As a beginner some things I learned...apparently not

[Gyakuto]

Some kata was developed to teach fighting in extreme narrow alleyways and on the narrow pathways that divide the rice fields

Ha ha, yes like Naihanchi for fighting with your back against a wall!

 

[Badhabits]

Very low stances were developed for fighting at night. So you could more easily see your enemy silhouetted against the moonlight.

 

[Gyakuto]

Very low stances were developed for fighting at night. So you could more easily see your enemy silhouetted against the moonlight.

Crouching at night is actually a strategy used in swordsmanship for the same reason. Thus to break up one’s silhouette, making it harder to discern, fine paulownia ash was thrown into the air to scatter stray photons. But then swordsmen would ensure they were familiar with the odour of paulownia ash to recognise a potential stealthy assassin…

 

[HighKick]

….to add to the myths…

Flying kicks were developed to knock down mounted warriors from their horses.

Tameshiwara (wood breaking) was developed to punch through wooden armour.

I have never heard of that use for flying kicks. But I have seen it done firsthand with a standing kick.