SUDO (SU-DO)

Founded: 2011
Country of orign: Azerbaijan
Creator: Sabir Suleyman
Place of creation: Azerbaijan
Type: Martial art
Official organization: World Sudo Federation (location: Paderborn, Germany)

Sudo (az. SU XASSƏLƏRİNƏ BƏNZƏR DÖYÜŞ – literally “fighting similar to the properties of water”) is a unique type of martial art, the techniques and combinations of which have been masterfully developed over the years. The natural phenomenon that most closely reflects the essence of life in Sudo is water. The arsenal of military equipment includes the best sweeps, hooks and steps, punches and kicks, choking techniques, painful holds on the arms and legs.

Despite the existence in the world of numerous unrealistic throwing techniques that are performed with the hip-femoral and shoulder parts of the body, not one of them is included in Sudo. The reason is the impossibility of using these techniques in real combat. Because, unlike a heavyweight fighter against a lightweight fighter, a lightweight fighter faces great difficulties and obstacles when facing a heavyweight in a fight

The complex of techniques used in Sudo can be used by anyone, no matter what gender or weight he (she) is.

Sudo is a martial art that rationally uses everything that is available to the human body for self-defense. Strikes and blocks are widely represented here, as well as grabs, dislocations, strangulations, pushes, trips, sweeps, holds and painful holds. All this should ensure maximum efficiency at all distances: long (distance of foot impact), average (distance of impact fist), close (distance of grip by the body) and in any situations standing, kneeling, sitting, face to face, sideways, with attack from behind, with one enemy, with several, with with weapons, without weapons, etc. Proper Use this technique requires adherence to a number of principles and all of them learned through long, persistent practice.

As mentioned above, su-do is like a system self-defense, as well as as a sport. That is, this is combat art is a system of defense and attack. In Sudo it is allowed to use everything real that is available to the fighter, and precisely targeted powerful punches and kicks are used to crush theenemy, applied to vital points of his body.

The World Center is located in Paderborn, Germany.
Su-do is very popular in Germany. In honor of Su-do and World-class events are held annually to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Today official branches the World Sudo Federation exists in such countries as:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Congo Dem. Rep., Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Egypt, Arab Republic, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Japan,
Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tajikistan,
Tanzania, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela. In addition to the countries listed below, many countries are candidates for membership in the WSF and may be seen as full members in the coming years.

One of the important aspects of Sudo is the fighter’s responsibility to maintain his fighting stance well, since if the fighter’s balance is thrown off, the advantage goes to his opponent. And a falling opponent is like a waterfall, merging from the mountains or a river, heading sharply from top to bottom.

No matter how hard and sharp the flow of water, in the end the river gathers into one channel and continues to flow. At the end merges into the sea. This means that when an opponent is thrown off balance, it is not necessarily the aggression and violent manner of a Sudo fighter. He must ensure that relationships and views of each other remain as good as before after a convincing victory, too.

Ojaq – a place where martial arts are trained

In the context of Sudo, a martial art, Ojaq (which translates to “hearth” or “fire”) carries symbolic significance. It represents a place where people gather for training, honing their skills, and maintaining community spirit. In Sudo, as in other martial arts, having such a place is crucial as it symbolizes the beginning and development of personal mastery and martial spirit.

In Sudo, Ojaq can mean:

1. Training Place: A physical location where classes and training sessions take place, reflecting the core principles and values of Sudo.
2. Symbol of Spirit: Ojaq may symbolize the inner fire and drive necessary to overcome challenges and achieve success in martial arts.
3. Cultural Value: It is important to preserve and pass down the traditions and culture of Sudo, and Ojaq serves as a place where this tradition is maintained and developed.

Thus, “Ojaq” in Sudo is a place where physical training and spiritual development are intertwined, maintaining the connection between students and their art.

Principles of Ojaq

1. Trust and Respect: Every student must show deep respect for the instructor, senior students, and themselves. Belief in one’s abilities and respect for traditions are the foundation of learning.
2. Strong Spirit: Ojaq fosters resilience and mental strength in students, helping them overcome difficulties in martial arts and in life.
3. Patience and Composure: Patience and emotional control are key qualities developed through training. Strength should not be used in anger or without purpose.
4. Unity and Brotherhood: In Ojaq, students should support each other, acting as a unified whole. All members of the school are considered one family.
5. Justice and Responsibility: Every student is expected to act justly and take responsibility for their actions and progress.

Rituals at Ojaq

1. Greeting: Each student greets Ocaq and their instructor with a nod upon entering the training area, symbolizing respect and readiness for training.
2. Victory Oath: Once a month, students recite an oath where they pledge to adhere to the principles of Ojaq, strive for excellence, and support each other.
3. Respect for Ancestors: On special holidays and events, students and the instructor honor the great masters of martial arts, paying tribute to traditions and their legacy.

Hierarchy at Ojaq

1. Ustad: The chief mentor responsible for teaching and developing all students. Respect for Ustad is one of the most important rules.
2. Sahib: Experienced students who assist younger members in mastering skills and maintaining the principles of Ojaq.
3. Nasib: All other participants in the training, divided into groups based on skill level. Each student is expected to support their group and make progress.
4. Chirag: A designated student responsible for organizing rituals and maintaining order in the training area.

