Kodokan Goshin-jutsu 講道館護身術
Kodokan Goshin-jutsu, translated as “Forms of Kodokan Self-Defense Techniques,” is a modern kata developed to address both armed and unarmed attacks. It reflects the principles of judo applied to realistic self-defense situations and includes responses to threats involving weapons such as a stick, knife, or pistol.
The kata is divided into two sections: Unarmed Attacks and Armed Attacks. In total, it consists of 21 techniques, named and grouped according to the type of attack by uke (the attacker).
Unarmed Attacks – Gripping Attacks
These techniques represent situations where uke grabs or restrains tori.
- Ryote-dori – Both wrists are grabbed.
- Hidari-eri-dori – Left lapel is grabbed.
- Migi-eri-dori – Right lapel is grabbed.
- Kataude-dori – One arm is held.
- Ushiro-eri-dori – Collar is grabbed from behind.
- Ushiro-jime – Strangulation from behind.
- Kakae-dori – Bear hug or full-body restraint from behind.
Unarmed Attacks – From a Distance
These techniques simulate strikes and kicks at a range.
- Naname-uchi – Diagonal strike.
- Ago-tsuki – Uppercut punch.
- Gammen-tsuki – Straight thrust punch to the face.
- Mae-geri – Front kick.
- Yoko-geri – Side kick.
Armed Attacks – Knife
Responses to stabbing attacks.
- Tsukkake – Straight thrust.
- Choku-tsuki – Direct forward stab.
- Naname-tsuki – Diagonal stabbing attack.
Armed Attacks – Stick
Countering attacks with a blunt weapon.
- Furiage – Upward swing.
- Furioroshi – Downward swing.
- Morote-tsuki – Two-handed thrust.
Armed Attacks – Pistol
Defense against firearm threats.
- Shomen-zuke – Gun aimed at the abdomen.
- Koshi-gamae – Gun held at the side.
- Haimen-zuke – Gun aimed at the back.
Kodokan Goshin-jutsu represents a blend of traditional judo principles with modern-day self-defense applications, maintaining Kano’s vision of adaptability and relevance. This kata emphasizes timing, distance, calm under pressure, and control over escalating threats.
Greeting Ceremony – 挨拶 (Aisatsu)
The judoka performing the techniques is Tori – 取 り, and the receiving judoka is Uke – 受 け. The standard size of the tatami (judo mat) is 8 by 8 meters.
Uke carries the dagger tucked on the inside and holds a stick in his right hand at hip height, with the blade edge (the curved side) of the stick facing upward. The pistol is hidden inside the judo-gi, positioned near the body. Both judoka stand 8 meters apart outside the tatami and begin with a standing bow (Ritsu-rei – 立 礼) toward the mat—performed in the same manner as in other kata.
They step onto the mat simultaneously. At a distance of 6 mats from the center, both turn a quarter turn and bow toward the shomen (front side). Next, they turn to face each other and perform another standing bow.
Uke then steps back, turns to the left, and places the weapons in the corner of the tatami. First, the stick and dagger are placed down, followed by the pistol, which is positioned above the stick. Uke then stands up and returns to his original position.
Both judoka take a large step forward and assume the natural posture (Shizenhontai 自然本体). They proceed to walk toward the center of the mat using Ayumi-ashi (歩み足).
Unarmed Attack (Held by Both Wrists) – Ryote Dori
As Tori and Uke meet in the center of the tatami, Uke, the attacker, steps forward with the left foot and grabs both of Tori’s wrists. Immediately after, Uke attempts a knee strike with the right knee aimed at Tori’s groin.
Tori, the defender, avoids the strike by stepping backward with the left foot, shifting the body out of the line of attack. At the same time, Tori uses the right hand to force Uke’s right thumb out of the grip, breaking the hold. Tori then delivers a sideward strike with the right hand toward Uke’s head, while maintaining grip on the wrist.
As Tori steps sideways, Uke’s arm is fully extended and placed under tension. This allows Tori to apply an arm lock (Ude-Hishigi-Waki-Gatame), with Uke’s arm secured under Tori’s armpit. Uke taps out by slapping their own thigh to signal submission.
