Soshu Shigeru Oyama

[JR 137]

The karate world has lost a true legend - Shigeru Oyama.

Along with Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura, Shigeru Oyama was sent to the US by Mas Oyama (no relation) to teach and spread Kyokushin karate. For a while, he and Nakamura WERE Kyokushin in the US.

Shigeru Oyama left Kyokushin in 1981 and started World Oyama Karate. By all accounts, he was a class act and truly one of the best Kyokushin practitioners and teachers of all time.

As far as his fighting prowess goes, he completed the 100 man kumite. According to an interview with Shigeru Oyama, Mas Oyama required anyone going abroad to teach to complete the 100 man kumite first. Shigeru Oyama actually defeated 121 opponents before Mas Oyama put an end to it, due to Mas Oyama finally receiving a phone call that he was waiting for.

Note: Sorry if this is in the wrong section. I wasn't sure where to post it, and figured karate fit best.

[sensei8]

My prayers as well as my thoughts go out to Shigeru Oyama's family and friends during these mournful days.