Ju-no-Kata (柔の形) – The Form of Gentleness
Ju-no-Kata, meaning “Form of Gentleness”, is one of the first kata developed by Jigoro Kano. It expresses the principle of Ju (gentleness or yielding). A common analogy is that of a willow tree: its roots are firmly grounded, while its branches yield and bend with the wind to avoid breaking.
This kata teaches how to lift and move Uke efficiently, using the appropriate amount of force while maintaining composure. It offers valuable insight into balance-breaking techniques and emphasises control through efficiency. Practised slowly and deliberately, Ju-no-Kata cultivates inner calm, where proper breathing plays a key role.
The kata is an expressive and gymnastic composition of attack and defence techniques, performed in a sequence of slow and controlled movements. It consists of three series: Dai-ikkyo, Dai-nikyo, and Dai-sankyo, each containing five techniques.
Dai-ikkyo
- Tsuki-dashi
- Kata-oshi
- Ryote-dori
- Kata-mawashi
- Ago-oshi
Dai-nikyo
- Kiri-oroshi
- Ryokata-oshi
- Naname-uchi
- Katate-dori
- Katate-age
Dai-sankyo
- Obi-tori
- Mune-oshi
- Tsuki-age
- Uchi-oroshi
- Ryogan-tsuki
Greeting Ceremony – Aisatsu (挨拶)
In Ju-no-Kata, the judoka performing the techniques is referred to as Tori (取り), and the one receiving them is Uke (受け). In Japan, tatami mats typically measure 90 cm × 180 cm, while in Europe the standard size is 1 m × 1 m – this format will be used in this description. The standard fighting area is 8 × 8 meters (expanded to 10 × 10 meters during events like the European or World Championships, and the Olympic Games).
During the kata, judogi should not be adjusted between series. The performance is continuous and uninterrupted. If needed, adjustments may be made subtly at natural moments.
Both judoka begin facing each other outside the tatami at a distance of 8 mats. Tori stands at the Shōmen (正面 – front side), where the Kamiza (上座) is located on the right-hand side—just like in Koshiki-no-Kata. Kamiza means “place of honour” and traditionally indicates the presence of a judge or examiner.
Both judoka perform a standing bow (ritsu-rei – 立礼) outside the mat. Their feet form a V-shape with heels together, and the hands slide down to touch the tops of the thighs. The back remains straight, and the gaze is directed diagonally forward, about two meters ahead. They then step onto the tatami with the left foot first, followed by the right foot.
At a distance of 6 mats, they each turn a quarter turn to face the shōmen and perform another standing bow (ritsu-rei). Turning again to face each other, they exchange a final standing bow.
Both judoka then take a large step forward, first with the left foot and then the right foot. This subtle gesture indicates a defensive mindset, symbolising that the “combat” has not yet begun. They adopt a natural posture (Shizen hontai – 自然本体) at a distance of approximately 4 mats.
Finally, both step forward together using ayumi-ashi (歩み足)—a natural walking motion—until they are about 2 mats apart, ready to begin the kata.
Ikkyo
Tsuki-dashi (突き出し) – Hand Thrust
Both judoka stand in Shizen-hontai (自然本体) at a distance of two tatami mats.
Uke initiates the attack by stepping forward with the right foot, performing three tsugi-ashi (sliding steps) toward Tori. Simultaneously, Uke extends the fingers and thumb into a hand sword (tegatana) position and raises the right arm in three stages to execute a thrusting motion aimed at Tori’s uto (the area between the eyebrows).
Tori evades the attack using tai-sabaki (body movement) and simultaneously grabs Uke’s right wrist with the left hand, and Uke’s left wrist with the right hand. Tori turns and extends Uke’s arms, keeping Uke’s right arm raised and the left arm angled downward, creating tension and control.
Uke follows the motion, flowing into the same position, mirroring the movement. During this exchange, both judoka switch wrist grips, and Tori allows Uke to take control for a brief moment.
Tori then continues the rotation, taking back control by placing the left hand on Uke’s shoulder. Tori steps backward right foot first, then left, applying control over Uke’s balance and movement.
Uke is now immobilised and can no longer counter. The only possible response is a submission tap with the left hand (maitta).
Tori gently resets Uke into the starting posture. Both judoka then turn a quarter to the right in preparation for the next technique in the kata.
Purpose of the Technique
Uke attempts to strike Tori with a tegatana (hand sword) in three sliding steps aimed directly at Tori’s uto (area between the eyes). Tori evades the attack and takes control. Uke then escapes and regains dominance, followed by Tori’s final escape and decisive control over Uke.
This sequence teaches fluid transitions between attack and defence, emphasising timing, balance, and mutual responsiveness.
Tori and Uke stand in Shizen-hontai (自然本体), one behind the other, with Uke’s right foot placed behind Tori’s left foot.
