Looking at the calibre, experience and background of many that post here I am confident that my proposed solution to the 'Differences' problem that can be found within Karate (predominately in Kata but also to be seen in Kihon and Kumite) is way within general capabilities....
It is a quite simple approach:
Learn and become proficient in ALL of the variations!
In fact - even seek them out rather than avoid them.
My reasoning here is also simple (possibly not so obviously advantageous at first but definitely a positive approach once adopted) -
Unless the variation is bio mechanically incorrect (that is to say it is contrary to the natural and physically correct 'use' of the human body and thus could lead to injury to you instead of your opponent (
:
it is worthy of the following consideration -
Could it be used as a combative technique?
If the answer is 'NO' then discard it!
However, if the answer is 'YES' it then becames a valid addition to what should be an aspect of your training; namely the continuous expansion of your Karate arsenal of combative techniques, strategies, tactics etc.
Remember thier is a basic method and body structure/body mechanics etc of performing a Classic Shotokan Karate version of Chudan Gyaku Tsuki in Zenkutsu Dachi BUT thier are many other ways (even within the Shotokan system let alone other Karate styles and All can have great value in knowing and being able to deploy for real.
Take this same approach and apply it to Kata variations etc and you gain rather than lose.
Now I do accept that such expansion of variants can be confusing for lower grade, less experienced Karateka but on a sliding scale it should be more than plausible and useable as skills and experience increase.
For many here (Andy U for example whom started the thread) it should be a breeze and an interesting approach that will widen ones arsenal significantly
THe only consistant thing in a development of Karate skills and understanding is reasoned CHANGE.
Tis far better to eventually know 3, or 4, or even more ways to 'do something' than settling for one IMHO!