Shotokan? I studied it for a few years as a kid, and came to a similar conclusion but had assumed it was that particular flavour of karate being an overly form

Shotokan? I studied it for a few years as a kid, and came to a similar conclusion but had assumed it was that particular flavour of karate being an overly formalised, functionally ceremonious, branch emphasising discipline, flexibility and strength over fighting prowess. A foundation, rather than an end-product if you will.