Uke raises the right arm and attempts to push Tori’s right shoulder blade with an open palm. Tori moves with the push, bending forward to reduce resistance. Uke follows the motion, leaning forward to maintain pressure.
To escape from Uke’s control, Tori slides backward in a series of small steps, starting with the right foot, keeping the legs extended. As Tori retreats, Uke’s pushing hand slips over Tori’s shoulder.
Tori grabs Uke’s hand, placing the thumb on the palm side, and raises the arm upward, applying a joint lock on Uke’s extended right arm. To release the pressure, Uke pivots on the right foot and looks under the controlled arm toward Tori.
Uke then attempts a thrusting attack toward Tori’s uto (area between the eyes). Anticipating this, Tori grabs the attacking hand, again placing the thumb on the palm side, and guides Uke into a rightward step.
Tori then raises both of Uke’s arms upward, applying a wrist lock from above. Uke is fully controlled and submits by sliding the left foot backward as a form of tapping (maitta).
The purpose of this technique is to show how Uke attempts to unbalance Tori by pushing forward. Tori moves with the pushing motion and escapes Uke’s pressure. Tori then tries to immobilise Uke with a joint lock, but Uke counters by rotating and launching a thrust toward Tori.
Anticipating this, Tori grabs Uke’s attacking hand with the free hand and guides Uke into a rotation and backward off-balancing. Tori regains control and completes the technique.
Tori and Uke face each other in Shizen-hontai (自然本体) at a distance of about 50 cm, close enough for Uke to initiate a grip.
Uke attacks by grabbing both of Tori’s wrists. In response, Tori pulls the wrists slightly backward and simultaneously steps the left foot back, creating a subtle imbalance in Uke’s posture.
Tori then uses the left hand to grip Uke’s right wrist, pinching it firmly between thumb and fingers. At the same time, Tori’s right arm swings over Uke’s arm, initiating a rotation while lowering the hips to prepare for a lift.
Using a movement similar to Soto-makikomi, Tori lifts Uke onto the back. First, Uke is carried across Tori’s back, then Tori rises slightly, and at the peak of the lift, bends forward in a smooth and controlled motion.
As Uke lies across Tori’s back, the toes are brought together, and the left hand is placed against Tori’s lower back, near the belt, while the right arm is fully extended.
At the highest point of the lift, Uke gives a light tap on Tori’s back with the left hand to signal submission (maitta). Tori then gently returns Uke to the ground in a controlled manner.
The technique ends with both judoka standing behind one another, ready to reset for the next movement.
The clear intention of this technique is for Tori to demonstrate a Soto-makikomi-style throwing motion. However, it does not occur immediately.
Uke initiates by surprising Tori with a double wrist grab. Tori responds by escaping the grip and applying the motion of a judo throw—without actually executing the throw—demonstrating control, balance, and efficiency.
Tori begins by standing with their back facing Uke in Shizen-hontai. Uke initiates the technique by attempting to rotate Tori’s upper body to the left using a controlled pushing motion.
Uke’s left hand is placed horizontally in front of Tori’s left shoulder, with the palm facing downward and the little finger toward the mat. At the same time, Uke’s right hand is placed behind Tori’s right shoulder, with the fingers pointing straight upward. Using this positioning, Uke guides Tori into a leftward turn.
Tori follows the rotational movement and, during the turn, grabs Uke’s right elbow with the left hand. By stepping slightly backward with the left foot, Tori unbalances Uke forward.
Tori then enters deeply and brings the right arm under Uke’s right arm, performing the lifting action of Ippon-seoi-nage. As Uke is lifted, the right arm must rest firmly on Tori’s right shoulder.
At the peak of the throw, Uke taps with the left hand on the left side of Tori’s lower back to indicate submission (maitta). Tori gently lowers Uke back to the tatami, and then takes three ayumi-ashi (歩み足) steps forward, before turning a quarter to the right in preparation for the next technique.
Uke aims to rotate Tori by applying a push-pull motion at the level of the shoulders. Tori follows this force (Ju – yielding) and then takes the initiative to overpower Uke.
Tori applies the mechanics of a judo throw – Ippon Seoi Nage. Once Uke realises there is no escape, submission is acknowledged with a tap (maitta).
Uke initiates the attack with three tsugi-ashi (sliding steps) forward, while simultaneously forming a tegatana (hand sword) with the right hand, fingers and thumb extended.
In three stages, Uke raises the arm, directing the hand sword toward Tori’s chin, attempting to push the jaw upward and back.
Tori follows the movement, turns with the attack, and grabs Uke’s attacking hand with the right hand, placing the thumb into the palm for control. As Tori turns and aligns the stance with Uke, the right foot adjusts slightly, and the attacking arm is lifted, creating a joint lock.
Uke reacts by launching a second thrust with the left hand, but Tori anticipates this as well, grabbing the second wrist, again with the thumb in the palm.
