Together with Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata is classified as one of the Randori-no-Kata. While Nage-no-Kata focuses on throwing techniques, Katame-no-Kata primarily demonstrates control techniques on the ground.

The techniques are divided into three groups:

Osaekomi-waza 抑込技 – Holding techniques
Shime-waza 絞技 – Strangulation techniques
Kansetsu-waza 関節技 – Joint locking techniques

Each group contains five techniques.

Osaekomi-waza – Holding Techniques

In this group, Uke is held in a controlling position and attempts to escape. It is Tori’s task to prevent these escapes. To succeed, Tori must keep their body as low as possible and apply pressure—especially around Uke’s neck and shoulders. For each hold, Uke performs three distinct escape attempts, and Tori must respond accordingly to maintain control.

• Kuzure-kesa-gatame
• Kata-gatame
• Kami-shiho-gatame
• Yoko-shiho-gatame
• Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame

Shime-waza – Strangulation Techniques

In these techniques, Tori attempts to apply a strangle or choke on Uke. Uke tries to defend against the action, and Tori must adjust and complete the technique.
Each strangulation includes one defensive reaction from Uke.

• Kata-juji-jime
• Hadaka-jime
• Okuri-eri-jime
• Kataha-jime
• Gyaku-juji-jime

Kansetsu-waza – Joint Locking Techniques

This final group consists of five joint locks, each applied by Tori in response to an attacking movement initiated by Uke. The techniques mainly target the elbow or knee joint and demonstrate precise application and control.

• Ude-garami
• Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame
• Ude-hishigi-ude-gatame
• Ude-hishigi-hiza-gatame
• Ashi-garami

Greeting Ceremony – Aisatsu  挨拶

In judo kata, the judoka performing the technique is called Tori (取り), and the one receiving the technique 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 European sizing will be used in the explanation below. The total tatami area is normally 8 × 8 meters (10 × 10 meters at major competitions such as the European Championships, World Championships, and Olympic Games).

The kata begins with both judoka standing 8 meters outside the tatami. They first perform a standing bow (Ritsu-rei – 立礼) in front of the mat. This is done by placing the heels together in a V-shape, sliding the hands down to touch the tops of the thighs or knees, and bowing with a straight back. The eyes are directed about 2 meters diagonally forward. After bowing, they step onto the tatami.

At a distance of 6 mats apart, both judoka turn a quarter turn toward the shōmen (the front of the dojo) and perform a second standing bow (ritsu-rei). Then they turn to face each other, kneel simultaneously, and perform a seated bow (za-rei – 座礼) to one another.

They stand up and take a large step forward, beginning with the left foot (a defensive gesture), and assume a natural standing posture (Shizenhontai – 自然本体) at a distance of approximately 4 mats apart—the starting position for the kata.

From this point, both judoka kneel and take the Kyoshi (鋸) posture, an open, high kneeling stance where the right thigh is positioned at a 45-degree angle. Tori remains completely still, waiting.

Uke then moves forward in a closed Kyoshi posture, stepping with tsugi-ashi (次足). Uke places the right hand on the mat and slowly lies down on their back, with the left knee slightly raised and the arms resting naturally along the sides of the body.

Tori rises, turns 45 degrees to the right, and walks diagonally to a position approximately 1.5 meters to the right of Uke. From here, Tori drops to the left knee and assumes an open Kyoshi (鋸) posture. Using two small sliding steps (tsugi-ashi – 次足), Tori moves forward in a closed Kyoshi position and once again adopts the open posture, now positioned beside Uke.

Tori takes hold of Uke’s right arm using the left hand with the palm facing up, while the right hand, palm down, slides under Uke’s armpit for control. Tori adjusts the position of the left knee slightly and places Uke’s arm flat on the tatami at a 90-degree angle to the side of the body. This action—isolating and positioning Uke’s arm—appears in several other techniques throughout the kata.

The objective for Tori is to maintain a firm Kesa-gatame hold, anticipating and neutralising Uke’s escape attempts. Uke performs three distinct escape actions, in sequence:

1. Uke tries to pull Tori over by bridging.
2. Uke attempts to insert a knee under Tori from below.
3. Uke turns and tries to roll out over the left shoulder.

