DEVELOPMENT OF OYAMA KARATE IN UTTARAKHAND
Kyokushin Kai is the name of the Oyama Karate organization. Kyoku means “ultimate,” Shin means “truth from within” or “reality,” and Kai refers to a club or organization. All branches worldwide are affiliated with the International Karate Organization (IKO) League and the Japan Kyokushin Kai-kan Headquarters. Each branch includes “Kyokushin Kai” in its name, just like in Dehradun, where it is widely known as Dehradun Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushin Kai-kan, formerly recognized as Kyokushin Kai Karate-Do Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The roots of Karate trace back to Japan. However, as early as the Meiji era, Karate was already widely known among the Japanese people. Originally, “Karate” meant “Chinese Art” because the Chinese character “Kong” is read as “Kara” in Japanese. This led to speculation that Karate originated in China. However, in 1937, the meaning of “Karate” was officially changed to “empty hand” in Japanese.
Karate is an excellent means of physical and mental conditioning. Its practice engages the entire body, including arms, hands, and legs, making it a comprehensive exercise for both body and mind. For those interested in self-defense, understanding these fundamental characteristics of Karate is essential.
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Karate requires deep concentration and it helps in developing mental, moral and spiritual discipline.
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Karate is a proven method of self-defense without the use of weapons.
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Karate can be practiced within the physical limitations of each individual.
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Karate can be studied and its methods practiced without the help of a partner or the use of a large training area. In fact, one’s bedroom or a Garden is more than sufficient for practice.
A high degree of achievement and improvement can be attained within a relatively short period. However, true mastery requires constant learning, along with a prolonged period of rigorous practice and relative isolation.
Oyama Karate is not merely a form of self-defense; its concept goes deeper than simple physical and mental cultivation. It is non-violent and should reject violence. In essence, the ultimate endeavor in Oyama Karate is spiritual enlightenment, along with physical and mental cultivation and the development of human qualities. This philosophy is best reflected in the training oath, recited by each Kyokushin Kai Karate student after every training session. Please refer to the Dojo Kun pages for more details.
Sensei Dev Nath introduced Oyama Karate in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, in 2003 after spending four years teaching full-time in a school and training students in a dojo. The formal name of the dojo was Dehradun Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushin Kai-Kan. Later, he was offered a job at JSPL, a leading company, as a Karate Instructor in Chhattisgarh.
In 2007, Sensei Dev Nath relocated to Chhattisgarh and focused on establishing a dojo known as Raigarh Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushin Kai-Kan. Under his supervision, thousands of students trained, and numerous events, including planning, promotions, demonstrations, camps, and tournaments, were successfully conducted.
In 2012, he decided to move back to Dehradun to ensure a quality education for his children. He is now the Founder and Chairman of Uttarakhand Oyama Karate-Do Kyokushin Kai-Kan, where he serves as the Chief Instructor and Chairman in the region.
Sensei Dev Nath’s unwavering dedication to promoting Karate and his selfless commitment to teaching have led to the establishment of numerous branches across Uttarakhand. These branches share the common goal and objectives of the organization, serving people throughout the region. The growth and popularity of Oyama Karate in Dehradun and Uttarakhand are largely due to his relentless efforts.
Apart from his dojos, Sensei Dev Nath also conducts training in schools and colleges. Hundreds of students receive free training daily, especially underprivileged girls and children, contributing to the upliftment of the younger generation.
