Kata (型 or 形) is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. Each one is designed to play out a different combat scenario. Kata are used in many traditional Japanese arts such as theater forms like kabuki and schools of tea ceremony (chadō), but are most commonly known for the presence in the martial arts.

Randori (乱取り) is a Japanese word used to describe free-style practice. The term denotes an exercise in tori, applying technique to a random succession of uke attacks.  The actual connotation of randori depends on the martial art it is used in. In Judo and Tomiki Aikido it most often refers to one-on-one sparring where partners attempt to resist and counter each other’s techniques.

Shiai (試 合) is a Japanese word that refers to competition or competition training in martial arts.  While shiai is a very popular element of modern day judo and Tomiki Aikido, the Founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano meant for contest to be used no more than 1% of the time, with the primary focus on randori.