MisterMcDojo

I'm trying to get an understanding on exactly what are the differences offered in the split branches of Kyokushin. Since Mas Oyama's original legacy lies with Shokei Matsui and the IKO, what does organizations like the WKO run by Kenji Midori and the IFK run by Steve Arneil offer differently? Are they not the "true" Kyokushin, since Mas Oyama did not specifically pick them like he did with Shokei Matsui to be the successor to the IKO and Kyokushin? All three of these men trained under Mas Oyama. What would I get training under different Kyokushin branches, with all saying that they have the "true will" of Mas Oyama running in their styles? ---- Also, a question about comparing Ashihara and Enshin. What are the main differences between the two? They are both Sabaki Method karate. I know that Joko Ninomiya trained under Hideyuki Ashihara before creating his own karate style, but what exactly did he alter that makes it different than Ashihara?

Hello everyone. I'm just curious in regards to the benefits in training in full contact karate, and the benefits in training in non-full contact karate. I hear that training full contact, like Kyokushin, helps much more in the overall training experience because the focus on the training is tougher. You are supposed to throw actual strong punches to your opponent, to not only improve your skill as a fighter, but also hard training strengthens your body. It's not a point system. Where one touch gets you a win. I, personally, don't see the benefits in training in non contact. Because how is that supposed to make you a better fighter? In a real fight, you can't just touch your opponent and win. You are doing yourself a dis-service to training in the martial arts by not practicing in full contact. Martial arts has really become "martial sports", if you understand what I mean. If you look at how karate has become. The JKA is one of those heavy influences in spreading "martial sports" around, and I don't think it benefits the user in the long run to train like that. Full contact, from my research, is the best way to train. To become a better martial artist. However, I could be wrong. And as so I dedicated my question over here on the forums. What are the pros and cons between the two training regiments? Is my entire assessment flawed? How so? I'm curious, because I would like to get solid closure on my question. Is there a benefit to training non full contact over full contact?