. **Self-Defense Skills:** Uniquely, Karate not only transforms your physical fitness but imparts life-saving self-defense skills, making it a practical and empowering form of exercise.
5. **Improved Self-Confidence:** Goal setting, positive encouragement, and adherence to core values inherent in Kyokushin Karate programs contribute to heightened self-confidence. Feel at ease in any situation, whether facing danger or pushing beyond your comfort zone.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment at Mizukagami Dojo, where the art of Kyokushin Karate becomes a catalyst for profound personal transformation.
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