One week before Sosai Mas Oyama passed away, I was called by Sosai to St. Luke’s International Hospital where he was hospitalized.
When I entered the hospital room, Sosai sat on the bed and stared at his fist for a long time. I was not able to speak for a while and was watching the sight, but as I heard before when Sosai said, “I have trained Karate for many years, but I still have doubt about how to hold a fist correctly.” I was thinking this was indeed what Sosai is concentrating on. As soon as Sosai recognized me, he straightened his body, changed his position towards me, and opened his mouth heavily.
The facial expression at that time was not a blood-hearted Sosai as usual. His cheeks were fallen, half of his face is being pulled, and it felt very painful. Despite his condition, I clearly remember when Sosai looked me in my eyes and strongly said, “Kyokushin Karate is eternal immortal!” and continued, “I want you to make such Kyokushin Karate with your hand” … It is no overstatement to say that my new life began since that time.
Until now, and from now on, I feel that it is my obligation to do everything in my life to develop Kyokushin Karate.
Hatsuo Royama
Kyokushin-kan International Karate-do Organization
