Kata 型

Form. Series of prearranged movements performed individually or in pairs designed to teach basic movements in many martial arts. The use of kata in most styles of aikido is confined to practice with the KEN and JO; the major exception is TOMIKI AIKIDO which makes extensive use of kata as a teaching method. In Tomiki Aikido, kata refers to an ordered group of techniques performed in pairs: one person (TORI) executes a set sequence of techniques against the predetermined attacks of the other (UKE). Each of the Tomiki kata emphasize different principles; the nanahon no kuzushi provides practice in balance-breaking, the randori no kata includes basic techniques for use in RANDORI or free-play, while other kata emphasize self-defense or classical techniques.

Josh Gold

Executive Editor of Aikido Journal, CEO of Budo Accelerator, and Chief Instructor of Ikazuchi Dojo.

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