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Kodomo-no-Kata

Level 7 (Nana)

Nana

Level 7 opens the throwing journey. After revisiting etiquette, breakfalls and footwork, the young judoka makes their first throws — tipping a kneeling partner over using front shifting and rear shifting. Gentle, controlled, and always finished with a bow.

What you'll learn

  • Revise the bows, basic breakfalls and footwork.
  • Throw a kneeling partner using front shifting.
  • Throw a kneeling partner using rear shifting.

Watch this level

Techniques in this level

  • Ritsurei

    Standing bow

    Etiquette

    The standing bow, performed when stepping on and off the mat and to your partner. Respect opens and closes every practice.

  • Zarei

    Seated bow

    Etiquette

    The formal kneeling bow from seiza, used at the very start and end of the kata.

  • 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.

  • Outen-ukemi

    Rolling to the side breakfall

    Breakfalls

    Roll across the shoulders to the side, used from low and kneeling positions.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Full curriculum

Reiho

Etiquette

English

  • Standing bow (Ritsurei)
  • Seated bow (Zarei)

Remarks

  • As a pair, kata style — from seiza.

Ukemi

Breakfalls

English

  • Rear breakfall (Ushiro-ukemi)
  • Side breakfall (Yoko-ukemi)
  • Rolling to the side breakfall (Outen-ukemi)

Remarks

  • Supine and sitting-up versions, then to each side.

Tai-sabaki / Shintai-dosa

Body control & footwork

English

  • Front and rear shifting
  • Natural walking and shuffle stepping

Remarks

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

Mae-sabaki (throwing) / Ushiro-sabaki (throwing)

Throwing by front and rear shifting

English

  • Throw by front shifting
  • Throw by rear shifting

Remarks

  • ×2 each, Uke kneeling on one knee — one to each side.

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)