Masutatsu (‘Mas’) Oyama was the founder of the Kyokushin system of martial arts. After studying martial arts in Korea, China and Japan, Oyama found that none offered what he felt was the ‘true’ way. He began practicing alone and developed his own training and fighting methods. Because his technique was so powerful, he gained widespread recognition and soon a huge following of would-be students. He named his system KYOKUSHIN™ which translates to “the true way” or “the ultimate truth” and his legacy began. Sosai (‘founder’) Mas Oyama passed away in April 1994.
 Shokei (Akiyoshi) Matsui started Kyokushin Karate at the age of 13. In 1976, he joined the Kita Nagare-Yama Dojo in the Chiba prefecture of Japan, managing to achieve Shodan (first degree) Black Belt in a little over a year. In 1980, Matsui placed fourth in the 12th All Japan Open Karate Championships when he was just 17. Soon after, he became Chief Instructor of the International Kyokushin Headquarters School, "Honbu" Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Both in 1981 and 1982, Matsui took 3rd Place in the All Japan Open Karate Championships and then 8th place at the same event in 1983. He earned worldwide recognition and admiration for his amazing spirit, strength, and determination when he took a remarkable Third place finish at the 3rd World Open Karate Tournament in 1984. He succeeded in winning the All Japan Championships in each of 1985 and 1986, and then successfully completed the ultimate Kyokushin challenge, the "100 Man Kumite" in record time. In Japan, he became known as the man of "unparalleled genius", one who comes along but once in an eon, and then in 1987 became the youngest ever Champion of the World. In May of 1992, Matsui opened his own school in Asakusa, Tokyo and was later appointed Branch Chief by Sosai Mas Oyama. On April 26, 1994, founder Sosai Mas Oyama regrettably passed away, leaving the Directorship of the worldwide organization to Matsui, who became "Kancho" (Director). In the wake of the Sosai's untimely death, and despite the well-documented backlash concerning his appointment, Kancho Matsui forged ahead that year staging the 11th All Japan Weight Tournament and the 27th All Japan Championships, the latter with a record 16,000 spectators in attendance. The following year, he produced the hugely successful, 6th World Open Karate Tournament, to which 168 fighters from all over the world competed and more than 25000 spectators witnessed. |
 The ‘new generation’, Sensei Troy began his Kyokushin training in the Mt Victoria, New Zealand dojo in 1998 under the guidence of Sensei Chris Gower. Troy has a natural talent for kumite and exhibited superb timing and physical ability from day one. Sensei Troy is also an excellent instructor, being both an analytical student of karate and a natural coach. To further his Kyokushin journey Sensei Troy moved to Japan in 2001 and trained at one of Japan's largest dojos, Shihan Eguchi's Kokubunji Dojo, until late 2008. Whilst in Japan, Sensei Troy was a regular in All Japan tournaments as well as competing in the 8th and 9th World Tournaments, with Top 8 finishes in the All Japan Middle Wieght tournament and a narrow defeat to Senpai Yan Sokup the eventual runner up of the 9th World Tournament.  Starting in January 2010 on the Southside of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia! Kyokushin Karate Academy, under the guidance of Sensei Troy Freeman, will offer karate classes for kids, adults, and specialist womens classes. Sensei Troy's experience in competition will allow for fighting classes for those wishing to fight at the highest level. Sensei Troy was a key children's instructor in Japan and hopes to continue to developer children's karate at the Kyokushin Karate Academy. Offering dedicated children's classes as well as regular extra curicular activities.  If you would like to join our mailing list to be first to receive information about the Kyokushin Karate Academy enter your name and email address below and click on the button. Alternatively please feel free to email us at brisbanedojo@kyokushinkarateacademy.com |
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