With Respect to Kata

In the past, it was expected that about three years were required to learn a single kata, and it was usually that even an expert of considerable skill would only know three or at most five kata.

--- Gichin Funakoshi

The kata were profound systems of integrated movements and behaviors. The purpose of kata designed for combative application was not to develop the individual’s ability to respond to an attack with a choice of a wide variety of techniques, but to train that individual to effectively utilize a select few proven techniques in response to a wide variety of attacks or combative situations.

--- Koryu Bujustu Teaching