Takashi Azuma

Takashi Azuma (born 1949) is a Japanese champion and founder of Kudo. Azuma first came into contact with budo when he entered his school's judo club at the age of 16. After his military service, he joined Kyokushin Karate. In 1981, Azuma founded his own martial art because he was bothered by the fact that Kyokushin regularly causes serious head injuries. Azuma's idea was to develop a hybrid martial art of Kyokushin karate and judo. Kyokushin Karate was the basis but it changed the rules. His idea evolved to then use techniques of different martial arts, not only the initial mix of judo and karate, but also boxing, muay thai, jujitsu, wrestling. Protective clothing has also been introduced, allowing hand-to-head techniques and providing sufficient protection to the head during kicking techniques. .

Org.Championship Year Category Rank and medals Opponent


IKO 6th All Japan Open Karate Championship 1974 Open Kumite --medal2
IKO 1st World Open Kyokushin Karate Tournament 1975 Open Kumite -6
IKO 8th All Japan Open Karate Championship 1976 Open Kumite -medal3 -
IKO 9th All Japan Open Karate Championship 1977 Open Kumite -medal1 -
IKO 11th All Japan Open Karate Championship 1979 Open Kumite -medal3 -
IKO 2nd World Open Kyokushin Karate Tournament 1979 Open Kumite -4

He is credited with founding the Kudo of Japanese martial arts. He has also served as Chief Director of the International Kudo Advisory Committee, Chief Director of the International/Pan-Japanese Kudo Federation and Founder/Grandmaster of Daidojuku. Kudo is an official Japanese Budō cultural sport in the same category as judo, aikido and kendo. Takashi Azuma held an 8th degree black belt in Kyokushin Budokai, awarded by Jon Bluming and an 8th degree black belt in Daidojuku, awarded by the Daidojuku Board of Directors. Takashi Azuma founded Kudo, which is a safe, scientific, modern and practical combination of traditional and sports karate, judo, jiujutsu, Muay Thai and kickboxing.

The purpose of Kūdō

is to get as close as possible to a realistic and real fight, with appropriate protective clothing. To achieve this, the Kūdō is fought with very few regulations and has specialized techniques and actions. Kūdō's techniques include the full spectrum of real wrestling - standing combat, throwing techniques, grappling and ground fighting. Kūdō training consists mainly of kihon, general physical training, and combat. Leskatade Kyokushin were removed without replacement. Kūdō is a complete martial art and philosophy, in which physical and mental development is taken into account. Traditional Japanese etiquetteBudo(likeReigi) is followed, there are certain Japanese greeting rituals, a traditional keikogid' training is worn, the names of the techniques are in Japanese, etc.