Itsutsu-no-kata (Forms of Five) Explained

Crestmead Jujitsu
Sep 3, 2017
8 min read

INTRODUCTION

Itsutsu-no-kata is a set of techniques that is predominantly aimed at displaying the Tai sabaki (body movements) of Jujitsu, undertaking many other principles that form the basis of Jujitsu. It is a tool to test Tori (Attacker) and Uke’s (Receiver) cohesion, transition of movement, control and poise and correct execution of technique.

Contained within the kata are deeper characteristics that focus on the Godai (five great elements) and conflict management principles. This kata has been incorporated into the Tohkon Ryu syllabus directly from Tsutsumi Ryu Jujitsu. This kata is also traditionally in the Tenjin Shinyo Ryu syllabus and then transferred into the Kodokan Judo Syllabus by Shihan Jigoro Kano. Shihan Kano wished to transformed the kata to capture the natural movements of the elements, unfortunately was not able to complete his vision before passing away. For this reason the Tohkon Ryu Jujitsu version of the kata will visually differ in its technique presented.

KATA MEANING

The principles found within this kata historically have been used in warfare and now have been implemented into modern use of force charts or similar strategies in confrontation management. The kata requires the practitioner a deeper understanding of the principles of negotiation, use of force and conflict management skills to appreciate the true meaning.

THE KATA FORMALITIES

Uke and Tori approach from opposite ends of the tatami (Figure 1), bow (Ritsurei) at the edge facing each other. They walk to the middle of the mat, to a distance of approximately 3ft apart (Figure 2), turn to the examiner/s that should be on the Tori’s right side and bow (figure 3). Then turn and bow to each other.

Both Tori and Uke after bowing maintain a natural stance before Tori prompts the Uke to deliver that first attack. This is indicated by Tori altering their guard and stance position.

Throughout the kata, the Tori will maintain a left stance and the Uke will alternate their stance. The first part of each set the Uke will start also in a left stance and then change to a right stance for the second part. In the final set the Uke will maintain a right stance for both parts and distance from Tori of about 4ft apart.

When each technique has been executed, both Uke and Tori raise from the tatami in time with each other, circling in an anti-clockwise direction. When they are circling, it is important that both are keeping the same distance at which they started, keeping in a pretence weak position, focusing on each other.

The transition from the tatami should be simultaneous, as well as the movement when circling. The Tori should ensure their movement is minimal when circling and not to present their back to the panel.

After the final set Tori and Uke face each other, turn backwards to the other to adjust their gi. Tori will signal Uke with a tap to the leg to indicate when it is time to turn, to face each other. Upon the completion of the Kata they close it by again bowing to each other, and then to the examiner/s.

Maintaining a guard and stance the Tori and Uke simultaneously glide step away from each other. This distance is to ensure they are out of range of a reactionary gap (7 – 8 foot) and finally they turn in the same direction as they entered, and walk to the edge of the mat where they turn facing each other to bow to finalise the kata.

KATA SEQUENCE

SET 1 - NAGASHI - PART 1

Uke’s Stance - Left stance

Uke executes - Right mid-section punch

Tori’s Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Dropping cross ude lock throw

Motion

Uke executes a right mid-section punch
Tori simultaneously pivots and executes a deflection block to the Uke’s right arm. Tori secures a radial arm bar (joint locking technique) as they continue into a kneeling position.
Throughout the throwing technique, Tori extends their left arm facing palm downward. This assists the throwing technique by creating uplift and angle of projection.
The end position for Tori is on the left knee with right leg posted. Tori’s left knee, right foot and left ball of foot should be equally triangulated (Tripod).

Common Faults

Tori making a slight forward movement (irimi) prior to pivoting
Tori over pivoting that causes the loss of balance that contributes to poor posture and Tori utilising too much strength.

SET 1 - NAGASHI - PART 2

Uke Stance - Right stance

Uke executes - Left mid-section punch

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Dropping Uki otoshi

Motion

Uke executes a left mid-section punch
Tori simultaneously pivots and executes a right handed deflection block with their right palm and anchors Uke’s neck (with a cupped hand). After the deflection block, Tori draws the Uke’s left arm forward (cradling) as they continue into a kneeling position.
Throughout the throwing technique, Tori directs Uke’s head to a circular path towards their own stomach. Tori continues the drawing motion of the Uke’s cradled arm to their right hip. These two movement encourage Tori to maintain adequate posture and balance throughout the action of the throw.
The end position for Tori is on the left knee with right leg posted. Tori’s left knee, right foot and left ball of foot should be equally triangulated (Tripod).
After the completion of the throw, Tori executes an Uraken (Backhand) to the Uke’s mid-section and then sweeps Uke’s right arm to encourage Uke to roll up into a kneeling position.

Common Faults

Tori making a slight forward movement (irimi) prior to pivoting
Tori over pivoting that causes the loss of balance that contributes to poor posture.
Incorrect hand placement by Tori on the Uke’s neck and drawing of Uke’s right arm may cause Uke land awkwardly.

SET 2 - OKURI - PART 1

Uke’s Stance - Left stance

Uke executes - Right jab punch

Tori’s Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Waki otoshi

Motion

Uke executes a right jab punch
Tori simultaneously slides to their left and blocks Uke’s right jab with an outward deflection block with their right arm. Tori to ensure the block does not over deflect Uke’s right arm and blocking arm (forearm) is vertical.
Tori then enters and executes Waki otoshi
When both Tori and Uke are on the ground, Tori will continue rolling up to a kneeling position and applies an ude gatame.
Tori will then deflect the Uke’s right arm to encourage Uke to roll to a kneeling position.

