Kata

Judo Alberta Kata Committee Structure

The Provincial Kata Committee’s mission is to increase the awareness and practice of Kata in Alberta by providing education and support for all.

Kata Committee Members

  • Kelly Palmer (Chair)
  • Gord Okamura
  • Wesley Enns
  • Jennifer Parker

The Provincial Kata Committee’s goals are to increase the awareness and practice of Kata in Alberta, and to provide education and support for Sensei and athletes. This is an ongoing, multi year target. However, to assist in this we have an opportunity to attain concrete results due to Nationals being in Calgary for the next three years. Calgary Nationals 2025-27 – the Committee’s main 2024/25 goal is to prepare new U16/U23 teams for Kata Nationals in Calgary and to show Kata, for those who do not enjoy shiai, as an alternative to compete.

Kata Goals and Plans for 2024/25 Season

Upcoming Kata Clinics

Kata Tuesdays – Kodokan Goshin Jutsu
The Provincial Kata Committee will be offering instructions in Kodokan Goshin Jutsu to anyone interested in this kata. This in-person session will also be broadcast and recorded on Google Meet (please mute):
https://calendar.app.google/LewVywJEyc1AFE9f7

  • When: Tuesdays on October 8, 15, 22, 29 starting at 6:00pm MST sharp and ending at 7:25pm. Each session will build on the previous one.
  • Where: Tokugawa Dojo, 9647-62 Avenue, Edmonton
  • Contents: Introductory level. Weapons will be provided.
  • Presented by: Gord Okamura, National Kata Coach and Provincial Grading and Kata Committee member
  • Contact: Gord Okamura email address: gyokamura@gmail.com

Nage no kata / Katame no kata Clinic – October 19-20, 2024
The Provincial Kata Committee is pleased to offer introductory presentation of Nage no kata and Katame no kata to all interested judoka. These kata will be seen at the 2025 National Kata Championships in Calgary.

  • When: Saturday October 19 10 am – 5 pm Nage no Kata and Sunday October 20 9am – 4 pm Katame no Kata 
  • Where: Hiro’s Judo Club – 1919 27 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7E4
  • Presented by: Gord Okamura, National Kata Coach
  • Registration: $35 Registration through trackie here.
  • Contact: Gord Okamura email address: gyokamura@gmail.com

What is Kata?

Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo, explains there are essentially two ways of practicing judo: randori (with its variant in competition) and kata. Kata literally means “form”. Kata is practiced according to a pre-established system of codified movements, while randori is practiced freely.

The goal of kata is therefore to learn and practice the fundamental principals and techniques of judo. It is important for the student and teacher to incorporate kata in their training.

For more information, please consult the VETERAN & KATA HANDBOOK

Kata Selection Criteria – World Kata Championships (Sept 13/14, 2021 Krakow, Poland)

Judging Kata

If you are interested in judging Kata events, know that Judo Canada uses the same Kata Evaluation rules as the International Judo Federation. Judo Canada also offers training and evaluation clinics for potential Kata judges. For further information, go to https://judocanada.org/kata-judging/

Kata Resources

The International Judo Federation  (IJF) has released the new Kata competition criteria for evaluation. Please refer to the 2019 Kata Competition handbook for more details.

IJF_KATA_EVALUATION_Jan_2024-E-1706106369

To download the handbook please click here.

Kata Resources

Kodomo No Kata Resources:

Ju No Kata Resources:

Katame No Kata Resources:

Nage No Kata Resources:

Kodokan Goshin Jutsu Resources:  

Kime No Kata Resources:  

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