KATA (form practice)

Kata along with Randori are the primary teaching methods of Judo. In the book "JUDO FORMAL TECHNIQUES A Complete Guide to Kodokan Randori no Kata" written by Tadao Otaki and Donn F. Draeger the authors show a circle to demonstrate the relationship of Kata and Randori. The whole circle represents Judo practice, Kata is represented by a sphere in the middle of the circle and Randori takes up the rest of the circle. This is used to illistrate that Judo starts with Kata and moves out to Randori.

They also use a tree to demonstrate this concept. The tree starts with a tap root which symbolizes Kata. The tap root grows up to auxiliary roots symbolizing Randori. These grow up to to be the trunk, branches and foliage which symbolize the students techniques. This is how the study and practice of Judo should be approached. I have to admit that I still don't understood the importance of Kata.

Another illustration that is made by Mr. Otaki and Mr. Draeger is a Judo barometer with 8 levels or degrees. Each one represents a degree of Kata study/practice and its importance to the student. Each level is as follows

0. Unaware of Kata
1. Aware of but completely uninterested in Kata; refuses to study or practice
2. Aware of but uninterested in Kata; needs an instructor's urging to study and practice
3. Aware of Kata but practices only because a coming examination requires it
4. Practices Kata without an instructor urging him, but doesn't know why he should do so
5. Interested in Kata but seldom practices
6. Highly interested in Kata and practices from time to time
7. Realizes Kata benefits and does regular study and practice

They mark the dividing line between 3 and 4. If you are at level three or below then your technical level is weak and your future Judo weather will be bad., if you are at level four or above then your Judo is on a sound technical footing, and your Judo weather will become better as the reading climbs.

There are seven types of Kata taught at the Kodokan.

• Randori no Kata (Free Exercise Forms), consisting of;
  • Nage no Kata (Throwing Forms)
  • Katame no Kata (Grappling Forms)
• Kime no Kata (Forms of Decision)
• Kodokan Goshin Jutsu (Kodokan Self-defense Forms)
• Ju no Kata (Forms of Gentleness)
• Itsutsu no Kata (The Five Forms)
• Koshiki no Kata (Ancient Forms)
• Seiryoku Zen'yo Kokumin Taiiku no Kata (Maximum-Efficiency National Physical Education Kata)

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This Home Page was created December 30, 1996
Most recent revision July 31, 2001


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