I think kata as part of the whole concept in one art can not be automatically compared with similar schools in sword arts let alone be compared with the concept of kata in another art such as karate.
Therefore I realize I cannot speak for the authenticy of experience Joshua has with kata in his practise. I believe him right away! When there is no such thing as fixed position, transition in kata as I describe it then indeed in your view Brian I have no understanding at all. I agree then. From my own experience kata in sword arts can be a great trainingtool but in the end it is about what you want to achieve with it. I think I only came on this subject in relation to the topic Free practice in Koryu but not to start wether kata has validation or not, that is not what I intended or am interested in. My first interest was in how people viewed 'free' practise.