Jitte Kata Tutorial Step By Step

In Shotokan karate, kata are the core of training, or as some karateka say ‘kumite is the spirit of karate, but kata is the soul’.

Kata are much more than just sequences of movements, they are detailed expressions of combat principles and philosophy. One of the most unique and challenging kata for advanced practitioners is Jitte. With its powerful techniques and deep history, Jitte has earned a special place among black belts. Let’s explore what this kata is all about, from its name and origins to its practical applications.

What Does Jitte Mean?

Jitte (十手) translates as “Ten Hands.” My Sensei used to say that if someone with no karate experience watches a blck belt practice Jitte, it looks to them like the black belt has ten hands 🙂

This doesn’t mean you need ten hands to perform it, but instead, it symbolizes the idea that the practitioner possesses the strength and capability of ten people. It suggests that someone who has mastered Jitte can handle multiple attackers or various combat situations.

More broadly, Jitte represents versatility. The techniques in this kata are adaptable, giving you the tools to defend against a wide range of attacks, including those from armed opponents. The “Ten Hands” can be seen as a metaphor for being prepared for anything.

Where Did Jitte Come From?

Jitte, like many kata, has roots in Okinawa, where early forms of karate developed. Like many traditional kata, it’s believed to have connections to Shuri-te, one of Okinawa’s martial arts systems, which itself was influenced by Chinese martial arts. The exact history of Jitte is a bit cloudy, but it is thought to have arrived in Okinawa from China sometime in the 18th or 19th century, alongside other kata like Jion and Jiin. These kata all have the same starting position, with the left hand covering the right, which many believe has roots in ancient Chinese boxing.

When the founder of Shotokan Karate, Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced and popularized karate in Japan, Jitte was integrated into his Shotokan system. Funakoshi valued the kata not just for its strong, direct techniques but also for its historical importance in the evolution of karate.

What’s Special About Jitte?

Jitte is considered an advanced black belt kata. It has 24 movements that emphasize power, stability, and precision. While a lot of Shotokan kata involve striking, Jitte has a unique mix of techniques that go beyond simple punches and kicks.

Here are some standout Jitte features:

Open-Hand Techniques: Unlike many other kata that focus on closed-fist strikes, Jitte uses a lot of open-hand moves. These techniques are designed for controlling, throwing and neutralizing opponents, rather than just hitting them.

High Blocks (Jodan Uke): Jitte has multiple high blocks, which are especially useful for defending against weapons like the bo (staff). The idea is that these blocks are not just for hand-to-hand combat but can be applied in situations where the opponent is armed.

Vertical Knife-Hand Strikes (Tate Shuto): These hand strikes add a different dynamic to the kata, allowing for a wide range of offensive and defensive movements.

Horse-Riding Stance (Kiba Dachi): This low, wide stance is essential in Jitte, providing a solid base to absorb and redirect force. It also keeps the practitioner grounded and balanced while performing powerful techniques.

Multi-Directional Defense: The movements in Jitte involve turning in different directions, which reinforces the idea that the practitioner is ready to defend against multiple opponents.

How Is Jitte Applied in Combat?

When you break down the kata into practical applications, or bunkai, Jitte reveals itself to be about control and adaptability. Its techniques are designed to manage multiple attackers or defend against weapons.

Weapon Defense: The high blocks and open-hand techniques suggest Jitte is useful for dealing with armed opponents, such as someone attacking with a bo (staff) or other traditional weapons. Some movements mimic disarming an opponent or neutralizing the force of their weapon.

Joint Locks, Grappling and Throws: Jitte also contains moves that can be interpreted as grappling techniques. You can control an attacker by locking their joints or manipulating their limbs, making it effective in close-quarters combat, with several examples of throws, especially at the start of the kata.

Handling Multiple Attackers: The kata’s directional changes and emphasis on strong stances suggest it’s ideal for dealing with attacks from different angles, which further supports the “Ten Hands” concept of handling multiple threats at once.

Beyond Combat: The Spiritual Side of Jitte
Like all kata, Jitte isn’t just about fighting. It also has a mental and spiritual component. The slow, controlled movements require focus and mindfulness, pushing practitioners to develop a calm, centered mind. This reflects the philosophy of heijoshin, which means maintaining a peaceful mind even in the face of danger.

The idea behind Jitte is not just mastering techniques but mastering yourself—learning to stay composed, grounded, and adaptable. This is a key lesson in all martial arts, but especially in a kata like Jitte, where versatility and control are paramount.

Conclusion
Jitte is more than just a sequence of movements. It’s a deep exploration of Shotokan karate’s practical and philosophical principles. Its history ties it to the roots of Okinawan martial arts, while its techniques challenge advanced practitioners to develop not only physical power but also mental calmness and adaptability. For those who study it, Jitte offers lessons in combat strategy, personal discipline, and inner strength—skills that extend far beyond the dojo.