From practising formal throwing sequences to looking at kata through a judge’s eyes, WA judoka spent three days developing their technique at Judo WA’s 2026 Kata Seminar & Dan Grading Workshop. SouthWest Judo Academy hosted the event in Port Kennedy from 6 to 8 November.
Special guest Ernie Wakamatsu, a 5th Dan, IJF Kata Judge and Chair of the Judo Australia Kata Commission, led the kata sessions. The program opened on Friday evening with Kime-no-kata, followed by Katame-no-kata on Saturday and Nage-no-kata on Sunday. Participants watched demonstrations and worked in pairs, giving them time to practise each sequence and focus on the details of timing and positioning.
Saturday’s Katame-no-kata session also covered judging, giving participants an opportunity to consider what judges look for when assessing a performance. On Sunday, the seminar worked through all five sets of Nage-no-kata across two sessions.
The Dan Grading Workshop ran alongside the kata seminar on Saturday and Sunday. It gave candidates time to work through the technical requirements for their next grade, receive feedback and identify what to focus on back at their clubs. Candidates could also join the kata sessions relevant to their next grading.
Judo WA thanks Ernie for sharing his expertise, SouthWest Judo Academy for hosting, and everyone who took part or helped deliver the weekend.
