2026 Kata Seminar & Dan Grading Workshop
Judo WA is pleased to present the 2026 Kata Seminar & Dan Grading Workshop, taking place from Friday, 6 November to Sunday, 8 November 2026.
The three-day event will provide judoka with the opportunity to develop their kata knowledge and technical proficiency, while also supporting athletes preparing for future Dan gradings.
Special Guest – Ernie Wakamatsu
The Kata Seminar will be led by special guest Mr Ernie Wakamatsu, 5th Dan, an IJF Kata Judge and Chair of the Judo Australia Kata Commission.
Across the weekend, Ernie will deliver specialist instruction in Katame-no-kata and Nage-no-kata. Saturday's Katame-no-kata program will also incorporate kata judging certification, providing participants with an opportunity to further develop their understanding of kata from both a performance and judging perspective.
Dan Grading Workshop
Running concurrently with the Kata Seminar on Saturday and Sunday, Judo WA will also conduct a Dan Grading Workshop for judoka preparing for their next Dan grade.
The workshop will focus primarily on the non-kata components of Dan grading preparation, providing participants with opportunities to work through applicable technical requirements, receive feedback and better understand the standards expected at Dan grading.
Dan grading candidates are expected to prioritise the Kata Seminar sessions where the kata being presented is applicable to the requirements of their next Dan grade. The Dan Grading Workshop will complement these sessions and provide additional preparation throughout the weekend.
Schedule
| Date |
Time |
Kata Seminar |
Dan Grading Workshop |
Venue |
| Fri, 6 Nov |
TBC |
Advanced Kata |
— |
TBC |
| Sat, 7 Nov |
11:00am–1:00pm |
Katame-no-kata – Session 1 |
Dan grading preparation running concurrently* |
SouthWest Judo Academy
10 Crowley St, Port Kennedy |
| |
1:00pm–2:30pm |
Break |
Dan Grading Workshop |
| |
2:30pm–5:00pm |
Katame-no-kata – Session 2 & Judging Certification |
Dan grading preparation running concurrently* |
| Sun, 8 Nov |
10:00am–12:00pm |
Nage-no-kata – Sets 4–5 |
Dan grading preparation running concurrently* |
SouthWest Judo Academy
10 Crowley St, Port Kennedy |
| |
12:00pm–1:30pm |
Break |
Dan Grading Workshop |
| |
1:30pm–4:00pm |
Nage-no-kata – Sets 1–3 |
Dan grading preparation running concurrently* |
*Dan grading candidates should prioritise the applicable kata session where that kata forms part of the requirements for their next Dan grade.
Registration Fees
| Registration |
Fee |
| Single Day |
$50 |
| Full Three-Day Seminar |
$80 |
Registration provides access to all applicable Kata Seminar and Dan Grading Workshop sessions on the selected day.
Who Should Attend?
- Judoka wishing to improve their knowledge and performance of kata
- Athletes preparing for an upcoming Dan grading
- Coaches looking to strengthen their understanding of kata and Dan grading requirements
- Kata competitors
- Referees and officials interested in developing their kata judging knowledge
- Experienced judoka seeking further technical development
Participants do not need to be preparing for a Dan grading to attend the Kata Seminar.