Tori responds to each attempt by adjusting body weight, hand position, and base, maintaining control at all times. Once Uke can no longer escape, they signal submission (maitta).
Tori then gently places Uke back into the starting position, steps back slightly, and returns to an open Kyoshi posture.

Tori moves forward toward Uke and lifts Uke’s right arm, pressing it firmly against Uke’s own face to restrict movement and establish control. Tori then wraps the right arm around Uke’s neck and secures a grip with the left hand, locking the arm in place. The right knee is placed firmly into Uke’s side to stabilise the position, and Tori applies the Kata-gatame hold.

Uke now performs a sequence of three escape attempts:

1. Uke pushes against Tori’s neck, trying to create space to slip out.
2. Uke attempts to bring the right knee under Tori’s torso to disturb balance.
3. Uke swings both legs upward to initiate a backward roll escape.
   (Tori can defend this final attempt by flattening the body and shifting into a lower posture, pressing downward.)

After the final attempt fails, Uke submits by tapping (maitta). Tori releases the hold, places Uke back into the original supine position, and retreats two steps backward using tsugi-ashi (次足). Tori resumes an open Kyoshi posture, ready for the next technique.

Tori stands up, turns 45 degrees to the left, and walks toward the head side of Uke. Upon arrival, Tori assumes an open Kyoshi posture. Using two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps, Tori moves forward and takes position behind Uke’s head, once again kneeling in open Kyoshi.

Tori places the right knee on the tatami and moves in slightly closer. Both arms are passed under Uke’s shoulders, gripping the belt from underneath. Tori lowers the upper body, placing the head flat on Uke’s chest, and applies the hold: Kami-shiho-gatame.

Uke initiates three escape attempts:

1. Uke slides one hand under Tori’s chin and tries to turn onto the stomach. Tori counters by extending one leg backward to stabilise the base.
2. Uke places both hands against Tori’s shoulders and attempts to push forward and slip out.
   Tori stays low and maintains chest pressure to prevent movement.
3. Uke tries a backward roll by lifting the hips.
   Tori lowers the head deeply into Uke’s abdomen to prevent being flipped.

After all escape attempts fail, Uke submits (maitta). Tori releases the hold, returns Uke to the original supine position, steps back using two tsugi-ashi, and resumes the open Kyoshi posture.

Tori stands up, turns 45 degrees, and walks to the right side of Uke. At approximately 1.5 meters distance, Tori assumes an open Kyoshi posture. Using two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps, Tori moves in, kneels on both knees beside Uke, and prepares the hold.

Tori first clears space by moving Uke’s arm aside. Then, using the left hand, Tori grips Uke’s belt and passes it under the legs to the right hand. The left arm then reaches around Uke’s neck for upper-body control.

Uke drops the hips slightly and places the toes firmly into the tatami, adopting an active defensive posture. Tori stabilises and applies Yoko-shiho-gatame, pressing down with the chest and maintaining a wide base.

Uke initiates three escape attempts:

1. Uke tries to push Tori’s head and neck away to create space and isolate an arm for a potential arm lock.
2. Uke attempts to insert the right knee underneath Tori’s torso to disturb the balance.
3. Uke grabs Tori’s belt with both hands and tries to lift and roll Tori overhead.
   Tori counters this by lowering the head and pressing it firmly into the tatami to stabilise the posture.

After the third failed escape attempt, Uke submits (maitta). Tori carefully returns Uke to the starting supine position, takes two tsugi-ashi steps backward, and resumes the open Kyoshi posture.

Tori stands up, turns 45 degrees to the left, and walks toward the head side of Uke. Upon reaching position, Tori assumes the open Kyoshi posture. Using two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps, Tori moves forward and kneels behind Uke’s head, adjusting slightly closer.

Tori lifts Uke’s right arm and traps it under the own right armpit. The right hand then grips Uke’s collar, and the left arm slides under Uke’s left arm to secure a grip on the belt or lower back. Tori lowers the hips to increase pressure and establishes control with Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame.

