Together, the two men developed a kata incorporating significant elements of their respective styles, Shindō jinen-ryū and Shito-Ryu, as well as feedback from Morihei Ueshiba, who advised them on changes intended to more closely tailor the techniques included in the form to the needs of women, for whom it was being designed.

The kata that resulted from the collaboration between these three masters - Seiryu (青柳, meaning Green Willow) - includes core principles from karate, aikido and jujutsu, and became part of the training regiment for female railway workers.

With Japan embroiled in World War II, the continued evolution and refinement of karate plateaued as many practitioners enlisted to fight for their country.

With Japan's surrender in 1945, however, the nation's male population returned, only to encounter a prohibition on the practice of all martial arts (with the exception of sumo) that had been ordered by Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Allied Occupation.

As life slowly returned to normal, MacArthur's ban was lifted, and Konishi worked diligently to revive the practice of both kendo and karate.

He believed karate and Zen are different aspects of the same thing, and expressed that conviction in a short poem:[6] While less famous than many of his contemporaries outside Japan, Konishi is today recognized as one of history's most significant budō masters.

He was a successful businessman, teacher, and political activist, who strove to bring respectability to martial arts, and his efforts are a major reason that karate enjoys the position it does today.