Cappa Martial Arts was established in 1980 by founder Armando Cappa, who holds the rank of 7th Dan (7th degree black belt) and the title of Kyoshi. He began his martial arts training in 1968 and continues teaching because he enjoys watching his students develop their skills and gain confidence.
In March 1972 Armando Cappa begins his training in Kyokushinkai Karate at the Burbank dojo under Sensei Anthony Englehard, Steve Sene and Linda Crosen. During that time the dojo was under the leadership and direction of Shihan Steve Senne. Stephen Senne receives his 4th Dan from Don Buck and Mas Oyama in 1974. July, 1966 - The North American IKO was founded and Steve Senne accepts the position of Branch Chief in Los Angeles, California.

Founder of American Kyokushin Karate Organization, Donald Buck.
(Hanshi Don Buck With Sosai Oyama, (L), Hanshi Don Buck with his son Hanshi Fred Buck (R))

1970 - Mas Oyama holds the 1st United States IKO branch chief conference In Los Angeles. Chair person Tadashi Nakamura, Vice Chair Stephen Senne. Don Buck Opens Alameda Naval Station Dojo
June, 1971 - New York City becomes dojo headquarters for United States and elect new chair people.

September 11, 1998 - A tragic moment for all of us! Our pragmatic leader, and head of the AKKO, Hanshi Don Buck passed way at the age of 72.
March, 1999 - The first meeting of the AKKO takes place bringing all of Hanshi Don Buck’s top students together to solidify the organization, and assign the post of director, council, and branch chiefs. Armando Cappa accepts the position of So. Ca. Branch Chief.

(Sosai Oyama with Yamaguchi)

July 27, 1923 - Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama is born in Yong-Choi, South Korea. His name was Yong I Choi, later he changes it to Masutatsu Oyama.
1932 - Mas Oyama studies Kempo (18 Hands) from Mr. Yi at his sisters farm in Manchuria China.
1938 - Mas Oyama becomes Gichin Funakoshi Shotokan student.
Mas Oyama receives his 4th Dan (yondan) Gichin Funakoshi.
1947 - Mas Oyama becomes champion of the all Japan karate tournament (the 1st tournament after W.W.II).
1948 - Mas Oyama begins training with Neichu (a student of Chojun Miyagi) the founder of Goju-ryu Karate
1951 - Mas Oyama learns Judo in Sone Dojo in Asagatake.
1953 - Mas Oyama makes 1st visit to United States, and in Chicago he fights a bulls, chops off the horns bringing popularity to karate.
1955 - Mas Oyama receives his 6th Dan from Gogen Yamagushi.
1956 - Mas Oyama opens a small dojo behind Rikko University in Tokyo. This dojo was the beginning of the Kyokushinkaikan.
1957 - Mas Oyama comes to the United States and trains Don Buck and Duke Moore. When he leaves he told them to start teaching Kyokushin karate, and Don Buck opens his dojo on Divisedero in San Francisco.
Sep. 8, 1960 - Mas Oyama comes to San Francisco and promotes Duke Moore to Shodan and Don Buck to Yondan. Sensei Don Buck also becomes branch chief and opens dojo on Clement St. San Francisco.

1961 - Mas Oyama opens Los Angeles Dojo.
Jan, 1964 - Thai boxers challenge the Oyama dojo. Oyama dojo wins 3 out of 5 matches.
June, 1964 - The Tokyo Honbu and the international office is officially opened.
1973 - Mas Oyama comes to the USA to Don Buck Dojo and meets with branch chiefs to encourage them to send fighters to the 1st world open karate tournament.
1974 - Mas Oyama receives his 9th Dan from his branch chief’s world wide.
1975 - The 1st World Open Karate Tournaments held in Tokyo.
1976 - Mas Oyama comes to the USA.

1964Don Buck Opens his Bel Mar Keys and San Rafael dojo. October, 1968 - Sensei Don Buck opens the Hamilton Military Base Dojo.     
1972 - Don Buck opens 2 more dojo, one at Treasure Island and the other one at Mare Island California.
1979 - Mas Oyama visits Don Buck at Stephen Senne Dojo in Los Angeles, California for Black Belt Review.
September, 1989 Mas Oyama comes to the USA to see Don Buck and to ask him to become the United States Chairman of the IKO and he accepts.

1982 - Don Buck is reunited with is son Fred Buck who he has not seen since Fred was 3 yrs old. Fred was a 3rd Dan in karate when they met and after that he devotes all of his martial arts training to Kyokushin.
1992 - Fred Buck receives his 4th Dan and Branch Chief certification from Don Buck and Mas Oyama and opens his 8th dojo.

April 1994 - A sad day for all. Sosai Masutatsu Oyama dies.
1995 The American Kyokushin Karate Organization (AKKO) is formed.