Ashihara Kaiikan is an original, direct (full contact) Japanese martial art founded by Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara (05.12.1944 – 24.04.1995). The official name of the organisation that brings together the representatives of this art is 'N.I.K.O.' - Ashihara Kaikan. Today, the legacy of his father has been inherited and is successfully led by Kancho Hidenori Ashihara, with its headquarters in Matsuyama, Japan. The essence of this martial art is known as the Sabaki Method, which involves positioning the fighter to the side or behind the opponent, thereby securing the most advantageous position for manipulating the opponent's balance and facilitating a simultaneous counter-attack. Built upon this movement, derived from the fundamental tenets of martial arts, are two sports and skills: Kyokushin Kai and Karate, as well as original techniques devised by the style's founder. Hand and foot Kyokushin-kai strikes make up approximately 40 per cent of this fighting style, while throws, sweeps and takedowns from Karate account for 10 per cent. When many original techniques, accounting for 50%, developed by Hideyuki Ashihara himself, are added to this, the result is a completely indigenous and original art and sport – 'Ashihara'. It was the founder's brilliant idea, having recognised the potential to improve the two aforementioned styles by synthesising them, that established a powerful, dynamic, and highly attractive martial art under Full Contact rules, one that captivates at first sight. Due to the shortcomings of full-contact rules in Karate, he adopted the full-contact rules from Kyokushin, and because of the beauty and applicability of the techniques of throwing, sweeping, takedowns and, ultimately, scoring, he adopted this segment of the sporting rules from Karate. By adding his own authentic techniques, implemented through the sport's rules, an opportunity arose to establish a completely new and authentic sport. Find out more