Uke performs three escape attempts:

1. Uke bridges powerfully and turns to the right in an attempt to free the trapped arm and shift the upper body.
2. Uke tries to insert the left arm under Tori’s chin to lift or turn the head away.
3. Uke grabs Tori’s belt with both hands and attempts to roll backward by pushing against Tori’s shoulders.

Tori responds by keeping the base wide, maintaining chest pressure, and adjusting posture to block each attempt. After the final effort fails, Uke submits (maitta).

Tori returns Uke to the basic supine position, then moves back with two tsugi-ashi steps, assuming a closed Kyoshi posture. Uke rises, turns, and also takes one tsugi-ashi step backward. Both judoka resume the open Kyoshi posture, completing the Osaekomi-waza set.

Shime-waza (絞技) – Strangulation Techniques

Kata-juji-jime (片十字絞) – Single Cross Choke

Tori stands up, turns 45 degrees to the right, and walks diagonally to a position approximately 1.5 meters from Uke, assuming the open Kyoshi posture. With two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps forward, Tori moves closer and kneels again in the open Kyoshi position beside Uke.

Tori lifts Uke’s right arm with the left hand (palm facing up) and controls Uke’s armpit with the right hand (palm facing down), adjusting the left knee forward slightly. Uke’s arm is placed to the side at a 90-degree angle—this setup is standard in multiple techniques throughout the kata.

Tori reaches with the left hand into Uke’s collar, fingers inside, near the neck. Then, stepping over Uke with the right leg, Tori simultaneously lifts Uke’s right arm with the right forearm to create space. Tori’s right thumb is then inserted into the opposite side of Uke’s collar, forming the classic single cross grip.

Tori applies Kata-juji-jime by pulling both hands outward and downward while leaning forward to tighten the choke. Uke attempts to escape by pressing against Tori’s elbows, trying to relieve pressure, but Tori counters this by leaning further forward, maintaining the choke securely.

After failing to escape, Uke submits (maitta). Tori releases the grip, gently returns Uke to the basic position, and takes two tsugi-ashi steps backward into the open Kyoshi posture. Tori then stands up, turns 45 degrees, and returns to the starting position.

Uke now sits upright, preparing for the next technique. Tori walks behind Uke and assumes the open Kyoshi posture for the following strangulation technique.

Tori advances with two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps and positions themself behind Uke, kneeling into the open Kyoshi posture.

Tori places the left arm on Uke’s shoulder and wraps the right arm around Uke’s neck, joining the hands in front of the throat in a grip—typically with the right hand grasping the left wrist. The left wrist presses firmly against Uke’s carotid artery, forming the foundation of the choke.

To prevent a potential counter, Tori leans Uke slightly backward, disturbing the balance. As the choke (Hadaka-jime) is applied, Tori continues to draw Uke further backward to maintain positional control.

Tori lowers the head, placing the left cheek against Uke’s right cheek, and pulls both arms inward, tightening the choke around the neck.

Uke attempts to escape by grabbing Tori’s arm with both hands, but is unable to release the pressure. Ultimately, Uke submits by tapping with the right foot (maitta).

Tori releases the grip, raises Uke back to an upright position, and takes a small step backward to return to the open Kyoshi posture.

Okuri-eri-jime (送襟絞) – Sliding Lapel Choke

Tori approaches Uke from behind and slides the left hand under Uke’s arm, gripping Uke’s left lapel tightly and pulling it downward to create tension. This grip is secured and held firm to prepare for the choke.

Next, Tori brings the right arm around Uke’s neck and grasps the lapel that was just pulled down, placing the right thumb against Uke’s carotid artery. The grip is precise and symmetrical, with both hands controlling Uke’s collars.

Tori then grips Uke’s right lapel with the left hand, forming a scissor-like position with both lapels. Moving forward, Tori places the left cheek firmly against Uke’s right cheek, and pulls Uke slightly backward to disrupt balance and reinforce the hold.

By pulling both arms inward, Tori tightens the choke and applies the Okuri-eri-jime. Uke attempts to escape by grabbing Tori’s right arm with both hands, trying to loosen the grip, but the effort is unsuccessful. Uke submits by tapping with the right foot (maitta).

Tori returns Uke to an upright seated position, takes a small step back using tsugi-ashi, and resumes the open Kyoshi posture behind Uke.

