KBGD

Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō

When he was asked to explain his system Kyokushin Budōkai, Kaicho Jon Bluming said:

“Any technique which brings success is good. A good and effective technique will be integrated into this system regardless of the style from which the technique originated. Kyokushin Budokai is a full contact all-round fighting system. Above all, it is a ‘street effective’ Martial Art of the highest possible reality.”

With this in mind, I think it’s important that we have a full understanding of what Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō means:

Kyokushin (極真) is a term from Japanese martial arts that translates to ‘the ultimate truth.’ It refers to a style of karate known for its full-contact sparring and is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline, and hard training. The word itself is a combination of two Japanese characters: ‘Kyoku’ meaning extreme, and ‘Shin’ meaning truth.

Budōkai (武道会) is a Japanese term that can be translated as ‘Society of the Martial Way’. It is composed of three kanji characters: ‘bu’ (武), which means military or martial; ‘do’ (道), which signifies the way or path; and ‘kai’ (会), which stands for a society or association¹. This term is often used in the context of martial arts and can refer to a gathering or association of martial arts practitioners.

Goshin (護身) translates to ‘self-defence.’ It is composed of two kanji characters: ‘go’ (護), which means to protect or defend, and ‘shin’ (身), which means body or oneself. Therefore, Goshin refers to techniques or systems designed to protect oneself from harm. It is often used in the names of martial arts schools or courses that focus on self-defence, teaching how to defend against various attacks and threats.

Dō (道) is a Japanese term that means ‘way’ or ‘path’ and carries connotations of philosophy or doctrine. It is often used to signify a discipline or school of thought within various martial arts, representing not just a set of techniques but also a spiritual journey or a way of life.

Dō is derived from the Chinese “Dao” (Tao), which also means ‘way’ or ‘path’ and is central to Taoist philosophy, where it represents the fundamental nature of the world. In martial arts, adopting “Dō” at the end of the name, like in “Aikidō” (合気道) or “Jūdō” (柔道), emphasizes that the practice is not only about physical techniques but also about developing character, discipline, and a philosophical approach to life.

Translating the terms Kyokushin Budōkai Goshin Dō from the above comprehensive meanings, we come to the following formal interpretation:

“The society dedicated to the martial way embodies the ultimate truth, focusing on self-defence and following the path of Budō-Virtues.”

In less formal language, we are an organised group dedicated to the serious study and practice of martial arts, with a focus on self-defence and the philosophical journey towards understanding the ultimate truth. It embodies the idea of a holistic approach to martial arts, where the physical is self-defence, and the mental is Budō-Virtues, with the two forming the integral parts of the whole.