KATA

Presentation

Tori should be to the right-hand side of Shomen (Examiner) the examiner should stand off the mat but in the centre.

Tori and Uke should move in unison throughout the presentation.

Tori and Uke walk on and bow to each other at the edge of the mat (Ritsurei), they should then move into a position that is approximately 6m apart to open the kata. They both turn and do a standing bow to Shomen, turn back to face each other and then go down on to their knees(seiza), left leg first, ensuring that they are on their toes. Then they sit back on to their heels and do a kneeling bow (Zarei), they should stand up in reverse order.

Tori and Uke are ready to move into the engagement position by taking a full step forward (left leg first) into Shizenhontai, at the same time, an approximate distance of 4m. At this point, both Tori and Uke Kneel down into a closed Kyoshi, then to an open Kyoshi (, every time Tori goes into Kyoshi he will close and open it). Tori should wait for Uke to move into position. Uke closes his Kyoshi and takes one large step forward In Shikko (knee walking). It is difficult to master moving around in Shikko, but you should expect good posture when Tori and Uke are still. Uke then puts his right hand down and slips into a sitting position and then he should lay back with his left leg slightly raised. Uke’s head should be near or on the centre of the mat.

Tori will then close his Kyoshi and stand into Shizenhontai. He then turns to a 45degree angle and moves off (left leg first) in Ayumi Ashi to the far position (Toma) around 1.2m away from Uke. Tori will then go down to the Kyoshi position.

Tori moves forward in Shikko (two steps) to Chikama (near position). This should be around 30cm away from Uke. It is important that these distances are adhered to throughout the entire kata.

Tori will then move forward ready to enter into the first technique.

Osae Komi Waza

The positions for Tori and Uke have not been defined during the techniques, it is more important that the examiner feels that Tori has maintained control throughout and that Uke has made genuine attempts to escape. Therefore keeping the true essence of kata.

Kesa Gatame (Kazure)

Tori should move into position in a smooth and controlled manner and signal to Uke that he is ready. There should be three distinct escapes that are logical in their sequence and relevant to how Tori stops each attempted escape. (Uke should be attempting to escape). Tori should move out the technique in reverse order to the entry and then back to Chikama, then to Kyoshi.

Kata Gatame

Tori should move into position in a smooth and controlled manner and signal to Uke that he is ready. There should be three distinct escapes that are logical in their sequence and relevant to how Tori stops each attempted escape. (Uke should be attempting to escape, look for realism). Tori should move out the technique after placing Uke back in position in reverse order to the entry and then back to Chikama, to Kyoshi.

Kami Shiho Gatame

After finishing Katame Gatame and moving back to Chikama, Tori moves back to Toma in a reverse sequence, Kyoshi and then Shizenhontai. He turns and moves to the open position (left leg first etc). Tori enters into Kyoshi and moves forward in Shikko as before to Chikama (this time at the top of the head). Tori should move into position at Uke’s head. In a smooth and controlled manner and signal to Uke that he is ready.
There should be three distinct escapes that are logical in their sequence and relevant to how Tori stops each attempted escape. (Uke should be attempting to escape, look for realism). Tori should move out of the technique, placing Uke back in position in reverse order to the entry and then moves back to Chikama and into Kyoshi, then back to the open position, to Kyoshi, then into Shizenhontai.

Yoko Shiho Gatame

As in preparing for kesa katame Tori moves to the Toma position and then go’s from Shizenhontai, Kyoshi onto the Chikama position and then back into Kyoshi. Tori must have control of Uke while entering into Yoko Shiho Gatame (does not let go and leave Uke free to escape).
Tori should move into position in a smooth and controlled manner and signal to Uke that he is ready. There should be three distinct escapes, that are logical in their sequence and relevant to how Tori stops each attempted escape (Uke should be attempting to escape, look for realism). Tori should move out the technique in reverse order to the entry and then moves back to Chikama and into Kyoshi and back to Toma.

Kazure Kami Shiho Gatame

From Toma, Tori moves to the open position left leg first etc) and goes to the open position. Tori enters into Kyoshi and moves forward in Shikko as before to Chikama, then moves to the side of the head. Tori should move into position in a smooth and controlled manner and signal to Uke that he is ready. There should be three distinct escapes that are logical in their sequence and relevant to how Tori has stopped each attempted escape. (Uke should be attempting to escape, look for realism). Tori should move out the technique after placing Uke back in position in reverse order to the entry and then move back to Chikama and into Kyoshi.
This is the last technique in Osae Komi Waza, as Tori moves back to the open position, uke rises into Kyoshi. They both fix their Judogi and Uke Slips back down to get ready for the next set.
The Katame no Kata is a kata of different tempos. Tori and Uke should strive to show this in their demonstration. Realism is also something that should be present.
Knowing the sequence of hold-downs does not show any understanding of the kata. The examiner should be satisfied that there is a genuine effort in the escapes and hold-downs.

