The 11 Mottoes of Mas Oyama

Sosai Masutatsu Oyama summed up his entire Martial Arts philosophy in 11 mottoes, also known as the Zayu no Mei Juichi Kajo, which are central in his teaching. Many of these hold very practical application even today. Many people don't pay enough attention to them.

1. The Martial Arts way begins and ends with courtesy. Therefore, be properly and genuinely courteous at all times.

2. Following the Martial Way is like scaling a cliff - continue upwards without rest. It demands absolute and unfaltering devotion to the task at hand.

3. Strive to seize the initiative in all things, all the time guarding against actions stemming from selfish animosity or thoughtlessness.

4. Even for the Martial Artist, the place of money cannot be ignored. Yet one should be careful never to become attached to it.

5. The Martial Way is centered on posture. Strive to maintain correct posture at all times.

6. The Martial Way begins with one thousand days and is mastered after ten thousand days of training.

7. In the Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation on your actions as an opportunity to improve.

8. The nature and purpose of the Martial Way is universal. All selfish desires should be roasted in the tempering fires of hard training.

9. The Martial Arts begin with a point and end in a circle. Straight lines stem from this principal.

10. The true essence of the Martial Way can only be realized through experience. Knowing this, learn never to fear its demand.

11. Always remember: in the Martial Arts, the rewards of a confident and grateful heart are truly abundant.

The Meaning of OSU!

The word OSU is considered by many karateka, both Japanese and non-Japanese to be a crude word, not acceptable for use in the dojo. This is because it is interpreted as a contraction of “Ohayo gozaimasu”, and through its use in the docks and barracks it is therefore the Japanese equivalent of “Waazzup man!”.

The “OSU” in Kyokushin however does not have the same origin. It comes for the expression “Oshi shinobu!” which means to push oneself to the limit of one's ability and yet to continue, to persevere under pressure, and to endure.

It is used as a word of many meanings, expressing the willingness to strive against all odds, to persevere on the road to physical, mental, and spiritual strength, an expression of respect of ones seniors and responsibility to ones juniors.

It is pronounced “OSS!”, with a long "O", and not "Oosh" or "Oos" as is commonly heard outside of Japan" and I'll be the first to admit that I'm usually guilty of mispronouncing it myself!

In the Kyokushin school of Karate it is also a greeting and can be used to replace words such as "yes", "alright", "good", "I'll do it" and "excuse me". It is also used to mean mean "hello", "goodbye", "have patience with me", "I'm trying", "well done!" and just about anything else. Unlike many other karate styles, a student is never expected to say "yes sir" (HAI!) when given a command in the Kyokushin dojo but to use the word "OSU" instead.

As students of Karate, we are all expected to strive and develop this positive attitude (spirit) of perseverance, determination and respect for others in our training as well as in our daily life (i.e. business, work, studies etc). But you don’t have to be a karateka to have spirit of OSU! Any competitor in the Paralympics has it, probably more than any karateka, simply for not letting their physical incompleteness stop them from doing their best. A parent, doing three jobs to feed his or her children has OSU! (but should probably have got an education instead).

If it is at all possible to express the philosophy of Kyokushin Karate in a single word, then "OSU" would be that word.

Kyokushin Dojo Kun

We will train our hearts and bodies, — for a firm unshaking spirit.

We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, — so that in time our senses may be alert.

With true vigor, — we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial.

We will observe the rules of courtesy, — respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.

We will follow our religious principles, — and never forget the true virtue of humility.

We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, — not seeking other desires.

All our lives, through the discipline of Karate, — we will seek to fulfill the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.