IJF Judo Kata World Championships 2015, Day 1

The Kata World Championships 2015 got underway today as pairs of judoka from 30 countries were in action at the Sporthallen Zuid on Saturday.

On the opening day in the Netherlands’ capital city, the world’s top kata practitioners were in action at the annual event as they aimed to become Kata World Champions for 2015. Kata is a ritualised practice of techniques in a prearranged fashion. Each kata is practiced in a precise and prescribed manner with flawless execution.

The kata disciplines of Nage no kata, Katame no kata and Juno kata were all contested on the first day in Amsterdam.

Nage no kata is one of the two randori-no-kata of Kodokan Judo. It is intended as an illustration of the various concepts of nage-waza (throwing techniques) that exist in judo, and is used both as a training method and as a demonstration of understanding.

Katame no kata is the second randori-no-kata. It is intended as an illustration of the various concepts of katame-waza (grappling techniques) that exist in judo, and is used both as a training method and as a demonstration of understanding.

Juno kata is designed to teach the fundamental principles of judo, especially the principle of ju (yielding or gentleness). It consists of three sets of techniques and is performed by a pair of people one acting as an Uke (receiver) and the other a Tori (attacker).

The opening ceremony was held before the final block as Mr. Willem Jan STEGEMAN, Dutch Judo Federation President, made the opening address.

"To all participants, judges and guests, on behalf of the Dutch Judo Federation, I welcome you all and I hope you enjoy your stay here," said Mr. STEGMAN.

"I would like to wish a special welcome to UEMURA Haruki, Kodokan President, it is a real honour to have you here as our special guest. I would like to thank IJF President Mr. Marius VIZER for his support and trust in our Federation. I also wish to thank all of our volunteers."

(Montreal 1976 Olympic champion Mr. UEMURA Haruki, Kodokan Judo Institute President, was inducted into the IJF Hall of Fame and appointed to the IJF Executive Committee at the World Championships last month in Astana as the IJF Promotion Director)

Mr. Franco CAPELLETTI, IJF Kata Commission Director and IJF Hall of Famer, said: "Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to have these World Championships here in Amsterdam. It is a very big occasion to present kata, something which is so important to study in judo. I wish you all a lot of success."

Japan shone on day one as they won gold in all three of kata forms contested in Amsterdam.

On Sunday, the Kata World Championships will come to a conclusion with Kime no kata and Kodokan Goshin-Jutsu as the final disciplines.

NAGE NO KATA

Nage no kata world champion YOKOYAMA Takayuki (JPN) and his partner SAKAMOTO Michito ruled the world for the fourth time in kata.

YOKOYAMA (Uke) said: "I feel really happy to be a four-time world champion. The Japanese team has a good atmosphere and we all try out best for our country.

"Since I arrived in Amsterdam I was able to keep my mind calm and focus on the competition."

SAKAMOTO Michito (JPN) said: "The number of victories are not important but to always learn something new and I feel very happy. All of the Japanese team want to perform well and we work hard to improve. I am very proud of our team’s results today."

KATAME NO KATA

Japanese duo NAKAYAMA Satoshi (JPN) and HAYASHI Seiji (JPN) were decisive winners in Katame no kata. The pair topped the podium after registering a score of 439 for their fine displays with Spain second and Italy third.

JUNO KATA

Sisters SHIRANO Megumi (Tori) and SHIRANO Hikaru (above) were triumphant in Juno kata as Japan registered on clean sweep on the opening day. The flawless pair were in top form to defeat the spirited efforts of Germany and Romania.

COMPETITION PROGRAMME

Sunday - Kata

Categories: Kime no kata, Kodokan Goshin-Jutsu

Monday – Veterans

Categories: M6, M7, M8, M9

Tuesday – Veterans

Categories: M1, M3

Wednesday - Veterans

Categories: M4, M5

Thursday - Veterans

Categories: M2/All women’s divisions

Location: Sporthallen Zuid

For more information, please contact:

IJF Media & Communications Department

Mark Pickering, IJF Media Manager

Nicolas Messner, IJF Media Director

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