Forms are NOT a method of training or learning to fight. If you forum guys and gals think so it is because you haven't learned yet or your teachers never did. Traditionally forms are learned as a method of passing on the history and flavor of the system.

Traditional training obviously has different methods of fight training. Training for strength, power, speed, endurance, overall conditioning come from specific training, not forms. (Feel free to discuss these.) Fighting within the context of the class, outside the class with others, in tournaments and competitions are also part of the training.

Some commercial schools probably have a problem with this either because of insurance liability or just keeping students who would otherwise walk away from the hard work and pain of learning martial arts. If all you are learning is forms, you will not be able to learn martial arts.

And don't get me started on health blah, blah, blah. Being active is healthy but their is nothing else healthy about learning or training martial arts.