Hawaii and CFL Kyokushin

The Hawaii Branch of the IKO Kyokushinkai

The Hawaii Branch was the first Kyokushin dojo to open outside of Japan.  The dojo was opened by Shihan Bobby Lowe in 1957 and the branch continues to operate, as a non-profit organization, under the supervision of Shihan Herb Ishida.  We at Central Florida Kyokushin continued our association with the Hawaii Branch for more than 35 years until our resignation from the IKO on March 1, 2023. However, the lessons, the experiences, and the friendships will live eternally in all of us that were fortunate to train there.

Central Florida Kyokushin Karate

The goal of the Central Florida Kyokushin Dojo is to provide members, through education and cultural exchanges, the true understanding of the philosophy of Budo, the path of life whereby what is learned is transcended into wisdom.  We will focus on building character, self-confidence, self-discipline and training the mind and body to contribute to society based on Sosai Mas Oyama’s Kyokushin spirit “Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (serenity); base yourself on filial piety and benefit others.”  Working closely with and as members of the Hawaii Branch Headquarters of the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan we will provide our members with an opportunity to come together in a harmonious and intercultural manner via the form of competitive training, seminars, national and international travel, and tournament participation.

In Kyokushin Karate the focus is on the full-contact aspect of fighting, without neglecting the other aspects, such kihon (basics), kata (form), and Goshin Jitsu (self-defense).  Whatever your reasons and goals are, practicing Kyokushin Karate can help you become stronger, healthier and a better human being. While competitive fighting may not be for you, you will improve your self awareness and ability to protect yourself even if you never compete.  For those interested in competitive fighting (kumite), you will find that Kyokushin is nothing like what you have experience before or what you have come to believe competitive Karate is all about.

We are a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation and our membership dues tend to be less than the rates that typical Martial Arts schools charge in the area.  However, in order to make ends meet we do have to remain strict with our membership dues. The membership dues collected are utilized for upkeep of the dojo (training hall), purchasing equipment, paying for travel to national and international seminars and tournaments for interested and selected members.  We select member every year that may need either subsidizing or paid for entirely, by grant money awarded to our nonprofit for that purpose. We also, however, endeavor to remain as self-sufficient as possible which means offering our same high-quality instruction to the general public at competitive rates.  There are no contracts or hidden costs. Come to our dojo and find out more.