Tori then steps to the right and guides Uke into a controlled rightward turn. Sensing the threat of being unbalanced with arms fully extended, Uke attempts to resist by bending the knees slightly.
Tori follows this motion, bringing both of Uke’s arms into a bent position, placing Uke’s hands behind the neck. Uke is now under full control and can only slide the left foot backward to signal submission (maitta).
After the tap, both judoka walk toward the centre of the tatami, starting with the left foot, and take position in Shizen-hontai, facing each other to conclude the first series.
Uke aims to strike Tori’s jaw with a hand sword (tegatana). This is executed using a tsugi-ashi stepping motion, while the right arm rises in three stages to deliver the thrust.
Tori avoids the strike by rotating with the attack, gains control over the attacking hand, and then intercepts the second attacking hand, demonstrating fluid evasion and control through movement.
Nikyo
Uke initiates by turning a quarter to the right, then raises the right arm vertically to a 90-degree angle, with fingers extended straight upward. Uke then rotates to the left on the ball of the foot, delivering a downward cutting strike aimed at the top of Tori’s head.
Tori evades the strike by first avoiding with the head, then shifting the upper body, and steps slightly backward to move out of range. As soon as Uke’s strike has passed its point of force, Tori takes control of the attack.
Tori flows with Uke’s downward motion and pushes Uke’s striking arm backward, guiding the force until Uke is nearly unbalanced and close to being thrown.
To regain control, Uke places the left hand behind Tori’s right elbow, pushing it forward in a circular motion to rotate Tori. Tori follows the motion and slightly unbalances Uke in return.
During this motion, Tori bends the right elbow to a 90-degree angle in preparation to control Uke’s wrist. Tori then steps behind Uke and raises the left hand to control Uke’s left shoulder.
With Uke unbalanced and restrained, Tori applies final control, leading Uke to submit by tapping (maitta).
Uke aims to cleave Tori’s head with a powerful hand sword strike (tegatana). Tori evades the strike and follows the motion to redirect Uke’s energy.
Tori attempts to throw Uke, but Uke counters by forcing Tori to turn. Tori flows with the movement and ends up positioned behind Uke, where Tori can establish control and apply a secure restraint.
Both judoka turn a quarter to face the same direction, with Uke now standing behind Tori. Uke raises both arms and attempts to press down firmly on Tori’s shoulders.
Tori follows the downward pressure and bends the knees, lowering the body while simultaneously rotating and reaching up to grasp Uke’s arm overhead. Using this motion, Tori begins to unbalance Uke forward.
Uke is compelled to walk forward and attempts to push Tori from behind. At the moment when the pressure peaks, Tori counters, stepping one foot behind Uke and executing a controlled Tani-otoshi (valley drop).
Uke takes a small adjusting step with the left foot, then taps to signal submission (maitta).
After the completion of the movement, both judoka return to the centre of the tatami, ready to continue the kata.
Uke raises the right arm to deliver a diagonal strike aimed at Tori. Tori evades by stepping backward and simultaneously deflects Uke’s attacking hand.
In the same motion, Tori launches a counter thrust aimed toward Uke’s eyes (uto). Uke quickly turns away and blocks the strike, pushing the hand aside. Tori grabs Uke’s wrist and briefly gains control, but Uke then places a hand behind Tori’s elbow and redirects Tori with a circular motion.
As Tori turns, they are brought into a position suitable to perform Ura-nage (rear lifting throw). One of Tori’s hands is placed on the belt knot, fingers pointing upward, while the other arm wraps around Uke’s waist.
Tori bends the knees deeply and applies a precise lifting motion, raising Uke onto the back. Uke taps with both hands (maitta) at the peak of the lift.
Tori then gently lowers Uke to the tatami. The technique ends with both judoka standing side by side, returning to a neutral position.
Both judoka stand side by side in Shizen-hontai. Uke initiates by grabbing Tori’s right wrist with the left hand and pressing it downward.
Tori yields to the motion but simultaneously extends the right arm forward, causing Uke to step forward with the right foot in response. Uke resists further movement and redirects Tori by using the right hand to push around Tori’s right elbow, forcing Tori to turn.
Tori follows the motion and rotates into position in front of Uke, ready to perform Uki-goshi (floating hip throw). Tori secures Uke’s arm and wraps it around the hip, then pulls and lifts to execute the technique.
At the peak of the lift, Uke taps with the right hand on Tori’s back (maitta). Tori then lowers Uke gently to the tatami, turns to the left, and walks away to end the movement.
Tori and Uke begin in Shizen-hontai, standing approximately 3.5 meters apart. Both judoka raise their right arms straight upward, with palms facing each other, lifting in unison. As the arms reach full extension, both rise up onto the balls of their feet.
