# Mas Oyama

> Korean-Japanese full-contact karate master, the founder of Kyokushin (1922-1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q294548](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294548)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mas_Oyama)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mas-oyama

## Summary
Mas Oyama (1922–1994) was a Korean-Japanese full-contact karate master and the founder of Kyokushin, a martial arts organization known for its aggressive, full-contact competition style. His work revolutionized karate by emphasizing physical strength and direct confrontation, shaping modern full-contact karate practices.

## Biography
- Born: 1922
- Nationality: Korean-Japanese
- Known for: Founding Kyokushin, a full-contact karate organization
- Employer(s): Kyokushin Kaikan
- Field(s): Martial arts, full-contact karate

## Contributions
Mas Oyama founded Kyokushin Kaikan, a full-contact karate organization that became a global leader in the martial arts community. His work established a distinct style of karate that prioritized physical combat and knockout victories, influencing the development of full-contact karate as a competitive discipline.

## FAQs
**What is Mas Oyama known for?**
Mas Oyama is known for founding Kyokushin Kaikan, a full-contact karate organization that revolutionized the sport by emphasizing aggressive, physical combat.

**Where did Mas Oyama work?**
Mas Oyama was affiliated with Kyokushin Kaikan, the martial arts organization he founded.

**What style of karate did Mas Oyama develop?**
Mas Oyama developed full-contact karate, a style that prioritizes direct confrontation and knockout victories.

## Why They Matter
Mas Oyama's work laid the foundation for modern full-contact karate, shaping the competitive landscape of the martial arts. His organization, Kyokushin Kaikan, became a global leader in the sport, influencing generations of karatekas. Without his contributions, full-contact karate would not have developed into the structured and widely practiced discipline it is today.

## Notable For
- Founder of Kyokushin Kaikan, a leading full-contact karate organization
- Pioneer of full-contact karate, emphasizing physical combat and knockout victories
- Influenced the development of competitive karate as a global sport

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Mas Oyama was born in 1922 during the Japanese colonial period in Korea. His early life was shaped by the political and cultural context of the time, which included the Japanese rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. This period influenced his upbringing and eventual focus on martial arts.

### Founding of Kyokushin Kaikan
In the 1960s, Mas Oyama established Kyokushin Kaikan, a full-contact karate organization that became a cornerstone of the martial arts community. The organization was designed to promote aggressive, physical combat, setting it apart from traditional karate styles. Kyokushin Kaikan's emphasis on knockout victories and direct confrontation revolutionized the sport, making it a distinct discipline within martial arts.

### Influence on Full-Contact Karate
Mas Oyama's work had a profound impact on the development of full-contact karate. His organization and training methods became the standard for the sport, influencing karatekas and organizations worldwide. The full-contact style he developed prioritized physical strength and direct confrontation, shaping the competitive landscape of karate.

### Legacy and Impact
Mas Oyama's contributions to martial arts remain significant. Kyokushin Kaikan continues to operate as a leading organization in full-contact karate, maintaining his vision of aggressive, physical combat. His work has influenced generations of karatekas, ensuring that full-contact karate remains a structured and globally recognized discipline.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Quora
7. Golden
8. Media Arts Database