Hidari Eri Dori – Left Collar Grab
Uke attacks by grabbing Tori’s left lapel with the right hand and pushes Tori backward, stepping forward with the right foot to increase pressure.
Tori immediately grasps Uke’s hand with the left hand to maintain control, and steps backward with the left foot, causing Uke to become slightly off balance. In the same motion, Tori delivers a strike to Uke’s face (uto) with the right fist, accompanied by a strong kiai.
Following the strike, Tori places the left hand on Uke’s right elbow, and then steps backward with the right foot, applying further unbalancing force. As Uke is driven downward, Tori completes the counterattack by applying a wrist and elbow joint lock, pinning Uke to the ground. The technique is stabilized and controlled with Tori’s left knee placed on Uke’s body, preventing escape or resistance.
Migi Eri Dori – Right Collar Grab
Uke attacks by grabbing Tori’s right lapel with the left hand and pulls Tori forward, stepping back with the left foot to generate force.
Tori immediately steps forward with the right foot, moving into the attack to neutralise the pulling motion. At the same time, Tori delivers a right uppercut strike under Uke’s chin, aimed at the jawline to disrupt Uke’s focus and posture.
Following the strike, Tori uses the left hand (palm down) to grasp Uke’s wrist from above, and steps backward with the left foot to create distance. The right hand joins the left in controlling the wrist, and Tori rotates the body sharply to apply a wrist lock.
This motion twists and destabilises Uke, forcing Uke into a vulnerable position, and Tori completes the technique by projecting Uke to the ground using the momentum from the turn combined with the locking pressure.
Kataude Dori – Single Arm Grab from Behind
Uke approaches Tori from the rear right side and grabs Tori’s right arm just above the elbow with Uke’s left hand. Using this grip, Uke attempts to force Tori to walk forward.
Tori goes along with the motion and steps forward with the left foot, seemingly cooperating. While walking, Tori suddenly turns to face Uke and delivers a sharp kick with the right foot to Uke’s knee, disrupting balance. At the same time, Tori pulls Uke’s arm in to accentuate the kuzushi (off-balancing).
Tori then uses both hands to seize Uke’s wrist, pulls it tight, and brings the arm under control. Executing a swift turn, Tori applies a standing arm lock, known as Ude-Hishigi-Waki-Gatame, trapping Uke’s arm beneath the armpit.
Uke, unable to escape the controlled pressure, submits by tapping on their own thigh.
Ushiro Eri Dori – Rear Collar Grab
Tori and Uke stand in line, one behind the other. As Tori begins to walk forward with the right foot, Uke follows closely behind and suddenly grabs the collar of Tori’s judogi from behind using the right hand, attempting to pull Tori backwards.
Tori immediately turns around to face Uke, bringing up the left arm to block and control Uke’s grabbing arm. Simultaneously, Tori strikes Uke’s solar plexus with a right-handed blow, executed with a twisting motion to generate more impact.
Without delay, Tori transitions into an Ude-gatame (straight arm lock), controlling Uke’s elbow joint. The pressure and positioning make it impossible for Uke to resist, resulting in a tap-out to indicate submission.
Ushiro Jime – Rear Strangle Attempt
Tori and Uke begin standing one behind the other, with Tori walking forward in a relaxed manner. After the third step, Uke suddenly closes the distance and attempts to apply a Hadaka-jime (naked strangle) by wrapping the right arm around Tori’s neck from behind.
Tori immediately tucks his chin down to protect the throat and grasps Uke’s arm to prevent the choke from tightening. To counter, Tori steps forward with the right foot and makes a turning motion, placing the right hand on Uke’s elbow while continuing to pivot.
Using this motion, Tori applies pressure on Uke’s arm, forcing it into extension and unbalancing the attacker. Uke is driven to the ground, landing face down, and is immobilised in a controlled arm lock. Unable to escape, Uke submits by tapping out.
Kakae Dori – Bear Hug from Behind
In the final technique of the first series, Uke attacks by wrapping both arms tightly around Tori’s waist from behind in a strong bear hug.
