Kata is a solo martial arts exercise typically seen in Japanese and Okinawan Karate, and in Chinese martial arts. In traditional Japanese Jujutsu, kata refers to the two person pre-patterned martial exercises. Some martial arts have over 40 kata and some less than 10. Some are entirely based on two person kata. First, I will explain why kata is used. Kata forms the basis of movements and strategies of a style. It’s a way to make sure that those skills are passed on by having them pre-patterned. Now in today’s world many kata are also taught and were developed for demonstration purposes with a lot of flips and twirls.
In the style of martial arts taught by me there are no solo kata and only a few two person kata. Most of the time is spent on going over basic techniques, static drills with a partner, then having both partners move around while doing the drill, going over strategy, and sparring. I don’t advertise as being a sport or fighting school, however, I feel that this is the best approach in practicing martial arts both as recreation and for more practical reasons. I do not feel that kata is necessary to practice even though I have learned kata from different styles myself. So, that’s my take on it. Let me know yours.