Founded: 2000 (with the opening of the Baku Sudo Academy)
Country of orign: Azerbaijan
Creator: Sabir Suleyman
Place of creation: Azerbaijan
Type: Martial art
Official organization: World Sudo Federation (headquarters in Paderborn, Germany)

🟦🥋 Round System in SUDO Competitions – 2025🟥🥋
The competition is divided into three rounds, each with its own rules and features:
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🔹 1st Round – Döyüş (Standing Fight)
• The round takes place entirely in a standing position.
• Allowed techniques:
• Kicks to the head, body, and legs.
• Punches only to the body (punches to the face are prohibited).
• Throws and sweeps are allowed.
Scoring system:
• Knockdown 1–9 seconds → Hal point.
• Knockdown 10 seconds → Galib point (clean victory, fight immediately ends).
• Throwing the opponent while remaining on your feet and following up with strikes → Hal point.
👉 This round emphasizes striking and dominance in the standing position.
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🔹 2nd Round – Döşek (Kneeling Grappling)
• The round is conducted in a kneeling position, with focus on grappling.
• Victory can be achieved by:
1. Chokehold (opponent submits).
2. Joint lock on arms or legs (opponent submits).
3. GEYD hold for 30 seconds → Galib point.
4. GEYD hold for 20 seconds → Hal point.
👉 This round emphasizes control, joint locks, chokeholds, and activity on the ground.
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🔹 3rd Round – Dömix (Mixed Combat)
• The round combines standing and ground techniques.
• Allowed techniques:
• Punches to the body.
• Kicks to the head, body, and legs.
• Throws and sweeps.
• Grappling techniques on the ground.
• The round integrates:
• Striking and throwing techniques (as in Döyüş),
• Grappling in the ground phase (as in Döşek).
👉 This round demonstrates the complete arsenal of SUDO: striking, throws, and grappling.
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✅ Summary
• Döyüş = standing fight (strikes and knockdowns).
• Döşek = kneeling grappling (chokeholds, joint locks, holds).
• Dömix = mixed combat (strikes + throws + ground grappling).
If points are equal, victory is awarded by penalties (the competitor with fewer penalties wins).

🟦🥋SUDO Scoring & Penalty System – 2025🟥🥋
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🥇 G – Galib (Clean Victory)
✨ Immediate termination of the fight
Ways to achieve Galib:
1️⃣ Knockout (opponent cannot continue).
2️⃣ GEYD hold for 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Joint lock or choke (submission).
4️⃣ Clear dominance or decisive action.
👉 Galib = Early Victory
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🥈 H – Hal (Partial Victory / Score)
⚡ Scoring action that gives an advantage but doesn’t end the fight
Examples:
✔Throwing the opponent while remaining on your feet and following up with strikes.
✔ Knockdown (recovery < 10 seconds).
✔ Hold for 20 seconds.
👉 Two Hal = One Galib
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🟡 C – Ceza (Penalty / Warning)
⚠ First three penalties for violations
Reasons:
• Passivity.
• Stepping outside the area.
• Forbidden grips/actions.
📍 Shown on scoreboard as C
👉 After three Cezas → Kobud
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🔴 K – Kobud (Severe Violation / Disqualification)
🚫 Two cases:
1️⃣ Automatically after three Cezas.
2️⃣ Immediately for severe violation (dangerous strike, unsportsmanlike conduct, forbidden techniques).
📍 Shown on scoreboard as K
👉 Kobud = Loss (Galib awarded to opponent)
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✅ Summary:
• 🥇 G – Galib → Clean victory (fight ends immediately).
• 🥈 H – Hal → Partial victory (two Hal = Galib).
• 🟡 C – Ceza → First three penalties.
• 🔴 K – Kobud → Disqualification.



SA greeting
SA greeting is not just a formal word, but a whole philosophy of respect and inner attitude.
Meaning of SA greeting
- Respect – to the opponent, judge, teacher, spectators and the martial art itself.
- Recognition – readiness for a duel and fair fight.
- Concentration – attitude towards discipline, self-control and inner strength.
- Humility – reminder that every duel is a path to development, and not just a fight for victory.
- Philosophy of SUDO – “SA” symbolizes the spirit of SUDO: respect, patience, fortitude and purity of thoughts.
👉 Thus, when an athlete says or performs the SA greeting, it means:
“I am ready to enter the duel with respect and honor.”
Performing the greeting
- Participants stand straight, feet together, hands at their sides (Dur stance).
- On the command “SA”, the athletes slightly bow their heads down, keeping their eyes forward, expressing respect for the opponent, the judge and the spectators.
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Greetings of athletes AL and MA
- Athlete AL (in red uniform) and athlete MA (in blue uniform) stand opposite each other.
- Feet together, hands at the sides (Dur stance).
- On the command “SA”, both athletes simultaneously lower their heads down, eyes directed forward.
- After the greeting, the athletes raise their heads and take the Hazir stance (feet shoulder-width apart).

