Nage No Kata (Kata of Throws)

The first kata most people learn is Nage no kata. This is a randori kata of throws.

Major Points to Follow

Uke initiates each movement
Uke and Tori cooperate with each other
Uke and tori harmonise with each other
Tori takes control and throws uke
Tori throws uke with a clean, perfect technique
Uke and tori must both maintain good posture throughout.

Things to Avoid

Uke does not jump or throw him or herself
Uke and tori should remain almost level during the execution of the kata. Their heads should not bob up and down

Nage No Kata (Kata of Throws)

Press Play Button for Audio Introduction

Te Waza (Hand 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.

Uki Otoshi

Although nage no kata is a randori kata this first technique can be a little difficult to grasp as most people will not have done it before.

The key points to this technique are that uke does not throw him or herself. Upon completion of the throw, tori should have a good posture and the foot of the knee that is on the ground should have the toes tucked under and not flat.

Kata Seoi

This technique is definitely Kata Seoi. It is not another throw that looks similar but often gets quoted. The attack by uke is a strike to the top front of tori's head. Imagine making a fist and striking the table. The contact area is for uke's fist is the same when attacking tori. Uke raises the right hand and at the same time brings the left hand out in front, stepping forward on the left foot. (The left hand action is to maintain good balance.) Start slowly and build up the speed over time. The attack must be a true attack.

Kata Guruma

Posture is of the utmost importance for this technique. Uke must maintain good posture so tori can lift. Tori must maintain good posture to lift uke. Where the throw is held with uke on tori's shoulders, uke must maintain a rigid posture across the shoulders. Remember that one of the reasons for doing kata is to demonstrate. What looks better, a well held rigid posture or an uke slumped over tori's shoulders?

Te Waza (Hand Techniques)

Now take a look at the three te waza (hand) techniques together.

Before starting the next series look again at the notes above. Each point appears like a 'gotcha' and yet at the same time it makes sense.