Kime-no-Kata (極の形) – Forms of Decisive Techniques
Kime-no-Kata, meaning “Forms of Decisive Techniques,” demonstrates how to make the right decision at the right moment. The word kime refers to decisiveness, and this kata expresses the mindset and physical action of responding to an attack with immediate and correct judgment.
The kata is designed to teach techniques for serious or life-threatening situations, emphasizing sharpness, control, and composure. Uke initiates each attack, and Tori must react decisively using timing, positioning, and proper technique to overcome the threat.
The kata is divided into two sections:
Seated Techniques – Idori (居捕り)
- Ryote-dori
- Tsukkake
- Suri-age
- Yoko-uchi
- Ushiro-dori
- Tsukkomi
- Kiri-komi
- Yoko-tsuki
Standing Techniques – Tachiai (立合)
- Ryote-dori
- Sode-tori
- Tsukkake
- Tsuki-age
- Suri-age
- Yoko-uchi
- Ke-age
- Ushiro-dori
- Tsukkomi
- Kiri-komi
- Nuki-gake
- Kiri-oroshi
Greeting Ceremony (挨拶 – Aisatsu)
The judoka performing the techniques is known as Tori (取り), and the one receiving them is Uke (受け). In Japan, standard tatami mats measure 90 cm by 1.80 m, but in Europe, the standard size is 1 m by 1 m. This version uses the European dimensions. The total training area is typically 8 x 8 meters, and at major events like the European, World, and Olympic Championships, it is 10 x 10 meters.
Uke carries the weapons: the Tanto (knife) on the inner side and the Katana (sword) in the right hand, held against the hip, with the cutting edges (curved sides) facing upward.
Both judoka begin standing 8 meters outside the tatami. They perform a standing bow (ritsu rei – 立礼) toward the mat before stepping onto it.
At a distance of 6 mats, they both turn a quarter to face the shōmen (正面 – the front or seat of honour) and perform a second standing bow (ritsu rei – 立礼). They then turn to face each other, kneel down on both knees, and perform a seated bow (za rei – 座礼) toward one another.
Next, Uke stands up while Tori remains seated. Uke turns 180 degrees and places the weapons down, with the cutting edge facing away and the tsuka (hilt/guard) pointing toward the shōmen. Uke then returns to the same spot, turns 180 degrees again, and stands in position.
Now, both judoka take a large step forward and assume the natural stance (Shizenhontai – 自然本体). They then proceed forward together using Ayumi-ashi (歩み足 – normal walking steps) to the centre of the mat, where they kneel opposite one another, ready to begin the Idori (kneeling) techniques.
Idori 座る(kneeling techniques)
Unarmed attack
Tori and Uke begin by kneeling opposite each other in seiza (formal kneeling posture). They adjust the distance by placing their fists on the tatami and sliding slightly forward to achieve the correct spacing.
Uke initiates the attack by grabbing both of Tori’s wrists. In this first technique, Uke’s toes remain flat on the mat and are not engaged.
Tori reacts by rising up, pulling the wrists backwards to unbalance Uke, and then delivers a sharp front kick (mae-geri) to Uke’s solar plexus, accompanied by a loud kiai (shouting spirit).
Immediately after, Tori grabs Uke’s left wrist, steps off at a 45-degree angle using two tsugi-ashi steps, and secures control. Tori’s left thumb is inside Uke’s palm, locking the grip and preventing Uke from rotating the arm.
With the wrist controlled and the arm extended, Tori applies a straight arm lock under the armpit:
Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame (armpit armbar).
Uke taps on Tori’s leg to signal submission (maitta).
Uke initiates the attack by delivering a straight punch with the right fist aimed at Tori’s midsection. This time, Uke engages the toes into the mat, allowing for a stronger and more committed attack.
Tori responds immediately with Tai-sabaki (体捌き) – a turning movement of the body – to evade the punch. With the left hand, Tori redirects Uke’s attacking arm, guiding it away. Simultaneously, Tori delivers an Atemi (当て) – a sharp strike – with the right hand to the Uto (烏兎), the area between the eyes on the nasal bone.
The striking hand then slides down Uke’s extended arm, securing a grip at the wrist, just above Tori’s own knee. Tori’s left arm wraps around Uke’s neck, grasping the collar for control only, not as a choke.
