Shotokan Karate New Training Methods with Harry Cook DVD 2

"Sport or competition karate was the vehicle that was used to spread karate both in Japan and the rest of the world. The Japanese universities and later the big karate associations placed tremendous importance in sporting victory and so training methods, especially in kata, became influenced by the needs of competition. As a result, the quality of a kata and the skill level of a karateka performing a kata, was and still is judged by the external physical performance of his techniques, like floor gymnastics. The real skill, which lies in his ability to apply the techniques of a kata in a fight was downplayed or ignored. While this may be acceptable for those who are actively involved in tournaments, it is of little value to those who begin training in karate to learn defensive skills."
- Harry Cook