Official Competition Mat for SUDO Championships
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Mat Explanation
The mat used for official SUDO championships has a strict structure and clear color zoning. This system is necessary to ensure the safety of athletes and proper refereeing.
1. Total mat size – 10×10 m (green zone).
The outer boundary of the mat serves as a protective area. This zone is called the safety area and prevents athletes from going beyond the competition platform.
2. Main competition area – 8×8 m (red zone).
This is the working part of the mat where all bouts take place.
• If both feet of the athlete are on the red line, the fight is immediately stopped and the athlete receives a penalty.
• If one foot touches the red line, the fight is not stopped and continues.
3. Fighting area – 6×6 m (blue zone).
The central part of the mat where active actions take place: strikes, throws, holds, and submissions. This is where the outcome of the fight is decided.
4. Central circle – 2×2 m (SUDO logo).
A symbolic point where athletes begin and end the fight by performing the traditional greeting.
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Conclusion
Thus, the competition mat consists of three functional zones — the central area (6×6 m), the main working area (8×8 m), the outer safety area (10×10 m), as well as the central circle (2×2 m) for opening and closing ceremonies.
A specific rule applies to the red zone: two feet on the line — the fight stops and a penalty is given; one foot — the fight continues.
This structure and regulation fully comply with international safety standards and the rules of conducting SUDO championships.

SUDO Logo – The Symbol of the Pomegranate
The pomegranate in the SUDO logo is not just the image of a fruit, but a profound symbol of unity, strength, and harmony.
Just as the seeds of a pomegranate are tightly joined together beneath its crown, the members of SUDO form one family, where everyone is important, valued, and has their place. No single seed exists by itself — only together do they create wholeness and completeness. Likewise, SUDO seeks to unite athletes, masters, and entire organizations into one whole, based on mutual respect and brotherhood.
Since ancient times, the pomegranate has been a symbol of abundance, cohesion, and vital energy. Its crown at the top reminds us that only in unity can true heights be achieved. And its juice, resembling blood, seems to flow within each of us, connecting all members of SUDO into one living and unbreakable whole. In the philosophy of SUDO, this means: strength is born from harmony, respect, and inner balance.
Therefore, the SUDO logo with the pomegranate expresses not only visual beauty but also a profound meaning: SUDO is a great family, where each person, like a pomegranate seed, is part of a single and indivisible whole.

SUDO – The Birth of a Martial Art Inspired by the Nature of Water
SUDO (az.: SU XASSƏLƏRINƏ BƏNZƏR DÖYÜŞ — literally “combat similar to the properties of water”) is a unique martial art, whose techniques and combinations have been masterfully refined over many years. The natural phenomenon that best reflects the essence of life in SUDO is water itself. The arsenal of combat techniques includes the finest sweeps, hooks, and trips, strikes with hands and legs, as well as choking techniques and joint locks on both arms and legs.
The creation of SUDO was the result of the founder’s deep disappointment with the martial arts he had practiced for decades. Despite years of intense training and achievements, he realized that the existing systems did not provide a complete and harmonious path—neither in technique nor in philosophy. This inner sense of dissatisfaction pushed him to search for a new direction, one that could unite strength, flexibility, and spiritual foundation into a single whole. Thus, SUDO was born—a martial art designed to fill the gaps he saw in other schools and to offer the world a unique system based on the harmony of movement, inner strength, and the philosophy of victory without destruction.

SUDO Belt System – Philosophy of Growth
In SUDO, the belt colors represent not only technical progress, but also the inner journey of discipline, knowledge, and wisdom.
🔹 10th GU – No Belt: Beginner’s state. An empty cup waiting to be filled with discipline.
⚪ 9th GU – White: Purity and beginning. Ready to receive knowledge.
⚪ 8th GU – Gray: First shade of experience. Transition from confusion to clarity.
🟡 7th GU – Yellow: Light and awakening. Optimism and awareness grow.
🟠 6th GU – Orange: Energy and readiness. Techniques become sharper and faster.
🟢 5th GU – Green: Growth and harmony. Connection of mind and body.
🔵 4th GU – Blue: Depth of knowledge. Techniques mature with fluidity.
🔵 3rd GU – Navy Blue: Inner strength. Calm power and determination.
🔴 2nd GU – Red: Intensity and control. Passion guided by discipline.
🟤 1st GU – Brown: Final step before mastery. Wisdom, responsibility, leadership.
⚫ Black Belt – 1st Dar: Mastery begins. True understanding, self-mastery, and guiding others on the path.


