IKO Matsushima

The INTERNATIONAL KARATE ORGANIZATION KYOKUSHINKAIKAN, under the leadership of Shihan Yoshikazu Matsushima (9th Dan), is a body devoted to maintaining the heritage of the late Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, founder of the Kyokushin style.  It works with an open mind.  It has a fully democratic constitution which consists of a General Assembly for constitutional matters and an International Committee for the daily management of the organization.  Every member is free to participate in events organized by any other organization.  Every member may ask anyone to participate at events organized by him/herself.  No prejudices are made for race, religion, affiliation or any other reason whatsoever.   The IKO today consists of over 20 Japanese and numerous overseas branches.  Hanshi John Taylor (9th Dan) is in charge of these overseas branches.  Hanshi John Taylor is also the author of "Beginner To Black Belt - Authorized Kata Manual For Kyokushin Karate" which details Kyokushin Karate terminology as well as all the katas. West Island Karate would like to congratulate Hanshi John Taylor on being awarded his Kudan (9th Dan) on Dec. 8th, 2007, by the IKO Matsushima International Committee.  This is in recognition of his contribution to Kyokushin Karate and his excellent knowledge, teaching and promotion of Sosai's way.