Itsutsu-no-kata (五の形, "forms of five") is a kata (a set of prearranged techniques) in Judo.

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 Kodokan judo and that Jigoro Kano took it from Tenjin Shinyō-ryū jujutsu 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.