Kataha-jime (片羽絞) – Single Wing Choke

Tori steps forward using tsugi-ashi (次足) and slides the left hand under Uke’s arm, gripping Uke’s left lapel and pulling it downward to tighten the fabric, just as in the previous technique.

Tori then brings the right arm around Uke’s neck, placing the thumb into Uke’s left collar to apply pressure to the carotid artery. As Uke immediately begins to resist, Tori reacts by releasing the left grip and swinging the left arm in an arc, guiding it behind Uke’s back via the elbow, to further trap the shoulder and limit mobility.

While doing so, Tori draws Uke slightly backward to disturb the balance, making the hold more secure. With both grips in place and posture tightened, Tori applies the Kataha-jime.

Uke attempts to escape by grabbing Tori’s wrist or forearm to reduce the pressure, but the effort is unsuccessful. Uke ultimately submits by tapping with the right foot (maitta).

Tori brings Uke back to an upright seated position, takes a step back using tsugi-ashi, and resumes the open Kyoshi posture behind Uke.

Gyaku-juji-jime (逆十字絞) – Reverse Cross Choke

Tori stands up, turns 45 degrees to the right, and walks diagonally to a point approximately 1.5 meters from Uke. There, Tori assumes the open Kyoshi posture. At the same time, Uke lies down on their back in the basic supine position.

Tori advances with two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps, kneels again in open Kyoshi, and shifts slightly closer to Uke. Tori lifts Uke’s right arm with the left hand (palm up) and controls Uke’s armpit with the right hand (palm down), moving the left knee slightly forward. Uke’s arm is placed flat on the tatami at a 90-degree angle.

Tori inserts the left hand into Uke’s left collar, fingers inside and deep near the neck. Tori then steps over Uke with the right leg, simultaneously lifting Uke’s left arm to create space and maintain posture. With that space created, Tori inserts the right hand fingers-down into Uke’s right collar, completing the reverse cross grip necessary for Gyaku-juji-jime.

As the choke is applied, Uke attempts to resist by pushing against Tori’s elbow to reduce the pressure. Tori follows this motion and falls sideways, deliberately turning away from the shōmen. Tori crosses the legs to stabilise and pulls both arms inward to tighten the choke.

Uke cannot escape and submits by tapping (maitta). Tori releases the grip, steps off Uke, and gently returns Uke to the original supine position. Tori then moves back two tsugi-ashi steps, stands, turns 45 degrees, and kneels across from Uke in the open Kyoshi posture, completing the Shime-waza section.

Kansetsu-waza (関節技) – Joint Locking Techniques

Ude-garami (腕緘) – Entangled Arm Lock

Tori stands up, turns 45 degrees to the right, and walks diagonally to a position approximately 1.5 meters from Uke. There, Tori kneels in the open Kyoshi posture. Using two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps, Tori moves closer to Uke and returns to open Kyoshi beside them.

Tori shifts slightly forward, lifts Uke’s right arm with the left hand (palm up) and uses the right hand (palm down) to control the armpit. The left knee slides slightly forward, and Uke’s arm is placed on the mat at a 90-degree angle, parallel to Tori’s side.

As Tori leans forward, Uke responds by attempting an attack using the left hand. Anticipating this, Tori grabs Uke’s left wrist with the right hand. The left arm wraps over Uke’s left arm, and Tori grasps their own right wrist, forming a secure figure-four grip.

Tori then leans forward, applying a controlled bent-arm lock (ude-garami). By gradually shifting the grip toward Uke’s elbow and rotating the wrist, pressure is applied to the shoulder and elbow joint, forcing submission.

Uke is unable to escape and taps to submit (maitta). Tori gently returns Uke to the basic supine position, steps slightly back, and resumes the open Kyoshi posture, completing the technique.

Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame (腕挫十字固) – Cross Arm Lock

Tori takes a small step forward and kneels upright in the open Kyoshi posture, positioned behind Uke. As Tori leans slightly forward, Uke attempts to attack with the right hand.

Tori immediately grabs Uke’s wrist with both hands, rises, and swings the left leg around Uke’s head, falling backward to lie flat on the back. In this motion, Tori secures Uke’s right arm, keeping it extended and under control.

