Hanshi | Daigo Oishi

Daigo Oishi was born on 15 July 1950 in Shizuoka, Japan. While at school Oishi read Oyama’s book “World, Combat Journey“. The book had a profound effect on him. Oishi knew he wanted to learn Kyokushin Karate and began training at the Kyokushin Honbu in March 1969. Looking to improve his Karate, he eventually became an uchi-deshi (live-in student).

 

A lifelong karateka, Daigo Oishi was known for his footwork and his powerfully destructive kicks. Mas Oyama called his kick “Muramasa” after a famous Japanese blade.

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In 1971 Oishi competed at the 3rd All-Japan Open Tournament, aged 21. He finished in third place.

Three years later, Oishi competed at the 6th All-Japan Open Tournament while injured. Despite his injury, he scored an ippon in four successive bouts. He finished in fourth place. Oishi competed at the 1st Open World Karate Championship in 1975, where he made it to the semifinals but lost to Hatsuo Royama. He finished in fourth place behind Katsuaki, Sato, Hatsuo Royama, and Joko Ninomiya. In 1976, the Oishi was selected to take part in the 1st Hawaiian All-Stars versus Japan Kyokushin Tournament, which had been organised by Shihan Bobby Lowe. However, prior to the tournament, he was injured and did not take part in the tournament.

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Mas Oyama recognised Oishi’s talent by appointing him the branch representative of the Yamanashi Kyokushinkai in 1976. The following year he was appointed representative of the Shizuoka branch.

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For the next few years, Oishi focused on building Kyokushin in the areas where he taught. In 1990 at the age of 40, Oishi decided to push himself by undertaking a 50-Man Kumite challenge. He was successful. In 1998, Oishi successfully passed a 70-Man Kumite challenge at the age of 48.

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On 26 April 1994, Mas Oyama died from lung cancer at the age of 70. Following his death, the International Karate Organization (IKO) eventually split into several groups, including IKO-1 led by Shokei Matsui and IKO-2 led by Yukio Nishida. Kenji Midori would eventually represent IKO-2. It was this group that Oishi joined. Oishi decided to leave IKO-2 in 2002. He formed a new organisation called the All Japan Kyokushin Federation with several other instructors. 

 

On 23 January 2003. Oishi was awarded the Social and Cultural Achievement Award from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Culture.

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On 15 July 2010, Oishi celebrated his 60th birthday. He had helped build the All Japan Kyokushin Federation into a respected organisation. However, in 2012 he left the Federation to establish the International Karatedo Federation Kyokushin Kaikan Seikai Sokyokushin, alongside Kazuyuki Hasegawa. He became President of this new organisation. Oishi had established the new organisation because he felt that the original teachings of Mas Oyama had become diluted, and in some cases were not being taught.

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Currently, a 9th Dan, Daigo Oishi is widely regarded as a top instructor. Many students travel to Japan to train with him.

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-Adapted from the Finding Karate website.