📌 Detailed Description of the Oda Design 2025 (SUDO Uniform)
- General Structure
The Oda uniform consists of three elements:
• Jacket (two colors: red and blue).
• Pants (white).
• Belt (with a black WSF label).
The colors were chosen intentionally:
• 🔴 Red jacket and 🔵 blue jacket symbolize the confrontation of athletes.
• ⚪ White pants emphasize the purity and philosophy of SUDO.
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- Logos and Inscriptions
🔹 Front of the Jacket
• On the left chest: WSF pomegranate logo (round, size: 8 cm, direct print).
• On the right shoulder: logo “WORLD SUDO FEDERATION – Official Training Center” (size: 10 cm, direct print).
🔹 Back of the Jacket
• On the back: large eagle design with the inscription SUDO (size: 25×8.5 cm, direct print).
🔹 Pants
• On the right thigh: square woven label with golden World SUDO Federation logo (size: 4×5.5 cm).
🔹 Belt
• On the belt: black woven label with golden WSF eagle (size: 4×5.5 cm).
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- Labels and Tags
• Size label — inside the jacket on the collar, size: 2,5×1 cm.
• Woven label (4-5,5 cm) — additional woven tag with WORLD SUDO FEDERATION logo, attached on the bottom.
• All labels must include standard information: country of origin, fabric composition, size.
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- Symbolism and Philosophy
• The WSF Pomegranate symbolizes strength, unity, culture, and the international status of SUDO.
• The gradient eagle with the word SUDO reflects the philosophy of combat: 🔥 energy → 🌅 balance → ⚫ completeness, strength, freedom, and speed.
• The black-golden woven label symbolizes prestige and the official nature of the uniform.
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- Technical Requirements
• Direct Printing is used for the word SUDO and official logos.
• Woven Label is used for the black-golden WSF emblems.
• The material of the uniform must be dense yet lightweight, suitable for throws and kneeling combat.
• Seams must be reinforced to withstand heavy loads.
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✅ Thus, the Oda uniform combines tradition, philosophy, and the official elements of the World SUDO Federation. Each element (logo, inscription, label) has its own place and meaning, making the outfit unique and recognizable.


Ojaq – a Place Where Martial Arts Are Trained
In the context of SUDO, a martial art, the word Ojaq (translated as “fire” or “hearth”) carries symbolic meaning. It represents a place where people gather for training, honing their skills, and preserving the spirit of community. In SUDO, as in other martial arts, the existence of such a place is essential, as it symbolizes the beginning and development of personal mastery and martial spirit.
In SUDO, Ojaq can mean:
• Training Place: a physical space where classes and training sessions take place, reflecting the core principles and values of SUDO.
• Symbol of Spirit: the hearth symbolizes the inner fire and drive necessary to overcome difficulties and achieve success in martial arts.
• Cultural Value: it is important to preserve and pass on the traditions and culture of SUDO, and the Ojaq serves as a place where this tradition is maintained and developed.
Thus, in SUDO, the Ojaq is a place where physical training and spiritual development intertwine, maintaining the connection between students and their art.
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Principles of Ojaq
• Trust and Respect: every student must show deep respect for the teacher, senior students, and themselves. Belief in one’s abilities and respect for tradition are the foundation of learning.
• Strength of Spirit: the Ojaq fosters resilience and mental strength, helping students overcome challenges both in martial arts and in life.
• Patience and Self-Control: patience and emotional control are key qualities developed during training. Strength must not be used in anger or without purpose.
• Unity and Brotherhood: in the Ojaq, students must support each other, acting as a single whole. All members of the school are considered one family.
• Justice and Responsibility: every student is expected to behave fairly and take responsibility for their actions and progress.
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Rituals in the Ojaq
• Greeting: every student, upon entering the hall, greets the Ojaq and their teacher with a bow, symbolizing respect and readiness for training.
• Victory Oath: once a month, students recite an oath in which they promise to uphold the principles of the Ojaq, strive for excellence, and support one another.
• Honoring the Ancestors: on special holidays and during events, students and the teacher pay tribute to the great masters of martial arts, honoring traditions and their legacy.

