From the IKO to the AKKO
1923
Yong I-Choi, who later took the name of Matsutatsu (Mas) Oyama was born
on July 27th, 1923, in a village in Southern Korea
and became the Sosai of the International Karate Organization Kyokushin,
The American translation of the Japanese name, Matsutatsu Oyama,
is “Mighty Mountain.”
1925
Mas Oyama was sent to his sister’s home in Manchuria, China
1932
Mas Oyama began studying Kempo (Eighteen Hands) from Mr. Yi
at his sister’s farm in Manchuria
1936
Mas Oyama entered primary school in Seoul, Korea, where
he continued the study of Chinese Kempo under Mr. Yi.
He gained proficiency in the Eighteen Hands technique and in
the second year he achieved the equivalent to 1st Dan (Shodan)
1938
Mas Oyama entered Yamanashi Airway School in Japan.
He studied karate under Gichin Funakoshi, one of the first
practitioners of the art to introduce karate to Japan, and
under So Nei Chu, who was also Korean and from the same
district as Mas Oyama. So Nei Chu was the foremost expert
in Goju Karate at the time and is credited with introducing Goju to Japan.
1940
Mas Oyama entered Takushoku University where he earned his 2nd Dan (Nidan) ranking.
1945
Mas Oyama received his 4th Dan (Yondan) ranking under
Gichin Funakoshi. He opened the Eiwa Karate-do Research
Institute in Sinami-ku, Tokyo, but six months later the
institution, for unknown reasons, was shut down.
1946
Mas Oyama joined the Physical Education Department of
Waseda University. Mas Oyama visited with Eiji Yoshikawa
and Shiro Ozaki, two renowned Japanese writers, to study
more about the old Samurai way. When Mas Oyama went into
the mountains for isolated study and practice of karate, he
took Eiji Yoshikawa’s book, “Musashi,” with him as an
inspiration. He chose Mount Minobi, as it is the place
where Musashi developed his Nito-Ryu style of fencing.
1947
Mas Oyama entered the first All Japan Championships since
World War II, held at Maruyama Gymnasium, Kyoto, and was crowned champion.
1948
Mas Oyama began training with Neichu, a student of Chojun Miyagi,
founder of Goju-ryu Karate. He later decided to devote his life
to karate and trained alone on Mount Kiyosumi in Chiba to perfect
his techniques and to form his karate way. After 18 months, his
sponsor wrote to inform him that he could no longer support the
training regime and Mas Oyama had no choice but to return to civilization.
However, by this time he had developed his path of karate and his
philosophy of “Ichi geki hissatsu.” the one -strike certain death.
1950
Mas Oyama fought a full-sized bull in Chiba after taking up residence
in a butcher’s establishment where he trained to kill bulls with his
bare hands – usually by striking them between the eyes. In the
preliminaries of later exhibitions, Mas Oyama first broke off the
horns of the bulls as they charged by — much as a matador with his
red flag — using hand strikes (shutos). Altogether, he killed 47 bulls,
four of them dying instantly.
1951
Mas Oyama began teaching karate to U.S. Army personnel in Japan,
at camps in Zama, Fuchu, Tachikawa, Yokohama , Yokosuka, Yokota
and Takorozawa. Mas Oyama began training in Judo at the Sone Dojo
in Chiba. He eventually achieved the grade of 4th Dan (Yondan) in Judo.
Mas Oyama continued to study Judo in Sone Dojo in Asagatake.
1952
A karate organization in
America invited Mas Oyama to the U.S.A. and over several months he did 32
demonstrations, taught in various states throughout the U.S. and participated
in seven organized karate fights.
1953
Mas Oyama traveled to the U.S. again, and this time fought
a bull in Chicago, Ill., becoming reknowned throughout the
United States for the unusual feat of first chopping off the
bull’s horns, then standing to meet them head-on for the death blow.
1954
Mas Oyama returned to Japan to commence training for a
movie in Boso, Chiba. Mas Oyama opened his first dojo on a grass-covered
lot in a burnt-out area of Meijiro, Tokyo. The
instructors were K. Mizushima and E. Yasuda.
1955
Mas Oyama was invited by an American promoter to the U.S.A.
He also traveled to South America and Europe, fighting many opponents.
Breaking off the necks of whisky bottles with hand strikes (shutos)
was a very popular demonstration Mas Oyama received his 6th Dan (Rokudan)
from Gogen Yamagushi. Mas Oyama, during his tour in the U.S., fought another bull in
Chicago, Ill. He was highly criticized by an Animal Rights group
for, as the group felt, mistreating the animal. At the same time,
it was pointed out to the group, butchers throughout the country
were killing livestock for beef, using sledge hammers.
