What is Kudo?
Kudo is a modern Japanese martial art that brings together striking, throwing, and ground fighting into one complete system. Practitioners wear a gi and a protective helmet with a visor, allowing full contact sparring while keeping training safe. With punches, kicks, knees, elbows, throws, and submissions all included, Kudo feels like a mix of MMA training and traditional budo discipline.
The Founder of Kudo
Kudo was created in 1981 by Takashi Azuma, a highly skilled martial artist with roots in Kyokushin Karate and Judo. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional Karate rules—such as the ban on punches to the head—Azuma envisioned a new combat system. His goal was to build a style that would be realistic, effective, and safe. Initially called Daido Juku, the art later evolved into what is now known as Kudo – “The Way of the Open Mind.”
Influences and Philosophy
Kudo is a true hybrid martial art, drawing techniques from:
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Kyokushin Karate for powerful strikes.
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Judo for throws and takedowns.
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for submissions and ground control.
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MMA, Boxing, and Kickboxing for modern striking approaches.
Its philosophy emphasizes adaptability and continuous learning. The name “Kudo” reflects the idea of keeping an open mind, while still upholding the values of budo: respect, discipline, and personal growth.
Techniques and Training
Training in Kudo covers all aspects of fighting:
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Punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.
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Clinch work and throws.
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Ground fighting with chokes and joint locks.
Sparring is done in full contact using protective equipment, so students can train with intensity while avoiding serious injuries. The mix of striking and grappling ensures that a Kudoka is prepared for any situation—standing or on the ground.
How Kudo Differs from Other Styles
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Versus Kyokushin Karate: Kudo allows punches to the head (with protection) and includes grappling, unlike Kyokushin’s striking-only focus.
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Versus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Kudo is not limited to ground fighting—it also incorporates strikes and throws.
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Versus MMA: While similar to MMA in scope, Kudo uses a gi, protective gear, and maintains a structured belt system and traditional dojo culture.
Why Train in Kudo?
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It provides one of the most realistic self-defense systems available.
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Protective gear allows full-contact practice with reduced injury risk.
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Training develops striking, grappling, and submission skills together.
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It builds physical fitness, mental resilience, and confidence.
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It combines the effectiveness of modern combat sports with the values of traditional martial arts.
Global Growth and the Future of Kudo
From its roots in Japan, Kudo has expanded to dozens of countries worldwide, with strong communities in Russia, Europe, and now the United States. National federations, international tournaments, and world championships are helping the art gain recognition.
As more people seek a MMA alternative that is both realistic and structured, Kudo is likely to grow further. It offers the best of both worlds: the practicality of modern hybrid martial arts and the discipline of budo tradition.
