Skip to content
All levels

Kodomo-no-Kata

Level 1 (Ichi)

Ichi

Level 1 is the summit of Kodomo-no-Kata. The judoka performs the inner thigh throw, the sweeping hip throw and the large outer reap, links the small inner reap into a shoulder throw, and finishes with four transitions from the single back carry throw into four different holds. From here, the path opens to the traditional Kodokan kata.

What you'll learn

  • Perform Uchi-mata, Harai-goshi and O-soto-gari.
  • Combine Ko-uchi-gari into Ippon-seoi-nage.
  • Transition from the back carry throw into four holds.

Watch this level

Techniques in this level

  • Mae-mawari-ukemi

    Forward rolling breakfall

    Breakfalls

    Roll diagonally across the back and come up to your feet — a smooth roll, never a flop.

  • Uchi-mata

    Inner thigh throw

    Throws

    Spring Uke up and over the inner thigh. Introduced with a linear movement, then a circular entry.

  • Harai-goshi

    Sweeping hip throw

    Throws

    Load Uke onto the hip and sweep the thigh, sweeping leg and hip acting as one.

  • O-soto-gari

    Large outer reap

    Throws

    Break Uke back over a reaped supporting leg. Learned by lifting and rocking the leg first, then with a full step-in.

  • Ko-uchi-gari

    Small inner reap

    Throws

    A small inside clip to Uke's near foot that breaks balance to the rear — pairs naturally with o-uchi-gari.

  • Ippon-seoi-nage

    Single back carry throw

    Throws

    Dip under and carry Uke across one shoulder, then drop to throw forward.

  • Kesa-gatame

    Scarf hold

    Holds

    Pin Uke from the side, controlling the head and one arm. The first pin every judoka learns.

  • Ushiro-kesa-gatame

    Reverse scarf hold

    Holds

    A scarf hold facing toward Uke's legs, used when Uke turns out of the standard hold.

  • Yoko-shiho-gatame

    Side four-corner hold

    Holds

    Control Uke from the side, pinning across the chest and hips.

  • Kami-shiho-gatame

    Upper four-corner hold

    Holds

    Control Uke from above the head, gripping the belt and pinning the shoulders.

Full curriculum

Reiho

Etiquette

English

  • Standing and seated bows

Remarks

  • As a pair, kata style — from seiza.

Ukemi

Breakfalls

English

  • Forward rolling breakfall (Mae-mawari-ukemi)

Remarks

  • From standing, Tori rolls over Uke on all fours — both sides.

Ashi-waza: Uchi-mata

Leg technique: Inner thigh throw

English

  • Uchi-mata

Remarks

  • ×4 — 2 each side, linear then circular movement.

Koshi-waza: Harai-goshi

Hip technique: Sweeping hip throw

English

  • Harai-goshi

Remarks

  • ×4 — 2 each side, static then with a linear movement.

Ashi-waza: O-soto-gari

Leg technique: Large outer reap

English

  • O-soto-gari

Remarks

  • ×4 — 2 each side; lift and rock the leg, then step-in and throw.

Renraku: Ko-uchi-gari → Ippon-seoi-nage

Combination: small inner reap to single back carry throw

English

  • Chain ko-uchi-gari into ippon-seoi-nage

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side, static.

Transition: Ippon-seoi-nage → holds

Standing throw into a holding technique

English

  • Into scarf hold (Kesa-gatame)
  • Into reverse scarf hold (Ushiro-kesa-gatame)
  • Into side four-corner hold (Yoko-shiho-gatame)
  • Into upper four-corner hold (Kami-shiho-gatame)

Practice checklist

Tick off each piece as you practise it — your progress is saved on this device.

Saved on this device only — no account needed.

Take it with you

Download the guide (PDF)