Kyokushinaki Karate
Kyokushinaki translates from Japanese as the ultimate reality/truth. This style of Karate was developed by Masutatsu Oyama, a Korean who immigrated to Japan and lived there for most of his life. He lived form 1923 to 1994, and trained under several martial artist including the person responsible for the promotion of Karate in Japan, Gichin Funakoshi. He was quite well known around the world, challenging martial artists from different countries to matches (the vast majority of which he won). The training Masutatsu Oyama put himself through was mainly in the mountains, away from society.
Kyokushinaki is a purely self defence system that requires lengthy and rigorous training, much like the training its founder put himself through. Practitioners must endure several drills and conditioning exercises in demanding classes, but it is the full body contact sparring that is deemed most important.
Fighting and Sparring in Kyokunshinaki
Practitioners of Kyokushinaki are expected to participate in sparring which involves full power attacks tot the body and kicks tot he head. While the face and groin area cannot be targeted, any other area can. A bout ends when one competitor is knocked tot he ground, making this style of karate not for the faint of heart.
Breaking
Breaking blocks of wood is a common practice in Kyokushinai. Practitioners perform breaking as a way in which to measure and test their strength and power.