Musings: Hyakunin Kumite – The Ultimate Challenge of Kyokushin Karate

Perhaps the most unique challenge in all of Karate is Kyokushin Karate’s Hyakunin Kumite or 100-man Kumite Challenge. Devised by Kyokushin Karate founder, Mas Oyama, the challenge is the ultimate mental and physical challenge, designed to test one’s spirit. Kenji Yamaki described the challenge as a transformative experience. Howard Collins said it was the hardest …

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Guusje van Mourik

The Dutch as a nation are well known for producing great footballers and Thai and Kickboxing champions. However, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Guusje van Mourik was a true superstar of European and World Karate. Described as a “phenomenon”. She was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for winning the most Karate …

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Wayne Otto

Our fight to become Olympians will never stop Wayne Otto The name Wayne Otto is synonymous with tournament success. Otto is one of the most successful fighters to come out of Britain. He has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as having won the most Karate championship medals for a male competitor. Nicknamed the …

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George Best

I enjoy the mechanics of Kata. George Best George Best, not to be confused with the great Northern Irish footballer, is one of the most talented and successful kumite competitors of his generation. Blessed with speed, power and natural athletic ability, Best was known for his fast kicking techniques and the timing of his reverse …

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Kuniaki Sakagami

To me kata is very important, I know some people ignore or don’t even practice kata, but I do not think this is the right way, because kata teaches you speed, balance, and coordination. Kuniaki Sakagami Known as a top instructor, Kuniaki Sakagami was born in Toyohashi, Japan in 1944. Sakagami began learning Wado–ryu Karate …

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Hajime Kazumi

…. I started to think about the significance of Karate. I wanted to know what is Karate really. I began to question what I was doing; the way I was approaching this martial art. I now think that Karate is all about kata.  Hajime Kazumi Known for his devastating low kicks, Hajime Kazumi, was one …

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Frank Nowak

Quick gains create a big bright flush –and then burn-out in a short time. After that there is nothing to look forward to –just an empty shell – and the person will give up practice. But the practitioner whois properly guided and who works long, hard and steadily, – who looks deeply into the philosophy …

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Christophe Pinna

I’m not seeking to prove anything, I just want to be true to myself. Christophe Pinn Frenchman Christophe Pinna was one of the best competitors of his generation. Famed for his dynamic kicking ability, he won multiple titles at European and World level. A remarkable competitor he has returned to active competition, trying to pursue …

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Andy Hug

Know yourself, keep yourself under control, understand yourself, steel yourself, place cleanse your mind and keep your body fit. Andy Hug Known as the “Blue-Eyed Samurai“, Swiss karateka Andy Hug was one of the most successful European Kyokushin fighters of his generation. Fighting at heavyweight, he was much smaller than many of the opponents he …

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Hiroo Mochizuki

It is not my role to give advice, but if I had to do it I would say that is good to try to broaden your vision on a technical and mental level. Break the shell, do not remain partitioned. Watching only is useless. Hiroo Mochizuki Hiroo Mochizuki was the first Japanese instructor to teach …

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