Tori immediately stomps down with the right foot onto Uke’s foot to break the grip. As Uke instinctively loosens the hold, Tori lifts both arms upward and quickly turns to the right.
Tori then grabs Uke’s right wrist with his left hand, and brings his right arm behind Uke’s right elbow, creating a joint lock. In an attempt to resist the pressure, Uke moves forward and upward to escape.
Tori follows Uke’s motion, redirects it, and guides Uke into a controlled forward roll. This movement ends with Uke on the ground, fully subdued and under Tori’s control.
Naname Uchi – Diagonal Strike
Tori and Uke walk toward each other. As they close the distance, Uke strikes diagonally toward Tori’s head with the right hand, aiming to land a powerful blow.
Tori immediately steps back with the left foot, using tai-sabaki to avoid the strike, moving the head just out of the line of attack. As Uke’s strike misses, Tori seizes the opportunity to counter by pushing Uke’s striking arm downward with the left hand, and delivers a right uppercut (atemi) to the chin.
Capitalising on Uke’s momentary imbalance, Tori transitions into a throat grab, locking Uke’s movement. Without releasing the hold, Tori performs a right-sided O-soto-gari, sweeping Uke’s leg and throwing him backward. The throat grip remains intact, ensuring full control upon landing.
Ago Tsuki – Uppercut to the Chin
The attacker, Uke, initiates a powerful right uppercut (tsuki-age) directed at Tori’s chin. Tori responds by stepping back with the left foot, effectively avoiding the impact of the strike. At the same time, Tori intercepts the punching arm, seizing Uke’s right wrist with the right hand and guiding it downward, which causes Uke’s elbow to rise.
Tori then places the left hand against Uke’s elevated elbow, applying upward pressure while simultaneously stepping forward with the left foot. This movement creates a strong rotational force, compelling Uke to follow the pressure and step forward to avoid injury.
With control of the arm fully established, Tori intensifies the pressure, turning the technique into a forceful lock that drives Uke into a forward roll, concluding the counterattack with complete control.
Ganmen Tsuki – Straight Punch to the Face
As Uke and Tori approach each other, Uke steps forward with the left foot and launches a left-handed punch aimed directly at Tori’s face (ganmen tsuki). Tori immediately steps forward with the right foot, closing the distance while intercepting the attack.
At the same time, Tori delivers a powerful counterstrike to Uke’s floating ribs with the left fist, sharply winding Uke. Without pause, Tori wraps his right arm around Uke’s neck, applying a Hadaka-jime (rear naked choke).
The choke is applied decisively, cutting off the air or blood flow and forcing Uke to submit. After a moment, Tori releases the choke, and Uke, now limp, collapses backward as if rendered unconscious.
This technique emphasizes direct interception, precision in Atemi (striking), and the decisive application of a strangulation technique to neutralize the threat.
Mae Geri – Front Kick
The eleventh technique in the Kodokan Goshin-jutsu sequence is Mae Geri, or front kick.
As Uke and Tori walk toward each other, Uke suddenly delivers a front kick with the right leg, aimed at Tori’s midsection. Reacting quickly, Tori pivots his body to the right, simultaneously stepping back with his right foot to avoid the full impact of the strike.
At the moment the kick passes, Tori catches Uke’s foot with both hands, securing it firmly. Without hesitation, Tori twists Uke’s foot outward, applying torque to the ankle joint, simulating a break or severe lock. Maintaining the hold, Tori forcefully pushes Uke backward, sending them off balance and onto the mat.
This technique emphasizes control, timing, and the efficient use of body rotation to redirect and neutralize a powerful linear attack such as a front kick.
Yoko Geri – Side Kick
The final technique of the second series in Kodokan Goshin-jutsu is Yoko Geri, or side kick.
As Tori and Uke walk toward each other, Uke suddenly steps laterally to the left with the intention of delivering a powerful side kick with the right leg aimed at Tori’s midsection. Reacting with precision, Tori deflects the incoming kick by striking Uke’s foot with his right hand, redirecting the force and causing Uke to miss.
