Embedded Files
The Kanku Symbol
The Kanku symbol, emblem of Kyokushin Karate, originates from the kata Kanku Dai, meaning “Sky Gazing”. This kata was adopted from Shotokan Karate, where it was originally developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi under the same name. In Kyokushin, Kanku Dai was preserved for its depth, fluidity, and symbolic opening gesture, which inspired the Kyokushin symbol.
At the start of the kata, the practitioner raises both hands to the sky, joining the index fingers and thumbs to create a diamond-shaped window through which they "gaze at the sky". This gesture became the foundation of the Kanku symbol. The points at the top and bottom of the design represent the fingertips - symbolizing the peaks or the ultimate. The thicker sides represent the wrists - embodying power and stability. The central space - the open window - symbolizes infinite depth, a philosophical core of Kyokushin: seeking truth beyond limitation. Finally, the entire symbol is enclosed in a circle, signifying continuity, wholeness, and circular motion - all essential to the practice and mindset of Karate-do.
Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin, chose this symbol not only for its aesthetic elegance but for its deep meaning: a balance of focus, strength, and spiritual vastness. Just as Kanku Dai reflects a fusion of dynamic movement and reflective stillness, the symbol unites strength and infinity within a single, profound image, capturing the essence of the Kyokushin path.
Origins of the Kanku Dai Kata
Kanku Dai, the kata that inspired Kyokushin’s emblem, has deep historical roots tracing back to 18th-century Okinawa. Before it was renamed by Gichin Funakoshi, it was known as Kusanku (also pronounced Kushanku or Kosokun), named after a Chinese military advisor and Kempo master who came to Okinawa around 1756. Kusanku - known in Chinese as Kung Siang Chin - was invited by the Okinawan king and stayed for several years, during which he gave demonstrations of his martial skill. He became renowned for effortlessly defeating larger opponents, leaving a lasting impression on Okinawan martial artists.
Among those influenced by Kusanku was Tode Sakugawa, one of Okinawa’s most prominent martial figures. Urged by his teacher, the monk and astronomer Peichin Takahara, Sakugawa became Kusanku’s student for six years. After Kusanku's death, Sakugawa created the Kusanku kata to preserve his teachings - blending military technique with philosophical depth, possibly influenced by Takahara’s astronomical and Taoist insights.
When Funakoshi later introduced Karate to mainland Japan, he renamed the kata "Kanku" - "Sky Gazing" - in reference to its opening gesture. Mas Oyama retained it in Kyokushin for its flowing complexity and symbolic resonance.
Kanku Dai features circular deflections, hip-driven escapes from grabs, low stances, and feints - showcasing adaptability both in close quarters and at distance. Beyond combat, it conveys a legacy: the meeting of martial science, spiritual inquiry, and celestial symbolism. In this way, the kata becomes a vessel of transmission from master to student across generations.
Page updated
Report abuse