Bringing Authentic Japanese MMA to DC: Establishing the Official Kudo Branch of Washington DC at BETA Academy
As martial artists, the day we stop being students is the day we stop growing. Throughout my life in combat sports—from Muay Thai, Judo and Kung Fu to earning my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—I have always looked for ways to challenge myself, test my skills, and bring the absolute best training back to my community.
That pursuit of continuous growth is what led me to Kudo (Daido Juku), and it is why I am incredibly proud to share a major milestone in my martial arts career: BETA Academy has officially been designated as an official Kudo Branch by the Kudo International Federation (KIF).
As the region's only certified branch, I am honored to officially bring authentic Kudo training to Washington DC.
The Evolution of My Martial Arts Journey: Why Kudo?
People often ask me why I decided to dedicate myself to learning a new system, eventually earning my brown belt in Kudo under the KIF. The answer is simple: Kudo is the ultimate expression of realistic, disciplined combat.
Often called the original Japanese MMA, Kudo was founded in 1981 by Grandmaster Azuma Takashi. It seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional martial arts values (Budo) and the raw realism of modern mixed martial arts.
For me, Kudo represents the perfect harmony of four distinct styles I’ve spent my life studying:
Muay Thai Kickboxing:Relentless, full-contact striking.
Judo & Wrestling:High-impact throws, trips, and aggressive clinch control.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:Technical ground fighting, transitions, and submissions.
What sets Kudo apart—and what instantly drew me to it as a coach—is the use of the signature Neo-Head Gear helmet. This specialized safety gear allows us to train at full contact, integrating punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and even headbutts, while drastically minimizing the risk of head injuries or facial cuts. It allows my students and me to safely "stress-test" our martial arts in real time.
See Kudo in Action on Our Mats
When I set out to bring Kudo to the DMV area, I wanted to ensure we did it with total authenticity. Check out this video from my personal training and our official branch certification to see exactly what this art looks like in action:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ3WwXexMEm/?igsh=MTMycHIxMW00YTJycw==
What This Official KIF Branch Means for Our Community
Securing an official branch designation directly from Japan means that we aren’t just teaching "MMA with a gi." We are teaching a globally standardized, highly respected curriculum.
For the students who step onto the mats with me at BETA Academy, this means:
Globally Recognized Rank: Every belt level and promotion earned under my supervision is officially registered with KIF Headquarters and recognized in over 80 countries.
International Competition Pathways: Our fighters gain direct access to official KIF tournaments, allowing us to put Washington DC on the global Kudo map.
A Refined Combat Mindset: Kudo translates to "The Way of the Open Mind." It teaches adaptability, humility, and absolute focus—traits that define a true martial artist both on and off the mats.
Check out the announcement here about BETA Academy becoming the official Kudo School for Washington DC
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWhOE1uEeSa/?igsh=M2NydnplOXdzenh3
Train With Me at BETA Academy
Whether you are an experienced striker wanting to fix your grappling holes, a BJJ player looking to confidently stand your ground, or someone completely new to combat sports looking for elite fitness and discipline, Kudo has something to offer you.
I am currently running specialized Kudo Workshops and expanding our class schedules to accommodate everyone from beginners to active competitors.
Martial arts is a lifelong pursuit, and I’m excited to share this next chapter of combat sports evolution with all of you. Come share the mats with me and see what the Kudo mindset is all about.
👉To learn Kudo Online Get my Kudo Core 4: Offensive Framework for Total Combat
