Is Kyokushin Karate Training...Dangerous?

I get this a lot; especially with the recent popularity of the Cobra Kai series.  Sometimes it's asked as a question, but more often than not, I see this in the hesitation folks have to begin training or practicing with us.  I get it...nobody wants to get hurt or injured, but what's the worst that can happen?

Personally, I've broken just about every finger, a couple of bones in my hand, my big toe (on both feet), a couple of ribs, and gotten about a dozen stitches in my shin.  All of those injuries were either from playing basketball or doing projects around the house.  I've hurt my back picking up a laundry basket the wrong way.  I've been out of commission for 48-72 hours because I slept in an awkward position and jacked up my neck.

The way I explain to students, and prospective students is this:

You're not guaranteed that anything you do will be 100% safe.  You could twist your ankle getting out of bed In the morning.  Just because that's a (real) possibility, does that mean you stay in bed all day?  Each day there are over 17,000 auto accidents in the country.  Does that keep you from driving (or riding) to work or school or the grocery store?

Back to the question at hand...yes Kyokushin Karate training Is dangerous.  BUT it's no more dangerous than any other adventure we would embark on, or any other task we need to complete.  Like it or not...you assume risk every single day.  Every morning when those toes hit the floor...it's game-on.  

So, If life is inherently dangerous anyway, why not try something new or fun?  

Never let the fear of a maybe keep you from pursuing something great.

​Osu!