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Kodomo-no-Kata

Level 4 (Yon)

Yon

Level 4 takes the eight-direction balance breaking into movement and combines all four directions of body control. The judoka performs the knee wheel, the body drop and the large hip throw — now from standing, to each side.

What you'll learn

  • Break balance in eight directions while moving.
  • Combine front, rear and turning body control.
  • Perform Hiza-guruma, Tai-otoshi and O-goshi from standing.

Watch this level

Techniques in this level

  • Ushiro-ukemi

    Rear breakfall

    Breakfalls

    Round the back, tuck the chin to the chest and slap the mat with both arms. The very first safety skill.

  • Yoko-ukemi

    Side breakfall

    Breakfalls

    Fall to one side and slap with the matching arm, protecting the head and elbow.

  • 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.

  • Hiza-guruma

    Knee wheel

    Throws

    The sole of the foot props Uke's knee as a pivot ('wheel'), turning Uke over the blocked leg. Balance and timing, not force.

  • Tai-otoshi

    Body drop

    Throws

    Tori steps across and lowers the body, bringing Uke over an extended leg. Posture does the work.

  • O-goshi

    Large hip throw

    Throws

    Load Uke high onto the hips and rotate them over. Builds the kuzushi–tsukuri–kake rhythm.

Full curriculum

Reiho

Etiquette

English

  • Standing and seated bows

Remarks

  • As a pair, kata style — from seiza.

Ukemi

Breakfalls

English

  • Rear, side and forward rolling breakfalls

Remarks

  • From standing, then on one knee rolling to the front.

Tai-sabaki

Body control

English

  • Front and rear shifting, turning to the front and rear

Kuzushi: Happo-no-kuzushi on the move

Balance breaking in eight directions, moving

English

  • Off-balance Uke in eight directions while moving

Ashi-waza: Hiza-guruma

Leg technique: Knee wheel

English

  • Hiza-guruma from standing

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side.

Te-waza: Tai-otoshi

Hand technique: Body drop

English

  • Tai-otoshi from standing

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side.

Koshi-waza: O-goshi

Hip technique: Large hip throw

English

  • O-goshi from standing

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side.

Practice checklist

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

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Take it with you

Download the guide (PDF)