# Starter Kata The Starter Kata describes how to initialize the [[Improvement Kata]]. It consists of four steps: 1. [[Understand the Challenge]] 2. Define the Current Condition by following the [[Process Analysis Kata]] 3. Agree on the **Next** [Target Condition](Target%20Conditions.md) that takes you closer to the Challenge. 4. Iterate towards the Target Condition by doing the [[Improvement Kata]]; Start with: - (a) Identify any [[Obstacles]] that prevent you from reaching the Target Condition and then - (b) Pick **one** Obstacle to solve and define your first [Experiment](Planning%20the%20next%20Experiment.md). If you have no coach, step 4 means you now enter the [Coaching Kata cycle](The%20Coaching%20Kata%20Questions.md) at the **Focusing** and **Learning** section.  You track the Challenge, Current and Target Condition, Obstacles, and all Experiments on a [[Storyboard]] to document progress. Each Obstacle should be tracked with its own Experimenting Record. Solving Obstacles is part of the [[Improvement Kata]]. You will benefit from having a **coach** or at least following the [[Coaching Kata]] yourself, if no coach is available. Ref: [The Toyota Kata](https://www-personal.umich.edu/~mrother/Homepage.html) by Mike Rother