It is intended as an illustration of the various concepts of nage-waza (投げ技, throwing techniques) that exist in judo, and is used both as a training method and as a demonstration of understanding.

The nage-no-kata was developed by Jigoro Kano as a method of illustrating principles of throwing to allow students to more effectively apply them in randori.

The kata is generally performed in a strictly formalised manner with clearly defined Reigi sahō (礼儀作法, rules of etiquette).

Tori and Uke step in, left foot first, to adopt shizen hontai (自然 本体, basic natural posture).

Uke initiates by stepping forward using tsugi ashi (次足, following gait) into migi shizentai (右自然态, right-handed natural stance).