Kyokushin Karate is a martial art that has a long and rich heritage.  The word Karate is derived from two Japanese words:  Kara which means empty and Te meaning hand.  Karate, then, is used to describe a style of unarmed combat.  At West Island Karate, we teach a traditional martial art called Kyokushin Karate which was founded in 1953 by the late Mas Oyama.  As such, he is also known as Sosai  which means founder. Mas Oyama studied the martial arts for most of his life, from Korean to Chinese and Japanese styles.  He developed Kyokushin Karate (from what he believed to be the best elements of each) into a practical, no-nonsense and effective defence art.  Kyokushin is comprised of two Japanese words:  Kyoku meaning ultimate and Shin meaning truth.  The Kyokushin style is practiced throughout the world by millions of Karate-ka and is recognized as the Strongest Karate.  The style is characterized by strong, powerful, circular techniques - kicks, strikes, blocks and throws.  This combination of hand and foot makes Kyokushin the ultimate in self-defence.  Training and conditioning is rigorous and strenuous.  Sparring is with both full and semi contact.