Yoshihiko Iura Kodokan 8th Dan Hosts Insightful Kata Workshops

Two sensational National Kata courses led by Yoshihiko Iura, a Kodokan 8th Dan and official Kodokan instructor (shidoin) were held at the end of November.

Iura-sensei was recently awarded the “Order of the Sacred Treasure, Sliver Rays” at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo for his contribution to developing Judo outside Japan. The courses were hosted by the Southern Area, held at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot, and supported by the BJA Kata Commission through Dr Llyr Jones, Dave Horton-Jones and Paul Jordan.

The first day focussed on Koshiki-no-kata and saw 37 judoka on the mat, with the group holding a 1 minutes’ silence to respect the recent passing of Dennis Penfold, an outstanding shiai competitor for Great Britain, and who made a very significant contribution to kata at BJA, EJU and IJF level.

Iura-sensei spent the day covering all aspects of the kata in detail. The first part of the day focussed on the 14 techniques of OMOTE with pairs having to layer up the techniques in pairs until they could complete the whole 14 in order. The second part of the day covered the URA section, consisting of 7 techniques carried out rapidly. By the end of the day all judoka attending had obtained a good understanding of the kata and were able to perform it to a good level, and more experienced judoka were able to improve their performance.

Val Kelly, a recently appointed Senior Kata Examiner commented that “the teaching was fantastic and that she had learned a lot more of the finer detail of the kata.  All BJA Kata Judges, Examiners and coaches were able to increase their understanding to pass on to BJA members.”

The second day of the course covered Kime-no-kata and saw British Judo Vice President, and long-standing Kata expert, Mick Leigh IJF 9th Dan, observing the teaching alongside 42 other judoka participating on the mat. The 20 techniques of this self-defence kata are divided into 8 defences performed seated, known as IDORI, and then 12 performed standing known as TACHI-AI, they were studied throughout the day and course members particularly enjoyed practicing the techniques.

Throughout the weekend continuous assessments were carried out by BJA National Kata Judges and Senior Kata Examiners, who also provided learning support.  All course attendees qualified for their Level 1 kata certificates. Those Level 1 certificate holders now return to their clubs to practice their kata with a partner to increase their knowledge to Level 2 standard, which can only be achieved by regular practice.

This weekend concluded a Kata Commission strategy of having a 3-year programme to deliver 7 Kodokan kata.  Now, for the next 3 year cycle, teaching of all these kata will be repeated.

Dave Horton-Jones, National Dan Gradings Manager and Kata Lead said “It was a great course where I was able to support my underpinning knowledge of the kata forms and obtain greater detail in the performance of each technique. I was particularly impressed with the high level of engagement by the course attendees and the support offered to new learners by the more experienced kata judoka”

Llyr Jones, Commission Chair commented “Once again, it was a wonderful weekend of learning, and we are really privileged to have Iura-sensei deliver our National Kata Course.  The points of fine detail that emerge during his teaching really help everyone better understand the principles of the techniques, as well their basic mechanical movements.  It was very clear to me that everyone was learning something new from the instruction”.

The influence of increased participation in kata coming from the EJU, and the new IJF Kata Competition Tour starting in March 2025, will undoubtedly lead to greater kata participation in the UK in 2025. The BJA Kata Commission are currently negotiating the return of Dr Slavisa Bradic 8^th Dan EJU Kata Commissioner for 2025, to build on his seminar delivered in September 2024 after the National Kata Championships.

Watch out for further news from British Judo by checking out our latest news section. You can also catch up via our official social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.