Kyodokaratesa

AFTER MANY DECADES OF TRAINING , competing, teaching, and coaching karate, I have come to the conclusion that karate—like any other martial art—does not automatically teach discipline, humility, compassion, restraint, respect, or the many other virtues so often cited as reasons for joining.

Rather, these qualities are potential outcomes of sincere, continuous, and consistent practice.

The same can be said of negative traits. The principles that shape human character are much like planting a seed. The quality of the seed, the hand that sows it, the condition of the soil, and the environment in which it grows ultimately determine the quality of the fruit it bears.

Martial arts can nurture what already exists, but they cannot guarantee transformation where there is no willingness to change.

Over the years, I have observed that people from vastly different personalities and character backgrounds enter the martial arts space. While many embrace the values that karate seeks to cultivate, others do not. Instead of allowing themselves to be shaped by the art, they attempt to reshape the environment to accommodate their own values and character flaws.

A narcissist, for example, rarely adapts to a healthy culture in order to belong; instead, they often seek to influence that culture to serve their own needs and reinforce their own importance.

This principle extends well beyond narcissism. There are many personality traits and deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour that resist even the most dedicated efforts of instructors, mentors, and training partners.

No matter how much guidance, encouragement, or correction is offered, genuine change cannot be forced upon someone who is unwilling to confront themselves.

Today, many such individuals can be found throughout the martial arts community—as students, instructors, coaches, heads of federations, county representatives and even champions.

Some hold impressive titles, accumulate countless accolades, and are celebrated as role models because of their competitive achievements rather than the values they consistently embody. Yet despite decades immersed in martial arts, their character remains largely unchanged.

Perhaps this is the lesson we need to acknowledge more honestly: martial arts do not build character in isolation—they reveal it, refine it, and amplify it. They provide the opportunity for transformation, but they do not compel it.

The true measure of a martial artist is therefore not found in medals, belts, titles, or victories, but in the person they become when no one is watching.

Skill may earn admiration, but character is what ultimately earns respect, and that remains a choice each individual must make.

CHARACTER REVEALS MORAL PURPOSE, EXPOSING THE CLASS OF THINGS ONE CHOOSES OR AVOIDS.

10 QUALITIES OF A GREAT KYODO KYOKUSHIN COACH.

A good coach is positive, enthusiastic, supportive, trusting, focused, goal-oriented, knowledgeable, observant, respectful, patient and a clear communicator.

The 10 Key Qualities

1. UNDERSTANDS THE SPORT AND LEADS BY EXAMPLE.
To be able to teach effectively, the coach must have in-depth understanding of KYODO KYOKUSHIN from the fundamental skills to advanced training tactics and organisational strategy. Coaches may have some past experience in karate, but not all former karatekas make good coaches. Coaches must plan for the year, know the progressive nature of training adaptation, know the rules, and provide a simple, structured environment for athletes/students to succeed.

Plan – Prepare – Rehearse – Perform –Compete are the essence of good KYODO KYOKUSHIN coaching. A good coach should have a recognised dan grade qualification from the governing body of their organisation. Not every great coach will have the top level qualification, but every coach should have some qualification.

2. SPONGE FOR KNOWLEDGE / PROFOUND THINKER / VISIONARY.
While a good coach knows a great deal about KYODO KYOKUSHIN or other similar karate styles, he/she must continue to learn and develop new training techniques or methods based on scientifically sound evidence. Staying up-to-date and informed of new research, training and everything which supports the coaching process, attending coaching clinics and camps, and seeking out tips from other coaches and high performance athletes or karatekas are a sign of a great coach.

Watching videos, reading books and studying periodicals can also be helpful. Attending classes from accredited institutions in a range of subjects such as sport psychology, nutrition and exercise physiology is a great idea and is readily accessible for any coach who wants to grow and improve.

3. SHARES THE KNOWLEDGE / EDUCATES OTHERS.
Obtaining knowledge is important, but having the confidence to share and seek others’ views, especially those outside of your sport, is a key quality. Being happy to try new things and different ideas in the quest to improve performance. The best KYODO KYOKUSHIN coaches clearly understand they are there to educate the athletes or karatekas.

Most committed students spend most of the time training, so the more they really understand what they are doing and why they are doing it the better they will train and practise.

4. HIGHLY ENERGISED AND A MOTIVATOR.
The successful KYODO KYOKUSHIN coach is a motivator with a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the sport, the students and their families. The ability to motivate and inspire is part of the formula for success. Getting athletes or karatekas to believe in themselves and achieve comes far easier from some coaches than others. The coach who can motivate is able to generate the desire to excel in their students. Motivation may mean keeping the practice or training fun, fresh and challenging. When motivating a student, a good coach stresses trying to reach performance goals, not outcome goals.

A coach should make sure that karatekas understand that you can completely control your own effort and training, but can't control what your opponent does or the outcome of every competitive bout. Fun and enjoyment are the cornerstones to successful coaching.

5. KNOWS THE ATHLETE / STUDENT, VALUES AND RESPECTS THAT RELATIONSHIP.
Being aware of individual differences in athletes/students is an important ingredient in coaching excellence. Yelling, screaming and other emotional displays may work for some students but could have a devastating effect on others. Individualising communication and motivation to specific students is vital to successful coaching.

Paying attention to the student's emotions, strengths and weaknesses are the responsibility of a good coach. Understanding every karateka is different, and have different ways of receiving coaching information is key to good coaching, especially in a team with diverse backgrounds and needs.