1956 June
Starting in Okinawa, Mas Oyama traveled through Southeast Asia,
studying many different fighting styles. The “Oyama Dojo” was
opened behind the Rikko University in Tokyo, Japan . The initial
instructors were K. Mizushima, E Yasudo, M. Ishibashi and T. Minamomoto.
Sosai Mas Oyama said opening the “Oyama Dojo” marked the very
beginning. This was also the birth of a karate regime based on the principle of 1,000 days of training a beginner 10,000 additional days of training, and attaining an intense
understanding of the mysteries of karate. Mas Oyama returned
from Southeast Asia.
1957
Mas Oyama traveled to Europe.
Mas Oyama traveled to the United States to train Donald (Don) I. Buck
and Duke Moore. On returning to Japan, Mas Oyama authorized the two to
begin teaching Kyokushin Karate then it was Oyama’s Karate. The first overseas branch of the Kyokushin
was opened by Shihan Bobby Lowe in Hawaii. Don Buck opened
a Kyokushin dojo on Divisadero Street in San Francisco, Calif. Mas Oyama
then traveled to Mexico and fought another bull, suffering
grievous injuries that required a six-month hospital stay.
1958
The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., invited
Mas Oyama to teach and demonstrate. The book, “What Is Karate,” was
published by Mas Oyama and soon became a best seller on Japanese karate.
The West Point Army Academy invited Mas Oyama to teach.
1959
The first Hawaiian Tournament was held and Mas Oyama attended as the
Supreme Judge. He also demonstrated his skills at this tournament.
The Oyama Dojo held its first Summer Training School at Ichinoniya in Chiba.
September 8th, 1960
Mas Oyama started 72 Branches in 16 countries, one of them in
San Francisco, Calif. He came to San Francisco to promote Duke Moore 1st (Shodan)
and Don Buck to 4th Dan (Yondan).
Don Buck was authorized as a Branch Chief and soon after
opened the dojo — the School of Oyama — on Clement Street in
San Francisco. His associate in the business was Birney Jarvis.
Birney Jarvis received his 1st Dan (Shodan) from Don Buck and Mas Oyama.
1961
The first North American Open Tournament was held at Madison
Square Garden in New York City, which Mas Oyama attended as the
Chief Judge. Mas Oyama opened a Kyokushin dojo in Los Angeles, Calif.
Don Buck and Birney Jarvis opened another School of Oyama in
South San Francisco, Calif.
1963
Construction started on the building in Ikebukuro that was to
become the Kyokushin Karate Honbu.
1964
Muai Thai kickboxing proponents challenged Japanese karate fighters.
Mas Oyama accepted the challenge as he believed no other style was
comparable to his. He sent three students to Thailand, who won two out
of the three fights, thus redeeming the reputation of Oyama’s karate.
Don Buck opened his San Rafael and Bel Marin Keys, Novato, Calif., Dojos.
1965
E. Sato (former Prime Minister of Japan and Nobel Prize winner) became
the Kaicho (President) of Kyokushinkaikan. Mas Oyama became Kancho (Director).
Tokyo Honbu was officially opened and IKO was established. The first winter training was held at Mount Mitsumine. Mas Oyama traveled to the United States and visited with Don Buck at the School of Oyama in San Francisco, Calif. Birney Jarvis received his 2nd Dan (Nidan) from Don Buck and Mas Oyama.
Mas Oyama’s book,”This Is Karate,” was published and soon became the “Bible ” of
karate. Some 3,000 pages of preparatory notes and 20,000 photographs
were used to put together the publication.
1966
The North American IKO was founded.K. Kurossaki was sent to
Europe to teach Kyokushin Karate. “Dynamic Karate” (Japanese edition)
was completed and the Japanese magazine, “Modern Karate,” was started.
This magazine became very popular. Movie actor Sean Connery received
his Honorary 3rd Dan (Sandan) from Mas Oyama. Some Kyokushin students
are in the movie, “You Only Live Twice,” starring Mr. Connery.
The United States of America IKO. was founded. The South American
IKO was founded.
1967
Shigero Kato was sent to Australia to teach.The book, “Vital Karate”
was published. Loek Hollander achieved the 100 man kumite.
1968
Kancho Mas Oyama began a long overseas trip to promote Kyokushin
Karate. The trip included stops in Hawaii, U.S.A., Britain, Europe and
Jordan. The European IKO was established in July. Loek Hollander was
appointed Chairman. The Middle East IKO was established in August.
The South Pacific IKO was established in October. Ivan Zavetchanos
was appointed Chairman. Kancho Mas Oyama gave private lessons to
His Majesty, the King of Jordan. Also during October, Don Buck opened
a dojo at the Hamilton Air Force Military Base in Novato, Calif.