Hierarchy of SUDO
• Dahi – The Creator or a figure who has made the greatest discoveries and brought great benefits to SUDO.
• Ustad – The guardian of the philosophy and revelation of SUDO. Possesses the highest degree of mastery, leads schools, and shapes the worldview of students.
• Muell – The main mentor and teacher. Responsible for the training, education, and physical development of students. A Muell is a professional who teaches participants knowledge, skills, and habits, while also instilling special values.
• Sahib – Experienced students with a high level of mastery, who assist in teaching juniors, while maintaining discipline and traditions.
• Nasib – All other participants in training, divided into groups according to their level of mastery. Each student is expected to support their group and strive for progress.
• Chyrag – A designated student responsible for organizing rituals and maintaining order during training sessions.

🔹 What is SUDO
SUDO is a modern martial art created in Azerbaijan in 2000. Its name comes from the expression “su xassələrinə bənzər döyüş”, which translates as “combat similar to the properties of water.”
SUDO is not just a system of techniques and moves; it is a whole philosophy that unites physical strength, spiritual development, and cultural traditions. It combines striking and throwing techniques, as well as submission holds and chokeholds, but at the same time it builds a special fighting strategy in which the flexibility and softness of water are revealed — water that can overcome even the hardest obstacles.
🔹 Why it was created
The founder of SUDO practiced various martial arts for many years, achieving the highest titles and world victories. However, long-term experience showed:
• existing systems have gaps — both in technique and philosophy;
• fighters are often limited by the framework of a style rather than revealing their true potential;
• sporting achievements are not always accompanied by spiritual education.
From this inner search and disappointment came the idea of creating a new martial art that unites the best of classical systems, but at the same time has its own philosophy, based on harmony, flexibility, and strength of spirit. Thus, SUDO was born — a path that leads not only to victory on the tatami but also to victory over oneself.
🔹 The Philosophical Foundation of SUDO
The fundamental idea of SUDO lies in the resemblance to water:
• Resemblance to water:
Water takes the shape of any vessel, flows around obstacles, but over time can destroy even stone. So must the SUDO fighter be — flexible, able to adapt to situations, and win not only with strength but also with wisdom.
• The Path of Invincibility:
It is possible to defeat an opponent in every fight, but true perfection lies in making oneself invincible. This is achieved not through brute force, but through constant development: physical, spiritual, and moral.
• Spiritual Values:
SUDO cultivates respect, discipline, patience, and the pursuit of harmony. It shapes the personality for whom sport is not an end in itself, but a path to inner purification and service to society.
The philosophy of SUDO is like a drop of water.
A drop may seem small and insignificant, but hidden within it is great power. Drop by drop a stream is born, then a river, and finally an ocean. So it is with the path of SUDO: every move, every effort, every small victory is a drop. At first, they may seem invisible, but with persistence and patience they turn into a great sea of mastery and invincibility.
A drop of water is soft, yet it can pierce stone if it falls again and again.
This truth lies at the heart of SUDO: the strength of a fighter is not in brute force, but in the ability to be persistent, precise, and patient. Constant repetition, training, and movement form an unbreakable character. A student must be like a drop — soft on the outside, but steadfast and relentless on his path.
One drop disappears quickly, but many drops create the sea.
So too, a person alone may be weak, but together with family, school, society, and the whole SUDO community, he becomes a force — an ocean in which the energy of brotherhood and unity is born. The philosophy of SUDO teaches that strength is in unity: just as drops create the ocean, so people together create great power.
One drop is a small piece of knowledge. It disappears quickly, and its power is not enough to change a person. But the more knowledge is gathered in the mind, the stronger the flow becomes. Drop by drop, knowledge turns into a stream, then into a river, and finally into an ocean of wisdom.
Thus, a person who studies and learns, day after day, fills his mind. If he is patient and persistent, his intellect becomes like the sea — deep, strong, and inexhaustible.
The philosophy of SUDO teaches: one piece of knowledge is only the beginning of the path, but the constant accumulation of knowledge makes a person developed, wise, and invincible. Just as a drop does not disappear in the ocean but becomes part of it, so too every piece of knowledge is not lost but creates the power of mind and spirit.
A drop of water is pure and transparent, as the spirit of a fighter must be.
In SUDO it is important to preserve inner clarity and purity, to see the right path and avoid evil. Purity of thought gives rise to right action, and purity of heart leads to spiritual elevation. Just as water washes and cleanses everything around, so SUDO must cleanse the soul and shape a person who brings goodness, justice, and harmony.
Thus, the philosophy of SUDO, through the image of a drop of water, opens an eternal path before a person: the path of perseverance and patience, the path of softness and resilience, the path of unity and brotherhood, the path of purity and spiritual strength.
Everyone who follows this path, like a drop, becomes part of the great ocean of SUDO — the ocean of invincibility.
SUDO is not just a martial art. It is a whole system of education, where technique, tactics, psychological and physical training, and philosophy are united to create a harmonious person: strong in body, pure in heart, and clear in mind.

