Kata

{{short description|Detailed choreographed patterns of movements in martial arts}} {{other uses}} {{redirect|Katas|a Nuristani tribe in Afghanistan and Pakistan|Kata people}} {{redirect|Quyen|the name (and a list of people with the name)|Quyen (name)}} {{more citations needed|date=May 2014}} {{Italic title|reason=[[:Category:Japanese words and phrases]]}} {{infobox martial art term | pic = Emmanuelle-Fumonde-en-démonstration (cropped).jpg | piccap = 2005 cadet world karate champion <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.karaterec.com/en/contests/world-junior-and-cadet-championships-2005/ |title=World junior and cadet championships 2005 }}</ref> [[Emmanuelle Fumonde]] performing a kata. | kanji = 1. 型<br />2. 形 | hiragana = かた | revhep = kata }} '''''Kata''''' is a Japanese word ([[wikt:型|型]] or [[wikt:形|形]]) meaning 'form'. It refers to a detailed [[choreograph]]ed pattern of [[martial arts]] movements. It can also be reviewed within groups and in unison when training. It is practiced in [[Japanese martial arts]] as a way to [[muscle memory|memorize]] and perfect the movements being executed. Korean martial arts with Japanese influence ([[hapkido]], [[Tang Soo Do]]) use the derived term ''[[hyeong]]'' (hanja: 形) and also the term ''pumsae'' (hanja: 品勢 hangeul: 품새).

Kata are also used in many traditional Japanese arts such as theatre forms like [[kabuki]] and schools of tea ceremony (''[[chadō]]''), but are most commonly known in the martial arts. Kata are used by most [[Japanese martial arts|Japanese]] and [[Okinawan martial arts]], such as [[iaido]], [[judo]], [[kendo]], [[kenpo]], and [[karate]].

== Background == Kata originally were teaching and training methods by which successful combat techniques were preserved and passed on. Practicing kata allowed a company of persons to engage in a struggle using a systematic approach, rather by practicing in a repetitive manner the learner develops the ability to execute those techniques and movements in a natural, reflex-like manner. Systematic practice does not mean permanently rigid. The goal is to internalize the movements and techniques of a kata so they can be executed and adapted under different circumstances, without thought or hesitation. A novice's actions will look uneven and difficult, while a master's appear simple and smooth.<ref name="Rosen">Rosenbaum, Michael. ''Kata and the Transmission of Knowledge in Traditional Martial Arts.'' YMAA Publication Center, Boston, 2004.</ref>

''Kata'' is a loanword in English, from the 1950s in reference to the [[judo kata]] due to [[Jigoro Kano]], and from the 1970s also of [[karate kata]]; but the word has come to be used as a generic term for "forms" in martial arts in general, or even figuratively applied to other fields.<ref name="Rother">{{cite book | title=Toyota Kata: Managing People for Improvement, Adaptiveness, and Super Results | publisher=McGraw Hill Education | author=Rother, Mike | year=2010 | location=New York | pages=15–18 | isbn=978007163523-3}}</ref>

== Japanese martial arts == {{More citations needed section|date=August 2021}} [[File:Iaido2.jpg|thumb|right|Solo training of kata is the primary form of practice in some martial arts, such as ''[[iaido]]''.]]In Japanese martial arts practice, kata is often seen as an essential partner to ''[[randori]]'' training with one complementing the other. However, the actual type and frequency of kata versus ''randori'' training varies from art to art. In [[iaido]], solo kata using the Japanese sword ([[katana]]) comprises almost all of the training. Whereas in [[judo]], kata training is de-emphasized and usually only prepared for [[dan rank|dan]] grading.

