Kudo - what kind of sport is this, interests many lovers of martial arts. And not in vain! After all, kudo is a focused system that is designed for harmonious physical and spiritual development. That is, for the development of a person’s personality.
Kudo: sport history
The founding date of a relatively new type of martial art is considered to be 1981. It was at this time that Azuma Takashi Sensei opened his first gym in Sendai. In the same year, the very first kudo (dido juku) tournament was held, which was called "Hokutoki 81". Journalists spoke of this sport as cruel, furious and super-realistic. All due to the fact that the fighters who participated in the competition could use any blows with all parts of the body, as well as throws and asphyxiation and painful techniques. But, of course, there were limitations. The prohibited areas for strikes are groin, nape and back.
In 1982, Azuma Takashi wrote his first study guide for amateurs and professionals. And in 1985, new offices appeared in Osaka and Tokyo for kudo. What kind of sport this is - many athletes were surprised at the beginning. And already in 1986 the first world championship was held.
On May 12, 2001, the All-Japan Assembly decided to use the word “kudo” in the name of martial arts.
How are fights
There are three return categories for kudo competitions:
- Guys and girls twelve to fifteen years old.
- Juniors aged sixteen to seventeen.
- Men and women from eighteen years old.
Since 2014, young children are prohibited from participating in competitions. Usually the battle lasts three minutes - this is a fairly tough sport. Kudo allows the use of all kinds of punches with arms, legs, head, knees and elbows. In addition, painful techniques and elements of the fight are allowed. During a fight, an infinite number of times is allowed to make a grip in the rack, which is called "Tsuki". You can not do the finishing off from the top to the head.
A prerequisite for a duel is the use of a protective helmet. Women are required to use a bib. Also, you can not do without shields on the lower leg, a bandage on the groin, mouth guards and bandages for hands.
Forbidden action is to greet each other with fist punches. For such an act, both athletes will immediately receive hansoku - a warning.
Major Kudo Belts and Degrees
What kind of sport is it that has no special differences and parameters? In total, this martial art has ten student levels. From 10 to 5 kyu - the degree of the student, which is called "gakusei". From 4 to 1 kyu - the level of the senior student (senpai). In addition to these parameters, there are also master discharges. Depending on the person’s kyu or master’s degree, a corresponding belt is worn.
Each product has a standard width of 4 centimeters. But the length depends on the size of the human body. Each belt has a special Kudo emblem. Student achievements are marked by stripes that are three centimeters from the emblem.
Workshop belts are very similar to student ones. The difference is the color. The master has all ten danes black, and student kyu colored. On each belt of the master, the surname and name of the owner, as well as gold stripes indicating the level of skill are embroidered with Japanese characters. Such products are made only in Japan by order of the founder of kudo, Azuma Takashi.
Kudo Judging Principles
What kind of sport is this in which there is no special judging system? During the competition, teams are created that consist of several judges.
Syusin (referee.) His task is to be on the tatami, to supervise the course of the match and to evaluate actions and techniques.
The main side judge and three focuses. Each of them sits on a chair in the corners of the tatami. Just like the referee use flags, whistle and common gestures. The judges are required to ensure that each match is held according to the rules, as well as safely.
Timekeeper - is at the table near the tatami. It monitors the beginning and end of the battle and, using Japanese terminology, notifies athletes about this.
Secretary - is at the table near the tatami and keeps a protocol. Announces the names of the fighters, whose turn to start the fight.
Zen practice
Kudo - what kind of sport is this? Photos show amateurs that this is a martial art, which is based on a subtle spiritual perception of the world. That is why when studying the Daido Juku, much attention is paid to the practice of Zen. This concept stands for meditation or concentration. This practice helps fighters to merge soul and body together. It makes the mind bright, and the spirit balanced. The practice of Zen increases the effect of training several times. Bioenergy potential is developing, which means that a person becomes more talented and capable.
To conduct a successful battle it is very important to be fearless and accurate. The application of spiritual practice helps to get rid of anger and successfully conduct battles not only on the tatami, but also in life.