Kodomo no Kata

The Kodomo-no-Kata is composed of 7 units and each can be followed and practised independently. The whole kata forms a progression to approach the fundamentals of judo practice safely. Each unit includes breakfalls (ukemi), movements (tai-sabaki), throwing techniques (nage-waza) and hold-down techniques (osaekomi-waza). The aim of this kata is to provide an educational tool for club teachers, covering the fundamentals of safe judo practice as well as a technical knowledge which can be used as testing criteria for grade promotion. This kata can be presented as a demonstration, and it develops the memory and an appreciation for the beauty of judo. For more information on the Kodomo no Kata, please visit the IJF article found here.

Kodomo No Kata to Youth Rank

To Earn:	Demonstrate Kodomo no Kata:
Youth 12th Class Jūnikyū (White/Yellow)	Kodomo No Kata 7
Youth 11th Class Jūichikyū (Yellow)	Kodomo No Kata 6
Youth 10th Class Jūkyū (Yellow/Orange)	Kodomo No Kata 5
Youth 9th Class Kukyū (Orange)	Kodomo No Kata 4
Youth 8th Class Hachikyū (Orange/Green)	Kodomo No Kata 3
Youth 7th Class Nanakyū (Green)	Kodomo No Kata 2
Youth 6th Class Rokkyū (Green/Blue)	Kodomo No Kata 1
Youth 5th Class Gokyū (Blue)	Gokyo No Waza - Dia Ikkyo
Youth 4th Class Yonkyū (Blue/Purple)	Gokyo No Waza - Dia Nikyo
Youth 3rd Class Sankyū (Purple)	Gokyo No Waza - Dai Sankyo
Youth 2nd Class Nikyū (Purple/Brown)	Gokyo No Waza - Dai Yonkyo
Youth 1st Class Ikkyū (Brown)	Gokyo No Waza - Dai Gokyo

Kodomo-No-Kata - Unit 7

Youth 12th Class Jūnikyū (White/Yellow) Exam

This unit demonstrates foundational Judo movements and breakfalls.

Bowing In

Ritsu-rei and Za-rei
	A standing bow, facing Shomen
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.

Ukemi-Waza (Falling Techniques)

Technique	Description
Ushiro-ukemi (Backward Ukemi)	Both students lay on their backs, tuck their chins, and slap the mat twice. Then sit up with legs and arms extended, fall back into a breakfall with feet pointing straight up. Repeated twice.
Yoko-ukemi (Side Ukemi)	Both students lay on their back with their hands and feet pointing upward. Students perform breakfalls to both the right and left sides with hands and feet pointed up.
Outen-ukemi (Rolling Ukemi)	From hands and knees (turtle position), students perform a side roll into a breakfall. This is done once in each direction.

Ugokikata (Movement)

Mae-Sabaki

Ushiro-Sabaki

Ayumi-ashi Move three steps forward, then three steps backward with basic Kumi-Kata grips.
Tsugi-ashi Move side to side toward Shomen.

Nage-Waza (Throwing Techniques)

Throw	Description
Mae-sabaki throw	Uke drops to their knees. Tori takes basic Kumi-kata grip and performs a Mae-sabaki movement. Uke performs a side fall. Executed on both right and left sides.
Ushiro-sabaki throw	Uke kneels with right knee up and offers the right arm. Tori takes the arm with both hands and throws Uke using Ushiro-sabaki movement. Executed on both right and left sides.

Bowing Out

Za-rei and Ritsu-rei
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.
	A standing bow, facing Shomen

Kodomo-No-Kata - Unit 6

Part of the Youth 11th Class Jūichikyū (Yellow) Exam

This unit introduces foundational Judo techniques, breakfalls, and movement patterns.

Bowing In

Ritsu-rei and Za-rei
	A standing bow, facing Shomen
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.

Ukemi-Waza (Breakfalls)

Ushiro-ukemi Sit with legs and arms extended, then perform a backward breakfall twice. Stand, squat down, grip sleeves, release, and perform a backfall twice.
Yoko-ukemi Squat down, extend the right arm, and perform a sweeping side fall.
Outen-ukemi / Mae Mawari Ukemi One student enters a turtle position. The other student grabs the collar and performs a front rolling breakfall over their partner (right and left sides).

