Regarding the Unauthorized Use and Piracy of Sosai Mas Oyama’s Legacy

Safeguarding the Name and Legacy of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama

As the official custodians of the name, teachings, and intellectual property of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama—under the leadership of his daughter, Kuristina Oyama—the Mas Oyama Kyokushinkaikan Honbu issues the following public statement.

We are witnessing a concerning rise in the unauthorized use of Sosai’s name, image, and philosophy—particularly in commercial contexts—by individuals who:

• Were never students of Sosai

• Have no direct connection to his lineage

• Operate without the consent of the Oyama family or Honbu

• Promote false affiliations and unapproved products

The Issue: Misuse, Misrepresentation, and False Claims

Recently, products and promotions have surfaced falsely claiming association with Sosai Mas Oyama and the Kyokushinkaikan. These include:

• Commercial merchandise bearing Sosai’s name or likeness

• Organizations misrepresenting themselves as successors or affiliates

• Social media content falsely implying connection to the original Kyokushinkaikan

One individual currently operating in Europe (specifically Denmark) has repeatedly used Sosai’s image, name, and style to promote himself and a fabricated organization—despite lacking any formal training under Sosai or at Honbu.

These actions raise serious ethical concerns and may also involve legal risks, particularly when carried out by individuals presenting themselves as martial artists or “shihan” without legitimate ties to the Kyokushinkaikan or the Oyama family.

Our Legal and Ethical Position

The intellectual property and legacy rights of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama are protected under international copyright and trademark law.

Let it be made absolutely clear:

• Any unauthorized use of Sosai’s name, image, or materials may constitute a legal violation and will be addressed as necessary

• Mas Oyama Kyokushinkaikan Honbu is monitoring ongoing misuse and reserves the right to take formal action, including reporting violations to online platforms and seeking legal remedies if appropriate

• False representation of Kyokushin lineage is not only misleading but also contradicts the spirit of integrity Sosai upheld

What the Kyokushin Community Can Do

We urge the global Kyokushin community to remain vigilant and respectful of Sosai’s true legacy. You can help by:

• Avoiding the purchase or distribution of unauthorized merchandise or media

• Verifying any organization or instructor claiming affiliation with Sosai Mas Oyama or the Kyokushinkaikan

• Reporting suspicious content or misuse directly to Mas Oyama Kyokushinkaikan Honbu

Upholding the True Kyokushin Spirit

Kyokushin was founded on the principles of honor, respect, and truth. These values must continue to guide how we protect and preserve the legacy of its founder.

We sincerely thank all students, instructors, and dojos worldwide who support the true lineage and teachings of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama—and who stand with the Oyama family in preserving his name with dignity and integrity.

Osu.