Refereeing
In sudo judging (WSF), there are grades of qualification of judges, designated by the letters A, B, C, D. Here is how they are usually distributed:
- D: This is the entry level category for judges who are just starting their careers. Category D judges can work at local competitions and usually undergo basic training and certification.
- C: Judges in this category have more experience and can work at regional competitions. To obtain category C, you must pass the appropriate exams and have a certain amount of refereeing experience.
- B: Category B judges are eligible to officiate at national championships and major tournaments. This category requires significant experience, passing more difficult exams and recommendations from senior judges.
- A: This is the highest category allowing you to judge international competitions, including continental championships and world championships. Category A judges have many years of experience, have passed rigorous examinations and certifications, and regularly confirm their qualifications at international seminars. These categories help ensure a high standard of judging at all levels of competition, from local to international.





About Sabir Suleyman
Sabir Suleyman is a legend in the world of martial arts, a man who dedicated his life to improving his body and spirit. Born on July 28, 1977 in Baku, Sabir showed interest in martial arts from an early age, despite the difficult conditions. His path began in Azerbaijan, in a difficult time, when sports, especially martial arts, did not receive official support. Since childhood, Sabir faced difficulties that shaped his character. As a child, when his father lost his job, Sabir, despite the lack of funds, found a way to practice martial arts, banned at that time in the former USSR, hiding with friends in school basements. This persistence and desire for knowledge became the basis of his path. Already at the age of eight, he began his training, secretly studying martial arts, and at fourteen – officially began training in open halls, when all martial arts were legalized. Early years and first achievements Sabir quickly demonstrated his abilities, winning first places in competitions. But the most valuable experience for him was the opportunity to overcome himself, to reveal his potential. He was known for his thirst for knowledge, hard work and perseverance, and soon it began to bring results. At a young age, Sabir became the champion of Azerbaijan, and then the world champion, which was only the beginning of his long and successful path in martial arts. From a young age, Sabir was engaged not only in martial arts, but also in other sports – swimming, athletics and field hockey. He developed not only strength, but also endurance, flexibility and coordination, which later played an important role in the creation of a unique fighting style – SUDO.
Philosophy of SUDO
Sabir describes the philosophy of SUDO as “fighting like the properties of water”. Water in his system is a symbol of adaptability and inner strength. It flows, flowing around obstacles, penetrates through obstacles, not destroying them, but overcoming them. As Sabir himself says, “SUDO is not a struggle for victory over an opponent, but a desire for inner harmonious development.” This principle became the basis of his teaching, emphasizing the development of not only physical strength, but also spiritual health, mental flexibility and moral fortitude.
The path of a mentor and philosopher
In addition to physical training, Sabir pays great attention to the development of intuition and wisdom in his students. He teaches them not only combat techniques, but also spiritual philosophy, instilling in them the understanding that any opponent is a reflection of an internal struggle with oneself. As an experienced mentor, Sabir shows that SUDO is not just a martial art, but a way of life, a path of self-knowledge and harmony.
Literary activity
In addition to training and seminars, Sabir is actively involved in literary activity. His first book, “Karate-do: The Path to Warrior Perfection,” received wide recognition, but it is in his second book, “The Genius of SUDO,” that he reveals the deep philosophy and principles of his martial art. This book is the result of many years of research, the inner path and practice of SUDO. His works are written for a wide audience, both for professionals and for martial arts enthusiasts. Sabir’s books reveal not only the technical aspects of SUDO, but also its spiritual side, helping readers to better understand the philosophy of water that he adheres to. These books serve as a source of knowledge for athletes, coaches, students and anyone interested in oriental martial arts and self-knowledge.
📚 In addition, Sabir Suleyman presented two unique books: “Qarhun” and “The Encyclopedia of SUDO.”
The novel “Qarhun” combines the philosophy and power of SUDO with the history of Azerbaijan and a gripping story about the search for an ancient manuscript.
The Encyclopedia of SUDO systematizes the technique, philosophy, and development of this martial art.
Both books complement each other and open up a whole world to the reader—from adventure to profound knowledge.
Personality and Inspiration
Sabir Suleiman is not only a martial artist, but also a philosopher whose life is filled with examples of perseverance, fortitude and the pursuit of excellence. His dedication to the art of SUDO and his desire to share his knowledge inspire thousands of people around the world. Sabir is a symbol of perseverance, the ability to overcome life’s obstacles and the desire to follow one’s ideals.
He believes that every person can become “like water” by learning softness and flexibility in difficult moments of life, while maintaining inner strength and determination. As Sabir says: “Water is not just an element, it is a way of life, a path on which a person finds his true nature and strength.”

