Itsutsu-no-kata (五の形, "forms of five") is a kata (a set of prearranged techniques) in Judo. It consists in five techniques, known only by their number. Although popular media generally claim that it was developed by Jigoro Kano,[1][2] recent scientific research has conclusively shown that the kata predates the foundation of Kodokanjudo and that Jigoro Kano took it from Tenjin Shinyō-ryūjujutsu and merely imported it into judo after he made minor amendments to it.[3] The kata is generally considered unfinished. However, an unofficial completed performance version of the kata, expanded to ten techniques (by a European judoka as part of a Master’s level academic programme in judo coaching) was presented in 2012 under the name Tō-no-kata (十の形, "forms of ten").[4] The techniques of Itsutsu-no-kata are composed of gentle movements evocative of natural forces.
^De Crée Carl, The Origin, essence, biomechanical foundations, and teaching and performance challenges of Itsutsu-no-kata [The Forms of Five] ―Kōdōkan jūdō’s esoteric sixth kata [Thesis]; Rome, Italy: University of Rome; 2012, pp. 1–423.