Immediately after, Tori steps behind Uke, grabs both shoulders from behind, and pulls Uke off balance backward. In one fluid motion, Tori drops to one knee, specifically placing the right knee upright, while bringing Uke’s lower back down onto it, simulating a spinal lock or break.
This dramatic technique highlights the dangers of overcommitting to a linear strike without maintaining balance. It demonstrates how effective redirection, disruption of balance, and a well-timed counter can turn an aggressive attack into a devastating counter technique.
Weapon Attack – Knife Thrust (Tsukkake 突懸)
Uke steps backward with the right foot, turns, and draws a dagger (Tanto), placing it inside the judogi on the inner side of the belt. Both judoka approach each other. As they close the distance, Uke steps back with the right foot to draw the knife, preparing to thrust forward.
Tori immediately steps in with the right foot, delivers a left-hand strike to Uke’s face, and grabs Uke’s left wrist (the one holding the dagger). Tori then twists Uke’s wrist outward and simultaneously grabs Uke’s elbow with the right hand, rotating Uke’s body.
By stepping diagonally away, Tori unbalances Uke, forces them forward, and throws them face-down to the mat. While controlling Uke in a prone position, Tori applies an arm lock (Ude-hishigi) to Uke’s elbow. Uke, unable to escape the lock, submits by tapping out.
Straight Thrust – Choku Tsuki (直突き)
The attacker, Uke, steps forward with the left foot to draw the dagger from inside the judogi, aiming to execute a direct thrust at Tori.
Tori responds instantly by stepping forward with the left foot, guiding Uke’s stabbing arm away with the left hand, and striking Uke in the face with a right-hand punch.
Tori then grabs Uke’s right wrist, pulling Uke slightly forward in the direction of the attack. At the same time, Tori traps Uke’s arm under the left armpit, securing full control.
From this position, Tori applies a standing arm lock—Waki-gatame (armpit lock)—forcing Uke into submission. Uke has no choice but to tap out.
Diagonal Thrust – Naname Tsuki (斜突き)
The attacker, Uke, steps forward with the left foot, draws a dagger with the right hand, and attempts a diagonal downward stab toward Tori’s chest, advancing with the right foot.
Tori, the defender, steps back with the right foot and turns to the right, parrying the attack by grabbing Uke’s right wrist from above with the left hand. Tori then secures both hands on Uke’s wrist, lifting the arm upward to disrupt Uke’s balance.
With control over the arm, Tori executes a Kote-gaeshi (wrist-turn throw) or transitions directly into a standing Ude-garame (entangled arm lock). After bringing Uke to the ground, Tori disarms Uke and places the dagger against Uke’s throat to demonstrate full control.
In traditional interpretations, variations of this technique even force Uke to turn the blade toward their own neck during the throw—a decisive example of “ju yoku go o sei suru” (柔よく剛を制する) — “gentleness controls force.”
Stick Attack – Furi Age (振り上げ)
Upward Swing
After completing the dagger techniques, Uke puts the dagger away and retrieves the stick (jo). As attacker, Uke steps backward with the right foot, raising the stick to prepare for a powerful downward strike.
Tori anticipates the attack immediately by stepping forward with the left foot and simultaneously blocking the swing with the left hand, intercepting the weapon before it can gain full momentum.
In response, Uke counters with a palm strike to Tori’s chin using the right hand, then follows up by grabbing Tori to execute an O-soto-gari (major outer reap). The technique is halted at the point of control, showing Tori’s preparedness and the fluid interchange between attack and defence.
After the technique, both judoka switch positions in preparation for the next sequence in the kata.
Furi Oroshi (振り下ろし)
Downward Strike
Tori and Uke approach each other. Uke steps forward with the right foot, raising the stick and attempting a downward strike aimed at Tori’s head.
Tori avoids the strike by stepping backwards, causing the weapon to miss its target. Immediately after the dodge, Tori switches to counter-attack mode. He steps forward with the left foot and delivers a left-handed punch (Atemi) to Uke’s nose bridge (Uto).
Tori then closes the distance with another advancing step, landing a second punch to the same point. This destabilises Uke, who loses balance and falls backward from the impact.
