The Meaning of Kyokushinkai

Translated into English Kyoku meaning "Ultimate". Shin meaning "Truth" or "Reality". Kai meaning "Society" or "Association".

The kanji Symbol worn on the front of the gi, says "Kyokushinkai", which is the name of our Style of Karate which was founded by Sosai Mas Oyama.

Kyokushinkai Kanku The Kyokushin Kanku is derived from Kanku Kata, the Sky Gazing Form. In this kata, the hands are raised and the fingers meet to form an opening through which the sky is viewed. The top and bottom points of the Kanku represent the first fingers of each hand touching at the top and the thumbs touching at the bottom, symbolizing the peaks or ultimate points. The thick sections at the sides represent the wrists, symbolizing power. The center circle represents the opening between the hands through which the sky is viewed, symbolizing infinite depth. The whole Kanku is enclosed by a circle, symbolizing continuity and circular action.

American Kyokushinkai Logo

The American Kyokushin symbol is derived from the first Kanku that Sosai used on the first certificates. The fingers point to the sky through which the sky is viewed. The top and bottom points of the Kanku represent the first fingers of each hand. The thick sections at the sides represent the wrists, symbolizing power. The center circle is the pearl of wisdom, symbolizing infinite knowledge. The fist is the symbol of strength through knowledge, the Fighters are the symbol of protection of our knowledge.