Singapore Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushinkai-Kan

Development of Oyama Karate in Singapore

"Kyokushinkai" is the name of Oyama Karate Organisation. Kyoku means Ultimate; Shin means the "truth from within" or reality; Kai is a club or organisation. All branches around the world affiliated to International Karate Organisation League and the Japan Kyokushinkai-kan Headquarter have the Kyokushinkai added to its name of the branch just like in Singapore; it is widely known as the Singapore Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushinkai-kan, formerly known as the Kyokushinkai Karate-Do Singapore.

The origin of Karate has its origin in Japan. However, as early as the Meiji era, Karate was widely known among the Japanese peoples. Originally, Karate meant "Chinese Art", because the Chinese character "Kong" is read as "Kara" in Japanese. This probably gave cause to the speculation that Karate had its beginnings in China. However, in 1937, Karate was changed to read "empty hand" in Japanese.

The following few characteristics and definitions of Karate will help those who wish to understand and practise the art of self-defence.

  1. Karate is an excellent, health means of physical and mental conditioning because in its practice, both arms, hands, legs as well as other parts of the body are exercised. In short, both body and mind are exercised.

  2. Karate requires deep concentration and it helps in developing mental, moral and spiritual discipline.

  3. Karate develops confidence and poise.

  4. Karate is a proven method of self-defence without the use of weapons.

  5. Karate can be practised within the physical limitations of each individual.

  6. Karate can be studied and its methods practised without the help of a partner or the use of a large training area. In fact, one's bedroom or a garage is more than sufficient for practice.

  7. A high degree of achievement and improvement can be attained within a relatively short period of time. To really master, it requires constant learning plus a prolonged period of painful practice and relative isolation.

Oyama Karate is not merely a form of self-defence; its concept lies deeper than just simple physical and mental cultivation; it is non-violent; instead it should deny violence. In essence, the ultimate endeavours in Oyama Karate should be spiritual enlightenment, physical and mental cultivation and human quality, best defined by the training hall oath, which is recited by each kyokushinkai karate student after each training session. Pls check the Dojo Kun pages for more details

Shihan Peter Chong is the man chiefly responsible for introducing Oyama Karate to Singapore in 1969 after spending two and a half years full time learning plus painful hard training and relative isolation in Japan under the personal tutelage of world renowned Karate Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.

Shihan Peter Chong now holding the rank of Eighth Dan Black Belt is the highest ranking karate in this region. He is the chief instructor and President of the Singapore Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushinkai-kan and is also the Chairman of the Asia & Middle East of International Karate Organisation. (IKO); to add on Shihan Peter Chong is also the President of the SMAIA (Singapore Martial Arts Instructors' Association) and also the President of Singapore Karate-Do Federation (SKF).

Shihan Peter Chong's unending desires to promote and his unselfish thoughts to teach have led to establishment of seven affiliated branches in Singapore besides Orchard Tower Rear Block 7th flr (Honbu). They are: Kim Seng CC Dojo, Chinese Dojo at Kolam Ayer CC , Pasir Ris CC Dojo, Gurkha Contingent Dojo, West Dojo, Thomson Dojo & Legends Dojo. The establishment of these branches is to share the common aim and objective of the Organisation to serve the people all over Singapore. The growth in the number of these members is mainly due to its fame and popularity of Oyama Karate introduced in Singapore by Shihan Peter Chong ever since 1969. Its fame and popularity of Oyama Karate is clearly evidenced by the increase of a large number of activities, tournament and demonstrations the members of the Organisation that have been invited to put up through the years.