What is Buddhakado?
Buddhakado is an all-round full contact style developed in Nepal and spread further from Belgium. The system combines yantra (forms), speed, targeted kicks and strikes, mobility, concentration and confidence, with a focus on practical application.
The walking stance forms the basis of a mobile fighting posture. Instead of meeting force head-on, Buddhakado seeks angles, circles and half-circles. This creates space to move outside the direct line of attack.
Progression
The method continues to evolve. New insights are only incorporated when they add practical value. Training combines yantra (forms), partner drills, heavy bag work, locks, chokes, kicks, strikes, ground work and self-defence.
Methodology
Buddhakado tactics start with evasion and movement. The practitioner tries not to remain in the attacker’s line of sight. The symbolism of the Kandu refers directly to this.
- The moon represents movement in half-circles.
- The sun represents movement in full circles.
- Mount Everest represents the line of sight and the limits you impose on yourself.
- The fist represents yourself, outside the attacker’s line of sight.
- The khukuri refers to Nepali tradition and the weapons component of the art.
Greeting and tradition
The traditional greeting is Namaste. When entering the training space, and at the beginning and end of class, practitioners show respect for the art, the trainers and one another. Training concludes with dhanyabad, meaning thank you for the training.
Grades
Grades progress from coloured peti to taha grades. Higher grades use titles including Guru, Sano Guru, Thulo Guru, Bada Guru and Maha Guru.
| Grade | Title |
|---|---|
| 1st taha | Guru |
| 2nd to 3rd taha | Sano Guru |
| 4th to 5th taha | Thulo Guru |
| 6th to 9th taha | Bada Guru |
| 10th taha | Maha Guru |
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is Buddhakado?
Buddhakado is a full-contact martial art developed in Nepal. The method combines yantra (forms), kicks, strikes, movement, close combat, ground work, fitness and self-defence. Technique, timing and positioning matter more than strength alone.
Is Buddhakado the same as karate?
Buddhakado is described as Nepali Full Contact Karate, but it is not a Japanese karate style. The art originated in Nepal. In Europe the name Budokai-do was used for a period. Since 2016 the original name Buddhakado has been used again.
What does Full Contact Karate mean in Buddhakado?
Full contact means that techniques should remain usable under resistance and contact. Intensity is built up gradually. Movement, timing, control and efficiency remain more important than simply making hard contact.
Do I need martial arts experience to start?
No. Beginners can start without previous experience. Exercises are built from the fundamentals and everyone can progress at their own level.
From what age can I start Buddhakado?
There are no separate youth classes. From around age 12 we generally do not expect problems with following the curriculum and taking part in light contact. For younger children, the trainers assess this individually based on maturity and in consultation with the parents.
Do I need to be fit before I start?
No. You do not have to get fit before joining. Fitness is developed during training and everyone can start at their own level.
Will I learn self-defence in Buddhakado?
Yes. Self-defence is and remains an important part of Buddhakado. We keep the broader martial arts principle in view: not only sport fighting, but also movement, control, avoidance, positioning and efficient responses in practical situations.
Do you spar during training?
Yes. Sparring is introduced gradually according to experience and level and takes place under trainer supervision. The goal is to learn distance, timing, pressure and contact, not to train unnecessarily hard.
Is Buddhakado suitable for different body types and fitness levels?
Yes. Buddhakado is not based on the idea that the physically strongest person automatically wins. Technique, movement, timing and positioning make the method accessible to different body types and fitness levels.
Can I train with an old injury or physical limitation?
Discuss an existing injury or physical limitation with a trainer before training. The trainer can see which exercises may be adapted. If there is medical uncertainty, ask your doctor or physiotherapist for advice first.
Can I practise Buddhakado recreationally or do I have to compete?
Competition is optional and certainly not compulsory. Buddhakado can be practised entirely recreationally. If you have competitive ambitions, you can discuss them with the trainers.
How do grades and examinations work in Buddhakado?
Buddhakado uses a grading system with coloured peti followed by taha grades. Higher grades use titles such as Guru, Sano Guru, Thulo Guru, Bada Guru and Maha Guru. A summary of the higher grades is shown above on this page.
What do you learn during a Buddhakado class?
A class may include yantra (forms), movement from a fighting stance, evasion, angle work, kicks and strikes, partner drills, heavy bag work, locks, ground work and practical self-defence. The exact content varies by session and level.
What is KaliDo Alliance?
Buddhakado Ghent is part of KaliDo Alliance, where different martial arts work together while keeping their own identity. This allows knowledge, training opportunities and experience to be shared without each discipline losing its own character.