The Path to Inner Peace
At the initial stages of SUDO training, each student faces a natural feeling of fear and uncertainty. Martial arts often attract people who want to develop self-confidence and cope with personal fears. However, fear is not an enemy, but a natural feeling that can be transformed into strength. One of the key lessons taught in SUDO is to learn to observe your emotions, accept them and use them as a tool for self-knowledge. In combat and in life, calm is not a passive state, but an active, controlled process. The habit of maintaining control over your emotions, not giving in to panic and acting based on inner balance becomes a natural result of practice. SUDO teaches you to manage your own reactions and develops the ability to face any challenge with a clear mind and inner peace.
Control over anger and aggression
SUDO teaches that strength is not only the ability to strike, but also the ability to restrain your energy, manage anger and aggression. During training, there are often situations when the adrenaline rises, and the natural instinct is to react aggressively. But in SUDO, aggression is seen as a manifestation of weakness. A fighter who gives in to anger loses control over himself and stops thinking strategically. During training, students are taught to cope with this flow of emotions. We explain that a true warrior does not allow anger to control his actions, but uses its energy to strengthen his intention and determination. Anger is transformed into calm, controlled confidence when the student learns to act with a clear, focused mind.
Developing Patience and Perseverance
Every SUDO student has to go through moments of frustration, when the technique does not come naturally and success seems unattainable. At such stages, it is very important to be able to develop patience and perseverance. These qualities are cultivated in each training session, starting with the basic movements, which are repeated many times until they become natural. Patience is not just waiting, but the ability to work constantly and with discipline, despite external and internal difficulties. In SUDO, patience is a skill that, like a muscle, is trained and strengthened every day. Each student understands that the path to mastery is long and that results come only to those who are ready to work on themselves day after day.
SUDO as a way to overcome internal conflicts
SUDO helps students not only develop combat skills, but also cope with internal conflicts. Each person comes to martial arts with their own problems and injuries, with internal fears and doubts. Training in SUDO provides an opportunity to meet these emotions face to face. The student learns to look at their fears and not retreat before them, which becomes an important step in gaining inner freedom. Overcoming internal conflict begins with the realization that the real enemy is always inside us. Those who are able to overcome their fear, their anger and their insecurity become truly strong. SUDO gives students the tools to understand and accept themselves, as well as to manage their inner world, which makes them more confident and calm.

Awareness and acceptance of one’s limits
SUDO practice helps students understand their limits and learn to accept them. During the training process, a person encounters moments when their strength runs out, and the body and mind require rest. This experience helps the student understand that true strength lies not in a continuous struggle with oneself, but in the ability to recognize and respect one’s limits. This ability to accept one’s limits gives the student peace and humility. SUDO teaches us to see our limitations not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for growth. Each student understands that only through awareness of one’s weaknesses can one become stronger and develop further.
Meditation practice and concentration
SUDO includes elements of meditation and concentration practice, which contribute to the development of inner peace. Before each lesson, students spend time tuning the mind, freeing it from unnecessary thoughts and preparing for training. During the training, attention is focused on breathing and body movement, which helps the student enter a state of complete concentration. Meditation and concentration are an important part of SUDO, as they help the student strengthen his mind and be ready for any challenges without losing his inner balance. This aspect of training develops in a person the ability to live “here and now”, without being distracted by external stimuli and without immersing himself in the past or future.

Interaction with the opponent as emotional training
In SUDO, the opponent is not seen as an enemy, but as a partner who helps to develop. Every sparring, every interaction with the opponent is an emotional training and a test of psychological fortitude. The student learns to see in the fight not a threat, but an opportunity to know himself and his reactions. He learns to manage his emotions and interact with the opponent on the level of intuition, not brute force. This interaction with the opponent helps the student develop respect and humility. He learns to accept defeats with dignity and rejoice in successes without pride. In SUDO, victory is not the final goal, but only a step on the path to self-knowledge.
Result: Emotional and Psychological Strength of SUDO
The emotional and psychological strength developed in SUDO makes it a unique martial art aimed not only at physical skill, but also at internal development. A student who has mastered this aspect of SUDO becomes strong not only in combat, but also in life. He knows how to cope with difficulties, manage his emotions and maintain inner balance in any situation. SUDO is a path leading to harmony of body, mind and spirit. Through the development of emotional and psychological fortitude, each student finds his inner strength, gains confidence and clarity, which help him in combat and in life. SUDO becomes for him not just the art of fighting, but a way to gain integrity and inner peace.

