Kyokushin" is a combination of 2 Japanese words, Kyoku (ultimate) and Shin (reality or truth). Originally the character "shin" was meant to mean heart, but was changed because  Kyokushin or Ultimate Heart was a well-known Yakusa group in Japan.

The symbol that is  internationally recognized of Kyokushin Karate, the Kanku, originated from the kata Kanku Dai. This depiction has the hands are raised to the sky with the fingers touching. The fingers shown as points imply peaks,  the wrists are represented as the wide sections, signifying power. The centre represents infinity and the circle that encloses the parts, circular motion and continuity. It is the use of this circular motion in the execution of techniques that distinguishes Kyokushin Karate from traditional styles of karate that rely on simple linear motion.

Kyokushin is a Karate style that is renowned for its knock-down system of combat. The style is characterized by its strenuous training, conditioning and full contact sparring. Kyokushin Karate was devised by Sosei Masutatsu Oyama who in 1964 named the art “Kyojushin”, which translates to “The Ultimate Truth”. Oyama held a fourth Dan in Judo, and also studied Goju Ryu Karate, Shotokan Karate (reaching fourth Dan at the age of twenty) and some Korean martial arts which he developed into his own style called Kyokushin-kai (Kyokushin Karate).

Oyama was a very strong man who made this art popular by inviting opponents to fight him and through stunts, such as killing bulls with his bare hands. Black belt grindings in Kyokushinkai are well known for their large number of sparring fights (kumite), sometimes as many as a one hundred.