In [[kenjutsu]], paired kata at the beginners level can appear to be stilted. At higher levels serious injury is prevented only by a high sensitivity of both participants to important concepts being taught and trained for. These include timing and distance, with the kata practised at realistic speed. This adjustability of kata training is found in other Japanese arts with roles of attacker and defender often interchanging within the sequence.<ref>{{cite web|title=Classical Japanese Warrior Training Methods The Kata|url=https://shinmunenryu.org/2018/02/01/classical-japanese-warrior-training-methods-kata/|website=www.shinmunenryu.org|access-date=28 February 2018}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In [[budō]] and [[bujutsu]], there are two roles: {{nihongo|shidachi|受太刀|{{literally|"doing/receiving sword"}}}} and {{nihongo|uchidachi|打太刀|{{literally|"striking/attacking sword"}}}}.<ref name="NTUS">[https://www.koryu.com/library/tnishioka1.html Uchidachi & Shidachi] by Nishioka Tsuneo.[http://www.koryu.com/ Koryu Books], 1999.</ref><ref name="KSKK">{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.kendogroningen.nl/kendokata.html Kendo Kata] by Kendovereniging Shinbukan.</ref><ref name="KSJRMI">{{in lang|ja}} [http://www.budovideos.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=20968 Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryu. The Origin of Samurai-Swordsmanship from KASHIMA SHRINE, The God of BUSHIDO KASHIMA - A Symbol of Justice by the Sword.] by Masaru Iwasa. Japan, [http://www.samuraibushidosociety.com/ SAMURAI-BUSHIDO SOCIETY], 2005, hardcover. {{ISBN|4-900785-24-5}}.</ref><ref name="KSJRY">{{in lang|ja}} Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryū 鹿島神傳直心影流 by Yamada Jirōkichi 山田 次朗吉. Suishinsha, hardcover, 1927.</ref> In modern [[Kendo]] ''shidachi'' is normally written as {{Nihongo2|仕太刀}}.<ref>松延・山崎・野島[Matsunobu, Yamazaki & Nojima]「剣道」図解コーチ(27)[Seibido Sports Series 27: Kendo],成美堂出版 [seibido publishing], 1989, 東京 [tokyo], {{ISBN|4-415-00387-7}}</ref> The shidachi is the disciple and the uchidachi their instructor.<ref>松延・山崎・野島[Matsunobu, Yamazaki & Nojima]「剣道」図解コーチ(27)[Seibido Sports Series 27: Kendo],成美堂出版 [seibido publishing], 1989, 東京 [tokyo], {{ISBN|4-415-00387-7}}, p166</ref>

Many martial arts use kata for public demonstrations and in competitions, awarding points for such aspects of technique as style, balance, timing, and verisimilitude (appearance of being real).{{citation needed|date=November 2025}}

=== Karate === {{main|Karate kata}} [[File:K1PL Berlin 2018-09-16 Female Kata 108.jpg|thumb|Kiyou Shimizu's female Kata at the 2018 [[Karate1 Premier League]] in Berlin.]]

The most popular image associated with kata is that of a [[karate]] practitioner performing a series of punches and kicks in the air. The kata are executed as a specified series of approximately 20 to 70 moves, generally with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form. There are perhaps 100 kata across the various forms of karate, each with many minor variations. The number of moves in a kata may be referred to in the name of the kata, e.g., ''Gojū Shiho'', which means "54 steps." The practitioner is generally counselled to visualize the enemy attacks, and his responses, as actually occurring, and ''karateka'' are often told to "read" a kata, to explain the imagined events. Kata can contain techniques beyond the superficially obvious ones. The study of the meaning of the movements is referred to as the [[bunkai]], meaning analysis, of the kata.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110208012048/http://kata-reference.com/ Karate, Okinawan Kobudo and Kendo Kata videos]</ref>

One explanation of the use of kata is as a reference guide for a set of moves. Not to be used following that "set" pattern but to keep the movements "filed". After learning these kata, this set of learned skills can then be used in a [[sparring]] scenario (particularly without points). The main objective here is to try out different combinations of techniques in a safe environment to ultimately find out how to defeat your opponent.

Recently, with the spread of extreme martial arts, or XMA, a style of kata called CMX kata has formed. These kata are performed in tournaments and include gymnastics related elements, such as backflips, cartwheels, and splits. These kata can also be performed with weapons such as the ''bō'' staff.