Common Faults

Tori stepping forward instead of sliding to the side
Incorrect arm position when blocking
Incorrect gripping when executing the Waki otoshi
Tori and Uke’s legs being too close prior to the throwing technique. This will create an awkward flow when executing the throw.

SET 2 - OKURI - PART 2

Uke Stance - Right stance

Uke executes - Left jab punch

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Dropping knee lever take down

Motion

Uke executes a left jab punch
Tori slides to their left simultaneously blocking Uke’s left arm with an outward deflection block (with their right arm). Tori to ensure their blocking arm is vertical.
Combined with this motion is a palm strike to the Uke’s right brachial plexus tie-in.
Tori then executes several movements at once:

- Tori kneels on their left knee

- Left hand moves from previous striking position relocating to the inside of Uke’s left knee.

- Tori (with right hand) secures a c-grip to the Uke’s left wrist and guides Uke’s arm towards Uke’s left leg. At that point releases grip and relocates to Uke’s left ankle.

Tori levers Uke’s left knee (diagonally backward) creating a take down, simultaneously Tori’s right hand grip to Uke’s ankle creates a wedge. After Uke has been off balanced by this motion, Tori draws Uke’s left leg towards their own right hip.
After the completion of the take down, Tori delivers an Uraken to Uke’s groin with their left hand and then recoils their left hand to sweep Uke’s left leg away.
The sweeping motion encourages Uke to roll to a kneeling position.

Common Faults

Wrong knee kneeling
Incorrect hand placement to create leverage to execute the take down
Tori over balancing when executing the take down
Incorrect motion to sweep Uke leg

SET 3 - IRIMI - PART 1

Uke Stance - Left stance

Uke executes - Right mid-section punch

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Ko soto gari

Motion

Uke executes a right mid-section punch
Tori enters and blocks Uke’s punch with a pushing block with their left hand and secures a c-grip with their right hand. This motion is simultaneous with Tori executing a Ko soto gari.
The pushing block should be towards Uke’s rear right. This creates maximum off balancing (rear diagonal ankle roll).

Common Faults

Drawing the blocking arm too much towards the rear, creating the Uke’s heel to dig in to make it difficult to execute the foot sweep.
Allowing the Uke to shift forward too much, making near impossible to execute a foot sweep.

SET 3 - IRIMI - PART 2

Uke Stance - Right stance

Uke executes - Left mid-section punch

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Ko uchi gari

Motion

Uke executes a left mid-section punch
Tori enters and blocks Uke’s punch with a pushing block with their left hand and secures a c-grip with their right hand. This motion is simultaneous with Tori executing a Ko uchi gari.
The pushing block should be towards Uke’s rear left. This creates maximum off balancing (rear diagonal ankle roll).

Common Faults

Drawing the blocking arm too much towards the rear, creating the Uke to off balance too much, in turn losing control of Uke’s motion.
Allowing the Uke to shift forward too much, making near impossible to execute a foot sweep.

SET 4 – IRIMI SENKAI - PART 1

Uke Stance - Left stance

Uke executes - Right mid-section punch

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Cross arm lock throw

Motion

Uke executes a right mid-section punch
Tori simultaneously enters and pivots while executing a deflection block to the Uke’s right arm. Tori secures a radial arm bar (joint locking technique) as they continue to execute the cross arm lock throw.
Throughout the throwing technique, Tori extends their left arm facing palm downward. This assists the throwing technique by creating uplift and angle of projection.
In combination with the leverage on Uke’s right arm, Tori steps forward with their left foot. This step assists with balance retention and forward movement to execute the throw.

Common Faults

Tori insufficient pivoting when executing the Irimi senkai. Tori to ensure they pivot sufficiently to load their own right foot in an upright position to create a spring effect (to allow for maximum forward movement).
Tori insufficient pivoting also makes it difficult to step forward on their left foot. In turn, increases the leverage required to execute the throwing technique.
Incorrect arm positioning (Tori’s arm extended with palm up) makes it difficult to project Uke’s motion within the execution of the throw. This also allows the Uke to step forward too much, causing unnecessary leverage to Uke’s arm.

SET 4 – IRIMI SENKAI - PART 2

Uke Stance - Right stance

Uke executes - Left mid-section punch

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - O goshi

Motion

Uke executes a left jab punch
Tori counters with a downward deflection block. Throughout the body movement Tori will continue the block into a cradling motion. This will create Uke to shift their weight upward to assist in the O goshi.
Tori executes Hadari o goshi.

Common Faults

Incorrect blocking
Stopping Uke’s forward momentum prior to the throw
Tori not rotating (Body and head) sufficiently to maximise fulcrum uplift.

SET 5 – O IRIMI SENKAI - PART 1

Uke Stance - Left stance

Uke executes – Right front kick

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Morote gata otoshi

Motion

Uke executes a right front kick
Tori counters Uke’s kick with a right arm upward flection block, simultaneously executing O irimi senkai and Morote gata otoshi.

Common Faults

Incorrect body movement

SET 5 – O IRIMI SENKAI - PART 2

Uke Stance - Left stance

Uke executes – Right front kick

Tori Stance - Left stance

Tori counters with - Hadari yoko guruma

Motion

Uke executes a right front kick
Tori counters Uke’s kick with a right arm upward flection block, simultaneously executing O irimi senkai.
Uke will attempt to counter Tori’s Morote gata otoshi by bending forward.
Tori will counter this motion by continuing the execution of Hadari yoko guruma (right hand gripping the Uke’s lapel and left hand around to the belt). Executing the left handed throw assists in flow and off balancing correctly.

Common Faults