International Karate Organization Kyokushin
In April 1964, Mas Oyama established the ‘International Karate Organization Kyokushin kaikan’ (commonly abbreviated to IKO or IKOK) under the umbrella of the Kyokushin Scholarship Foundation. Upon formation, Eisaku Sato acted as chairman and Matsuhei Mori as the vice chairman, with Oyama as the director (later president). Oyama directed the organization through a period of expansion. In 1950, Mas Oyama started testing (and demonstrating) his power by fighting bulls. In all, he fought 52 bulls, three of which were killed instantly, and 49 had their horns taken off with knife hand blows. Oyama’s first attempt just resulted in an angry bull.
In 1957, at the age of 34, he was nearly killed in Mexico when a bull got some of his own back and gored him. Oyama somehow managed to pull the bull off and break off his horn. He was bedridden for 6 months. Today of course, the animal rights groups would have something to say about these demonstrations, despite the fact that the animals were already all destined for slaughter.
In June of the same year, the headquarters dojo (later the general headquarters) was completed in Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo. At this time it was recognized as the strongest Budo Karate. And still is till today. It is available in 68 Countries and its member reached 12 Million worldwide.
NPO-I.K.O.MATSUSHIMA International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan is an active succession of the way of Budo Karate, along with the legacy of the founder Masutatsu Oyama. Through the discipline of our hearts and bodies, we continually endeavor to interact as an authentic international organization. We aim to develop the whole human spirit in each individual so that they can become leaders for the next generation, and continue to contribute to the community.
Our Kyokushin Karate is Budo and involves full contact rules in order to seek true strength. However, we are not only seeking that.
We believe we should learn the importance of this, to assure actions are based upon faith, and to make large efforts to enhance the level of moral human nature. It may be a significant help to our aim of wholesome training of young individuals which leads to their community contribution. We have been attempting this, step by step, based on our belief that these young individuals are the next generation of leaders.
Today, the organization has 160 official branch chiefs and Official Dojo Operators in over 60 countries. All of them have been achieving great results during their extensive training careers.
Hanshi Roman
With more than 56 years of experience in Kyokushin, Hanshi Roman oversees the teaching of Kyokushin Karate within his organization and regularly teaches at his two dojos. He has several hundred students under his direct tutelage, including well over 20 black belts. Overall, his organization has over 500 students, with at least 50 black belts, including 5 yondans and many nidans and sandans.
Hanshi Roman has traveled all over the world to promote Kyokushin Karate in the true Budo spirit of Sosai Oyama. He has personally helped many dojos to grow and prosper for free for over 20 years before opening his own in 1991 because of the love he has for the martial arts and what it has done for him. During that time, he promoted Kyokushin Karate on many television programs with students of all ages. Among these TV programs, there are two best and most memorable ones: “YOU ASKED FOR IT”, which was broadcast over 100 stations on national television and hosted by comedian Rich Little; and “THE PIERRE LALONDE SHOW”, a well-known variety special in Quebec. Some of the feats he performed were: breaking two baseball bats simultaneously with one blow from the sune (shin); breaking ten blocks of cement with shuto (knife hand) and hiji (elbow); and breaking (with shuto) six blocks of ice measuring 10 inches thick and 39 inches long, doused with gasoline and set aflame.
Shihan Gaby Hajjar
A Journey Through Kyokushin Karate
The Beginning: A Fighter’s SpiritBorn with the spirit of a fighter, Shihan Gaby Hajjar’s journey in martial arts began after a fateful accident during the off-season as a boxer in 1996. While lifting weights, he suffered a severe injury, cutting his right-side pectoral muscle. This incident led him to discover Kyokushin Karate, a discipline that would shape his life in profound ways.
Earning the Black Belt: 2003In 2003, after years of rigorous training and unwavering dedication, Gaby Hajjar earned his black belt. His commitment to the art was further solidified when he attended a camp led by the esteemed IKO Matsui, an experience that deepened his understanding and passion for Kyokushin.
The 2nd Dan and Japan: 2007-2008In 2007, Shihan Hajjar achieved his 2nd Dan under the guidance of Hanshi Roman of IKO Matsushima. His journey then took him to Japan, where he participated in a significant camp and grading event on November 29-30, 2008. This experience marked the beginning of many international engagements that would define his career.
Milestones in 2010-2011June 2010: Participated in the 3rd World Champion Cup in Spain.
September 2010: Attended a summer camp on the beaches of Old Orchard, Maine, USA.
March 2011: Hosted Hanshi John Taylor for a training camp in Quebec, forging a strong bond between the two martial artists.
Further International Engagements: 2012-2013June 2012: Returned to Japan for another camp.
December 2013: Attended the 8th European Championship in Donetsk just before the war began.
June 2013: Earned his 3rd Dan after a training camp in Gallipoli, Italy.
World Cup Participation and Beyond: 2014-2016September 2014: Participated in the 4th World Cup in Durban, South Africa, in memory of Shihan Sabela, a spectacular event attended by the President of South Africa.
July 2015: Took part in a challenging summer camp in Alicante, Spain.
July 2016: Significant grading and camp in Mexico City with Hanshi Roman, Sensei Jacobs, and Sensei Alain.
A Momentous Achievement: 2018On November 15, 2018, Shihan Hajjar earned his 4th Dan during the 5th World Cup in Shanghai, China. The event, broadcasted on television, showcased spectacular fighting and further cemented his reputation in the Kyokushin world.
Adapting to Global Challenges: 2019 and BeyondWhen the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe in 2019, Shihan Hajjar adapted by opening his own 8 Dan Dojo. He and Hanshi Roman continued their daily training sessions on Zoom, attracting followers worldwide, proving that even in the face of global adversity, the spirit of Kyokushin Karate remains unbreakable.
Honoring Legacy and Achievements: 2022-2023June 19, 2022: Hosted Hanshi John Taylor at his Dojo for a grading event, deepening their friendship. The passing of Hanshi Taylor was a profound loss, but his influence continues to inspire Shihan Hajjar.
September 2022: Participated in another camp and grading in Mexico City with Sensei Jacob and Sensei Alain.
December 2023: Honored with his 5th Dan and received the title of Shihan in Santiago, Chile, during the 6th World Championship Cup and camp.
Inspiration and LegacyShihan Gaby Hajjar’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of Kyokushin Karate. His life’s work continues to inspire martial artists around the world as he carries forward the legacy of those who have shaped his path.