=== Judo === {{main|Judo kata}} [[File:Hiki-otoshi.jpg|thumb|[[Koshiki-no-kata]] by Kano (left) and [[Yamashita Yoshitsugu|Yamashita]] (right)]]

[[Judo]] has several kata, mostly created in the late 19th century by [[Kano Jigoro]], the founder of judo. The judo kata involve two participants. Judo kata preserve a number of techniques that are not permitted in competition or in ''randori'', including punches, kicks, and the use of the [[katana]] and other weapons. The study of kata is usually begun typically at around the green belt level. The most commonly studied judo kata is [[Nage-no-kata]], which consists of fifteen throwing techniques. The [[Katame-no-kata]] is composed of pinning techniques, chokes, and joint locks. [[Kime-no-kata]] is a long kata consisting of self-defense techniques against both unarmed attacks, and attacks with swords and knives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.judoinfo.com/katamenu.htm|title=Forms of Judo: Kata – Judo Info|website=www.judoinfo.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.judo-snijders.nl/engels/video-kata-judo.html|title=Kata, nage, karame, gonosen, itsutsu, kime, no, video, movie, film, armlock, judo, Judoschool Jan Snijders, Oirschot, Bladel, Deurne, Gemert|website=www.judo-snijders.nl}}</ref>

== Non-Japanese martial arts == [[File:baton long.jpg|thumb|right|[[aka (burma)|Aka]] with stick (4 Winds)]]While the Japanese term is most well known in the English language, forms are by no means exclusive to Japan. They have been recorded in [[China]] as early as the [[Tang dynasty]], and are referred to in Mandarin as ''[[Taolu (martial arts)|taolu]]''.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}

South and [[Indochinese martial arts|Southeast Asian martial arts]] incorporate both preset and freestyle forms. In [[silat]] these are referred to as ''jurus'' and ''tari'' respectively. Malay folklore credits the introduction of forms to the Buddhist monk [[Bodhidharma]].<ref>{{cite book| title=Silat Tua: The Malay Dance Of Life |author=Zainal Abidin Shaikh Awab and Nigel Sutton |year=2006 |publisher=Azlan Ghanie Sdn Bhd |location=Kuala Lumpur |isbn=978-983-42328-0-1}}</ref>

In [[:Category:Korean martial arts|Korean martial arts]] such as [[taekwondo]] and [[Tang Soo Do]], the word ''[[hyung]]'' or ''hyeong'' is usually employed, though in some cases other words are used.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}} The [[International Taekwon-Do Federation]] uses the word ''[[Hyung|tul]]'', while the [[World Taekwondo Federation]] uses the word ''poomsae'' or simply the English translations "[[pattern]]" or "form."{{citation needed|date=May 2014}} Taekwondo patterns have multiple variations including ''Palgwe'' and the more popular ''Taeguk'' forms used by the WTF. Forms are included in certain taekwondo competitions and are a key element of gradings.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}

In [[Sanskrit]], forms are known either as ''yudhan'' (combat form) or ''pentra'' (tactical deployment).{{citation needed|date=May 2014}} Other [[Asian martial arts]] refer to forms by various terms specific to their respective languages, such as the Burmese word ''[[aka (Burmese)|aka]]'', the Vietnamese ''quyen'' and the Kashmiri ''khawankay''.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}

In [[historical European martial arts]] and their modern reconstructions, there are forms, plays, drills and flourishes.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}

== Outside martial arts == {{other uses}} More recently [[:wikt:kata#English|kata]] has come to be used in English in a more general or figurative sense, referring to any basic form, routine, or pattern of behavior that is practised to various levels of mastery.<ref>Shook, John. ''Managing to Learn.'' Lean Enterprise Institute, 2008, p. 32</ref>

In Japanese language ''kata'' (though written as 方) is a frequently used suffix meaning “way of doing,” with emphasis on the form and order of the process. Other meanings are “training method” and “formal exercise.” The goal of a painter's practising, for example, is to merge their consciousness with their brush; the potter's with their clay; the garden designer's with the materials of the garden.{{Peacock inline|date=October 2025}} Once such mastery is achieved, the theory goes, the doing of a thing perfectly is as easy as thinking it.<ref>DeMenthe, Boye Lafayette. ''Kata, The Key to Understanding and Dealing with the Japanese!'' Tuttle Publishing, 2003, pp. 1–3</ref>