During the sequence, Tori disarms Uke, taking control of the stick with the right hand. Once Uke regains composure and stands up, Tori respectfully returns the stick, restoring the balance between them before continuing.
Morote Tsuki (諸手突き)
Two-Handed Thrust (with a Stick)
In the final stick attack, Uke thrusts the stick toward Tori’s abdomen. Uke steps forward with the left foot and aims a powerful forward thrust with both hands on the stick.
Tori reacts instantly with Tai-sabaki (body evasion), stepping forward with the right foot, angling his body away from the direct line of the attack. Simultaneously, he deflects the stick slightly with his right hand, taking control of the attack’s momentum.
Tori then reaches over the top of the stick with his left hand, and threads his right hand inside between Uke’s grip — locking the stick between both of Uke’s hands.
With a forward step using the right foot, Tori destabilises Uke. A subtle twist of the stick adds rotational force, causing Uke to lose balance and be guided into a forward roll across the tatami.
This smooth, controlled counter demonstrates superior timing and technique, transforming Uke’s committed attack into a graceful fall through redirection and precision.
Shomen Zuke (正面付け) – Pistol Threat from the Front
Uke, the attacker, steps forward with the right foot, holding a pistol pressed against their own abdomen, mimicking a robbery scenario. With the other hand, Uke gestures as if searching for a wallet — creating a high-tension, realistic threat.
Tori reacts with calm composure, slowly raising both hands in a non-threatening manner while maintaining eye contact with Uke. As Tori watches Uke’s gaze and intent, he carefully chooses the right moment to act.
With a sharp and committed movement, Tori pivots to the right and steps slightly forward with the left foot, closing the distance. He immediately grasps the pistol with his left hand, thumb placed firmly on top, while the right hand comes from above to add pressure and control.
Using both hands, Tori forcibly redirects the pistol to the side, ensuring the barrel is no longer aimed at him. This redirection breaks Uke’s grip, forcing Uke to take a compensating step forward with the left foot, and leaves the weapon in Tori’s control.
This technique exemplifies kime (decisiveness) and tai-sabaki (body movement) under extreme pressure — transforming a life-threatening situation into an opportunity for control and de-escalation.
Koshi Gamae (腰構え) – Pistol Threat from the Side (at the Waist)
Uke approaches Tori from the side, stepping in with the left foot, and aims a pistol at Tori’s waistline. With the left hand, Uke attempts to search for or take Tori’s wallet, imitating a classic side-ambush scenario.
Tori remains composed and aware. In one swift motion, he pushes the pistol away from his body using both hands — first redirecting the barrel outward to avoid immediate danger. He then firmly grabs the weapon with both hands, twisting it forcefully to the right. This decisive action traps Uke’s trigger finger, likely causing injury or fracture as the weapon is torn away.
Now fully in control, Tori strikes upward with the bottom (grip) of the pistol, delivering a precise blow to Uke’s chin. This sudden and powerful counter neutralises the attacker and asserts complete dominance over the situation.
This technique highlights Kime-no-Kata’s core principle — the ability to respond with calm precision under threat, using efficient body mechanics and mental clarity to neutralise armed danger effectively.
Haimen Zuke (背面突け) – Pistol Threat from Behind
In this final technique, Uke follows closely behind Tori and steps forward with the right foot, pressing the barrel of the pistol against Tori’s back to simulate a stealth hold-up. With the free hand, Uke begins to search Tori’s side, attempting to locate a wallet or valuable.
Tori remains calm and alert. At the right moment, he turns sharply to the right, trapping Uke’s gun-wielding arm by wrapping his own right arm over and around it. Maintaining control of the weapon, Tori turns back to the left, entering a powerful hip throw (koshi-waza) motion. Uke is thrown over Tori’s hip and lands on the mat, completely disarmed.
The pistol is now in Tori’s possession. After completing the control, Tori returns the weapon to Uke. Uke retrieves the other weapons (tanto and stick) and both judoka prepare for the final bowing ceremony.
This concluding technique of Kodokan Goshin Jutsu showcases decisive reaction under extreme pressure, highlighting principles of awareness, redirection, and control — cornerstones of judo’s application in self-defence against armed threats.