Maintaining this control, Tori moves forward using two tsugi-ashi steps, placing tension on Uke’s right arm. Then, by shifting the hips and stomach forward while sitting upright in Kyoshi, Tori applies a joint lock to the arm.
Uke, unable to escape, taps the tatami to indicate submission (maitta).
Following the previous technique, both judoka return to the kneeling starting position.
Uke now initiates a new attack by delivering a palm strike (shōtei-uchi) with the right hand aimed at Tori’s forehead. The strike is executed with full body commitment, and Uke’s toes are actively engaged, providing stability and forward energy.
Tori intercepts the attack by deflecting Uke’s wrist with the right hand, while the left hand moves into Uke’s armpit, palm facing inward, to neutralise the force of the strike.
Immediately after, Tori delivers a front kick (mae-geri) to Uke’s solar plexus, creating distance and unbalancing Uke. Tori then rotates 180 degrees, creating an opening through which Uke falls forward onto the stomach.
Uke attempts to recover by raising the left knee, preparing for a forward roll, but Tori prevents this escape.
Tori steps forward in a left–right–left tsugi-ashi sequence, forcing Uke’s arm to lie across Tori’s shoulder at a 90-degree angle. With controlled pressure and posture, Tori applies an arm lock, carefully increasing tension.
Uke taps the tatami to submit (maitta), and the technique concludes.
Both judoka return to the kneeling position, facing each other.
Uke rises slightly from seiza, placing the toes in an active position, and delivers a right-handed side strike aimed at the left side of Tori’s head. The fist is rotated so that the back of the hand faces downward, a typical orientation for striking movements in judo.
Tori responds by ducking underneath the attacking arm, evading the blow. Simultaneously, Tori raises the right knee and brings the right arm around Uke’s neck from the front, while the left hand presses against Uke’s lower back.
Using this positioning, Tori drives forward on the right knee, forcing Uke to fall diagonally backward onto their back in a controlled motion.
Tori then brings Uke’s right arm across their face, immobilising the position. Uke delivers an Atemi (strike) using the right elbow to Tori’s solar plexus. The palm remains open, as per kata protocol.
Tori returns to the kneeling base position, while Uke repositions to a formal sitting posture approximately 1.2 meters away, a position known as Tōma (当麻町).
Uke stands, turns 45 degrees to the left, and walks behind Tori. Then, Uke kneels down and places both fists on the tatami, sliding slightly forward to achieve the proper distance.
Uke initiates the attack by rising up and grabbing Tori around the shoulders from behind, lifting the right knee in the process for balance and support.
Tori responds by forcefully spreading both arms outward, breaking Uke’s grip, and immediately grabbing Uke’s left arm with both hands. At the same time, Tori extends the right leg backward, creating forward momentum.
Using this energy, Tori performs a left-sided Seoi-nage (shoulder throw), lifting Uke onto the back. Both judoka execute a forward roll, after which Tori ends in a mounted position on top of Uke.
Maintaining control, Tori uses the right arm to keep Uke close, while delivering an Atemi (strike) with the left fist toward Uke’s groin area, simulating a finishing blow.
After the technique, both judoka return to their original position: Tori kneeling, Uke standing up, walking around Tori, and then kneeling at a distance of approximately 1.2 meters, known as Tōma (当麻町).
Uke rises, makes a 180-degree turn to face the shōmen (正面 – ceremonial front), and walks over to the position of the weapons. While kneeling, Uke retrieves the tanto (short knife) by crossing the hands and picks it up respectfully.
The tanto is inserted on the left inner side of the judogi, between the obi (帯 – judo belt) and the body, with the sharp edge facing upward.
Both judoka now take a moment to adjust their judogi.
Uke then stands up, takes a small step with the right foot, turns 180 degrees, and returns to the center to kneel opposite Tori, preparing for the armed attack techniques.
Uke initiates the attack by first loosening the tanto (short knife) with the left hand, then drawing it and executing a straight thrust toward Tori’s abdomen, with the sharp edge facing upward. Simultaneously, Uke raises the left knee to generate additional forward power.
Tori responds immediately with Tai-sabaki (body movement) to evade the thrust, avoiding a direct hit to the abdomen. At the same time, Tori guides Uke’s attacking arm using the left hand, palm facing up.
