Kodokan Judo · Kata

KUMA DOJOJudo Kata Classroom

Kata are partner exercises performed by tori and uke under prescribed attacking conditions, sequences and methods. They are a way to study kuzushi, tsukuri, kake, distance, timing, control and rei. After Jigoro Kano founded Kodokan Judo, he selected, organised and preserved techniques from traditional jujutsu, then developed forms that matched judo’s educational purpose. Kata allow principles that cannot be practised safely in randori to be passed on accurately. They are not simply demonstrations: kata study judo principles, set shared teaching standards, and connect judo’s history with living technique.