Trivia

Fought against bulls and bears with his hands.

Was transformed to a God after his death according to a Japanese religion.

Won "All Japanese championship" in 1947.

Born in South Korea in 1923, Choi immigrated to Japan in 1938, where he established his first dojo in 1953. Since its inception, Kyokushin Karate has spread to more than 120 countries, with more than twelve million practitioners, making it one of the largest martial arts styles in the world.

He is the founder of Kyokushin Karate.

Choi Bae-dal (Mas Oyama) was portrayed by actor Dong-kun Yang in the South Korean biographical film "Fighter in the Wind" (2004).

One of Choi Bae-dal's (Mas Oyama) students is the reknowned Japanese actor Sonny Chiba of "Street Fighter" and "Kill Bill" fame. Chiba appeared as Mas Oyama in 3 biographical films in Japan under the titles "Karate Bullfighter" (1975), "Karate Bearfighter" (1977), and "Karate for Life" (1977).

Choi Bae-dal (Mas Oyama) was the basis and model for Ryu's martial arts philosophy and fighting style in Capcom's "Street Fighter II.".