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

Hop off the train at various points, like for lunch by the monolithic Uluru, or to take a quick helicopter ride above the 36 red-rock domes of Kata Tjuta.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tigers seemed spurred on by the let-off and Kata pulled them back into it from close range.

From BBC

Solomone Kata pulled back a crucial try for the Tigers but when departing Leicester legend Dan Cole was sent to the sin-bin with 11 minutes to go, Russell slotted a second penalty.

From BBC

This was turning into a bit if a doing, though Kata stemmed the tide somewhat by ghosting through to score Leicester's second try of the evening.

From BBC

Solomone Kata and Hanro Liebenberg provided fleeting moments of respite with tries for the visitors, but Venter rounded off the scoring as Glasgow powered into the last eight.

From BBC