Grand Master's Biography
Takashi Azuma
Head director of International Kudo Advisory committee.
Head director of International/All Japan Kudo Federation
Founder/Grand master of Daido Juku.
9th-dan Kudo, 3rd-dan Judo
Based on the belief that [keeping on training the mind and body aside from all ideology is the way for strike-based martial arts to gain acceptance in society], Master Azuma leads by example through direct instruction in the dojo.
Profile
- 1949
- Born in Kesennuma city, Miyagi prefecture, Japan.
- 1971
- Enrols in Waseda University’s night courses with a major in English literature.
- 1972
- Enrols in the Kyokushinkaikan’s headquarters. Further ranks 6th at the First World Full Contact Karate Open Championships and 4th at the 2nd World Full Contact Karate Open Championships.
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- While at the time it would have been usual to retire as an athlete and focus only on a Branch Chief role, keeps both hats and goes on to win the 9th All-Japan Full Contact Karate Open Championships.
- 1981
- Proposes and advocates Kakuto Karate (Combat Karate) based on realism, safety, and appeal to the audience. Founds Daido Juku in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture.
- 1986
- With the nationwide expansion of Daido Juku, moves headquarters to Tokyo.
- 1993
- Holds the first international seminar in Vladivostok, Russia. This marks the starting point of Daido Juku’s worldwide expansion.
- 2001
- Following the worldwide recognition of Daido Juku, introduces the more accomplished, comprehensive martial arts/budo Kudo. The First World Kudo Championship takes place the same year.
- 2013
- At a ranking examination, is elevated to the rank of 9th dan, the highest rank in Kudo.
Last updated: Mar. 2014