Ugokikata (Movement)

Mae-Mawari-Sabaki

Ushiro-Mawari-Sabaki

Ayumi-ashi Move three steps forward, then three steps backward with basic Kumi-Kata grips.
Tsugi-ashi Move side to side toward Shomen, then in circular motions toward the collar and sleeve sides.

Tachi-Waza (Throws)

Hiza-Guruma Uke kneels with their right knee down, left foot forward. Tori executes Mae-Sabaki movement blocking the knee with the left foot. Repeated on both sides.
Tai-Otoshi Uke kneels with their right knee down, left foot forward. Tori executes Mae-Mawari-Sabaki movement, blocking the knee and performing Tai-Otoshi throw.

Bowing Out

Za-rei and Ritsu-rei
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.
	A standing bow, facing Shomen

Kodomo-No-Kata - Unit 5

Part of the Youth 10th Class Jūkyū (Yellow/Orange) exam.

Bowing in

Ritsu-rei and Za-rei
	A standing bow, facing Shomen
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.

Ukemi-Waza

Ushiro Ukemi
	- Students will extend their arms in front of them and do two static Ushiro Ukemi
Yoko Ukemi
	- Students will their right arm and do a static Yoko Ukemi. - Students will then return to standing - Student will then Extend their left arm and do another Static yoko ukemi
Mae-mawari-ukemi
	- Students will then, starting in front of each other. Take a sliding step the right and come down onto their left knee, with their right knee up. They will then proceed to do a front rolling fall over their right shoulder. - The students will then come back up to their kneeling position, but with their right knee down and their left foot up, and do a front rolling fall over their left shoulder.

Ugokikata

- Student take a basic Judo grips of collar and sleeve, and they move around the mat, focusing on maintaining grips and not crossing their feet. This should demonstrate proper footwork and movement. - Students then return to their starting location, and fix their uniforms.

Happo-No-Kuzushi

- Happo No Kuzushi (八方の崩し) refers to the concept of off balancing an opponent in eight different directions. It is a fundamental principle in Judo, emphasizing the importance of balance and the ability to disrupt an opponent's stability from various angles. Tori will execute the Happo No Kuzushi in this order: -- Forward (Mae) -- Backward (Ushiro) -- Left (Hidari) -- Right (Migi) -- Forward-left (Mae-hidari) -- Forward-right (Mae-migi) -- Backward-left (Ushiro-hidari) -- Backward-right (Ushiro-migi) - Students then return to their starting location, and fix their uniforms.

Tachi-Waza

Note, these techniques are more about foot placement and body movement then executing the biggest technique possible.

De-ashi-harai
	- Uki stands with their right foot forward, Tori Sweeps the right foot with a De Ashi Harai, demonstrating proper hand work. - This is then repeated on the left side.
Uki Otoshi
	- Tori takes one Tsugi-Ashi step backward and then drops a knee down to complete Uki Otoshi. - This is then repeated on the left side.
Uki-goshi
	- Tori executes a Uki Goshi technique from a static position. Uke takes a breakfall. - This is then repeated on the left side. - Once both throws have been completed, students then return to their bowing positions.

Bowing Out

Za-rei and Ritsu-rei
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.
	A standing bow, facing Shomen

Kodomo-No-Kata - Unit 4

Part of the Youth 9th Class Kukyū (Orange) exam.

Bowing in

Ritsu-rei and Za-rei
	A standing bow, facing Shomen
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.

Ukemi-Waza

Ushiro-Ukemi
	- After completing the Za-Rei, students will stand and take a sliding step to the right. Once they are off set from each other the students will extend their arm and walk forward taking a single backfall. Upon completing that backfall, they will do the same thing walking backward. - They should finish their falls in the same place they started
Yoko-Ukemi
	- After completing their previous step, Students would extend their right arm, Take two Tsugi-ashi steps moving left and then take a side fall. Upon completion of their side fall, the student will then do the same thing with the left arm extended shuffling to the right. - They should finish their falls in the same place they started

Mae-mawari-ukemi
	- After completing the Za-Rei, students will stand and take a sliding step to the right. Once they are off set from each other the students will extend their arm and walk forward taking a single backfall. Upon completing that backfall, they will do the same thing walking backward. - They should finish their falls in the same place they started

Tai-sabaki

When performing these movements, they should be done with fluidity and smoothness.