Kata is a term used by some programmers in the Software Craftsmanship<ref>[[Software craftsmanship|The Software Craftsmanship Movement]]</ref> movement. Computer programmers who call themselves "Software Craftsmen"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://8thlight.com/insights/performing-code-katas|title=Performing Code Katas - 8th Light|last=Martin|first=Micah|last2=Steensma|first2=Kelly|date=May 28, 2013|website=8thlight.com}}</ref> will write 'Kata'<ref name="nonsense">{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/unclebobconsultingllc/home/articles/what-s-all-this-nonsense-about-katas|title=What's all this Nonsense about Katas? - Clean Coder|date=November 21, 2009|website=sites.google.com}}</ref> - small snippets of code that they write in one sitting, sometimes repeatedly,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://codekata.com/kata/codekata-how-it-started/|title=CodeKata: How It Started |first=Dave |last=Thomas|date=December 30, 2013|website=codekata.com}}</ref> often daily, in order to build muscle memory and practise their craft.<ref name="nonsense" />

In 1999, the term was used by [[Dave Thomas (programmer)|Dave Thomas]], co-author of the book ''[[The Pragmatic Programmer]]''.<ref name="pragmatic">{{Cite book | isbn = 020161622X | title = The Pragmatic Programmer | last1 = Hunt | first1 = Andrew | year = 1999 | publisher = Addison Wesley | last2 = Thomas | first2 = Dave | author-link2 = Dave Thomas (programmer) | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780201616224 }}</ref> The concept was implemented by [[Laurent Bossavit]] and [[Emmanuel Gaillot]] who talked about it at XP2005 in [[Sheffield]] (UK).<ref>[https://dblp.org/rec/html/conf/xpu/BossavitG05a The Coder's Dojo - A Different Way to Teach and Learn Programming]. XP2005 in Sheffield (UK).</ref> Following this conference, [[Robert C. Martin]] described the concept and initial usages in his article "The Programming Dojo".<ref>[http://www.butunclebob.com/ArticleS.UncleBob.TheProgrammingDojo "The Programming Dojo"]</ref>

One of the things that characterize an organization's culture is its kata – its routines of thinking and practice.<ref>Ichijo, Kazuo and Nonaka, Ikujiro, Knowledge Creation and Management: New Challenges for Managers, Oxford University Press, 2006, page 25</ref> Edgar Schein suggests an organization's culture helps it cope with its environment,<ref>Schein, Edgar. ''Organizational Culture and Leadership: A Dynamic View.'' Jossey-Bass, 1985, p. 57</ref> and one meaning of ''kata'' is, "a way to keep two things in sync or harmony with one another." A task for leaders and managers is to create and maintain the organizational culture through consistent role modeling, teaching, and coaching, which is in many ways analogous to how kata are taught in the martial arts.

''[[Toyota Kata]]'' is a 2009 management book by [[Mike Rother]] aiming to establish a routine for establishing a [[continuous improvement process]].<ref name="Tennessee">{{cite web |title=Toyota Kata (Lean Culture Building) {{!}} UT Center for Industrial Services |url=https://cis.tennessee.edu/operational-excellence-continuous-improvement/toyota-kata-lean-culture-building |website=cis.tennessee.edu |access-date=2 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

==See also== * [[Mushin (mental state)]] * [[Etude]] * [[Practice (learning method)]] * [[Procedural memory]]

== References == {{reflist}}

==Further reading== * {{Cite book | isbn = 9780137081073 | title = The Clean Coder: A Code of Conduct for Professional Programmers | last = Martin | first = Robert C. | year = 2011 | publisher = Pearson Education }}

{{Martial arts}}

[[Category:Kata| ]] [[Category:Japanese martial arts| ]] [[Category:Japanese martial arts terminology]] [[Category:Aikido]] [[Category:Jujutsu]] [[Category:Karate]] [[Category:Forms of judo]] [[Category:Mnemonics]]