Traditional martial arts are dominated by kata . Indeed, it is not unusual for martial arts to have their entire syllabuses preserved as kata . In such systems a dan grade is awarded just for learning them and only afterwards does the emphasis turn to application. This approach does not go down very well in the West. Jitsu is unusual in that there is very little kata work.
Beginners learn only uchemi-kata for breakfalling and higher grades only a handfull more.
The famous samurai sword. By far the most recognisable Japanese weapon. The katana has two major martial arts all to itelf - iaido , the study of handling the sword and kendo , a sport based on sword combat. Jitsu is mainly interested in unarmed defences to sword attacks. Ken and To Sword.