JU NO KATA (Prearranged Forms of Gentleness)
Ju no kata demonstrates the importance of flexibility when facing a strong opponent. This kata was developed in order to explore new ideas and to study about the limits of human flexibility. Furthermore, the core objective was to understand fighting methods.
Ju no kata was developed in 1887 at the Kodokan. It contains 15 techniques that are distributed in 3 categories.
Ikkyo
- Shoulder Turn (Kata-Mawashi)
- Hand Thrusting (Tsuki-Dashi)
- Seizure of Both Hands (Ryote-Dori)
- Jaw Thrusting (Ago-Oshi)
- Shoulder Push (Kata-Oshi)
Nikyo
- Nasion Strike (Naname-Uchi)
- Single Hand Seizure from the Side (Katate-Dori)
- Head Cut with hand Sword (Kiri-Oroshi)
- Pressing Down on Both Shoulders (Ryokata-Oshi)
- Single Hand Raising (Katate-Age)
Sankyo
- Direct Head Strike (Uchi-Oroshi)
- Chest Push (Mune-Oshi)
- Both Eyes Poke (Ryogan-Tsuki)
- Uppercut (Tsuki-Age)
- Belt Seizure (Obi-Tori)
This kata can be demonstrated by 2 participants and does not require any special equipment or clothing. Ju no Kata was inspired by the concept of ‘willow’ by Doctor Akiyama Shinobu when he was meditating. He noticed that trees were losing branches due to heavy snow, yet, the willow was unaffected. The snow would just fall off its branches without damaging the branches. Similar to the willow, ju no kata uses strength that maintains balance while keeping a strong root.
One of the objectives of ju no kata is to condition the body. Specifically, the legs and trunks. It also aims to make the spine flexible and loosen the shoulders. Therefore, it promotes a positive physical culture.
Students also gain physical education as envisioned by Jigoro Kano. Learning to use an adequate amount of force in the proper direction while using the body as a whole improves overall physical awareness and mental coordination.
Students also learn how to excite self-preservation, which is an instinct – that can be improved with training. Students learn different methods on how force is applied against their opponents and how they can evade opposing force.
These are advanced movements and new students practice this under strict supervision. Initially, the movements are slow. This makes sure that there is no element of ‘panic’ due to an unexpected attack. After a sufficient amount of training, the Sensei may speed up the movement, depending on the level of the student. This is necessary to master ju no kata. Understanding and applying the concepts of balance and force is a delicate and slow process. Precision is achieved via vigorous practice, and of course, it takes time to understand the smooth flow of rhythm. This kata is about awareness. Students are taught to perform while thinking and be aware of their surroundings.
This kata can be practised by students who do not have randori experience. However, both should be practised as it helps the kata.
Many artificial movements are used in ju no kata. A circular movement that may not have any practical application in real-life situations. But they are used to train the inner energy. Students are taught to breathe consciously and feel the flow of energy through their bodies. This kata is suitable for both the young and old.