Mae-Sabaki	Ushiro-Sabaki	Mae-Mawari-Sabaki	Ushiro-Mawari-Sabaki

Happo-No-Kuzushi while moving

- The student will now demonstrate the Happo-No-Kuzushi with two Tsugi-ashi steps between each movement. Students will have basic Kumi-Kata grips and move through the motions in this order: - Using the official Kodokan Video on Happo-No-Kuzushi as an example, the students should return to their original positon between each movement. This differs from the Kodomo No Kata Video. Either is acceptable during examination.

Tachi-waza

Note, these techniques are more about foot placement and body movement then executing the biggest technique possible.

Hiza-Guruma
	- Tori and Uke approach each other and take basic, right side, Kumi-Kata Grips. Uke takes a step forward with his right foot. Tori then executes Hiza Guruma technique, with Uke receiving the technique with a proper breakfall. This is then repeated on the left side.

Tai-otoshi
	- Tori and Uki approach each other and take a basic, right side, Kumi-Kata grip. Tori executes the Kuzushi and Tsukuri of the Tai-Otoshi. Uke proceeds to step over the extended leg, and Tori finishes the technique. This is then repeated on the left side.

O-goshi
	- Tori and Uke again approach each other and take a basic, right side, Kumi-Kata grip. Tori executes the Kuzushi and Tsukuri of the O Goshi. Tori will then set Uke onto their toes while executing the technique. This is then repeated on the left side.

Bowing Out

Za-rei and Ritsu-rei
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.
	A standing bow, facing Shomen

Kodomo-No-Kata - Unit 3

Part of the Youth 8th Class Hachikyū (Orange/Green) exam.

Bowing in

Ritsu-rei and Za-rei
	A standing bow, facing Shomen
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.

Ukemi-Waza

Mae-ukemi
	- Students separate by taking one step to the right. - Students go on to their knees, with their back straight and their hands up. - Students proceed to lean forward until they fall with their hands and forearms hitting the mat at the same time, and their arms collapsing allowing for the safe fall. - This technique is done one time, and then the students rise to their feet in a controlled manner.
Mae-mawari-ukemi
	- The students proceed to execute a front rolling fall by placing their hands on the mat and executing a front rolling fall over their right shoulder, breaking their fall and rolling back up to their feet. - Students then turn in a slow and controlled manner. - Students then do another front rolling fall over their left shoulder to return to their original position.
Ayumi-Ashi to Mae-mawari-ukemi
	- Students proceed to take two steps, and then on the third step they perform a front rolling fall, coming back to their feet. This front rolling fall is over the right shoulder. - Students then proceed to do the same thing going back to their original positions, but the break fall is over their left shoulder. - Students then return to the center.

Tai-Sabaki

Mae-mawari-sabaki
	- Tori and Uke take cross sleeve grips - Tori proceeds with right-sided Mae-mawari-sabaki footwork and loads uke onto their back. It is important that Uke keeps their legs straight to demonstrate control by both Uke and tori - Tori sets uke down and reverses their footwork back into a static position. The grips are not released.
Ushiro-mawari-sabaki
	- Tori proceeds with Ushiro-mawari-sabaki on right side, loading Uke onto their back. As with the previous technique, it is important then Uke keeps their legs straight to demonstrate control by both Uke and Tori. - Tori sets uke down and reverses their footwork back to a static position. Grips are released and switched. Both techniques are repeated on the left side.
Tai-sabaki → Kuzushi Demonstration
	- Tori and Uke take sleeves and color grips, basic Judo grips. - Students then proceed to demonstrate proper movement and kuzushi. This emphasis on this should be one of control, footwork and off-balancing. - These are not prescribed movements but a fluid demonstration.