Birney Jarvis received his 3rd Dan (Sandan) from Don Buck and Mas Oyama.
February, 1969
Mas Oyama organized the First Open Kyokushin Full-Contact Karate
Tournament in Tokyo. The event attracted 48 competitors, including
kickboxers, Judo-ka and other karate styles. A very large audience
attended. The results were: 1st place Terutomo Yamazaki; 2nd place
Yoshijim Soena; 3rd place Ikko Hasagowa. The South Africa IKO was
established in February. The Southeast Asia IKO was established in
April. Yoshikazu Matsushima went to Southeast Asia to teach.
1970
Mas Oyama held the First United States IKO Branch Chief Conference
in Los Angeles, Calif. Appointments made were: Chairman, Tadashi
Nakamura; Vice Chair, Stephen Senne. Don Buck opened his Alameda
(Calif.) Naval Air Station dojo. “Advanced Karate” and “Karate Class”
(Japanese edition) were published.
1971
New York City was chosen in June as Kyokushin Dojo Headquarters for
the United States and new representatives were appointed to the
various chairs. The “Karate Baka Ichidai” was published. The comicbook story of Sosai’s
life was an instant success. Don Buck was one of the character in the book.
1972
“Fighting Spirit” (Japanese edition) was published.
Don Buck opened two additional dojos on US Navy bases — one at
Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay and the other at Mare Island
in Vallejo, Calif. The Nippon Karate-Do Fajko Team lost in the
Non-Contact World Championships in Paris, France. Sosai Mas Oyama
was most upset and published a long speech on his views, causing a
major rift between the participating factions.
1973
Mas Oyama came to the United States in February for a meeting
with Don Buck and other Branch Chiefs to encourage them to send
fighters to the First World Open Karate Tournament in Japan.
1974
Mas Oyama receives his 9th Dan (Kudan) from his branch
chiefs world wide. Mas Oyama gave a demonstration for
Prince Sham of Iran.
1975
The First World Open Kyokushin Karate Tournament was held
in Tokyo, Japan, on November 1, with 128 competitors from 32
countries participating.
1976
Mas Oyama returned to the United States for a tour.
The First World Tournament movie. “The Strongest Karate,” was
released to the viewing public. The second edition of the
“Strongest Karate” movie was later released. Birney Jarvis
received his 4th Dan (Yondan) from Don Buck and Mas Oyama.
1977
Matsutatsu Oyama attended the First Australian Open Full-Contact Tournament.
The English Quarterly Magazine, “Kyokushin Karate,” was published.
The Japanese Monthly magazine, “Strongest Karate,” was published.
1978
The comic strip, “The Godhand,” started.
1979
The Second World Open Kyokushin Karate Tournament was held on the
23rd, 24th and 25th of November, with 187 competitors from 62 countries.
Mas Oyama visited with Don Buck at Stephen Senne’s dojo in Los Angeles,
Calif. for a Black Belt testing.
1980
Mas Oyama returned for another visit to the United States and Canada.
Shigeru Oyama, Hideyuki Shihara and Yoshiji Soeno were all suspended for
various reasons from the Kyokushinkai.
1981
H. R. H. Prince Faizel of Saudi Arabia went to Honbu for a private meeting
with Sosai Mas Oyama.
1982
Mas Oyama lectured at the Kyoto Citizen’s University.
Don Buck was reunited with his son, Frederick S. Buck, whom
he had not seen since the boy was three-years-old. The younger
Buck had achieved 3rd Dan (Sandan) in another style of karate
and Jujitsu and had his own Dojos by the time he and his father
were finally reunited.
1983
About 3000 people attended a party to celebrate 20 years of
Kyokushin Karate.
Fred Buck, embracing Kyokushin karate, turned
his dojos over to his father.
His son joined his Dojos with his fathers under the name of Buck’ School of the Tiger
Fred’s Schools were named Claws of the Tiger before father and Son were reunited.
1984
The Third World Open Kyokushin Karate Tournament was held on the
20th, 21st and 23rd of January. “My Karate Budo Education” and
“Shawa Gorin-no Sho” was published. The Crown Prince of Nepal came
to see Sosai Mas Oyama and a demonstration was held in the prince’s honor.
1985
The movie, “Kyokushin Way,” was released by the Shochiku Fuji Company.
The President of Kyokushinkaikan, Mr. Matsuhie Mori, died on the 12th of May.
1987
The Fourth World Open Kyokushin Karate Tournament was held on the
6th, 7th and 8th of November with 207 competitors. There were 75
Regional Chairmen in attendance.
1988
The First British Commonwealth Kyokushin Championship was held in
Sydney, Australia. The event was attended by Sosai Mas Oyama.
