What does kata mean? A kata is an exhibition of a martial arts skill or movement, especially a pattern of such moves, such as a sequence designed to defend against an attack. Katas are primarily practiced in karate and judo and can be done as part of a competition or as a way of practicing the martial art. One of the forms of karate practiced as a sport is known as kata. It involves individual competitors performing a rehearsed set of karate techniques (often called forms) before judges. Each kata is intended to demonstrate proper control and understanding of karate technique and movement. There are more than 100 katas recognized in karate competition. The kata form of competitive karate was first included as an Olympic event in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 (along with the traditional sparring form called kumite). There are a variety of katas used in judo, including those involving throws (nage-no-kata), grappling and pinning (katame-no-kata), and defending and attacking (itsutsu-no-kata), among others. The word kata is sometimes used to refer to similar routines outside of martial arts, such as those used in Japanese kabuki theater. Example: We were never allowed to spar until we completed our daily katas.
1950–55; < Japanese: shape, pattern
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On Friday, an Okinawan won the first Olympic gold medal in men’s kata, one of the modern sport’s premier events.
From Washington Post • Aug. 6, 2021
Along with Sánchez’s title in kata — the demonstration of form often likened to a gymnastics floor exercise — karate also honored two more inaugural champions in kumite, or competitive sparring.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 5, 2021
Kiyuna has dominated the kata world in recent years, the only karateka to receive a perfect score, something he did in 2019.
From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2021
The Olympic competition will be held both in kumite - competitive sparring - and in kata, a demonstration of form often compared to a gymnastics floor exercise.
From Washington Times • Aug. 4, 2021
“This kata you should wear to the top of Everest,”* Chhongba instructed me in a solemn voice.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
