Kaicho Sonoda is one of the prominent masters of Kyokushin Karate (Full Contact) in Japan, who has dedicated more than four decades of his life to the training, development, and promotion of Kyokushin. He began his training in his youth under the direct teachings of Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, and through perseverance, humility, and a deep understanding of Budo philosophy, he advanced his technical and managerial path.

Throughout his career, Sonoda has played an influential role not only in training multiple generations of students and instructors but also in structuring technical standards, developing full-contact competitions, and creating coordination among dojos and independent organizations. He is one of the few masters who simultaneously pays attention to both the traditional principles of Kyokushin and the technical needs of the modern generation, consistently emphasizing the coexistence of the two.

 

Official Statement and Managerial Approach

 

Kaicho Sonoda believes that for Kyokushin to preserve its authenticity, it must be built upon three core principles:

 

1. Preserving the Traditions of Kyokushin as the Legacy of Sosai Oyama

He believes that the spirit of Kyokushin lies in respect, hard training, martial ethics, and honesty on the path of Budo.
Sonoda emphasizes that these values must be passed down from generation to generation exactly as Sosai Oyama established them.

 

2. A Scientific and Modern Approach to Training and Education

Kaicho Sonoda believes that today’s karate cannot advance solely through classical methods.
From his perspective, biomechanical analysis, functional training, sports medicine, and data-based programming must be incorporated alongside traditional teachings so that Kyokushin can achieve global competitiveness.
The combination of tradition and modern science forms the intellectual foundation of the Sonoda Organization.

 

3. Development of Full Contact Competitions as the Future Path of Karate

Sonoda sees the future of Kyokushin in the expansion of Full Contact arenas, in parallel with the development of the Kyokushin Sonoda Organization.
For this reason, the organization has developed a long-term plan to strengthen, standardize, and internationalize Full Contact.
This vision has become one of the key slogans of the organization:

 

Official Slogans of the Sonoda Organization

“Preserving Authenticity – Advancing Toward Science”

“Sosai’s Tradition, Today’s Knowledge”

“Strengthening and Expanding Full Contact Worldwide”

“Kyokushin for the Future”