ODA – fighter uniform

In the context of Sudo martial arts, using the word “Oda” as the name for a garment is creatively meaningful. “Oda” means “room” or “living space.” There are several approaches to associating Sudo clothing with this term:

1. Center and Power: The word “Oda” can signify a center, a community, or a powerful place. In this sense, the clothing of Sudo practitioners represents the inner strength and determination of the warrior.
2. Warrior’s Refuge: “Oda” can also be thought of as a refuge or shelter. In this case, the garment is described as the warrior’s protective armor and safe haven.
3. Unification: The word “Oda” can also be used to imply the unification of the warrior with the place where they are, and the oneness with their spirit. Sudo clothing is thus described as attire that is perfectly in harmony with the warrior’s body and soul.

Rules of Conducting a Fight at Competitions, Point System and Referee Rules

There are 3 rounds in the competition rules:

1st Round (Standing Combat):

Allowed: kicks to the head, body, and legs, throws, sweeps, and foot techniques.
Not Allowed: punches to the face.

2nd Round (Kneeling Wrestling):

This round transitions to a kneeling position. The focus is on grappling and holds.

3rd Round (Mixed Combat):

A mixed combat round that combines elements of standing combat and kneeling grappling.
Each round requires unique preparation and strategic planning.

Points:

– BIR: A knockdown lasting 2 to 3 seconds from a blow to the head, body, or leg.
– IKI: A knockdown lasting 4 to 6 seconds from a blow to the head, body, or leg.
– UCH: A knockdown lasting 7 to 9 seconds from a blow to the head, body, or leg.
– GALABA: A knockout (10 seconds) from a blow to the head, body, or leg.

Scoring Advantages:

First Round:

• 1×3: Preferential attacks to the head or effective throwing technique  with finishing off the opponent, while remaining on the feet, provide an advantage over an opponent who attacks the body or legs and uses throwing techniques without finishing or with a fall.
• 1×2: Preferential attacks to the body or throwing techniques without finishing, while remaining on the feet, provide an advantage over an opponent who attacks the legs and uses throwing techniques with a fall.
• 1×1: Predominant attacks to the legs or throwing techniques with a fall provide an advantage over an opponent who did not actively attack the legs and used throwing techniques with a fall.

Activity is determined only when both athletes have no points.

Second Round:

Knee wrestling for a specified time. If no painful hold (agridiji) or choke (boguju) is used, the athlete who attempts the most techniques is given the advantage.

Third Round:

A third round occurs if each athlete wins one round, resulting in a 1:1 score. In this case, strikes, throwing techniques, and ground fighting are permitted.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Sudo is a struggle similar to the properties of water. Water is the softest and weakest creature in the world, but in overcoming the hard and strong it is invincible, and there is no equal to it in the world. Water is so beautiful that it is impossible to squeeze it in a fist, to hit it, it knows no pain. Pierce it with a knife – you will not hurt. Tear it – it will remain whole. It has no form – water takes the form of the vessel into which it is poured. If it is heated, it becomes invisible steam, but it has so much power that it can split the thickness of the earth. Freezing, water crystallizes and turns into powerful blocks. Water can be fast, like Niagara Falls, and calm, like a pond. It is terrifying in a raging stream and refreshing on a hot summer day. Rivers and seas are the rulers of hundreds of valleys. All because their strength is in humility; they are kings over everything. Do you want to conquer them? Follow them. In other words, if we transfer the science of martial arts to everyday life, before we fight against circumstances, we should try to adapt to them. We must be soft as water, receptive to rapidly changing circumstances. The flow of life itself will lead you to happiness. Only truly strong storms should we resist. If we row against the current all the time, we will quickly become exhausted and sink to the bottom. This is the principle of Sudo. You cannot win every fight, but you can make yourself invincible.

Symbolism of the colors of the belts and their philosophy

Each color in the SUDO belt system has a deep symbolic meaning and is not just a designation of the level of mastery, but also the spiritual state of the student:

White is the beginning of the path, emptiness and readiness to absorb knowledge.

Yellow is the awakening of the spirit and initial enlightenment.

Orange is confidence, hardening and experience in combat.

Green is growth, harmony and flourishing.

Blue is flexibility and adaptability.

Brown is stability, connection with the earth and strength of spirit.

Black is wisdom, the completion of the first cycle and the beginning of the path of the master.

In SUDO, each belt is not just a step towards physical mastery, but an advance in self-knowledge, self-acceptance and following the laws of nature. The path of water, the path of SUDO, teaches us that true strength is not in confrontation, but in harmony with oneself and the world around us.

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 “The Way 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.

Plans and goals

For the future, Sabir has ambitious goals – to introduce SUDO into the Olympic Games program and expand the World SUDO Federation to one hundred and fifty countries. He also plans to build a large sports complex in Paderborn, which will become the world center of SUDO and a venue for major international competitions. This project includes not only sports facilities, but also areas for recreation, development and spiritual practice.

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.”

Emotional and Psychological Preparation in SUDO

SUDO is not just a martial art, but a whole system aimed at the harmony of body, mind and spirit. At first glance, it may seem that mastery in SUDO lies in physical training, technique and strength. But a true understanding and successful practice of SUDO requires deep development of emotional and psychological fortitude. These aspects, invisible to the outside eye, are the basis for success and the revelation of the inner strength of a fighter.

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.