Katame No Kata (Kata on the Ground)

The second kata most people learn is Katame no kata. This is a randori kata of groundwork.

Major Points to Follow

Tori initiates each movement
Uke and Tori cooperate with each other
Tori takes control of uke with a good technique
Uke attempts to escape from the hold downs
Uke and tori must both maintain good posture throughout.

Things to Avoid

Uke cooperates but does not move him or herself into position for Tori
Uke and tori should not simply go through the motions. It must be realistic

Katame No Kata (Kata on the Ground)

Audio Introduction

Osae Waza (Immobilisation Techniques)

Kata is not that different to a normal Judo session. If the practice or demonstration of the kata involves entering the dojo or stepping onto the tatami then the usual rei should be performed.

Once on the tatami facing each other Uke and Tori perform additional salutations. At the start of the kata uke and tori bow to the person or people for whom the kata is dedicated. In the club this could be a Kamiza, or at a demonstration this could be the Joseki and maybe an assembled audience. Uke and tori then bow to each other. For Katame No Kata, this is usually zarei. (A kneeling bow)

After the rei uke takes a position on the mat with the left knee bent and head raised off of the mat. Once in position Tori moves around to the side of Uke and takes a knneling position. Tori then moves in towards Uke and shows clearly how the techniques is applied.

Kesa Gatame

Katame no kata is a randori kata and this first technique should not present any problems to any student of judo as Kesa Gatame is one of the first techniques most people will learn. The main difference with the approach in Katame No Kata is the formal movement into position and the demonstration of the precise technique. This is finalised by Tori taking a firm hold. Next Uke takes definitive action to escape.

One point to note is that tori demonstrates Kezure Kesa Gatame and not Kesa Gatame despite calling the techniques Kesa Gatame.

Kata Gatame

When Kata Gatame is applied it is done so with Tori on one knee. Note Tori does not trap Uke's arm as one might do in contest.

Kame Shiho Gatame

The third technique in the first set of Katame no kata is Kame Shiho Gatame. To move into position for this technique Tori must first back away from Uke to the far position where he stands and then walk around to Uke's head. Starting in the far position in the high kneeling postion Tori moves in to demonstrate the techmique. (Tori's movements can be seen clearly in the 5th technique of this set)

Yoko Shiho Gatame

The fourth technique in the first set of Katame no kata is Yoko Shiho Gatame. As Tori is at Uke's head he must first back away from Uke's head to the far position where he stands and then walk around to Uke's side. Starting in the far position in the high kneeling postion Tori moves in to demonstrate the techmique.

Kuzure Kami Shiho Gatame

The fifth technique in the first set of Katame no kata is Kuzure Kame Shiho Gatame. To move into position for this technique Tori must first back away from Uke to the far position where he stands and then walk around to Uke's head. Starting in the far position in the high kneeling postion Tori moves in to demonstrate the techmique. This is shown in the video

Osae Waza (Immobilisation Techniques)

Now take a look at the five Osae Waza (Immobilisation Techniques) techniques together.