Tachi-waza

Sasae-Tsurikomi-Ashi
	- Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori will then take a step in and perform Mae Sabaki, shifting the position. - Tori will perform another Mae Sabaki and rather than putting the left foot down, uke will block the calf of Uke and perform the Sasae technique. - After the first execution, Tori and Uke will switch sides, and Tori will execute the technique on the left side.
Ippon-Seoi-Nage
	- Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori will then take a step in and perform Mae-mawari-sabaki to enter into the Ippon seoi nage. - Tori will performs an Ippon seoi nage in a slow and measured way. Allowing Uke’s feet to land on their feet and then to roll off the side and take a proper yoko ukemi. - After the first execution, Tori and Uke will switch sides, and Tori will execute the technique on the left side.
Tsuri-Komi-Goshi
	- Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and uke on the left. Tori takes grips and executes the Tsuri komi goshi technique. - Focus again on the control, Uke’s feet should be extended out, and when the throw is executed, their feet should touch the ground and then the technique if finished so that Uke takes a Yoko Ukemi. - After the first execution, Tori and Uke will switch sides, and Tori will execute the technique on the left side.
Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi -> Kesa Gatame
	- Tori and uke return to the middle and execute Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi using the same steps as above. - Tori maintains control of the arm and then transitions into the Kesa Gatame pin. - Uke attempts to escape twice and as they fail to do so they tap. - Tori releases the pin, and both players return to a standing position take a single big step back and prepare for the bowing to close the kata.

Bowing Out

Za-rei and Ritsu-rei
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.
	A standing bow, facing Shomen

Kodomo-No-Kata - Unit 2

Part of the Youth 7th Class Nanakyū (Green) exam. This unit introduces foundational throwing techniques and transitions into basic holds, emphasizing control, safety, and mutual cooperation. Focus is placed on proper ukemi (falling techniques) and smooth movement between techniques.

Bowing in

Ritsu-rei and Za-rei
	A standing bow, facing Shomen
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.

Ukemi-Waza

Proper falling techniques are practiced to ensure safety and build confidence during throws.

Mae-ukemi

- Students separate by taking one step to the right. - Students should squat down and then hop to a front fall position. Catching themselves with their forearms and their feet. - This technique is performed once.

Ayumi-Ashi to Mae-mawari-ukemi

- Students proceed to take two steps, and then on the third step they perform a front rolling fall, coming back to their feet. This front rolling fall is over the right shoulder. - Students then proceed to do the same thing going back to their original positions, but the break fall is over their left shoulder. - Students then return to the center.

Tachi-Waza

Tachi-Waza - Ashi-Waza - O Uchi Gari

O Uchi Gari (Right Side) Students, in the center of the demonstration space, take Kumi Kata. Uke steps forward with Left Foot Tori proceeds to execute a traditional O-Uchi Gari with right leg. Uke Stands up. O Uchi Gari with Ayumi-Ashi (Right Side) Uke and Tori take Kumi Kata Tori steps forward with their right foot, Uke steps back with Left. As Uke steps forward, Tori executes O Uchi Gari O Uchi Gari and Ayumi-Ashi to O Uchi Gari (Left Side) Tori circles to the left of shomen Uke Stands O Uchi Gari is performed, repeating the steps above, but on the left. O Uchi Gari with Ayumi Ashi is performed, repeating the steps above, with left leg. Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left.

Tachi-Waza - Ashi-Waza - Ko Uchi Gari

Ko Uchi Gari (Right Side) Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori performs a Tsugi Ashi to Kosa Dachi (Jab step to two step entry) and executes a Ko Uchi Gari with their right foot. Ayumi-Ashi to Ko Uchi Gari (Right Side) Tori steps forward with their left foot, Uke steps back with right. As Uke steps forward with their left foot Tori Executes a Ko Uchi Gari

Tachi-Waza - Ashi-Waza - O Soto Gari

O Soto Gari with Demonstration (Right Side) Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori Slides to the left so that they are on the outside of the Uke Tori performs Tsugi-Ashi to line up their left foot with Uke’s feet. Tori connects Calf to Calf with their right left to Uke’s right leg. Tori and Uke’s legs swing twice and the third time the throw is executed. The purpose of the swing is to demonstrate the correct connection is being made on the legs. O Soto Gari with Demonstration (Left Side) Upon completion Tori moves to the left and uke stands on the right Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata, and repeat execute the technique on the left side. O Soto Gari (Right Side) Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori Slides to the left so that they are on the outside of the Uke Tori executes an O Soto Gari directly. O Soto Gari (Left Side) Upon completion Tori moves to the left and uke stands on the right Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata, and repeat execute the technique on the left side. Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left.

Renraku-Waza - Ashi-Waza - O Uchi Gari - Ko Uchi Gari

Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Uke takes a slight step with their left foot. Tori executes the Renraku Waza of an O Uchi Gari to Ko Uchi Gari on the right side. Upon completion Tori moves to the left and uke stands on the right Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata, and repeat execute the technique on the left side. Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left.

