kata

¹ American  

[kah-tuh] / ˈkɑ tə /

noun

1. an exercise consisting of several of the specific movements of a martial art, especially a pattern prescribed for defending oneself against several attackers, used in judo and karate training.

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kata- ² American  

especially before a vowel, kat-

1. variant of cata-: katabasis; katamorphism.

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kata- ¹ British  

prefix

1. a variant of cata-

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kata ² British  

/ ˈkætə /

noun

1. an exercise consisting of a sequence of the specific movements of a martial art, used in training and designed to show skill in technique

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of kata

1950–55; < Japanese: shape, pattern

Example Sentences

Each contestant gave a short performance — decorating a cake, singing a self-composed hip-hop song and, in Ms. Iozumi’s case, demonstrating a karate kata with a partner.

From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2022

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

The passion of Sánchez’s inspired kata performance won over the judges at the Budokan.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 5, 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