Shigeru Oyama
was born in Tokyo on July 7th, 1935. After beginning the study of karate at
an early age and attending Japan University, he became a professional karate
master, having trained with and under
Mas Oyama during the early days of the development of Kyokushin.
Undefeated in tournament bouts throughout Japan, he fought the 100-man kumite in the mid-60's, and rose to the rank of Grand Master.
In 1967, the then Saiko Shihan> came to White Plains, New York. Recognised as the top Japanese karate master and an international authority on Kyokushin karate, he was selected to introduce traditional Japanese karate adapted to a modern system to American students.
All worldwide Kyokushin champions subsequently travelled to New York to train under his tutelage, coming from Japan and Europe, as well as throughout the US.
In addition to his teaching and mentoring duties, Shigeru Oyama has
written three volumes on karate, including the prize-winning novel
U.S. Karate Adventure.
He is the current chairman of WORLD OYAMA KARATE, which became an
independent organisation in 1981 and which is headquartered in New York
City. In October 1985, he received a citation for professional
excellence presented by President Ronald Reagan at the the Whitehouse.
One of Shigeru Oyama's demonstration favourites is the sword catch, where someone swings a samurai sword down at his head and he "claps" to catch it between his palms. It is said that he once missed catching it, whereupon he rose (with a gash to his head) and said something to the effect that he needed to go to the hospital for this one!
He however continued catching swords with his "clap"
and is recorded on several videos doing this.