Tori then delivers an Atemi strike to Uke’s nasal bone (Uto 烏兎) with the right fist, striking with the back of the hand facing downward, as is typical in judo striking techniques.
To neutralise the threat, Tori brings the left arm around Uke’s neck for control, while using the right hand to secure Uke’s knife-wielding wrist against Tori’s own thigh. Maintaining this position, Tori executes a tsugi-ashi movement, sits upright, and applies pressure forward using the abdomen to complete a controlled arm lock.
Uke taps the tatami to submit (maitta). Tori releases the hold, and both judoka return to their kneeling positions facing each other. During this time, Uke discreetly returns the tanto to its position inside the judogi.
Uke repositions the tanto by sliding it to the left outer side of the body, securing it between the judogi and the obi, treating it now as a short sword. Holding the scabbard with the left hand, Uke opens it and draws the blade with the right hand.
Uke then performs a rotating, downward slashing motion, aimed at cutting down onto Tori. As the attack begins, Uke raises the right knee to generate additional downward force and stability.
Tori reacts swiftly by grabbing Uke’s sword-wielding wrist with both hands, preventing the blow. Then, rather than resisting, Tori goes with the direction of Uke’s force, guiding the attacking arm under Tori’s own armpit, using redirection rather than opposition.
Simultaneously, Tori raises the right knee and uses tsugi-ashi (sliding step) movement to apply forward momentum. As Uke’s arm is extended and immobilised, Tori applies an Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame (armpit arm lock) by leveraging the arm securely under the armpit while pressing forward.
Uke taps on Tori’s upper thigh to signal submission (maitta).
After the technique, Uke crawls backward to their designated position and returns the tanto to its position between the obi and judogi. Both judoka resume the kneeling posture, with Uke at Tōma (当麻町) – approximately 1.2 meters from Tori.
From the Tōma (当麻町) position, Uke shifts the tanto from the outer to the inner left side of the judogi. Uke then stands up, turns 45 degrees, and kneels down to the right of Tori, placing the fists on the mat to adjust the distance. Uke’s knees align with those of Tori.
With the left hand, Uke opens the scabbard and draws the tanto with the right hand, then rotates 90 degrees and performs a side thrust aimed at Tori’s ribs.
Tori reacts immediately by rotating 180 degrees on the left knee, ensuring the right leg is completely out of the attack line to avoid being stabbed in the knee. Simultaneously, Tori uses the left hand to control Uke’s stabbing arm, and delivers an Atemi (strike) with the right fist to Uke’s Uto (nasal bone area).
From there, Tori slides the right hand down to Uke’s wrist, maintaining control, while wrapping the left arm around Uke’s neck for further immobilisation. With a tsugi-ashi sliding movement, Tori applies an arm lock as Uke’s arm is stretched and trapped.
Uke taps the mat to signal submission (maitta). Both judoka sit side by side, and Uke returns the tanto to the appropriate position inside the judogi.
Uke then stands up, walks to the Tōma position, and kneels across from Tori, completing the Idori section.
Transition to Tachiai (Standing Techniques)
Uke now stands, makes a 180-degree turn, steps backward with the right foot, and walks toward the location of the katana.
Upon arrival, Uke kneels down, removes the tanto from the judogi, and places it on the floor in front of the katana, with the cutting edge facing away from the Joseki (上席).
Both judoka then adjust their judogi in preparation for the next section. They stand up, Uke steps slightly backward with the right foot, turns 180 degrees, and returns to the center of the tatami.
Tori and Uke now stand facing each other, prepared to begin the Tachiai (standing techniques) portion of Kime-no-Kata.
Tachiai (standing techniques)
Tori and Uke stand facing each other in a natural posture (Shizenhontai). Uke initiates the attack by taking a small step forward with the right foot and grabs both of Tori’s wrists firmly.
Tori responds by pulling both arms backward, causing a breaking of Uke’s balance. Simultaneously, Tori delivers an Atemi (strike) to Uke’s groin using the ball of the foot, accompanied by a sharp Kiai (spirited shout).
Immediately after, Tori grabs Uke’s left wrist with the right hand, and performs a 45-degree sidestep using tsugi-ashi (sliding step). While moving, Tori’s left hand also secures Uke’s right wrist, placing the thumb deep into Uke’s palm, to lock the grip.
