Katas are not just forms that have to be performed to achieve higher grades, they are an important learning tool – different but of equal benefit to Randori.

Whilst you can find here and on other media instructions for ‘doing kata’, they are no substitute for being taught kata by an experienced Sensei.

• They are a way to explore how techniques  can be used against a moving partner.
• The advantage of kata over randori is that techniques are usually applied against a partner who is moving in a pre-agreed manner.
• Kata practice allows imperfections in the execution of a technique to be examined and corrected.
• They should be practiced by all grades who have experience of the required elements.
• There is no correct or incorrect way for practising kata teachniques, however the  RIGHT WAY is the way your Sensei teaches you and expects you to do it!
• Judoka should practice both tori and uki’s role
• In kata judoka are required to move using specific forms of walking. These forms of moving are not specific to kata but when used in shiai and randori ensures judoka can maintain better balance and freedom of movement.
  • walking is done in either
    •  ayumi-ashi (normal style) or
    • tsuki-ashi (trailing foot does not pass the lead foot)
  • when kneeling judoka pause in kyoshi or kurai-dori (showing good deportment whilst maintaining awareness of surrounding)

Nage-no-kata

•  Junior Blues and Senior Greens are expected to start to show specified elements of this kata for promotion.
• 1st Kyus (Junior and Senior Brown Belts)  seeking promotion should be able to show kata to a high standard.
• 1st Dans and above will be expected to explain and demonstrate elements for Nage-no-kata for all promotions.

Katame-no-kata

• Junior Blues and Senior Greens are expected to start to show specified elements of this kata for promotion.
• 1st Kyus (Junior and Senior Brown Belts) looking for promotion should be able to show kata to a high standard.
• 1st dans seeking promotion to 2nd Dan must be able to show a good understanding of all aspects of Katame-no-kata.

Kaeshi kata – required for 2nd Dan (and full Junior Black belt)

Ju-no-kata – required for 3rd Dan

Go-no-sen-no-kata -required for 3rd Dan

Judoka seeking promotion to higher Dan grades will be required to demonstrate/teach an additional kata for each promotion.

Kime-no-kata –

Itsutsu-no-kata –

Goshin-jutsu

Koshiki-no-kata

Judokas owe it to the judo community to share their experience of practicing katas, seeking out new forms whilst being true to Kano’s vision for judo