03/08/2026
Today it's a very sad day ...
Kaicho Hatsuo Royama passed away after battling illness for some time, his condition suddenly worsened, and he passed away on Monday, August 3, at 4:48 PM. Throughout his repeated and serious illnesses, he fought with dignity and unwavering strength until the very end.
Hatsuo Royama is a Japanese kyokushin master.
A prominent student of its founder, Mas Oyama. In 2002, he founded the Kyokushin-kan International Karate Organization with the aim of upholding the traditional principles of Kyokushin.
Life and career
Early Kyokushin training: Born on March 31, 1948, Hatsuo Royama started training under Mas Oyama at the Oyama Dojo in 1963 when he was 15 years old. He became closely associated with Oyama throughout the founder's life.
Tournament success:
Royama proved to be a formidable competitor, with career highlights that include:
1973: Champion of the 5th All Japan Open Karate Tournament
1975: Runner-up at the 1st Open Weight World Championship
Master of the low kick: Royama was instrumental in popularizing the devastating low shin kick in Kyokushin. The technique was so strongly associated with him that foreign competitors at early world tournaments would mistakenly call out "Ro kick!" when seeing it.
Founding Kyokushin-kan: Following Mas Oyama's death in 1994, Royama became disillusioned with the Kyokushinkaikan's new leadership, which he felt was prioritizing profit over the "Budo spirit." In 2002, he split from the organization and founded Kyokushin-kan International.
Leader and instructor: Royama was the director (Kancho) of the Kyokushin-kan International until 2022, when he became the honorary director (Kaicho). He continued to teach and train, emphasizing the balance of physical strength, mental discipline, and philosophical aspects of karate....
