USJF Kata Development and Certification Sub-Committee

The purpose of the USJF Kata Development and Certification Subcommittee is to introduce Dr Kano’s Kodokan Kata to everyone including yudanshakai, shiai players, seniors and juniors.

The USJF Kata Development and Certification Subcommittee provides training and certification for those who wish to become kata teachers and shiai coaches. Also we provide training for those seeking to fulfill USJF promotion requirements for kata knowledge. Once a judoka passes a USJF kata certification test, the student does not have to demonstrate that kata during their promotion test. A class A, B, or C certification will be sufficient for that particular kata for any promotion requirement.

USJF Kata Development examiners

Eiko Shepherd
Doug Tono (CJBBA)
Karen Whilden (Shufu)
Diane JAckson (Shufu)
Tom Sheehan (Konan)
Frances Glaze (Konan)
Mike Purcell (North West)
Delynn Purcell (North West)

The instructors and examiners must be ranked Godan and up.

An examiner must hold a Class A certification in the specific kata for which they are going to give the test. For example, a person with a Class A certification in Ju no Kata may give the test for Ju no Kata. However if they do not have a Class A certification in Nage no Kata, they are not authorized to give the test for Nage no Kata.

There must be two (2) examiners for each kata that is tested. Ideally both examiners should hold Class A certification. It is also acceptable to have one Class A examiner and two Class B examiners to give the test. Once again, these examiners may only administer tests for the specific katas in which they are certified.

USJF Kata Development Committee Recommendations

Building Kata in the Yudanshakai.

• Introduce kata to beginning players.
• Let them ovserve kata being performed and require that they go through the motions of set one of Nage no Kata.
• They do not have to throw because they are beginners.
• Just walking through the motions may help acquaint them with kata.
• The instructor should determine when students are able to throw, and especially at the junior level, instructors must watch carefully.

Kata Clinics

Jigoro Kano developed judo as a complete education system of the mind and body. He wanted to develop good people who were both physically and mentally strong. The physical training was supplemented with technique repetition, free practice and competition whereas the mind was trained through the study of kata – an organized set of techniques and movements that highlight different aspects and principles of our martial art.

Kata Sub-Committee Members