katas
Choreographed combat patterns
Katas are structured practice routines in martial arts—choreographed sequences of movements performed solo, simulating combat against imaginary opponents.
Each kata preserves and transmits fighting techniques through repetition.
The term has spread to programming, where coding katas are small exercises repeated to build skill: I do a few katas every morning to stay sharp.
Japanese unarmed combat discipline
- taekwondoKorean striking martial art
- aikidoThrowing art using redirection
- judoJapanese throwing discipline
- kendoJapanese bamboo fencing
dojo · sensei · kumite · sparring · gi · judogi · blackbelt · dan
Act of redoing
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- memorizationCommitting information to recall
refinement · mastery · discipline · consistency · dedication · focus · perfection · correction
Ordered succession of elements
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- movementsChanges in position
- posturesBody alignments or stances
- stancesBody positions taken
choreography · routine · positions · transitions · flow · symmetry · alignment · configuration
Pulmonary gas exchange
- focusConcentrated attention point
- centeringPositioning at midpoint
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
calm · awareness · intention · spirit · harmony · balance · presence · stillness
Public display of opinion
- competitionStruggle for supremacy
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- exhibitionPublic display of items
- presentationFormal display to viewers
stage · judges · scoring · audience · showmanship · execution · timing · rhythm
karate
Japanese unarmed combat discipline
- taekwondoKorean striking martial art
- aikidoThrowing art using redirection
- judoJapanese throwing discipline
kendo · dojo · sensei · kumite · sparring · gi · judogi · blackbelt · dan · self-defense
repetition
Act of redoing
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
memorization · refinement · mastery · discipline · consistency · dedication · focus · perfection · correction · progression
sequence
Ordered succession of elements
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- movementsChanges in position
- posturesBody alignments or stances
stances · choreography · routine · positions · transitions · flow · symmetry · alignment · configuration · structure
breathing
Pulmonary gas exchange
- focusConcentrated attention point
- centeringPositioning at midpoint
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
visualization · calm · awareness · intention · spirit · harmony · balance · presence · stillness · concentration
demonstration
Public display of opinion
- competitionStruggle for supremacy
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
- exhibitionPublic display of items
presentation · stage · judges · scoring · audience · showmanship · execution · timing · rhythm · expression
katassparring
Practice combat training
kumite · partner work · partner drills · rolling · bag work