Using this control, Tori traps Uke’s arm under the right armpit, and applies a standing armlock – Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame (腕挫腋固).
Uke taps on Tori’s right thigh to signal submission (maitta). Tori releases the hold, and both judoka return to their original positions facing one another – however, Uke takes a step back to Tōma, standing at a distance of approximately 1.2 metres.
Uke, standing at Tōma, turns 45 degrees to the left and begins to walk around Tori, starting with the left foot. As Uke moves behind Tori and reaches Tori’s side, Tori takes two steps backwards, starting with the right foot.
Uke then places the right foot behind Tori’s left foot and attacks by grabbing Tori’s left sleeve with the left hand near the wrist, while the right hand grips tightly at the elbow. With firm pressure, Uke forces Tori forward, and both begin to walk with their right foot first.
On the second step, Tori swiftly turns to face Uke, redirecting the forward energy and pulling the gripping hand backward, disrupting Uke’s balance. At the same time, Tori delivers an Atemi (strike) with the right foot to the right knee of Uke, accompanied by a sharp Kiai.
Tori then plants the striking foot on the mat and immediately executes a O-soto-gari (大外刈), sweeping Uke to the ground.
Uke rises smoothly, maintaining visual contact with Tori, and walks around to reset. Both judoka reposition themselves, each standing 1 metre from the centre, creating a total distance of 2 metres between them, facing each other.
Uke assumes a fighting stance by stepping back with the right foot and raising both clenched fists to face level. The left fist is positioned in front. Tori, meanwhile, remains in a natural posture (Shizenhontai), calmly observing Uke.
Uke advances with tsugi-ashi (sliding steps) and launches a straight punch with the right fist aimed at Tori’s face (Uto 烏兎 – the space between the eyes).
Tori responds by executing Tai-sabaki, evading the strike by pivoting the body, and extends Uke’s striking arm by pulling it through using the right hand, disrupting Uke’s balance.
Tori then quickly crosses the feet and moves behind Uke, standing squarely aligned. The right arm wraps around Uke’s neck, and the left hand joins the right, with palms clasped together, forming a secure grip.
Tori steps backward with the left foot, applying a Hadaka-jime (裸絞) – naked strangle/choke.
Uke attempts to resist by grabbing Tori’s arms but is unable to escape and submits by stomping the right foot on the tatami.
Tori and Uke stand relatively close to one another (as the sequence progresses, the distance gradually increases). Without warning, Uke throws an uppercut (opstoot) with the right fist aimed directly at Tori’s chin, stepping forward with the right foot to add force.
Tori leans the upper body backward to evade the strike, and simultaneously grabs both of Uke’s wrists, going with the flow of Uke’s motion.
Tori then rotates to the right, and while turning, traps Uke’s right arm under the left armpit, securing it tightly. Maintaining control, Tori performs tsugi-ashi (sliding steps) to the side, increasing the tension on Uke’s trapped arm.
In the final controlling position, Tori must stand at a perpendicular angle to Uke. If not, Uke may still be able to counter with a throw, such as Tani-otoshi. With Uke’s arm immobilised, Tori applies Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame (腕挫腋固) – armlock under the armpit.
Uke submits by tapping on Tori’s thigh.
Tori and Uke face each other once more. Uke initiates a sudden palm strike (with an open right hand) aimed at Tori’s forehead, accompanied by a loud kiai. As part of the attack, Uke takes a small step forward with the right foot.
Tori immediately reacts by intercepting Uke’s strike using the left forearm. It is crucial that Tori blocks Uke’s upper arm, not the forearm, to prevent a potential follow-up Atemi strike with the elbow.
Simultaneously, Tori delivers a counterattack: an Atemi punch to Uke’s abdomen using the right fist.
Tori then slides the left arm across Uke’s back, while the right hand controls Uke’s left arm. Maintaining this hold and balance disruption, Tori steps in and executes Uki-goshi (浮腰) – floating hip throw, smoothly rotating and throwing Uke to the mat.
After the throw, Uke rises promptly, maintaining eye contact with Tori and assuming position for the next technique.
Uke clenches the right fist and delivers a sideways strike aimed at Tori’s head, accompanied by a kiai. Uke steps forward slightly with the right foot to add power to the attack.
