Mas Oyama (1923-1994) was a Korean-born Japanese martial artist and the founder of Kyokushin Karate, also known as "the strongest karate." Born in Jeonju, Korea during Japanese rule, he later became a Japanese citizen and dedicated his life to developing one of the most influential martial arts styles in the world. Oyama was famous for his extreme training methods, including the legendary "100-man kumite" challenge, where he fought 100 opponents consecutively in one day. His philosophy emphasized mental discipline and practical combat effectiveness. He authored several books on karate, with "The Strongest Karate" becoming a classic in martial arts literature. Oyama's legacy continues through the global Kyokushin Karate organization, which has millions of practitioners worldwide.
