KDR Combat
JUDO
Scottish Study Group
Practical. Effective. Authentic. Bridging traditional Judo with ancient Koryu Ju Jitsu for real-world situations.
Traditional Judo for Modern Self Defence
What is KDR Combat Judo
Combat Judo is the modern term often used to describe judo training that refers to the practical, self-defense, and unarmed combat applications of traditional judo.
Not to be confused with the Combat Judo developed by Robert L. Carlin during World War II and depicted in the classic U.S. Military Training Manual FM 21-150, modern Combat Judo bridges traditional Kodokan Judo with the original battlefield techniques from Koryu (Old School) Ju Jitsu systems by reintroducing strikes, joint locks, and ground-fighting methods originally omitted for sports safety.
Kenshindoryu means ‘School of the Way of Dedication’ and refers to a multi-art (or Sogu Budo) Japanese martial arts association developed by Renshi Jim Dart in 1988.
KDR Combat Judo is a subset of the KDR traditional Judo syllabus with its own curriculum and grading syllabus. KDR Judo is now called Progressive Zen Judo, a name change made this year (2026) to reflect KDR Judo’s origins in Zen Judo. It’s an ideal system for practitioners of striking arts, such as Karate, to gain a solid base in traditional Judo techniques for practical self-defence without the need to study and participate in modern sports Judo.
It’s also an excellent system for existing sports Judoka who want to add, or rediscover, the self-defense aspects lost in modern sports Judo.
Our goal is not competition, but real-world effectiveness, true budo spirit, and the way of dedication.
Unlike modern sports Judo, KDR Combat Judo integrates:
- Striking (Atemi-waza): Utilising punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to distract or debilitate an opponent.
- Vital Point Striking (Kyusho-waza): Using pressure points and nerve strikes for pain compliance and easy takedowns.
- Unrestricted Ground Fighting (Ne-waza): Groundwork that accounts for ‘street’ attacks, allowing for eye gouges, biting, and groin strikes.
- Weapons Defence: Defending against knife, club, and gun attacks using Judo throws and joint manipulation.
Combat Judo differs from Goshin (modern) Jujitsu systems as its roots and practice are firmly embedded in the original Kodokan Judo system developed Jigoro Kano in 1882.
The KDS Combat Judo Study Group (Scotland) comes under the training directorate of Renshi Jim Dart and taught through seminars held in Perth, Scotland. The group is open to anyone interested in Judo for Self-Defence, regardless of age, experience or background.
Combat Judo - The Complete Syllabus
The complete syllabus from white to black belt of Kenshindoryu Combat Judo (now a subset of the Progressive Zen Judo syllabus) can be obtained from Jim Dart sensei’s book creates a useful aide memoir for the seminars and is a useful guide for those preparing for formal grading in the system. His book KDR Combat Judo is available from Amazon by following this link.
Shihan Jim Dart
Kenshindoryu Chief Instructor is Jim Dart, who has been involved in the martial arts for over 45 years, previously holding positions as Headmaster of the International Society of Traditional Judo for England and General Secretary of the Wado Kai England Karate-do Federation, where he was a member of the Technical Committee. His impressive list of qualifications include:
- 6th Dan Wadoryu Karate
- 7th Dan Karate-do (IMAO) – Member of Honour
- 6th Dan KDR Traditional Judo and BZJFA Zen Judo
- 6th Dan Kenshindoryu Jujutsu Kempo
- 5th Dan Kano Ryu
- 4th Dan ISTJ Combat Judo
- 4th Dan Zen Judo (ZJF)
- 3rd Dan Nihon-ryu Jujutsu
- 1st Dan Toyamaryu Battojutsu (Kokusai Toyama Ryu Renmei)
- General Secretary, International Gentle Arts Society (2010 – )
- General secretary Wadokai England Karate-do Federation (2001-2002)
- Headmaster (England) International Society of Traditional Judo (1998-2002)
- Chief Instructor Kenshindoryu Nippon Budo Kyokai
- Awarded ‘Shihan’ title 2015 and ‘Renshi’ 2017 by Shinohara Y 8th Dan
- Awarded ‘Kenshuin’ Instructor grade Shinkendo by Obata T Kaiso 2012
Shonan Jim Dart is also author of five books(available on Amazon) including:
- Wado Ryu Kata Bunkai
- Wado Ryu Ohyo Kata – Pinan
- Wado Ryu Ohyo Kata – Intermediate
- Wado Ryu Ohyo Kata – Black-Belt Kata
- KDR Combat Judo