Very few stories end up legendary within the intriguing world of martial arts. Nor are they inspiring enough to travel through time. One legendary story that has continued to travel through many walks of life is the tale of the 100-man kumite. This ultimate test of spirit, strength, and endurance is deeply embedded within the martial art of Kyokushin karate.

The Kyokushin style of karate was founded by the highly recognized Masutatsu Oyama. Even today, Kyokushin makes its way across the world, including in St. Augustine, Florida, at the Azadani Dojo where the spirit of this extraordinary challenge continues to inspire martial artists of all ages.

Kyokushin Karate’s 100 Battles Legacy

Imagine stepping onto the dojo floor at sunrise, knowing that ahead of you lay a massive challenge. You must make it through 100 consecutive full-contact fights, each will be against a fresh, highly trained opponent. That was the real, non-mythical challenge of the 100-man kumite.

Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin karate, believed that true mastery of martial arts required not just technical skill, but the ability to push beyond the limits of mind and body. The 100-man kumite became the ultimate test of a Kyokushin martial artist’s spirit. An ultimate trial of survival, willpower, and heart that pushed one beyond the limits they ever knew.

It was not just a brutal physical feature. It was a part of one’s spiritual journey. Each fight tested a different part of the fighter’s abilities, such as courage, patience, humility and resilience. A simple challenge with no breaks, no soft landings, and no guarantees. Only the determination and choice of the fighter could carry them through.

Did Mas Oyama Complete It?

The question that lingers is, did Mas Oyama the creator himself complete the 100-man kumite?

The answer is not only yes, but he did it multiple times. Historical records and eyewitness accounts state that Mas Oyama completed the 100-man kumite three times in three consecutive days. This was in the 1950s, during the formative years of Kyokushin karate. Each day, he fought 100 opponents, each match lasting roughly one and a half minutes with full-contact strikes.

Imagine that? He didn’t only make it through one day or even two days of 100 fights. He did it 3days in a row!

Oyama’s completion of this brutal test definitely forged his legendary status. It wasn’t about showcasing his invincibility. It was about demonstrating the limitless strength of the human spirit when pushed beyond comfort.

Oyama himself would admit that many of the fights were a close call, however his determination is what gifted him the days end completion of 100 fights.

Who Else Has Completed the Kyokushin Karate’s 100-Man Kumite?

Since Mas Oyama’s time, only a handful of individuals have successfully completed the 100-man kumite, a testament to its almost superhuman demands. Some notable warriors include:

• Kenji Yamaki (1995) — Later became World Champion and one of the most respected Kyokushin fighters.
• Loek Hollander (1967) — The first non-Japanese to complete it.
• Shokei Matsui — Current head of one Kyokushin faction.
• Steve Arneil (1965) — The first Westerner to complete the 100-man kumite under Oyama’s watch.

Even among Kyokushin’s elite, many have attempted but not finished the challenge, further emphasizing its near-mythical difficulty. However, there are many others training to take the title to this magnificent challenge of body, mind and spirit.

Kyokushin Martial Arts Training: Then and Now

Training under Mas Oyama’s direct instruction was notoriously brutal. Students at his original dojo faced:

• Six-hour daily practices.
• Thousands of strikes and repetitions in a single session.
• Harsh conditioning, like striking posts hundreds of times until knuckles bled.
• Daily sparring that was full contact and no holding back.
• Winter training barefoot in the snow, and summer training on beaches and mountains.

Mas Oyama believed karate must be forged like steel; hammered, heated, and cooled under pressure to create true strength.

Today, Kyokushin karate training still retains its hard spirit, but many dojos outside Japan balance traditional toughness with modern understandings of sports science, injury prevention, and longevity.

At places like the Azadani Dojo in St. Augustine, Florida, the fierce training spirit lives on, but is adapted to nurture not only world-class fighters but also students of all ages who seek strength, confidence, and discipline through martial arts in St. Augustine, Florida.

From Mas Oyama to Azadani Dojo in St. Augustine

The story of Kyokushin karate’s passage to St. Augustine, Florida is a direct thread from Mas Oyama’s vision. Shihan Seyar Azadani, the head of Azadani Dojo, trained under the direct lineage of the Kyokushin-kan organization, Kaicho Hatsuo Royama. Kaicho Royama is the chairman of the Kyokushin-kan International Organization and a direct disciple of Kyokushin founder Masutatsu Oyama. This Organization is one of the main groups preserving the true spirit of Mas Oyama’s teachings after his passing.

Shihan Azadani holds a 6th Dan black belt and has spent decades refining his skill, studying under respected masters tied to Kyokushin’s original traditions. His commitment is not just to the physical techniques, but to the philosophy of respect, perseverance, and the pursuit of personal excellence.

At Azadani Dojo, students of all ages can experience real Kyokushin karate. They learn not just how to strike, but how to endure, rise, and become their greatest version. Martial arts in St. Augustine, Florida has found a living embodiment of Oyama’s spirit through Shihan Azadani’s tireless dedication.

Few people today attempt the 100-man kumite or carry the mindset to attempt such a challenge. However, this type of relentless perseverance, courage, and the want to master one’s self is alive in every Kyokushin dojo across the globe. Especially in Karate St. Augustine Florida’s “Azadani Dojo”.

Each training session and sparring match is a small battle fought to begin in forging one’s strength in body, and in spirit.

As Mas Oyama said:

“One becomes a beginner after one thousand days of training and an expert after ten thousand days of practice.”

The Kyokushin Journey

At the Azadani Dojo, students continue this timeless journey, carrying forward the “Ultimate Truth” Mas Oyama set in motion. This motion is alive from the mountains of Japan to the historic streets of St. Augustine, Florida.

If you’re ready to forge your spirit and embrace the true way of martial arts in St. Augustine, Florida, your journey awaits you at the Azadani Dojo, where the heart of Kyokushin karate still beats strong.