In this classic text, until now unavailable in the United states, M. Kawaishi analyzes the customary and secret fundamental movements of attack and defense in judo known as the seven Katas. Handed down for centuries, the Katas-or basic forms-reveal underlying principles of the martial arts and on a higher level exemplify spiritual knowledge.

The history, object, and particular rhythm of each movement are discussed in great detail and easy to follow drawings and diagrams accompany concise explanations of these exercises which are the essence of judo.

Adaptation and drawings by Jean Gailhat

Contents

Akuthor's Foreword
Prefatory Note
Translator's Preface
I First Kata or Nage-no-kata
Kata of the throws (15 movements)-1st (3 movements), 2nd (3 movements), 3rd (3 movements), 4th (3 movements), 5th (3 movements) Series
II Second kata or Katame-no-kata
Kata on the ground (15 movements)-1st (5 movements), 2nd (5 movements), 3rd (5 movements) series
III Third kata or Gonosen-no-kata
Kata of the counters (12 movements)
IV Fourth kata or Kime-no-kata
Kata of self-defense (20 movements)-1st 'Idori' (8 movements), 2nd 'tachi-ai' (12 movements) series
V Fifth kata or Itsutsu-no-kata
Kata of the five principles (5 movements)
VI Sixth kata or Ju-no-kata
Kata of suppleness (15 movements)-1st (5 movements), 2nd (5 movements), 3rd (5 movements) Series
VII Seventh kata or Koshiki-no-kata
Ancient kata (21 movements)-1st series 'omote' (14 movements), 2nd series 'ura' (7 movements)
Conclusion