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Young judoka practising kata together on the mat.

Kodomo-no-Kata

Kodomo-no-Kata

Forms for children — a progressive learning journey for young judoka. From your first bow to your first throws, one level at a time.

Start your journeyWatch introduction

Why kata?

Why practise kata as a young judoka?

Kata builds the foundations of judo in a structured, safe and motivating way — and grows the judoka, not just the technique.

  • Confidence

    Steady, repeatable steps let every child feel themselves improve.

  • Coordination

    Whole-body movement that sharpens balance and control.

  • Respect

    Etiquette and the bow frame everything — respect for the dojo and the partner.

  • Teamwork

    Tori and Uke learn to work together and trust each other.

  • Technical development

    Clean fundamentals that the rest of judo is built on.

  • Competition preparation

    Safe falling, balance and timing that carry straight into shiai.

  • Safety

    Falling and throwing learned safely for both partners, every time.

  • Toward traditional kata

    A natural bridge to the traditional Kodokan kata that follow.

The journey

Your Kodomo-no-Kata roadmap

Eight steps, from the prologue to Level 1. There is no rush — take each one at the pace that keeps it safe and fun.

  1. Prologue

    Joshō

    Step onto the mat: how to wear the judogi, bow, fall safely and move.

    • Etiquette
    • Posture
    • Breakfalls
    • Footwork
    • Body control
    Explore

  2. Level 7 (Nana)

    Nana

    First throws: tip a kneeling partner using front and rear shifting.

    • Breakfalls
    • Shifting
    • First throws
    Explore

  3. Level 6 (Roku)

    Roku

    Turning throws on a kneeling partner: Hiza-guruma and Tai-otoshi.

    • Rolling breakfall
    • Turning
    • Leg & hand throws
    Explore

  4. Level 5 (Go)

    Go

    Standing throws and balance breaking in eight directions.

    • Gripping & moving
    • Balance breaking
    • Standing throws
    Explore

  5. Level 4 (Yon)

    Yon

    Balance breaking on the move with leg, hand and hip throws.

    • Balance on the move
    • Body control
    • Hip throw
    Explore

  6. Level 3 (San)

    San

    Energetic throws and the first standing-to-ground transition.

    • Dynamic kuzushi
    • Leg, hand & hip throws
    • Throw-to-hold transition
    Explore

  7. Level 2 (Ni)

    Ni

    Reaping throws, a combination, and three throw-to-hold transitions.

    • Reaping throws
    • Combinations
    • Throw-to-hold transitions
    Explore

  8. Level 1 (Ichi)

    Ichi

    The pinnacle: advanced throws, a combination, and four transitions to holds.

    • Advanced throws
    • Combination
    • Four transitions
    Explore

Level colours mark the order of the journey — a visual guide, not official belt ranks.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is Kodomo-no-Kata?
Kodomo-no-Kata means 'Forms for Children'. It is a progressive kata developed by the Kodokan Judo Institute, with the IJF and the French Judo Federation, to teach children the fundamentals of judo in a safe, step-by-step way. It has a prologue and seven graded levels.
Why is it important?
It builds the technical foundation of judo — etiquette, safe falling, coordination, footwork and the first throws — while developing confidence, respect and teamwork between partners. It also prepares young judoka for competition and for the traditional Kodokan kata later on.
Who is it for?
Primarily children, but it works just as well for teenagers and adults who are beginning their judo journey. No previous experience is needed — the prologue starts from the very beginning.
How long does it take?
Kodomo-no-Kata is a journey, not a single session. Most young judoka work through the levels over months or years, returning to earlier levels as their judo grows. There is no rush — progress at the pace that keeps it safe and enjoyable.
Can parents help at home?
Yes. Parents can watch the videos together with their child, learn the Japanese terms, and use the practice checklist to celebrate progress. Throws should only be practised on the mat under a qualified coach — but etiquette, posture and the vocabulary are easy to review anywhere.
How is it evaluated?
Each level can be used as a grading test. Evaluators look at etiquette, posture, movement, technical execution, control, safety, coordination, rhythm, knowledge of the terminology and attitude, rated on a five-point scale. The goal is to encourage learning and progress, not to pass or fail.

Adapted for Judo New Brunswick from the official Kodokan programme. Coordination: Sonia Boulianne — Kata Committee, Judo New Brunswick.