Kyokushin is largely a synthesis of Shotokan and Gōjū-ryū. It teaches a curriculum that emphasizes aliveness, physical toughness, and full contact sparring.
Because of its emphasis on physical, full-force sparring, Kyokushin is now often called "full contact karate", or "Knockdown karate" (after the name for its competition rules).
Many other karate organizations and styles are descended from the Kyokushin curriculum.
The World Karate Federation recognizes these styles of karate in its kata list:
- Shōtōkan-ryū,
- Shitō-ryū,
- Gōjū-ryū,
- Wadō-ryū.
The World Union of Karate-do Federations (WUKF) recognizes these styles of karate in its kata list.[20]
- Shōtōkan-ryū,
- Shitō-ryū,
- Gōjū-ryū,
- Wadō-ryū,
- Shōrin-ryū,
- Uechi-ryū,
- Kyokushinkai,
- Budōkan.
Many schools would be affiliated with, or heavily influenced by, one or more of these styles.
