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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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 • Dec. 20, 2025
Other changes include returns for No. 8 Sione Vailanu and new wings Solomone Kata and Afusipa Taumoepeau.
From Washington Times • Oct. 6, 2023
“If everyone could stand in long, long lines at 6 o’clock that would actually help us,” she said in the video clip posted by WBAL-TV reporter Kata Amara.
From Washington Post • Nov. 10, 2022
Exeter defended well and, following a second Burns penalty, Kata went in from 10 metres shortly before half-time after Olly Woodburn's kick set up good field position.
From BBC • Sep. 10, 2022
We allude to the 'Essays on the Poetry of Architecture,' by Kata Phusin.
From The Poetry of Architecture Or, the Architecture of the Nations of Europe Considered in its Association with Natural Scenery and National Character by Ruskin, John
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.
