kata

Kata is a term of Japanese origin meaning form, pattern, or model. In traditional Japanese culture, a kata is a prescribed sequence of movements designed to be practiced repeatedly to internalize technique, timing, rhythm, and mental focus.

In martial arts, a kata is a documented form consisting of a series of offensive and defensive movements performed solo or with a partner under controlled conditions. Practitioners study katas to learn combinations, distance, and breathing, and to develop precision, balance, and timing. Mastery is demonstrated through accurate execution rather than simulated combat.

In software development, a code kata is a small programming exercise practiced repeatedly to build fluency in a language, technique, or development approach. The practice emphasizes deliberate repetition, test-driven development, refactoring, and clean design, with the goal of improving speed and quality. The term gained popularity in the programming community as a metaphorical extension of martial arts training, applied to learning through consistent, focused practice.

In business management, Toyota Kata refers to a structured approach to developing a capability for continuous improvement and problem solving. It articulates two recurring patterns: the Improvement Kata, a routine for moving from current conditions toward target conditions through experiments, and the Coaching Kata, a coaching routine for mentors to guide others in that learning process. Together, kata across domains conveys the idea of formal patterns practiced to cultivate skill and repeatable results.