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Kodomo-no-Kata

Level 3 (San)

San

Level 3 brings energy and a new idea: linking a throw to a hold. The judoka breaks balance dynamically on the move, performs three named throws, and learns the first transition — from the blocking foot lift-pull throw straight into the scarf hold.

What you'll learn

  • Break balance energetically on the move.
  • Perform Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi, Ippon-seoi-nage and Tsuri-komi-goshi.
  • Transition from a throw into Kesa-gatame.

Watch this level

Techniques in this level

  • Mae-ukemi

    Front breakfall

    Breakfalls

    Catch a forward fall on the forearms, keeping the face and knees off the mat.

  • Mae-mawari-ukemi

    Forward rolling breakfall

    Breakfalls

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

  • Mae-sabaki

    Front shifting

    Body control

    Stepping in to face the same direction as Uke while keeping your balance.

  • Ushiro-sabaki

    Rear shifting

    Body control

    Stepping back to open the angle needed for a throw.

  • Mae-mawari-sabaki

    Turning to the front

    Body control

    A forward pivot that sets up forward throws.

  • Ushiro-mawari-sabaki

    Turning to the rear

    Body control

    A backward pivot that creates the entry for a throw.

  • Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi

    Blocking foot lift-pull throw

    Throws

    Block Uke's ankle while lifting and pulling, tipping them over the propped foot.

  • Ippon-seoi-nage

    Single back carry throw

    Throws

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

  • Tsuri-komi-goshi

    Lift-pull hip throw

    Throws

    Lift and pull Uke onto the hip with a high grip, then rotate them down.

  • Kesa-gatame

    Scarf hold

    Holds

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

Full curriculum

Reiho

Etiquette

English

  • Standing and seated bows

Remarks

  • As a pair, kata style — from seiza.

Ukemi

Breakfalls

English

  • Front breakfall (Mae-ukemi)
  • Forward rolling breakfall (Mae-mawari-ukemi)

Remarks

  • From kneeling, crouching, then standing.

Tai-sabaki

Body control

English

  • Turning to the front and rear

Remarks

  • Grip the sleeve ends, turn and lift Uke to each side.

Kuzushi: Tai-sabaki

Balance breaking through body movement

English

  • Break balance through movement

Remarks

  • Energetically, on the move.

Ashi-waza: Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi

Leg technique: Blocking foot lift-pull throw

English

  • Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side.

Te-waza: Ippon-seoi-nage

Hand technique: Single back carry throw

English

  • Ippon-seoi-nage

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side.

Koshi-waza: Tsuri-komi-goshi

Hip technique: Lift-pull hip throw

English

  • Tsuri-komi-goshi

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side.

Transition: Sasae-tsuri-komi-ashi → Kesa-gatame

Standing throw into a holding technique

English

  • Blocking foot lift-pull throw into the scarf hold

Practice checklist

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

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Download the guide (PDF)