Promotion for Dan and Kyu for members of Kudo Federation is conducted by means of skills examination. The governing body for exam organization and level recognition is Daidojuku.

Belt colors

As a rule, new student has no Kyu when starting (white belt). When a student comply with requirements concerning number of attendant days and physical power normative he/she is granted the right to take belt promotion exam where his/her skills level will be estimated and respected belt awarded. 1st Kyu takes exam for Shodan and black belt is awarded upon results. Upon Nidan and above golden stripes are added to the black belt.

Examination types

The candidate can choose either type of examination. However, it is not allowed to be promoted upon competition results twice in a row.

Belt promotion exam	conducted several times a year. Candidate is judged upon performance in Kihon Keiko (punches and kicks), Ido Keiko (punches and kicks), Yakusoku Kumite, Nagewaza, sparring.
Promotion upon competition results	candidate is promoted upon his performance in official competions.

Belt promotion exam content

Kihon Keiko

Performing punches and Kicks from static position, keeping good balance during performance, using body motion in all techniques.

Ido Keiko

Keeping Kihon form while moving.
* Yellow and upper belts do kicks with punches combination.

Yakusoku Kumite

In Yakusoku Kumite the both, attacking partner and defending partner, are examined. The purpose is to demonstrate ability to control the distance, good form, and defense basics.

In defense the one can use
blocks, parries, slips, duckings, sways, step-backs, holdings, pushes to the shoulders, stoppings by mae-geri.

* white belts do only defense. Blue belts and higher perform counter attack after defense .(example: parry the opponent’s jab and counter with jab)

Nagewaza

White belts have to acquire descent ukemi techniques for personal safety. Green belts demonstrate Uchikomi only, brown belts demonstrate Nage in motion. Green belts are required to demonstrate basic attacking techniques in Newaza, brown belts required to be able to escape or perform attack from on-the-bottom position.

Sparring

Demonstrate techniques acquired in Kihon and Ido Keiko in competition match with the opponent.

10-9 Kyu	no punches to the head, only body punches + kicks
8-7 Kyu	Only jab and straight punch to the head are allowed + kicks
6-5 Kyu	punches to the head including hook and uppercut +kick
4 Kyu	jab, back-hand, straight, hook, uppercut, elbow+kicks+nage
3 Kyu	jab, back-hand, straight, hook, uppercut, elbow+kicks+nage+head-butt
2 Kyu	from here Kudo rules competition fight including Newaza

* if two opponents are of different belt level competition rules are adjusted to the lower belt competition rules.