Diligence
Time is changing. Technology is evolving. In  Kyokushin, techniques to be used in tournament fighting are developing. New training methods to effectively improve physical abilities are constantly discovered. What it takes for a fighter to keep him or herself updated to the latest information is to keep their eyes open and to keep studying. The ability of "research and development" is the only way to stay with the fast changing Kyokushin fighting techniques.

 Toughness
Kyokushin Karate is one of the few Martial Arts in which a fighter wears very minimal protective gear. Thus, toughening all contact parts of the body is essential for a Kyokushin competitor and student. The most frequently used body parts for offensive techniques are knuckles, elbows shins and insteps. A fighter usually toughens them by kicking and punching a dense and compact sand bag over and over, like a Samurai warrior grinds his precious sword every single night.

Courage
Competing in a contact karate event is painful. Sparring everyday and weightlifting everyday are painful. Sacrificing quality time with friends for training is painful. We, as human beings, do not like the word "pain".  But you realize life is full of it. It takes a great amount of courage to squarely face life's hardships. Kyokushin events build up competitors' fighting spirit not just against physical pain also against obstacles that they will face in their life.

Obedience
An athlete must analyze themselves by receiving objective opinions from a coach in order to  become a better player or a fighter. Sometimes, severe criticism might be expressed. If he or she is obedient enough and trust their coach, they can successfully eliminate their weaknesses. Obedience, loyalty and trust towrds a club and a coach are a must to improve individual techniques and physical ability in any sports, and Kyokushin is no exception.

Technique
The IKO rules leave fighters ample room for improvement and creation in the technical aspect. The number of combos using various techniques is virtually infinity. A fighter must analyze his or her own physical factors and characteristics, then select certain techniques to polish up for a tournament. They must also alter a game plan according to an opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Watching the quick rally of defense-offense techniques between two fighters is the real thrill in Kyokushin.

Perseverance
An international Kyokushin fighter must create time to train everyday no matter how busy they are. Thus, times to be spent with family, friends or personal hobbies are quite often sacrificed. They also have to discipline themselves in precisely following daily routine in order to maintain the best possible physical condition so they can mentally focus on daily training. For three months before a competition, Self-denial, self-discipline and perseverance are required to concentrate on daily workout.

Strength
Kyokushin Karate is a contact fighting style. Even if a technique lands, it's meaningless without leaving impact on an opponent. Muscle strength of each and every part of the body must be increased so the techniques are backed up by adequate power. Competitors also need to specifically develop the chests, abs and quads in order to absorb the impact from punches and kicks of their opponent. Remember "Techniques lie within Power." quoted by the late master Sosai Mas Oyama.

Teamwork
Students who set a goal to compete in a tournament are required to come to a class more regularly. While they must train hard,  their responsibility to look after beginners increase. Through their training in the dojo, fighters always come to recognize the support they receive from fellow students and coaches. Fighting in a karate competition is an individual sport. However, a strong team spirit at a dojo is indispensable in maintaining the quality of training.

Speed
K.E.=1/2mv2 - If you know anything about Physics, you should be familiar with the formula. It's: Kinetic Energy is in proportion to both Mass and the square of Velocity. The theory can be applied to karate techniques. The important element here is that the force of a punch or a kick is influenced more by speed than mass. No matter how heavy and powerful he or she is, their techniques are not capable of creating great force if they are slow. The formula is a key for a smaller fighter to win.

Endurance
The official tournament rules of the International Karate Organization require competitors to fight as long as seven minutes in cases that a bout lasts with two extensions. To keep fighting for seven minutes is extremely demanding. It's equivalent to running at speeds of a 100 meter sprint for seven minutes. That's the level of stamina the fighters now days have to built up to prepare themselves. Without long lasting endurance, you will never be able to win in a tough international tournament.