The Spiritual Philosophy of Water in SUDO
SUDO, as a martial art, draws its strength and wisdom from the nature of water, which is soft and pliable, yet capable of breaking through the hardest obstacles. The philosophy of water is not only a metaphor for martial practice, but also a deep spiritual principle that can be applied to life. Water is able to penetrate through the smallest cracks, wash over obstacles, and change its shape depending on its surroundings. It represents the ideal of flexibility, acceptance, and inner strength, which is reflected in every aspect of SUDO.
Be Like Water: The Essence of Flexibility
The philosophy of water in SUDO teaches us the art of adaptability. In combat, as in life, a person faces various obstacles and difficulties. The way of water is a way that shows that obstacles can be bypassed without destroying them, and to find one’s flow where there seems to be no way. This principle reflects the most important lesson that every practitioner of SUDO must learn: it is not always necessary to face an obstacle head-on, sometimes it is better to go around it or use its power to your advantage.
“Water always finds a way for itself, without destroying obstacles. It smoothly goes around them, allowing itself to be flexible, but remaining strong and resilient.”
In combat, this is expressed in the fighter’s ability to adapt to the enemy, sensing his strength and weakness, moving in response to his actions, like water taking the shape of a vessel. The flexibility of water teaches us not to resist the flow, but to follow it, without losing our essence.

The Power of Calm and Gentleness
One of the key principles of water philosophy is calmness and gentleness, which are often mistaken for weakness. Water can be as calm as a pond or as fast as a waterfall, but in any form it remains powerful. For a SUDO fighter, calmness is a way to maintain energy and inner balance without giving in to emotions.
“A fighter, like water, does not strive to immediately show all his strength, but keeps it under control, maintaining gentleness and readiness for action.”
This gentleness and calmness help the fighter not to waste energy on unnecessary movements and emotions, concentrating all his strength in the moment. In life, this principle teaches us to manage our inner state, to find peace even in a storm and to use this gentleness as a source of fortitude.

Transformation and Changeability
Water can take many forms – it can be solid like ice, liquid like a river, or airy like steam. This principle of transformation reflects a deep philosophy that teaches us to be flexible and adaptive in any situation. Life is constantly changing, and man, like water, must be ready to change with it without losing his essence.
“To be like water means to be ready to change when necessary, not to destroy oneself, but only to take on a new form.”
This principle helps SUDO fighters see their weaknesses not as shortcomings, but as opportunities for growth and change. Water does not resist cold or heat, it simply changes its state to suit the circumstances. This teaches us to accept challenges and transform in response to them, while remaining true to our nature.
Oneness with the Environment
Water is a part of all living things, it connects and unites everything on our planet. In the philosophy of SUDO, this principle is expressed in the fighter’s ability to feel a connection with the environment without singling himself out as a separate being. In combat, this means that the fighter does not perceive the opponent as an enemy, but feels him as part of the overall energy. “Like water, the SUDO fighter strives to connect with the enemy’s movement, to become part of his rhythm and to use his strength, rather than fight it.” This principle is also reflected in life, where a person learns to see himself as part of the whole world, rather than as a separate being opposing it. A person, like water, must find harmony with the environment and act based on this feeling of unity.

Strength in invisibility
Water may be inconspicuous and soft, but its strength is boundless. It does not seek recognition, does not demand attention, but its presence is felt in every aspect of life. In SUDO, strength is not manifested in loud movements or obvious aggression, but is hidden in the depths of a fighter, ready to splash out his power at the right moment.
“To be like water means to remain invisible as long as possible, and only at the moment of need to show your true strength.”
In life, this principle teaches us not to strive for unnecessary recognition or praise, but to keep our strength inside, showing it when it is really needed. Water does not announce itself, but its influence is undeniable and powerful.
Perception of time and patience
Water teaches us patience and understanding of time. The river flows slowly, but inevitably reaches the sea, despite all the obstacles in its path. This principle reflects the philosophy of SUDO, where success does not come instantly, but requires time and persistence.
“Like water, a person walking the path of SUDO must learn patience, knowing that every drop of effort brings him closer to the goal.”
This teaches SUDO fighters to see the value in every step, every movement and every moment. Patience is a quality that allows one to achieve profound results without rushing or striving for instant victories.

