Losing sight of the Path (**;)

Oyama Sosai, Founder of Kyokushinkaikan

Kesshinkai and Kimura Dojo has in its heritage Kyokushinkai Karate which was founded by Masutatsu Oyama Sosai.  We were both attracted to Kyokushin Karate for its severity in training as well as the charisma of Oyama Sosai. Following his demise in 1994, Kyokushinkai has been fraught with political in-fighting, splintering upon splintering with each splinter group espousing that they were upholding the true Budo of Oyama Sosai. Sad to say, in my opinion, a bunch of malarkey. If what they is true why did they splinter? Why did they not close ranks and continue to promulgate Oyama Sosai's Kyokushinkai.

I will not bother the readers with any details of the tragic shenanigans that took place within Kyokushinkai after Sosai passed away.

Recently, word has come out that several high ranking Shihans of the European Kyokushinkai affiliated with Matsui's Kyokushin (IKO1) have broken away and is expected to join hands with another splinter group.

When will this nonsense end? It sounds irresponsible, but I am glad I am not part of it. It just doesn't make sense. Where did the path of budo disappear to?

I have made my own analysis of the situation, simple as it may be.

It is all about $$$. When an organization grows to the size of Kyokushinkai, then $$$ becomes a major focal point. It is natural as we all know its takes bucks to run any organization whether it be a profit making one or a non-profit one. It takes $$$.

World class tournaments is about $$$. Becoming a champion in a world tournament is $$$. Look at the pro sports, the amount of $$$ that a pro sport player can rake is unbelievable. It is the same with Karate.

Being a Champion insures income for the player as well as his Dojo and Organization. It is a very simple formula, students are attracted to Dojos which have famous champions.

Then things get sticky with regards to paying "Headquarters" royalty fees. After all they carry the Kyokushinkai brand name and Logo. I write this facetiously (^^), it is kinda like when a city PD has a major investigation, the PD's detectives and officers do all the leg work and suddenly when things appear to be on the right track, the Feds show up and state that it is a Fed matter, thank you but good-bye.

There are some out there that may wonder,"Hey I'm doing all the work in Europe or where evers what;s with this big chunk of royalty fees !!!!???) Human nature.

We need to rethink and look at  our Budo path. Let's begin with Oyama Sosai's 11 mottoes.

1.The Martial Arts way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.

2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.

3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.

4. Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.

5. The Martial Way is centred on posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.

6. The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.

7. In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.

8. The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.

9. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principal.

10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realised through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demand.

11. Always remember: in the Martial Arts, the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.

「頭は低く目は高く、口慎んで心広く、孝を原点として他を益す
Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (serenity); base yourself on filial piety and benefit others.
 
Let us all return to the womb.
OSU!