Kime no kata - Form of decision

The Kime no kata (kata of decision; Kime = vital points of the human body), formerly known as Shinken shobu no kata (kata for fighting to the death) was developed in 1888 by Jigoro Kano to learn the basics of attack and defense in combat situations.

Kime is referred as the energy what is transmitted in the moment of greatest tension during an strike, shock or kick. UKE attacks in this kata not only empty handed, he also uses the traditional katana and the tanto as slashing, stabbing and cutting weapon. From TORI and UKE this kata requires extraordinary spiritual power. At the BDJJ e.V. the Kime no Kata is required for the exam to the 4th Dan.

Interestingly, this kata was developed by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of karate and introduced into the Kodokan Judo, this is suggesting the so denied and yet detectable close relationship between judo and karate.

The Kime no Kata comprises a total of 20 offensive and defensive techniques: 8 techniques while sitting (Idori) and 12 standing techniques (Tachiai). The original form consisted also other groups: attacks with the Yari (spear) and other long weapons, control grips and tie up of UKE and even Atemi waza.

This is not a guide to learn the "Kime no kata", it is only a help for the practitioner. To correctly learn the kata, it is essential to follow the instructions of a trainer (master).