ITSUTSU NO KATA (Prearranged Forms of Five)
The Itsutsu no Kata is one of the highest forms of kata. It was developed by Jigoro Kano in 1887 and it was designed to uphold the core principles of Judo. To practice this kata, one needs to be fluent in the principles of all the other forms of Judo kata. There are 5 symbolic movements in this kata that are inspired by nature. The kata expresses principles and techniques that represent the force of nature. This particular kata is also known as the ‘unfinished kata’ as Kano never named the techniques.
Kano believed that Judo and martial arts, in general, are governed by 5 principles. He expresses his concepts in the most minimalistic way possible, distilling the teachings of Judo with minimum principles. Kano believed that these principles are universal and represent the natural movements that govern the universe. Waves in the ocean are a good example of his concepts.
The itsutsu no Kata drives on towards the truth. Hence it is an ‘inner kata’ that helps the person harmonize with the forces and elements of nature. This kata was learned by Kano from Tenjin Shinyoryo Jujitsu School and was taught as the last skill to be taught (okuden)
The 5 principles of itsutsu no Kata as named by Tenjin Shinyoryu Jijitsu School
- Continuous Pushing (Oshikaeshi)
- Draw Drop (Eige)
- Separation (Tomowakare)
- Pulling Tide (Roin)
- Instant Separation (Settsuka no wakare)
5 principles of itsutsu no Kata by Jigoro Kano explained:
- The first principle illustrates how constant attack can induce defeat. Even if one is facing a strong power, applying small attacks continuously and rationally will eventually control and defeat power. This technique is a representation of justice and its true strength.
- The second principles demonstrate how the energy or force of the opponent’s attack can be used against him.
- The third principle demonstrates the concepts of the whirlpool, where the outer circle is controlled by the inner circle. And when applied to martial arts, when two opponents circle around each other, they come close to each other and then part without damage.
- The fourth principle represents the ocean’s tide. No matter how big an object is, the power of the ocean will draw everything that is on the shore into the ocean. A large wave sweeps everything and cleans all impurity.
- The fifth principle demonstrates what happens to two objects with unlimited energies collide. The principle explains that one of the objects has to yield. Otherwise both objects will be destroyed. The principle explains further that one can step aside for the purpose of coexistence.
Kano originally wanted to include many more techniques in this kata but he was unable to complete it. Originally, the 5 principles were only known by number, no names were assigned to these principles. The last 3 principles are original; however, the first 2 have a link with the kata of the Kito School of Jujutsu.
This form of kata is an artistic representation that distils natural movements of water and heavenly bodies in martial arts. Expressing these movements requires expert skill.
