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Kodomo-no-Kata

Level 6 (Roku)

Roku

Level 6 adds turning. The judoka practises forward rolling breakfalls and turning body control, then meets two named throws — the knee wheel (Hiza-guruma) and the body drop (Tai-otoshi) — performed on a kneeling partner to each side.

What you'll learn

  • Add the forward rolling breakfall.
  • Turn to the front and rear with control.
  • Perform Hiza-guruma and Tai-otoshi on a kneeling partner.

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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-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.

  • Ayumi-ashi

    Natural walking

    Footwork

    Ordinary walking steps used to move across the mat while staying balanced.

  • Tsugi-ashi

    Shuffle stepping

    Footwork

    Shuffle steps where the feet never cross, keeping a stable base while moving.

  • 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.

Full curriculum

Reiho

Etiquette

English

  • Standing and seated bows

Remarks

  • As a pair, kata style — from seiza.

Ukemi

Breakfalls

English

  • Rear breakfall (Ushiro-ukemi)
  • Side breakfall (Yoko-ukemi)
  • Forward rolling breakfall (Mae-mawari-ukemi)

Remarks

  • Including an arm roll to the front over a partner on all fours.

Tai-sabaki / Shintai-dosa

Turning & footwork

English

  • Turning to the front and rear
  • Natural walking and shuffle stepping

Remarks

  • Gripped up, forward–back, to the side and in a circle.

Ashi-waza: Hiza-guruma

Leg technique: Knee wheel

English

  • Hiza-guruma on a kneeling partner

Remarks

  • ×2 — one to each side.

Te-waza: Tai-otoshi

Hand technique: Body drop

English

  • Tai-otoshi on a kneeling partner

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)