Unity of Opposites
Water combines opposite qualities: it can be soft and hard, calm and furious, motionless and swift. This dualism is the basis of the philosophy of SUDO, where a fighter must be able to be soft and hard at the same time. In combat, this means the ability to move from defense to attack, from rest to action, maintaining balance between these states.
“SUDO is the art of combining opposites, just as water combines rest and movement, hardness and softness.”
This principle teaches us to seek balance in life, to be flexible, but at the same time to maintain our principles and strength. To be like water means to understand that true peace and inner calm are achieved through the harmony of opposites.

Conclusion: The Way of Water as a Life Principle
The philosophy of water in SUDO is not just a combat tactic, but a whole philosophy of life. It teaches us to be flexible, patient, strong and at the same time gentle, ready to accept any change and turn it into strength. Water is the perfect symbol for a SUDO fighter striving for harmony and self-knowledge.
“Water does not strive for victory, but always achieves its goal, remaining true to its nature.”
For each SUDO student, the philosophy of water becomes the foundation that helps to find their path and learn to live in peace with themselves and the world around them. SUDO teaches us that victory is not always a direct confrontation, but the ability to bypass an obstacle, maintain inner peace and continue to move forward, like a river rushing to the sea. This philosophy of water, which is the basis of SUDO, makes martial art not only a means of defense, but also a path to inner peace and a deep understanding of life.
Leadership and Mentoring Principles in SUDO
Leadership in SUDO is not so much about power or authority, but about service and support. At the core of Dr. Suleyman’s leadership and mentoring approach is the belief that a true leader does not stand above others, but walks alongside them, helping to unleash their inner strengths and potential. In SUDO, mentoring is an integral part of the transmission of knowledge and philosophy, and this is what gives the teachings their true meaning and depth.
The Leader as an Inspirer
In martial arts, a leader not only trains fighters, but also inspires them to personal development, motivates them to overcome their limitations and go further. Dr. Suleyman has always believed that leadership is, first and foremost, the ability to ignite the fire of self-improvement in students. This means setting an example through your own actions, demonstrating commitment and selflessness.
“A true leader does not show the way, he walks it with his students, setting an example and giving strength through his presence.”
Throughout his journey, Dr. Suleyman has strived to be there for his students, to support them and to show them that mastery is achieved through hard work and dedication to one’s goals. A leader in SUDO should not seek admiration or recognition, but rather to help others reach their own potential.
Respect as the Foundation of Leadership
Respect is the foundation of any interaction in SUDO. A mentor, teacher and student is not a relationship of power and subordination, but an alliance based on mutual respect. A leader must respect his students, their individuality and their path, helping them to develop, rather than imposing his ideas and expectations.
“Respect in SUDO is the recognition of the uniqueness of each student and their right to follow their own path, developing their own strengths.”
In every training and seminar, Dr. Suleyman strives to create an atmosphere where each student feels heard and accepted. Respect between a teacher and a student builds trust, and trust, in turn, creates a solid foundation for learning and knowledge transfer.

Focus on Basic Techniques and Movements
To successfully master SUDO, it is important to take your time and pay attention to the basic techniques and movements. These movements seem simple, but they are the foundation for more complex techniques. Carefully mastering the basics will allow you to build a solid foundation on which to rely in the future.
“True mastery lies in simplicity and the basics. Every great master began with them, honing them to perfection.”
Work on stances, strikes, blocks and movements. Repeat the basic techniques over and over, concentrating on precision and balance. This process may be slow, but it is this that will lay the foundation for your future mastery.
Patience and acceptance of failures
The SUDO path is a path full of trials and difficulties. It is important for a beginner to learn to accept his failures as part of his training. Every mistake, every difficulty is an opportunity to become stronger and wiser. Be patient and remember that growth takes time.
“Failures are teachers. They show what needs to be worked on and help you grow. In SUDO, patience is the path to victory over yourself.”
Do not expect quick results, especially at the initial stages. Learn to accept failures calmly, do not give up and continue to move forward, step by step.

Respect for yourself and others
SUDO is a martial art based on respect for both yourself and others. It is important to learn to respect your body, your capabilities and your limits. It is equally important to respect your mentors, partners and opponents. Respect is the basis of any interaction in SUDO and one of the most important principles that should be learned from the very beginning.
“Respect is the first step on the path of SUDO. Without it, there is no true mastery.”
Know your limits and respect them, and respect those who walk the path with you. Respect for yourself and others makes you not only stronger, but also wiser.






























