Kata 「形」
'Kata' literally means "form" and refers to any series of movements meant to teach a specific technique. It allows martial artists to hone their control of the katana through repetition, while also improving control, speed, timing and power. Only through extensive repetition will a master practitioner make the movements appear fluid, natural and easy, while a beginner will seem jerky and unnatural. The goal is to take a series of complicated actions and ingrain them so thoroughly into the practitioner that they can be performed quickly, without thought. The ultimate sign of mastery is spontaneous adaptation in moments of great need. Most commonly performed solo, to demonstrate a specific response to an invisible adversary, kata can also be practiced with another person as part of a paired set.
Seibu Ryu performing the kata Ten-chi (translated as "heaven & earth") at the 2014 Aki Matsuri Festival located in Bellevue, Washington, USA. This annual event is presented by the Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association.
Sword Arts are not the only places that use kata. This style of training can be found in many other Japanese martial arts, including Karate, Aikido and Judo. In competition, practitioners will commonly be judged based on their kata. In addition to physically carrying out the movements, they are also judged on poise, awareness and their intensity.
Ultimately, kata has played an incredible role in distilling and preserving the techniques and cultural heritage found in Japanese arts. By continuing to practice these traditions, this artform will continue to live on for centuries to come.
Ultimately, kata has played an incredible role in distilling and preserving the techniques and cultural heritage found in Japanese arts. By continuing to practice these traditions, this artform will continue to live on for centuries to come.