IMPORTANT

Kyu and Mon grades should follow the guidelines that are set out above. It is strongly advised for Tori to use a Uke with whom he has practised with. It would be unlikely for anyone to attain a merit or distinction with a Uke who is not reasonably well practised in the Katame No Kata. This is a general guideline and does not cover all the aspects in this Kata. For more detailed information you can contact any one of Judo Scotland’s Kata examiners. Eddie Cassidy, Alex Reid and Paul Laverty

Guidelines for Nage No Kata Technical grading Mon & Kyu

Presentation:

Tori should be to the right-hand side of Shomen (Examiner) the examiner should stand off the mat but in the centre.

Tori and Uke should move in unison throughout the presentation.

Tori and Uke walk on and bow to each other at the edge of the mat (Ritsurei), they should then move into a position that is approximately 6m apart to open the kata. They both turn and do a standing bow to Shomen, turn back to face each other and then go down on to their knees (seiza), left leg first, ensuring that they are on their toes. Then they sit back on to their heels and do a kneeling bow (Zarei), they should stand up in reverse order.

Tori and Uke are ready to move into the engagement position by taking a full step forward (left leg first) into Shizenhontai, both do this at the same time, to an approximate distance of 4m.

Tori should approach Uke by walking in Ayumi Ashi (sliding foot action), to start the first technique.

Te Waza Set One

UKI Otoshi: Tori moves to Uke, Tori and Uke take their grips and Tori steps back on his left leg in Tsugi ashi (their gait should not be closed at any time) on the third step Tori drops down on his left knee and pulls down sharply. Tori should be facing forward, holding on to Uke with his left hand.
Repeat for the left side, Tori stepping back on his right leg this time.

Ippon Seoi Nage: After throwing Uke in Uki Otoshi, Tori returns to just off the centre and waits for uke’s attack.
Uke attacks and should attempt to strike Tori on the head on the second step, Tori should step in right foot first and block and parry the blow, turn-in and throw Uke.
Repeat for left side Uke attacking with left arm etc and Tori stepping in with his left leg etc.

Kata Guruma: After being thrown in Ippon Seoi Nage, Tori and Uke return to Uke’s open position, Tori and uke take their grips and Tori again steps back in Tsugi Ashi. On the second step, there should be a change of grip. The third step should be larger allowing Tori to pull Uke on to his shoulders, when he rises he should bring his left leg in. Important Uke should release his grip on Tori’s lapel at this stage as it is very possible to be thrown into an arm lock. Uke should be stretched out straight on Tori’s shoulders and he should be thrown to a 45-degree angle to Tori.
As before and repeat for left side-stepping in the opposite leg etc
This is the end of the first set, Tori and Uke should return to their open positions facing away from each other, fixing their Judogi, then returning to face each other when they are ready for set two.

Koshi Waza Set Two

Uki Goshi: Tori moves forward to just off centre and Uke attacks in a similar manner to Ippon Seoi Nage (left hand should try to block Tori’s from turning in). On Uke’s second step Tori steps in and does a left-hand technique and Vice versa for the left side.
Repeat for the left side (opposite leg etc) after being thrown Tori and Uke return to Uke’s open position.

Harai Goshi: Tori move’s to Uke at his open position. Tori and Uke take their grips and Tori steps back in Tsugi Ashi, on the second step Tori changes his grip, on the third step he turns and throws Uke sweeping with a straight leg.
Repeat for the left side (opposite leg etc) after being thrown Tori returns to Uke’s open position.

Tsuri Komi Goshi: Tori moves to Uke’s open position, they take their grips, Tori must take a high grip (at neck level) then steps back in Tsugi Ashi, on the third step he crosses his right foot in front of Uke and turns in low to throw Uke with his arm straight. Uke is thrown in a rigid straight position.
Repeat for the left side (opposite leg etc)
This is the end of the second set, Tori and Uke should return to their open positions facing away from each other, fixing their Judogi and then returning to face each other when they are ready for the third set.

Ashi Waza Set Three

Okuri Ashi Harai: Tori and Uke move into the centre of the mat take their grips and move away from Shomen. Taking three steps, there should be a change of pace. For the left side, they start where Uke has landed and should finish at the centre of the mat.

Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi: Tori moves to Uke’s open position and retreats in Tsugi ashi then changes his direction on the third step, whilst pulling Uke and blocking his leg. Tori should’ve turned 180 degrees at the end of the technique.
Repeat for the left side

Uchi Mata: Tori and Uke return to the centre of the mat, they should engage. Tori then steps forward pushing and pulling Uke in a circular movement (ever decreasing circle). Tori‘s third step should be a diagonal step, setting up his entry for the technique. Tori should never step back into the technique.
Repeat for the left side

This is the end of the third set, Tori and Uke should return to their open positions facing away from each other, fixing their Judogi and then returning to face each other when they are ready for set forth set.
This is a general guideline and does not cover all the aspects in this Kata. For more detailed information you can contact any one of Judo Scotland’s Kata examiners Eddie Cassidy, Alex Reid and Paul Laverty.

IMPORTANT Kyu grades should follow the guidelines that are set out above.
Mon Grades are only required to do the Nage no kata to one side (right or left).
It is strongly advised for Tori to use a Uke he has practised with. It would be unlikely for anyone to attain a merit or distinction with a Uke who is not reasonably well practised in the Nage No Kata.