Tachi-Waza - Ashi-Waza – O Soto Gari – Yoko Shiho Gatame – Tate Shiho Gatame – Kata Gatame

Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata Tori Slides to the left so that they are on the outside of the Uke Tori executes an O Soto Gari directly. Tori transitions to Yoko Shiho Gatame Uke uses left arm to reach up and grab Tori’s belt and tries to turn Tori over. Tori Transitions to Tate shiho gatame and Secures Kata Gatame Uke pushes right leg to half guard position Tori knee cuts out of half guard and secures fully locked in Kata Gatame Uke submits Note: This series is only done on the right side. Upon completion of the series, Uke and Tori return to their starting positions and proceeds with formal bow

Bowing Out

Za-rei and Ritsu-rei
	A kneeling bow (Za-rei) between Uke and Tori, expressing mutual gratitude for safe practice.
	A standing bow (Ritsu-rei) toward Shomen, signaling the end of the formal training sequence.

Kodomo-No-Kata - Unit 1

Part of the Youth 6th Class Rokkyū (Green/Blue) exam.

Bowing in

Ritsu-rei and Za-rei
	A standing bow, facing Shomen
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.

Ukemi-Waza

Proper falling techniques are practiced to ensure safety and build confidence during throws.

Mae-mawari-ukemi

- Uke walks to center of tatami and lowers into turtle position - Tori proceeds to do a right sided Mae Mawari ukemi over Uke, rolling directly to their feet. - Tori returns to starting position by using the Mae Mawari Ukemi technique on the left side, rolling directly to their feet. - Uke stands and waits for Tori to approach.

Tachi-Waza

Tachi-Waza – Ashi-Waza – Uchi-Mata

Tori approaches Uke and they take Kumi Kata Tori executes a right sided Uchi Mata technique Through the execution of the technique, tori should now be on the left side of the mat Uke Stands Tori Executes a left sided Uchi Mata technique. Through the execution of the technique, tori should now be on the right side of the mat Uke Stands.

Tachi-Waza – Ashi-Waza – Uchi-Mata (Nage no Kata style)

Tori and Uke take the Kumi Kata Grips Tori steps to the tip of the triangle with their right foot Tori takes a Mae Sabaki step with their left foot turning and bringing uke around. Tori repeats this a second time On the third time, Tori does not step and utilizes their arms to bring uke around and immediately execute the Uchi Mata technique This technique is then repeated on the left side.

Tachi-Waza – Koshi-Waza – Harai Goshi

Harai Goshi Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori steps to the tip of the triangle with their right foot Tori takes a Mae Sabaki Step with their left foot Tori executes a Harai Goshi Technique Uke stands and proceeds to the right side of the mat Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata, and repeat execute the technique on the left side. Harai Goshi while Moving backward Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori proceeds to take two steps backwards, with uke moving in sequence, and on the third step Tori Executes a Harai Goshi Technique Upon completion Tori moves to the left and uke stands on the right Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata, and repeat execute the technique on the left side.

Renraku-Waza – Ko Uchi Gari – Ippon Seoi Nage

Ko Uchi Gari > Ippon Seoi Nage Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left. Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata grips, in Shizen Hontai. Uke takes a step forward with their right foot Tori executes the Renzoku Waza of an Ko Uchi Gari to Ippon Seoi Nage on the right side. Upon completion Tori moves to the left and uke stands on the right Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata grips, in Shizen Hontai. Uke takes a step forward with their left foot The techniques are then repeated on the left side. Tori and Uke return to the center, with Tori on the right and Uke on the left.

Renraku-Waza – Ippon Seoi Nage – Osaekomi Sequence

Tori and Uke take Kumi Kata Grips Tori Executes the technique Ippon Seoi Nage. Tori begins the Osaekomi Sequence Tori slides into the Kesa Gatame technique Uke tries to roll Tori and is unable to. Uke then puts left arm in front of Tori’s face. Tori transitions to Ushiro Kesa Gatame Uke tries to Shrimp away Tori transitions to Yoko Shiho Gatame Uke again tries to escape Tori transitions to Kami Shiho Gatame Uke Proceeds to tap as they are unable to escape. Tori stands and uke follows, returning to their starting positions. Uke and Tori both take a step back to bowing positions.

Bowing Out

Za-rei and Ritsu-rei
	A kneeling bow with Uke and Tori facing each other.
	A standing bow, facing Shomen