1989
Mas Oyama returned to the United States to visit with Don Buck and
ask him to become the United States Chairman for the IKO. The
appointment was accepted.
1990
A new branch is formed in Georgia (formally of the USSR).
1991
The Fifth World Open Kyokushin Karate Tournament was held on
the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of November with 250 competitors. Five new
Kyokushin Branches were started.
1992
Fred Buck received his 4th Dan (Yondan) and Branch Chief
certification from Don Buck And Mas Oyama and opened his 8th dojo.
1994
A sad day for us all ! The Lost of a Legend,Mentor, Instructor and Friend.
Sosai Mas Oyama Dies. The passing in April of Sosai Mas Oyama 10th Dan (Judan), marked the end of a
era, but proponents of the ancient fighting art will long remember his name and his achievements.
from the beginning, Mas Oyama seriously practiced the styles of karate theat he learned at a young age. In later years, he was highly criticized by tratitionals for chaning the old old styles to fit modern needs, but in the end he was justified. He now could be considered as a modern pioneer of a art dating back to ancient China. To prove his mettle and proficiency, he fought bulls and defeated them, sometimes injury to himself.These feats have never been dupicated-or if they have, there has been little noted of the accomplishment. Mas Oyama traveled the world to spread the word of kaarate and the Kyokushin. In person, he was a gentle man, had patience with his students of all degrees and possessed a good sense of humor. He is sorely missed by those who new him
1997
The American Kyokushin Karate Organization (AKKO)
is formed to carry on the Kyokushin Way without getting
involved in politics.
The American Kyokushin Karate Organization (AKKO) Argentina is formed with Leonardo Rodriguez as Branch Chief.
Sept. 1998
Another sad day for us all!
The loss of a legend, instructor, mentor, father and friend.
Donald I. Buck, 10th Dan (Judan) and founder of the Pacific
Coast Schools of Oyama and Buck’s School of the Tiger, both
sanctioned by the Kyokushinkaikan, died on September 11 at
the age of 71. Like his longtime mentor, Mas Oyama, Don Buck’s
karate career encompassed more than 50 years of utter devotion
to the art. Don Buck held additional credentials in judo, kung fu
and jiu-jitsu, and also had a doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine.
Don Buck was the last known person appointed by Mas Oyama to serve
the International Kyokushinkai Karate Organization as United States
Chairman and Branch Chief. Don Buck’s efforts landed karate in the
Amateur Athletic Union and for several years he was a leader in that
national organization of athletes. Don Buck was always a major credit
to the martial arts and he, too, is sorely missed by those who knew
and admired him.
1999
The meeting of the AKKO took place bringing all of
Hanshi Don Buck’s top students together to solidify the
organization, and assign the post of director, council,
and branch chiefs. Frederick S. Buck was appointed Chairman.
Don Buck also stated in his will that Fred would take over the Organization.
AKKO Puerto Rico was formed. Kyoshi Fred Buck went to meet with them and welcomes
them to the AKKO.The AKKO appoints Adrian Becerril as Branch Chief.
2000
The meeting of the AKKO took place and solidified
the organization and set the goals of the future.
April 2000
Fred Buck went to the 3rd annual Kyokushin Karate tournament
in Argentina and put on seminars and Argentina joined the AKKO.
The tournament and seminars were a great success.
2000
Redondo Beach California dojo is opened by Sensei Jason Pransky.
Feb. 2003
Raymond V. “Duke” Moore,
died Feb. 25,
he was Don and Fred Buck’s Judo and Jujitsu Instructor
and was 7th Dan in the AKKO 10th Dan in Judo, Jujitsu, and Karate
He was known world wide as a great martial artist
He help organize many
karate, judo and Jujitsu Organization
such as:
AJJF
Itama
Atama
Zenbudokai
American Jujitsu Organization
Duke Moore was a Great mentor and friend to us all
He was 87.
THANK YOU DUKE
2003
American Kyokushin Karate Organization
has moved the headquarter to Phoenix AZ
Yucca Valley (So. California) dojo operated by Shihan Mike Bristow joins the AKKO.
2004
Tarzana (So. California) is opened by Sempai Ari Milman.
2005
Canoga Park (So. California) dojo is opened by Sempai Juan Perez.
Lake Los Angeles (So. California) dojo is opened by Isaac Guadalupe Sempai
East Phoenix Az School of the Tiger is reopened in his own building by Shihan Mike Armstrong
Peoria Az School of the Tiger is reopen by Kyoshi Fred Buck.
2006
Sherman Oaks (So. California ) dojo is opened by Eddie Profacci Sempai
Hanshi Fred Buck 9th Dan och Sensei Michel Laporte Godorn 3rd Dan
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