Kata is one of the training methods in martial arts. A kata is a prearranged, formal practice. Jigoro Kano described the meaning of kata as follows:

"Kata's are the element of beauty in judo. Kata's have the purpose to illustrate the basic principles of judo and thereby clarifying the intended goal of judo".

In modern times kata's also demonstrate the correct execution of a technique; teach the philosophical tenets on which judo is based; illustrate techniques that are not allowed in competition; preserve ancient techniques that are historically important but not used anymore in contemporary judo.

RANDORI KATA's
Nage-no-Kata "Forms of Throwing"	5 series: Te waza (Arm/shoulder throws) Koshi waza (Hipthrows) Ashi waza (Legthrows) Ma sutemi waza (Sacrifice throws, forward) Yoko sutemi waza (Sacrifice throws, sideways) Every series involves three techniques to be performed migi and hydari.
Katame-no-Kata "Forms of Grappling"	3 series: Osae waza (Holding/pinning techniques) Shime waza (Chokes) Kuansetsu waza (Joint locking techniques) Every series contains 5 techniques
ATEMI KATA's
Kime-no-Kata "Forms of decision"	2 series Idori (Sitting/kneeling in seiza) Tachi ai (Standing) The Kime no kata is one of the "self-defense kata's" in judo.
Kime Shiki "Forms of Decision"	2 series Idori (Sitting/kneeling in seiza) Tachi ai (Standing) The Kime Shiki kata includes both kneeling and standing defenses against empty hands, knife and sword attacks. Stresses the use of body movement in responding to attacks.
HIGHER KATA's
Ju-no-Kata "Forms of Softness/Gentleness"	3 series of 5 attacks and defenses without throwing. The gentle movements are designed to teach the fundamentals of attack and defense and will make it much easier for one to learn the principals and movements of Kodokan Judo.
Koshiki-no-Kata "Antique kata"	2 series Omote, fundamental techniques; this series consists of 14 throws Ura, this series consists of 7 throws.
Isutsu-no-Kata "Kata of the five principles"	Inspired by the forms found in nature, Jigoro Kano strived to come up with a way of expressing the 5 major forces through judo. Oshikaeshi: Concentration of power/energy Eige: No resistance (Ju) Tomowakare: Centrifugal and centripetal force Roin: Law of the pendula Settsuka no wakare: Law of inertia
Goshin-jitsu-no-Kata "Modern self defense kata"	Defensive techniques against 5 series of attacks: 7 against unarmed attack with body contact 5 against unarmed attack without body contact 3 against attacks with knife 3 against attacks with stick 3 against attack with pistol
Gonosen-no-Kata "Forms of Counterthrowing"	6 counters against Ashi waza 5 counters against Koshi waza 1 counters against Te waza