It has been an incredible season of growth and victory for the BETA Academy family. Hot on the heels of our official designation as Washington DC’s only certified Kudo branch, our head instructor, Nakapan Phungephorn, traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to test his skills against the continent’s elite.
We are proud to announce that Coach Nakapan brought home the Silver Medal at the 2nd North American Kudo Championship!
Competing at the highest level of full-contact “Japanese MMA,” this victory is a testament to the world-class martial arts curriculum, technical grit, and coaching we foster every single day on our mats in Washington DC.
But we aren’t stopping there. This silver medal was just the ignition switch for what’s coming next.
The Road to Silver in Colorado Springs
The North American Kudo Championship brings together top-tier martial artists from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kudo competitions are famously grueling, combining the explosive power of Kyokushin karate striking, high-impact Judo throws, and submission grappling—all executed at a ferocious, full-contact pace.
Coach Nakapan’s silver-medal performance showcases exactly why the Kudo system is so effective. It demands perfect transitions between striking and grappling ranges.
– “Stepping onto the mats in Colorado wasn’t just about winning a medal; it was about proving the efficacy of what we teach at BETA Academy,” says Phungephorn. “We preach continuous self-improvement to our students, and as coaches, we have to lead by example.”
Next Stop: The South American Kudo Championship in Brazil!
While a North American silver medal is an incredible milestone, BETA Academy is already looking toward the horizon. We are officially taking our training internationally.
From September 18–20, BETA Academy will be flying out a select competition team to compete in the prestigious South American Kudo Championship in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Brazil has long been a global powerhouse for combat sports, making this tournament the perfect arena to showcase DC’s growing Kudo talent. Our athletes are already deep into an intense fight camp, sharpening their striking, perfecting their takedown defense, and building the relentless cardio required to conquer the international stage.
Want to Train Like a Champion? Join the BETA Academy Team
You don’t have to be an international competitor to benefit from our elite fight camps. At BETA Academy, our martial arts tournament training is designed to scale to your personal goals.
Whether you want to climb onto the podium in Brazil, learn practical self-defense, or simply get into the best shape of your life alongside a supportive community, our Kudo and MMA programs offer unparalleled benefits:
- True Mixed Martial Arts Integration: Learn how to seamlessly blend Muay Thai striking with BJJ and wrestling.
- Unmatched Conditioning: Experience the elite-level cardio and strength training utilized by our active competition team.
- A Culture of Excellence: Train under coaches who actively compete and succeed at the highest levels of international sport.
Track Our Journey to Belo Horizonte
We will be sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, training camp vlogs, and live updates from Brazil this September on our blog and social media platforms. Be sure to follow us to watch Team BETA represent Washington DC on the world stage!
Take Your First Step Today
Are you ready to unlock your potential and train with the best in the DMV? Whether your goal is a black belt, a gold medal, or a transformation in your fitness, your journey starts with a single step.
CALL US FOR A FREE CLASS AT (202) 538-0422 OR CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED