Masutatsu Ōyama, known as Mas Oyama, was born as Yong I-Choi on July 27, 1923, in a village near Gunsan, South Korea. He moved to Japan in his teenage years, where he began his martial arts training. Mas Oyama studied various forms of karate, including Shotokan and Goju-ryu, and became known for his exceptional strength and skill.

In 1950, Oyama began developing his own karate style, which emphasized full-contact sparring and rigorous traditional karate training through intense physical and mental discipline. This led to the creation of Kyokushin Karate, officially established in 1953 with the opening of his first dojo in Mejiro, Tokyo. The name "Kyokushin" translates to "Ultimate Truth," reflecting Mas Oyama's vision for the martial art as a path to self-discovery and self mastery. Kyokushin Karate quickly gained a reputation for its rigorous training and emphasis on real combat effectiveness. Mas Oyama's legacy and contribution to the world of martial arts continues today, with Kyokushin being one of the most widely practiced karate styles in the world.

Among his most trusted students were Shigeru Oyama and Yasuhiko Oyama, often referred to as the "Oyama Brothers". Recognizing their skill and dedication, Mas Oyama sent them to the United States to help establish and teach Kyokushin Karate in the West. 

In 1965, Mas Oyama sent his chief instructor, Soshu Shigeru Oyama, from Tokyo international headquarters to New York to spread Kyokushin Karate worldwide. Then in 1972 Mas Oyama sent another of his Kyokushin chief instructors from Tokyo, Soshi Saiko Shihan Yasuhiko Oyama, to Birmingham, Alabama to continue to expand the growth of the Kyokushin style in the United States.

Soshu Shigeru Oyama established one of the first Kyokushin dojos in New York City, which quickly became a hub for many martial artists and a center for Kyokushin training in America. Shigeru Oyama's teaching style was characterized by its rigorous, no-nonsense approach, emphasizing the full-contact, physical aspects of Kyokushin, which attracted a dedicated following of students. Yasuhiko Oyama joined his brother in the United States and contributed significantly to the expansion of Kyokushin Karate in America, particular in the southern part of the United States. Together, the Oyama brothers became well-known figures in the martial arts community, not only for their teaching but also for their participation in demonstrations and tournaments that showcased the effectiveness and power of Kyokushin. Their influence helped establish Kyokushin as a respected martial art in the U.S., with numerous dojos opening under their guidance.

The Oyama brothers' legacy in America is marked by their contributions to the growth of Kyokushin Karate and the martial arts community as a whole. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to the fundamental principles of karate helped establish a lasting presence for Kyokushin and its various interpretations in the United States.Today, their influence can be seen in the many dojos, students, and instructors who continue to practice and teach the martial arts that the Oyama brothers helped introduce to the Western world.

FOUNDERS

In 1985, after years of teaching and practicing Kyokushin Karate, Shigeru Oyama and Yasuhiko Oyama founded World Oyama Karate Organization as an independent organization.  The World Oyama Karate Organization experienced astounding growth in the following years. Over 150 official World Oyama Karate dojos were established in 19 countries by the 1990’s such as Japan, Mexico, Saudia Arabia, Greece, and Canada. An uncompromising dedication to teaching excellence and a well-founded reputation for coaching some of the best international full-contact Karate champions has made World Oyama Karate a phenomenal success in the world of Martial Arts.

Soshi - Saiko Shihan Yasuhiko Oyama is Founder of the World Oyama Karate Organization and Director of the World Oyama Karate Organization. He holds the 9th degree Black Belt (Ku Dan) and is a former All-Japan Full-Contact Champion.

Soshi – Saiko Shihan Oyama is a highly respected author and video producer. He has written several best selling books, is a regular contributor to martial arts magazines, and has also produced many best selling video tapes covering all aspects of Karate.

Soshi – Saiko Shihan Oyama is known throughout the world of martial arts for his expertise as a tactician, and for his superb demonstrations with various weapons, as well as for his masterful teaching skills and electrifying teaching style. His teaching clinics, which are held throughout the world – in Asia, Europe and the Americas – have drawn thousands of participants.

With over 50 years of Karate instruction, Soshi – Saiko Shihan Oyama has taught students ranged from beginners of all ages to world-class tournament fighters. He has coached many world class international champions in the sport of full-contact, knockdown Karate.

Soshu Shigeru Oyama [July 7, 1956 - February 14, 2016] was a 10th Dan Black Belt (Ju Dan) with over fifty years of martial arts experience and Founder of World Oyama Karate. He was globally recognized and considered a Supreme Grand Master by knowledgeable practitioners worldwide. In addition to serving as a leader of World Oyama Karate and carrying a full load of teaching responsibilities, Soshu Oyama also served as the Executive Committee Chairman of the World Oyama Karate Organization and traveled frequently in the U.S. and abroad to conduct master classes and attend tournaments.

Richard Bernard, a representative for Kyokushin in New York, requested a Japanese instructor, and Mas Oyama hand selected Soshu Shigeru Oyama. Over the years, Soshu Oyama greatly contributed to establishing Kyokushin as one of the preeminent karate styles practiced across the globe. 

After dedicating five decades to teach and popularize a more modernized, practical system of karate to students around the world, Shigeru Oyama died on February 14, 2016.

His organization World Oyama Karate is currently headed by his younger brother, Yasuhiko Oyama, who operates out of Birmingham, Alabama.

WORLD OYAMA KARATE ORGANIZATION

SOSHU

SHIGERU OYAMA

SOSHI SAIKO

SHIHAN YASUHIKO OYAMA

THE "OYAMA BROTHERS" THROUGH THE YEARS

See below highlighting the contributions of Soshu Shigeru Oyama and Saiko Shihan Yasuhiko Oyama over the years.