Kudo
空道
Kudo (空道, "empty way") — formerly Daido Juku (大道塾) — is a Japanese hybrid martial art that combines full-contact striking (including headbutts — zutsuki (頭突き)) with judo throws — nage-waza (投技) — and ground submissions — ne-waza (寝技). Fighters wear a protective face shield (Super Safe).
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Kudo is one of the most realistic full-contact martial arts, allowing techniques — waza (技) — that other sports prohibit. It develops well-rounded fighters in a structured dojo (道場) environment.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Full-contact striking including zutsuki (頭突き, headbutts)
Judo-style throws — nage-waza (投技) — and takedowns
Ground submissions — ne-waza (寝技) — and positional control
Fighting with the Super Safe face guard in kumite (組手, sparring)
Combined tachi-waza (立ち技, standing) and ne-waza (寝技, ground) transitions
Your First Class
Wear a gi. Expect striking drills, throw practice, and possibly light sparring with the Super Safe face guard. Classes run 60-90 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Legends of Kudo
Semmy Schilt
Semmy Schilt won four K-1 World Grand Prix titles while standing 6'11", making him the tallest champion in kickboxing history. His extraordinary reach and disciplined Kyokushin karate base allowed him to dominate the heavyweight division with a jab-and-knee style no opponent could solve.
Mas Oyama (大山倍達)
Mas Oyama founded Kyokushin Karate, one of the most demanding full-contact karate styles. Known for his extreme training regimens and legendary feats of strength, he built a worldwide organization that emphasizes physical and mental discipline above all.
Azuma Takashi
Minoki Ichihara
Related Styles
MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combines striking and grappling from multiple disciplines into a unified combat sport. Competitors fight using techniques from boxing, wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, and more.
Karate
Karate is a Japanese striking art that uses punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques. Originating in Okinawa, it emphasizes kata (型, forms), kihon (基本, basics), and kumite (組手, sparring).
Judo
Judo (柔道, "the gentle way") was founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It is a throwing-dominant grappling art with groundwork — newaza (寝技). It has been an Olympic sport since 1964 and is practiced by millions worldwide.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a stand-up combat sport that combines boxing punches with kicks. It encompasses several rulesets including full-contact, low-kick, and K-1 rules.
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