Kata is the vessel that holds the principles.
Technique is a way to move to express these principles, it is not a way to fight, the techniques are just expressed movement in a select moment.
Training the heart is utmost to martial tradition.
The founder was seeking Ken-Po, the ultimate expression of mastery, the highest teaching.
This is the “shadow of the moon” principle in kenjutsu.
Reading the intention of the opponent before perceived motion.
Not a technique, but rather a state of mind/heart.
Focussing on collecting techniques to define who you are is a way to stagnate in cultivation of such principles.
Ultimately we must learn to forget such trivialities.
All who seek the mountain top must surely enter through this gate.
Peter Kelly