Senpai Mick Begbie
Cambridge Kyokushin Karate Instructor and Kumite (Fighting) Coach
Senpai Mick Begbie (Nidan) first started Kyokushin training in 1986 with Shihan Robin Begbie in Hamilton, obtaining his black belt in 1993 and Nidan October 2020. Between 1986 and 1996 he fought competitively in many National and Regional tournaments either winning or securing placings. A highlight of Senpai Mick Begbie karate journey was attending a winter camp and meeting the founder of Kyokushin; Mas Oyama in 1989.
After a break from Kyokushin he returned to Waikato Central Kyokushin as an instructor and in 2014 he competed at the NZ Nationals held in Wellington: placing 1st - Senior Mens middleweight division. In January 2015 he placed 2nd in the Mens Masters middleweight division at the US Weight Category Karate championships (Los Angeles 2015). He also competed at the Tokyo 2015 World Karate tournament.
Since then Senpai Mick Begbie has been actively involved in the coaching and preparing fighters for tournaments, increasing their skills and performance. He has and continues to travel with the fighters and competitors internationally to Japan, America and Australia.
In 2021 Senpai Mick Begbie established Cambridge Kyokushin Karate - training at the Leamington Primary School Hall.
Sosai Mas Oyama (1923-1994)
Kyokushin Karate’s Founder
Sosai Oyama, 10th Dan, was the founder of Kyokushin Karate 1923-1994. He started training at Chinese Kempo at the age of nine. When he was 15 years old, he started training in karate under Genchin Funakoshi.
Mas Oyama trained hard under various teachers and made great progress, becoming a 4th Dan at the age of 22. Two years later, in 1947, he won the All Japan Karate Championship.
In 1948, Mas Oyama decided to undergo the rigours of training alone in the mountains. This he did on Mt. Kiyosumi in the Chiba Prefecture, where he stayed for 18 months, training daily to strenghthen his body and spirit.
It was in 1950, after returning from the mountains, that Mas Oyama first started matching his strength against that of a bull. He fought a total of 52 bulls, killing three and breaking the horns off of 40.
In 1954, Mas Oyama made his first of many visits to North America where he held demonstrations and participated in many fights against boxers and wrestlers. He won all fights he participated in.
In 1954, he opened his first dojo in Tokyo. This dojo was the beginning of the KYOKUSHINKAIKAN. In 1964, the Tokyo Honbu was officially opened and the International Karate Organization-Kyokushinkaikan (I.K.O.K.) was established. Kyokushin Karate today is one of the largest and most famous of all karate styles.
Mission Statement
By sharing knowledge with our members in a safe and supportive learning environment, we will instill a sense of humility, discipline and confidence. Therefore providing a stable foundation for a stronger community.
Dojo Operators Value Proposition
We are committed to building Kyokushin Karate in New Zealand. As a dojo operator of the NZKOK Inc. you will have the advantage of being connected to a global organisation, dedicated to providing continual support and guidance needed to develop yourself, your dojo and your students.
Student Value Proposition
Kyokushin Karate will welcome you into a friendly supportive environment. Guiding you on a path to knowledge, challenging you both mentally and physically, enabling you to maximise your full potential.