The European Judo Union, in collaboration with the Kodokan Judo Institute, running its annual Kodokan & EJU Kata Seminar between 28-30 May as part of the Kata European Judo Championships, once again reinforcing the vital role kata plays in the heritage and future of judo.
The seminar, hosted in Riga, Latvia, traditionally focuses on the five competitive kata: Nage-no-kata, Katame-no-kata, Kime-no-kata, Ju-no-kata, and Kodokan Goshin-jutsu. However, this year marked a notable evolution: for the first time, Itsutsu-no-kata and Koshiki-no-kata were included in the programme. These two forms are widely regarded as among the most profound and philosophically rich within the judo canon. Their inclusion in this year’s seminar represents not just an expansion of the curriculum but a deliberate effort to reconnect with the deeper roots of judo tradition.
The seminar opened with a truly heartening scene: a countless number of children filled the dojo on the first day, eager to participate, observe and absorb the teachings of some of the most respected judo masters in the world. Their presence brought a unique energy to the tatami and highlighted the importance of involving the youngest generation in the study of kata, not only for technical development but also to instil respect and understanding for judo’s cultural heritage from an early age.
To ensure the authenticity and depth of instruction, Sensei Shoshida and Sensei Makishi, distinguished experts from the Kodokan in Tokyo, were specially invited to lead sessions on Itsutsu-no-kata and Koshiki-no-kata. These kata are rarely taught outside Japan and require not only technical precision but also a deep understanding of judo’s theoretical and spiritual foundations.
“Koshiki-no-kata and Itsutsu-no-kata are essential in judo because they teach us the theory behind the art,” explained Sensei Shoshida. “They are not technically difficult to learn but they demand considerable practice to be truly understood. Koshiki-no-kata demonstrates the principle of kuzushi and its control in nage-waza, along with many elements that appear in other kata and randori. Itsutsu-no-kata shows us the principles of nature. It is a kind of art. I also learn a lot from the participants, it is a very good experience for me.”
The sessions drew deep interest from kata specialists, national coaches and competitors across Europe, highlighting both the enduring relevance and the growing popularity of traditional kata practice. Dr Slavisa Bradic, EJU Head Kata Commissioner, praised the inclusion of these two kata as a significant step in the EJU’s ongoing efforts to elevate kata practice across the continent.
“I am delighted with the collaboration between the Kodokan Judo Institute and the EJU, as it has contributed to the development of kata in Europe,” he said. “Interest in kata continues to grow and what pleases me most is the increasing number of participants in kata competitions and seminars. This is a direct result of the EJU’s support and the dedicated work of all committee members.”
Dr Bradic also confirmed that Koshiki-no-kata and Itsutsu-no-kata will remain a core focus of all future Kodokan & EJU Kata Seminars, complementing the standard set of competitive kata. While kata competitions play a key role in promoting these forms to a wider audience, both Sensei Shoshida and the EJU leadership stress that kata is not about performance alone, it is about deep understanding, discipline, and connection to the philosophical core of judo.
This year’s seminar in Riga served as a reminder of judo’s dual nature: as a modern Olympic sport and as a martial art grounded in tradition, respect, and continuous learning. With the enthusiastic involvement of children, high-level instruction from the Kodokan, and a forward-looking vision from the EJU, the future of kata, and of judo itself, continues to grow in strength and spirit.
Author: Szandra Szogedi