General overview of grades

Basic Kyokushin strikes, Judo takedowns and Space Helmet training.

Open mind to connect striking and grappling.

Basics of takedowns (Nage-waza) and ground fighting (Ne-waza).

Fluidity of water. Learning to soften falls and smoothly change fighting levels.

Combining straight boxing punches with throws (Osoto Gari).

Blue surface illuminated by the sun. First real warm-up in sparring.

Development of clinch fighting and knee strikes. Gripping the Gi.

Fire in the heart. Energy needed to withstand full-contact strikes.

Chokehold techniques (Shime-waza) from top and bottom positions.

Fighter expands horizons, like a plant sprouting to the sky.

Clinching, headbutts (Atama) and ground fighting (Ne-waza).

Dawn of combat versatility.

Arm and leg locks (Kansetsu-waza). Submission fighting (Tap-out).

Body begins to harden like wood, becoming unbreakable as a root.

Advanced Kudo techniques and active tournament participation.

Rocky soil. Uncompromising physical strength and cardio endurance.

Ability to transition instantly from standing to ground locks (Flying Armbar).

Gradual darkening of the belt, preparing for black warrior adulthood.

Prep for Hokutoki tournaments. Uncompromising physical conditioning.

Firmness of earth and unyielding willpower (Osu).

Official Kudo Black Belt. Mastering a 10-man kumite test.

Takashi Azuma's legacy. Rapid adaptability in the real arena.

International tournament experience and smooth stance-to-ground transition.

Fighter is able to win via K.O. and submissions (chokes, locks).

Head of own dojo (Sensei). Instructor of modern Gi MMA methods.

Passing on hard Japanese traditions mixed with Russian sports modernity.

Head of an international branch of Kudo International Federation (KIF).

Diplomatic and martial leader of a region.

Earning Shihan title. Participation in technical decision-making in Japan.

Exemplary wisdom in a hybrid and extremely hard combat sport.

Examining commissioner for Dan ranks outside Japan.

Responsibility for maintaining Hokutoki (Kudo) standards.

Presidents of major national Kudo federations.

Diplomacy combined with the uncompromising Kudo spirit.

Global executive member at the World Kudo Championship.

8 gold stripes - bearer of the original Jukudo (name before Kudo).

Kudo founder Azuma Takashi held 9th Dan. Kudo traditionally avoids red belts.

Juku-cho (School Director). Symbolized by maximum gold stripes on black.

Extremely rare in Kudo. Mostly a theoretical or formal successor title.

Pinnacle of hybrid martial art where power and wisdom merge (Daido = Great Way).