The Origin of Martial Arts

On the origin of Karate, a martial art unique to the Orient, there are divergent opinions and none is conclusive. Karate became widely known during the Meiji era. The most popular belief is that Daruma came from the Brahman tribe in south India, where he studied Zen. Daruma was known as Bodhidharma in India, Da Mo in China, and Daruma in Japan. He traveled to China because he felt the people of India did not take his teachings seriously enough. Around 500 AD, Daruma arrived in China and gave private instruction to the emperor before moving north, where he taught three disciples — Donrin, Doiku, and Keika — who carried on his teachings through Shorinji Kempo.

In time, Daruma's teachings, which took root in China, reached Okinawa shortly after the Kamakura era (1191–1230). Many people believe Karate was founded in China and then brought to Japan. In fact, Okinawa already had its own kempo, called Kamiai-jutsu, Bushi-de, or simply te — a word meaning not "hand" but "technique" or "art." The word "Karate" was not used until 1901, in Okinawa, and Japan did not adopt the term until 1937.

For more on this history, see Mas Oyama's book What is Karate (1957 edition).

The American Kyokushin Story

In the early 1950s, few people believed a martial art style would succeed, much less become a way of life. One who believed was our founder, Sosai Mas Oyama. Not only the head instructor of Kyokushin, Sosai was a dedicated student as well — studying every move thoroughly, testing techniques against opponents, incorporating what worked and discarding what did not. He preserved the traditional katas he had learned through his studies, recognizing their essential role in martial arts development.

During his studies, Sosai Mas Oyama heard of a Judo man in the United States who had great strength and fighting skill: Don Buck. Don Buck had likewise heard of Sosai. When the two met, they trained together for hours. Don Buck became both Sosai's friend and student, and was promoted to 4th Dan on September 8, 1960.

In September 1989, Sosai Mas Oyama appointed Don Buck as Chairman of the United States Region of the International Karate Organization of the Kyokushin. In September 1992, Sosai appointed Don Buck's son Fred as a branch chief. Despite Sosai's passing in 1994, the Kyokushin style continues to grow through the Buck family and the many black belts they have promoted and trained across the United States and abroad.

Aiki Jujitsu

Aiki Jujitsu is a traditional Japanese martial art and the forefather of modern aiki styles such as Aikido, Judo, and Hapkido. Rather than meeting force with force, students learn circular motion and redirection of an attacker's energy, neutralizing size and strength advantages. Techniques include striking, blocks, throws, joint locks, chokes, nerve attacks, and more.

Different Spellings of Jujitsu

The art appears under many spellings — Jiu Jitsu, Ju Jitsu, Jujitsu, Jiu Jutsu, Jujutsu — all referring to the same root tradition, though schools may differ in principles or techniques.

The Meaning of Jujitsu

The word combines two Japanese characters: Ju (soft, gentle, pliant, flexible, yielding) and Jitsu (art) — giving us "The Gentle Art." The principle of Ju teaches us not to rely solely on force, but to use reason, control emotions, and redirect energy. The samurai practiced Jujitsu to protect themselves when unable to use their swords. The greatest challenge of this art is determining how much force is appropriate — sometimes restraint is wiser than harm.

Zen Budokai

Zen Budokai is an integrated multidisciplinary martial arts system created by Dr. Duke Moore. It combines techniques from Judo, Aiki-Jujitsu, several forms of Karate (Shorin-ji, Shotokan, Kyokushinkai), and Aikido, along with elements of boxing and wrestling. Throwing, restraint, blocking, and counter-striking methods are drawn from each of these styles. The name Zen Budokai — literally "martial arts society" — reflects Dr. Moore's philosophy.

The Origin of Kung Fu

Kung Fu originates in China, with a history predating many civilizations, believed to have begun around 500 AD. A "soft" style of fighting — not to be mistaken for weak — Kung Fu is known for deep stances and flowing movements. There are over 1,000 styles, many based on the movements of animals and insects. Monks studied these creatures to understand how they defended themselves, then combined those observations with boxing and wrestling to develop their art. Religion was a vital foundation, and monks trained diligently for years in temples to strengthen both body and mind, perfecting internal and external arts such as Hung Gar, Wushu, and Chi Gong.

Don Buck believed a martial artist needed balance in life — training to protect oneself, but also developing the ability to help others. This is why he sent students to Hong Kong to study Naturopathy, Chi Gong, and Acupuncture alongside their martial arts training.