Tori responds immediately, ducking under Uke’s striking arm while keeping the body as close to Uke as possible. At the same time, Tori’s right hand grabs Uke’s left lapel, and steps forward with the left foot, crossing the right leg in front to move into position directly behind Uke.
Tori’s left arm comes over Uke’s shoulder, reaching to grab the opposite lapel. Uke instinctively tries to defend against the choke by grabbing Tori’s arms.
Tori places the left leg back to establish a strong base, and presses the forehead against the back of Uke’s neck, keeping the eyes forward and level (not looking down). Then, Tori applies the Okuri-eri-jime (送襟絞) – sliding collar choke.
Unable to escape, Uke taps out by stamping with the right foot on the tatami.
The judoka face each other again, now with a slightly wider distance between them. Suddenly, Uke delivers a front kick with the ball of the right foot, aiming toward Tori’s groin, accompanied by a strong kiai.
Tori immediately performs tai-sabaki, rotating to the right to avoid the direct attack. As Tori turns, the left hand grabs Uke’s ankle, briefly following the trajectory of the kick to absorb the force. Tori then rotates back toward the front, using the right hand to secure the ankle as well.
Maintaining control of Uke’s leg, Tori now mimics the technique, delivering a returning front kick to Uke’s groin area with the ball of the foot, also accompanied by a kiai.
Tori releases Uke’s leg. Uke takes a step backward with the right foot and returns to Toma, the designated 1.2-metre position opposite Tori.
Both judoka are now ready for the next technique: Ushiro-dori – rear hold.
Uke turns 45 degrees to the left and begins to walk around Tori, starting with the left foot. As Uke passes behind Tori, Tori takes two small backward steps, placing the two judoka in line, with Uke behind Tori.
Tori begins to walk forward with the left foot, and Uke follows. On the second step, Uke takes an additional quick step and attempts to wrap both arms around Tori’s shoulders from behind in a surprise attack.
Tori responds instantly by raising both arms and using both hands to grasp Uke’s right arm. With the left leg positioned forward, Tori lowers the hips beneath Uke’s centre of gravity and executes an Ippon-seoi-nage (one-arm shoulder throw).
Uke is thrown and, upon landing, receives an atemi (strike) from Tori’s fist to the Uto (the area between the eyes at the base of the forehead), accompanied by a loud kiai.
Tori then releases Uke, who rises and returns to the Toma position (1.2 metres away, facing Tori). Uke makes a 180-degree turn to the right and walks toward the weapons.
At the weapon area, Uke kneels down, crosses the arms to pick up the tanto, and places it inside the left side of the judogi, secured between the body and the obi, blade facing upward.
Both judoka adjust their uniforms. Once ready, Uke stands, takes a small step backward with the right foot, turns 180 degrees, and returns to the centre of the mat, facing Tori. They are now prepared for the armed techniques.
Uke grips the saya (scabbard) with the left hand and draws the tanto (dagger) with the right hand to perform a forward thrust to Tori’s abdomen. Uke simultaneously steps forward with the left foot and emits a sharp kiai to enhance the intention and energy of the attack.
Tori reacts instantly with tai-sabaki, rotating out of the line of attack to evade the thrust. With the left hand, Tori guides Uke’s attacking arm away. The right hand forms a fist and delivers an atemi strike to the Uto (area between the eyes).
Without pause, Tori’s hand slides down Uke’s arm toward the wrist, gaining control. Tori then moves into a sideways tsugi-ashi (sliding step) starting with the right foot, and maintains control over the tanto-bearing arm. Tori’s left arm wraps around Uke’s neck for stabilisation, and the right hand pins Uke’s right wrist (holding the tanto) against Tori’s right thigh.
To complete the technique, Tori leans forward, using body pressure to apply an arm lock (Ude-hishigi-hara-gatame). Uke taps to submit.
Tori releases Uke, and both judoka return to their original positions, facing each other. Meanwhile, Uke discreetly returns the tanto to the inside of the judogi on the left side, blade facing upward.
While Tori and Uke stand facing each other, Uke draws the tanto from the inside of the judogi and transfers it to the outside, tucking it between the judogi and the obi (belt). The tanto now represents a short sword.