They begin walking toward each other, arms still extended. Uke attempts an upward strike but misses the target, and Tori redirects Uke’s motion, allowing the energy to pass through.
Uke then springs back slightly, but Tori continues to guide and redirect Uke’s movement in the opposite direction. In the final phase, Tori unbalances Uke backward and applies a controlling hold.
With no options for escape, Uke submits by tapping (maitta). Tori then steps forward with the right foot to gently bring Uke back to an upright position.
After completing the technique, both judoka turn a quarter turn, facing each other at a distance of about 50 cm (gripping distance), ready to begin the third series of Ju-no-Kata – Dai-sankyo.
Sanky
Tori and Uke face each other in Shizen-hontai (自然本体). Uke initiates the action by taking a small step forward with the left foot while simultaneously reaching with the left hand to grab Tori’s belt (obi).
Tori responds by redirecting Uke’s grabbing hand, guiding the movement through and grasping behind Uke’s left elbow with the right hand. This causes Uke to rotate.
Uke flows with the motion and counteracts by grabbing behind Tori’s elbow with the right hand, reversing the movement and guiding Tori into a turning motion.
Tori steps into this rotation and ends up facing Uke directly. With control regained, Tori places an arm across Uke’s back and executes Uki-goshi (floating hip throw).
Uke stretches both legs upward at the moment of the lift and taps on Tori’s back to indicate submission (maitta). Tori then gently lowers Uke back down.
Both judoka return to their original positions and stand opposite each other in Shizen-hontai, ready for the next technique.
Uke initiates by raising the right arm to deliver a push to Tori’s shoulder or chest. Tori intercepts the motion, grabbing Uke’s wrist with the left hand and redirecting it upward to neutralise the force.
Tori then counters by performing the same kind of push toward Uke’s chest. Uke reacts similarly, guiding Tori’s pushing hand upward, causing both arms to become extended.
To escape this locked position, Uke begins to rotate away. Tori follows Uke’s movement, redirects the rotation, and seamlessly takes over the offensive initiative.
As the turn concludes, Tori unbalances Uke by guiding them into a quarter turn, then steps left–right slightly behind Uke, placing Uke in a controlled backward-leaning position.
Uke is now fully controlled and submits by tapping the foot (maitta). Both judoka then return to a neutral posture, standing facing each other in Shizen-hontai.
Uke, acting as the attacker, steps backward with the right foot while simultaneously drawing the right arm back, gathering energy to deliver an uppercut.
As the strike rises toward Tori’s chin, Tori evades by slightly leaning the head backward, just avoiding contact. The strike continues through its arc and is guided by Tori, who receives Uke’s fist with the right hand and places the left hand behind Uke’s elbow.
Tori uses this connection to turn Uke around their central axis, lifting Uke’s arm upward while stepping left–right forward into a position of control.
With Uke now off balance and restrained, Tori maintains control of the arm. Uke submits with a tap (maitta), and Tori gently returns Uke to an upright posture.
Tori and Uke face each other in Shizen-hontai. Uke begins by gathering energy, fully extending the right arm in preparation for a downward strike aimed at Tori from above.
As Uke commits to the strike, Tori evades the attack and immediately takes control by grabbing Uke’s wrist. Tori then moves forward using two tsugi-ashi steps, attempting to throw Uke using the redirected force.
Uke resists and redirects Tori by initiating a rotation. Tori flows with the motion, turns around the axis, and re-establishes control by grasping Uke’s wrist once again.
With the opportunity created, Tori moves behind Uke and applies a standing Hadaka-jime (rear naked choke) in a controlled manner.
Uke taps to submit (maitta), and both judoka return to their original positions in Shizen-hontai, ready for the final technique.
This final technique of Ju-no-Kata begins with Uke attempting a two-finger thrust to Tori’s eyes, using the middle and ring fingers spread apart.
Tori evades the strike with a 90-degree tai-sabaki, redirecting Uke’s attacking arm to the side. Uke breaks free by pushing Tori’s wrist away, regaining balance.
Tori now takes the initiative and leads Uke into a pivot, causing Uke to rotate on the ball of the foot. Taking advantage of this moment, Tori launches the same two-finger eye thrust toward Uke.
Uke reacts with tai-sabaki, avoids the thrust, and attempts to redirect Tori into a turn as well. However, Tori resists the full turn, rotating only at the hips to regain control.
Now positioned at Uke’s side, Tori places the left arm across Uke’s back and executes Uki-goshi (floating hip throw). At the peak of the lift, Uke taps to submit (maitta) and is gently lowered back to the tatami.
Both judoka then walk back to their original starting positions.
From the basic position, they take a large step backward, perform a standing bow (ritsu rei) toward one another, then turn a quarter toward the joseki and offer another standing bow.
Finally, they walk backward off the tatami and finish with a formal bow to the tatami, concluding the kata.