Sensei Eiko Shepherd
What Is Kata?
Kata (“forms” or “formal techniques”) is a method of judo training: a pre-determined demonstration of an ideal situation to apply the principles of throwing, grappling, submissions, and self-defense. It is a principal component of the art and science of judo, and is complementary to randori (freestyle) training methods.
Kata is conducted and competed in teams of two judoka (judo players). It is a means to complement judo knowledge for shiai (controlled combat) competitors, and a means to compete after a shiai career or as an alternative to shiai competition. There are the many opportunities for teams to compete in the kata, from local and national tournaments to the IJF World Judo Kata Championship.
In Shufu, most local tournaments include a kata competition. Kata training and competition can start at any age, and is included as competition at the Junior Nationals. Kata is also required for advanced judo ranks to demonstrate mastery of the techniques and principles of judo
Why Kata?
Jigoro Kano (the founder of judo) intended kata to a part of every judoka’s training. Through kata, an individual learns all of the principles and theories of judo, all of the elements of the wazas (techniques), techniques not allowed in shiai, and a means for overall physical fitness.
There are Seven Principal Katas:
Nage No Kata – Throwing techniques
Katame No Kata – Ne waza (grappling) techniques
Ju No Kata – Forms of gentleness
Goshin Jitsu – modern weapons
Kime No Kata – ancient weapons
Koshiki No Kata – ancient warrior kata
Itsutsu No Kata – Forms of five
Learning and Competing
Kata competition is available at all levels of proficiency: local, national, continental and international, and Worlds. Since 2009, the International Judo Federation has hosted the World Kata Judo Championship. This elite level of competition has given national competitors a new and higher goal and has led to an increase in the level of proficiency around the world.
There are many path to increasing kata knowledge: fulfillment of promotional requirements, dojo kata practice, attending clinics, competing, teaching, and judging.
Kata Training:
• Self-study:
o Watch Youtube videos
o Read standards and books
o Start walk-thru practicing
• Attend clinics:
o Shufu generally hosts at least two clinics per year. In the fall, the Faye Allen Kata Championship includes both competition and clinic. In the spring, a clinic is held. The selected kata(s) changes from year-to-year.
o USJF annual kata conference is held in the summer and covers seven katas
o Joshi Judo camp
• Compete: Competition is the best and most effective means for assessing your current proficiency.
o Faye Allen Kata Championship is held in the fall
o Most Shufu tournaments include a kata competition. As time permits, kata
judges also make themselves available through the day to provide feedback to
the competitors.
• Get feedback
Shufu has several certified kata judges and national and international competitors who are willing to provide kata students feedback
• Host a clinic
Kata Competition:
• Local:
Most Shufu tournament include a kata competitions.
• Local/Regional:
Faye Allen Kata Championship is held every Fall, typically in late September. The tournament was established by Edwin Takemori, and is currently run by DC Judo.
• National:
USA Judo Sr. Nationals; USJF Jr and Sr Nationals
• International (open):
Fukuda Kata Tournament; many European tournaments
• International (qualification required):
PanAmerican Championship; World Kata Championship
Tools to learn kata:
• US standards (see individual katas above)
• Books
• Kodokan videos
• IFJ standards
• Other Videos
