The kata in Judo
In most Eastern martial arts, formalized exercises following a certain system, whether individually or in pairs of two or more, are part of the practice and training.
The Japanese term for these exercises is “KATA” and they represent stylized exercises of concentration, particularly difficult, and are the very source of the principles of these martial arts, including Judo. The proper execution of these katas requires many years of practice to enable the judoka to grasp their deep meaning.
Katas are also showcased during national and international competitions, in which Luxembourg has been regularly participating since the 1990s with pairs in different katas. The diversity of katas and their varying degrees of technical difficulty allow athletes to remain competitive, regardless of their age, size, and build. The current national team consists of six versatile athletes in various combinations of pairs/katas.
The official Kodokan kata
- Nage no Kata (the form of throws), composed of 5 groups (te-waza, koshi-waza, ashi-waza, mae-sutemi-waza, yoko-sutemi-waza): Developed at the Kodokan by Jigoro Kano between 1884 and 1885, the Nage No Kata is the kata of fundamental throwing techniques. The idea is to highlight the principles of a throw: balance breaking, positioning, and falling. It consists of 30 throws: three techniques to the right and then to the left, multiplied by 5 series of different families (arms, hips, legs, back sacrifices, and side sacrifices).
- Katame no Kata (the form of controls), composed of 3 groups (osae-komi-waza, shime-waza, kansetsu-waza): Developed between 1884 and 1887 following the Nage No Kata, the Katame No Kata is the ground kata. It consists of 5 immobilizations, 5 strangulations, and 5 arm locks. Judokas are in constant motion as Tori seeks control while Uke does everything to escape.
- Kime no Kata (the form of decision): This kata highlights the fighter’s decision-making spirit! It is a self-defense kata, performed on the ground (8 techniques, idori)
and then standing (12 techniques, tachi-ai), with bare hands, a knife, and a sword. - Kodokan Goshin Jitsu (New Jujitsu, Kodokan’s self-defense techniques): This is the kata of Jujitsu, and the most recent: it was created by the Kodokan in 1956. It presents a total of 21 self-defense techniques against punches, kicks, knives, sticks, revolvers,
and grabs. - Ju no Kata (the form of flexibility): Created by Jigoro Kano in 1887, the Ju No Katateaches the use of flexibility to overcome strength. Its 3 series of 5 techniques must be performed at a slow pace. It does not include any throws. Originally, this gentleness allowed women to practice Judo without the roughness of other katas…
- Itsutsu no Kata (the form of the five principles): Created in 1887 by Jigoro Kano, the Itsutsu No Kata is considered a “higher” kata. It represents the application of natural principles applied to Judo. It therefore requires a certain maturity for understanding and execution. With its 5 techniques, it is the shortest kata. Since Kano did not give them names, it remains considered unfinished. Its five principles are as follows: mobilization of energy, resistance, centripetal force, alternation, and void.
- Koshiki-no-kata (the form of ancient techniques): To create this kata, Jigoro Kano preserved techniques from the Kito-Ryu school (jujitsu), which he greatly admired and from which he drew inspiration to create Judo. He appreciated the logic of the techniques and used them as a progression from Jujitsu to Judo. Its 21 ancient techniques were meant for samurais wearing heavy armor: they are therefore performed slowly and in a particular posture for the first series, and then chained together quickly.
- Seiryoku-zen’yo-kokumin-taiiku (national physical education for maximum efficiency): This kata is a method of physical education that encompasses the three fundamental characteristics of Judo: developing the mind (shin), technique (gi), and body (tai), while also preserving mental and physical health.
The various Katas reflect the philosophy and principles inherent in Judo developed by Master Jigoro Kano, namely :
The Principle of Judo:
- SEIRYOKU ZENYO (best use of energy): This is the technical-tactical principle of Judo.
- JITA KYOEI (live in harmony for the good of all): This is the ethical principle of Judo.
Bases on :
- SHIN is… the heart, the way we practices judo is important, as weel as our behavior. It is the base to act with proper heart.
- GI is… technique: we have to learn through the techniques. We should alway try to polish our technique
- TAI is… the body, physical qualities.It is important to take care of the body as a base for the practice and a good life.
For any complete judoka, the practice of Kata is essential because it connects Judo not only to the sport of competition (Randori no Kata -> Nage no Kata and Katame no Kata) but also to the ancient tradition of various schools of Jiu-jitsu through defense katas (Kime no Kata, Kodokan, Kodokan Goshin Jitsu, Ju no Kata) and Eastern philosophy through the higher katas (Itsutsu no Kata) and traditional combat (Kime no Kata, Koshiki no Kata).
