Learn Shinkyokushin Kyokushin Karate at IMAC Dojo Bangkok for Self-Defense Training

At IMAC Dojo, we preserve the traditional values of Budo (the martial way), emphasizing that karate training is a lifelong path toward self-refinement rather than a mere point-based sport. Our curriculum is anchored around the core concept of Shin Gi Tai (心技体):

• Shin (心 - Mind/Spirit):Developing humility, emotional control, respect, and a dedicated sense of discipline.
• Gi (技 - Technique):Perfecting biomechanics, precise target acquisition, and sharp combative skills.
• Tai (体 - Body):Building strength, endurance, balance, and controlled movement. According to Budo philosophy, these three pillars are practiced together: technique and physical ability should be guided by humility, discipline, and respect. IMAC Dojo reinforces this through the practice of "Osu" (押忍) as a reminder of endurance and continuous learning.

Shinkyokushin continues the approach associated with Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate, emphasizing serious technical, physical, and mental practice. Stories of his isolated training on Mt. Minobu and Mt. Kiyosumi are part of the style's transmitted history, but their details should be read as tradition rather than as a record verified in every respect. Kyokushin is commonly translated as "The Ultimate Truth."

Following Oyama's passing in 1994, senior disciples led by World Champion Kenji Midori restructured the organization into a transparent, democratized non-profit entity known as WKO Shinkyokushinkai. The character "Shin" (新) represents "New"—symbolizing global transparency—while also evoking "Shin" (心), meaning "Heart." Under Midori’s philosophy of Master our Mind, the organization serves to build youth character, spread global peace, and harmonize the mind, technique, and body through its iconic "Kokoro" emblem.

Kyokushin style is highly acclaimed worldwide within the combat sports community due to its functional full-contact methodology:

• Full-Contact Sparring (Kumite):Full-contact competition rules and ordinary class practice are different contexts. In class, instructors choose drills, protective equipment, and contact levels according to experience so students can learn distance, timing, defense, and response without rushing into heavy contact.
• Advanced Body Conditioning:Conditioning gradually develops strength, endurance, balance, and force control. Drills such as Ude-kitae (腕鍛え) should be introduced under instructor supervision, while Uke (受け) trains practitioners to receive and redirect force before responding.
• The Spirit of Perseverance:The 100-Man Kumite is a continuous challenge discussed in Kyokushin history and is used as a symbol of perseverance and self-control. It is not an ordinary class exercise or a starting point for beginners.
• Influence on modern combat sports:Combat-sport athletes including Georges St-Pierre and Andy Hug have Kyokushin backgrounds. The structure of Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (partner practice) is therefore often discussed in relation to skill development across several combat sports.

Comparison Table

At IMAC Dojo Bangkok, disciplined training is combined with a friendly atmosphere. The teaching team shares responsibility for fundamentals, movement, Kata, and Kumite according to student readiness:

• Sensei Phoenix:Explains fundamentals and the application of skills for beginners.
• Sensei Patty:Focuses on basic conditioning, body control, and self-defense practice for women.
• Sensei Ken:Breaks techniques into clear steps for students with different levels of experience.
• Sensei Ryu:Focuses on movement, angles, and footwork.
• Sensei Rain:Focuses on progressive Kumite practice and observing student readiness.
• Sensei Michelle:Focuses on Kata detail, balance, and continuity of movement.

Classes cover Kihon, Ibuki, Kata, Bunkai, and Ido Geiko. Beginners work from foundational drills before pressure increases, with equipment and partner work managed for the activity. Contact training still carries risk, so students should stop and tell the instructor whenever they feel unready or unsafe.

IMAC Dojo students bring different backgrounds and goals. Instructors therefore adjust the progression to each student's experience while maintaining a culture of respect for training partners and avoiding premature heavy contact for beginners.

To learn how Shinkyokushin Karate is taught at IMAC Dojo, ask a question or arrange a trial class.