Uke attempts to escape by shifting the body forward, crawling toward Tori’s head to reduce pressure. In response, Tori raises the hips slightly, locking the elbow joint and applying the Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame submission.

With the elbow fully extended and escape impossible, Uke taps to submit (maitta).

Tori releases the hold, returns Uke to the supine base position, and moves slightly backward into the open Kyoshi posture, preparing for the next technique.

Ude-hishigi-ude-gatame (腕挫腕固) – Straight Arm Lock

Tori takes a small step forward and kneels upright in the open Kyoshi posture, behind Uke. As Tori leans slightly forward, Uke attacks by reaching up with the left hand, attempting to pull Tori down.

Tori immediately seizes Uke’s left elbow with both hands and presses Uke’s wrist and forearm tightly against Tori’s own head and shoulder, immobilising the arm. At the same time, Tori raises the right knee, placing it against Uke’s side to block any attempt to roll away.

Tori then rotates the hands slightly, creating pressure along the length of the arm and locking the elbow joint. This applies the Ude-hishigi-ude-gatame technique.

Unable to escape or counter the pressure, Uke taps to submit (maitta).

Tori gently returns Uke to the supine base position, takes a small step back into the open Kyoshi posture, and then withdraws with two tsugi-ashi steps, once again assuming the open Kyoshi position at the correct distance.

Ude-hishigi-hiza-gatame (腕挫膝固) – Knee Arm Lock

Tori stands up, turns 45 degrees to the left, and walks diagonally to the starting position. At the same time, Uke sits upright and assumes the open Kyoshi posture, facing Tori, who also takes the open Kyoshi posture.

Tori moves forward using two tsugi-ashi (次足) steps and kneels into open Kyoshi. Both Tori and Uke then inch closer and adopt the basic judo posture.

Tori threads the left arm around Uke’s right arm, trapping it and gripping Uke’s lapel. Uke’s right wrist is secured under Tori’s left armpit. Tori then steps the right foot near Uke’s knee, causing both judoka to fall sideways.

Tori places the left foot across Uke’s thigh and presses down with the left knee onto Uke’s elbow, creating an arm lock: Ude-hishigi-hiza-gatame.

Uke attempts to escape, but the pressure on the joint is too strong and precise, forcing submission with a tap (maitta).

Both return to an upright seated position, resuming the open Kyoshi posture, completing the technique.

Ashi-garami (足緘) – Leg Entanglement Lock

Both judoka stand upright, step forward with the right foot, and assume a standard grip in Shizentai (自然体). Tori breaks Uke’s balance and steps in with the left foot as if to initiate Tomoe-nage. Uke resists and lifts Tori slightly.

This resistance causes Tori to sink deeper underneath Uke, allowing the left leg to hook around Uke’s right leg. By simultaneously pushing Uke’s left leg backward and controlling the right leg with the hook, Uke is forced to fall forward onto the stomach into the Ashi-garami position.

This is the only leg lock permitted in traditional judo kata, and it demonstrates precise control of the knee joint through entanglement and directional pressure.

Unable to escape, Uke taps to submit (maitta). Both judoka release and crawl backward slightly, returning to an appropriate distance where they assume the open Kyoshi posture.

Tori then retreats two tsugi-ashi steps, followed by Uke stepping back with one tsugi-ashi. Both adjust their judogi and resume the final open Kyoshi posture, marking the end of the kata.

Closing Ceremony – Final Rei (礼)

Once both judoka have adjusted their judogi and ensured their appearance is tidy, they each take one tsugi-ashi step backward, returning to the closed Kyoshi posture.

They then stand up by stepping the left foot forward, followed by the right, and bring their heels together. From this upright position, they each take a large backward step—first with the right foot, then the left.

Both kneel down in the traditional sequence: left knee first, then right, and perform a formal seated bow (za-rei – 座礼) to each other.

After bowing, both stand up and turn 90 degrees to face the shōmen (front of the dojo). They perform a standing bow (ritsu-rei – 立礼) toward the shōmen, acknowledging the spirit and tradition of the kata.

Finally, they step backward off the tatami, turn again, and perform a final standing bow toward the mat, marking the respectful completion of Katame-no-Kata.

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