Forms
Sequences attached to Judo. A form is an ordered list of techniques; the signature is whatever those steps encode.
The sequences
Each card opens the ordered action list. Counts are steps in the database, not invented grades.
Itsutsu-no-Kata
"The Forms of Five" — established by Kanō Jigorō in 1887 as an artistic, symbolic expression of Judo's underlying principles through the reasoning of natural phenomena (small power overcoming large, whirling currents, ocean waves), rather than a set of named combat techniques. All five positions are coded non_combat in this corpus — see corpus_manifest and each technique's own notes.
Ju-no-Kata
"Forms of Gentleness" — a dynamic, expressive, gymnastic demonstration of attack and defence in slow, moderate motion, enabling accurate understanding of Judo's principles regardless of the practitioner's age or strength. 15 techniques in 3 sets of 5, each practiced on both left and right sides.
Katame-no-Kata
The other of the two Randori-no-Kata of Kodokan Judo, alongside Nage-no-Kata. Illustrates correct methods of pinning, countering pins, strangling, and locking joints: five representative techniques from each of osaekomi-waza, shime-waza, and kansetsu-waza.
Kime-no-Kata
"Forms of Decision" — a serious self-defence kata created by Kanō Jigorō, submitted in its current 20-technique form (8 Idori/kneeling + 12 Tachiai/standing) in 1906. Trains agile tai-sabaki and the most effective control of an opponent against unarmed, dagger, and sword attacks.
Kodokan Goshin-jutsu
"Kodokan Self-Defence Methods" — a modern self-defence kata created in January 1956, referencing techniques from several martial arts to address self-defence suited to contemporary life. 21 techniques defending against either an armed or unarmed attacker, approaching each other rather than the more distant engagement of Kime-no-Kata.
Koshiki-no-Kata
The oldest Kodokan kata, its origin in the Kito school of Jujutsu that Kanō Jigorō studied before founding Judo. Based on Yoroi-Kumiuchi (armored grappling), it is composed of 14 Omote (front/formal) techniques and 7 Ura (reverse/agile) techniques.
Nage-no-Kata
One of the two Randori-no-Kata (free-practice forms) of Kodokan Judo, alongside Katame-no-Kata. Illustrates the principles of nage-waza used in randori: three representative techniques from each of the five throwing categories (te-waza, koshi-waza, ashi-waza, ma-sutemi-waza, yoko-sutemi-waza), each performed both right and left.