 "Kata" are used in many modern and "koryū" martial arts as a way of teaching advanced techniques and maneuvers using a series of scripted movements and actions against an opponent.In many of the older "koryū" martial arts, "kata" are at the center of what is taught with little or even no sparring as compared to more modern martial arts such as kendo and/or judo

The modern Shintō Musō-ryū system holds approximately 64 jō kata divided into several series.All forms are normally taught in sequence.