Kata

KATA – THE ART AND PHILOSOPHY OF JUDO

Kata is one of the defining areas of practice that makes judo unique and distinct.

The judo kata contain the technical and theoretical foundations of judo. They provide instruction in the etiquette, traditions, culture, and history of judo, truly enabling participants to gain greater insight into the depths and origins of this art.

VIDEO! CLICK FOR KATA HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2025 CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL OPEN

Photographs and videography courtesy of Daniel Wong.

WHY KATA?

As a rich teaching-training methodology, kata has a place in every Judo Club to help educate students from beginners and beyond.

It is a valuable discipline with intrinsic merit that can also be practised competitively. The learnings derived from kata practice can be applied in randori and shiai. Kata underpins progression into shodan and beyond.

Judo Australia’s Kata Committee works to build awareness of the benefits of kata, and encourages Australian judoka to fully engage with the practice of kata.

Join the Kata in Australia Group on Facebook! This group works to share information about kata events and practice around Australian and internationally with the aim of increasing participation in kata.