6. IS AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR & TEACHER.
The effective KYODO KYOKUSHIN coach is a coach who communicates well and exudes credibility, competence, respect and authority. A coach should be able to explain ideas clearly. Clear communication means setting defined goals, giving direct feedback and reinforcing the key messages. Acknowledging success is also essential for good communication.

Language is a key part of coaching, and keeping everything simple and easily understood is a sign of a successful coach.

7. IS A GOOD LISTENER.
Part of communicating effectively is listening. A coach should be a compassionate ear and should welcome the athletes comments, questions and input. The effective KYODO KYOKUSHIN coach will actively seek out information from students, and work in an environment where students are encouraged to present ideas and thoughts to the coach.

Finally, the good coach will be flexible and will use students feedback to modify the training plan if necessary.

8. IS AUTHENTIC, DISCIPLINED, STRONG IN CHARACTER AND EXUDES INTEGRITY.
Karatekas need to adhere to a reasonable set of rules both in and outside the Dojo including on social media and if these are ignored the coach is responsible for discipline. Trust between students and coach is of paramount importance at all times and essential for successful coaching – trust comes from the quality of the actions from both coach and karatekas alike The effective coach clearly states a code of conduct up front and adheres to it. When violations do occur, discipline should follow.

Evidence supports that for discipline to effectively change behaviour, it must be mild, prompt and consistent. Committed to individual integrity, values and personal growth.

9. LEADS BY EXAMPLE WITH VERY HIGH ATTITUDE TO HARD WORK.
The effective KYODO KYOKUSHIN coach also leads by example. A good coach adheres to the same rules he/she expects of students. A coach who wants respect should also show respect. A coach who expects students to remain positive needs to display a positive attitude. A coach who wants students to listen should also listen to students.

10. DISPLAYS COMMITMENT AND CLEAR PASSION FOR THE SPORT.
The best coaches are in the profession because they love it. Besides being strongly committed to the sport and success, the best coaches display a clear commitment to looking out for the best interest of their individual students and IBU KYODO KYOKUSHIN in general.

Coaching in many ways is a 24/7 365-days-a-year job as top coaches live and sleep the art of coaching able to think of every possible scenario and allow the students and coach to perform at their best when the pressure is the greatest!

Unmistakably KYODO KYOKUSHIN!

AS KYODOKYOKUSHIN COACHES, WE DON’T TEACH COMMITMENT, GRIT, OR DETERMINATION.
WE CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT THAT ALLOWS THEM TO OCCUR.

THE THREE Of US… And Many Of Our Friends Who Believe in the Vision We Carry Around the World

Every great movement began with a few people who refuse to let go of a vision.

Today, thousands of us stand together—not for ourselves, but for a purpose that has grown far beyond individuals. Together with us are dedicated instructors, students, families, and supporters who believe that IBU Kyodokyokushin is more than an organization. It is a global movement committed to developing stronger people, stronger communities, and a more united world.

Karate has always been more than physical competition. It is a universal language that transcends race, culture, religion, and politics.

On the dojo floor, we are not divided by nationality or background—we are united by discipline, respect, humility, and the pursuit of personal excellence.

This is the vision we are building across Africa, Europe, and the rest of the world.

Through international collaboration, grassroots development, seminars, tournaments, instructor education, and youth empowerment, we are creating opportunities for people from every walk of life to grow together. Every dojo becomes a place where barriers are broken, friendships are formed, and future leaders are shaped.

Our mission extends beyond producing champions in competition. We are committed to building champions in life—people who will carry the values of integrity, courage, respect, and service back into their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

The impact is already being felt. Every new dojo, every student who ties on a white belt, every instructor who embraces our values, and every nation that joins our family strengthens a movement that promotes unity through martial arts and contributes to peace through mutual understanding.

This is only the beginning.

If you believe that karate can change lives, strengthen communities, and connect nations through shared values, then we invite you to become part of the IBU Kyodokyokushin family.

Whether you are an instructor, athlete, parent, club, or federation looking to make a lasting difference, there is a place for you in our journey.

Together, let us build the future of Kyodokyokushin—across Africa, across Europe, and across the world.

Join the movement. Share the vision. Build the legacy.

I BELIEVE THAT WE ALL DESERVE AN OPPORTUNITY to accomplish our goals, and sometimes we might need to create that opportunity. I believe that we should be grateful for our experiences, opportunities and those who support us.

I believe we should all strive to be mindful—to be present in the moment with ourselves and with others, and not be afraid to pause to reset when needed. I believe we should focus on good and acceptance and understanding, especially where we differ from others.

I believe in seeking the balance that is needed between work and play and putting yourself first, and your family (and friends that feel like family) as a close second. I believe that inspiration and influence can be found in unexpected places and in subtle ways and we must be prepared for them.

I believe we need to always have an eye where we are going, actively reflect upon how we are going to get there and where we came from, and keep hope in our life every day, week and month of the year. I believe we should recognize when enough is enough with anything.

I believe that everyone should work hard and put forth their best, as we are only as good as our integrity. I believe that life is not truly being lived without failure and that we must take what we can from those failures and incorporate that new knowledge into our future choices.

I believe that living outside of our comfort zone is a good thing and that the best of ourselves comes out when we push ourselves beyond that point. I believe that happiness should be a goal, defining happiness is up to the individual, and to allow ourselves to just be happy is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.