Uke grips the saya (scabbard) with the left hand, opens it, and draws the sword upward with the right hand. He then immediately brings it down in a powerful downward cut, aiming to cleave through Tori. Simultaneously, Uke steps forward with the right foot, generating forward momentum.
Tori responds by seizing Uke’s attacking wrist with both hands, intercepting the strike midair. He guides the cutting motion downward and slightly outward, redirecting the energy of the attack. Tori then performs two tsugi-ashi (sliding steps) to the side and shifts to a position perpendicular to Uke.
Maintaining grip on Uke’s wrist, Tori traps the arm under the left armpit, locking it tightly. From this position, he applies an Ude-hishigi-Waki-gatame (arm lock) by slightly bending the knees and applying pressure to the elbow joint.
Uke, unable to resist the control and pain of the lock, taps out on Tori’s thigh to signal submission.
Both judoka return to their original positions. While doing so, Uke discreetly resheathes the sword and returns the tanto to the inside of the judogi, preparing for the next technique. Uke resumes a kneeling position at Toma (approx. 1.2 meters from Tori).
Uke returns to the weapons, lays down the tanto, and cross-grabs the katana, placing it on the left side, tucked between the obi (belt) and the judogi. Both judoka take a moment to straighten their uniforms.
Uke stands, takes a small step backward with the right foot, performs a 180-degree turn, and walks to stand 1.2 meters in front of Tori.
Uke uses the left hand to open the saya (scabbard), beginning to draw the katana for a sudden attack.
Tori reacts instantly by stepping forward slightly with the right foot and grabbing Uke’s right wrist (the hand drawing the sword) with his own right hand, intercepting the attack before the sword leaves the scabbard completely.
Next, Tori steps behind Uke with the right foot, brings the left foot in, and at the same time wraps the left arm around Uke’s neck, grabbing the revers (lapel) of Uke’s gi for control. Uke is now drawn backward by Tori, who pulls Uke off balance.
As Uke falls into the created space, Tori lifts his right arm and slides it behind Uke’s back, applying a Kata-ha-jime (single wing strangle) from behind. Uke is still holding the sword and cannot escape the lock.
Unable to continue resisting, Uke taps out by stomping the right foot on the tatami.
Tori then releases Uke, and both judoka return to their positions, standing approximately 3 meters apart, maintaining form and composure.
Uke begins by opening the scabbard and drawing the katana, stepping forward with the right foot into a ready stance. The tip of the blade is aligned with Uke’s line of sight, aiming directly at the tip of Tori’s nose—a clear threat posture.
Uke first initiates a feint by advancing with tsugi-ashi (sliding step) to test Tori’s reaction. Tori responds by retreating—stepping back left-right to create distance and assess Uke’s movement.
Then Uke commits to the full attack, raising the sword directly above the head and executing a powerful downward strike aimed at Tori.
Tori reacts immediately by stepping diagonally forward, intercepting Uke’s right wrist with his own right hand before the cut reaches its target. In the same motion, Tori steps to the side, wraps his left arm around Uke’s neck, and grabs Uke’s revers (lapel) to establish control.
Tori continues by executing a cross-step (kuzushi), generating forward pressure with the abdomen (hara). This forces Uke to release the sword with the left hand, and Tori applies a standing arm lock – Ude-hishigi-hara-gatame. Uke is rendered immobile and taps out by slapping Tori’s right thigh.
Tori releases the hold, and both judoka step away and take position three meters apart.
As Uke walks back to his position, he lowers the sword tip to the left side and below the belt, keeping control. Once standing on his mark, Uke raises the sword again to eye level with Tori and then returns it to the scabbard. Uke brings the right foot back into position.
Closing Ceremony
Uke performs a 180-degree turn, walks back to the weapons, and kneels to return the katana to its place. Meanwhile, Tori steps backward several paces.
Both judoka now adjust their judogi (uniform) neatly.
Uke picks up the tanto and katana, holding them at his right side with the cutting edge facing upward.
Uke then turns 180 degrees and walks to a position 6 meters from Tori.
Both judoka take a large step backward, heels together, and kneel. Uke places the weapons down and both perform a kneeling bow to each other (za rei – 座 礼).
They then rise, turn to the shomen, and perform a standing bow (ritsu rei – 立 礼).
Finally, both judoka step backward off the tatami and perform a last standing bow toward the mat.