I agree almost fully with your post, but I do have a problem with the light or no contract style of sparring(the non-heavy contact way). There is an advantage to the heavier contact style and that is the ability to take a punch. I am not saying that I want to take a punch, but it is that IF you get hit it will not freak you out. I have seen to many times "young toughs" come in and spar with out having ever been hit. The first time they get tagged they fold up. That being said I don't want my students to be trying to kill each other all of the time. It is just a good idea to goa hard and heavy now and again. Your comment about pulling a punch is right on. That level of control IS essential as one progresses. Now, for Rock-fights post. Oyama(Kyokushin) karate is a little more "rugged" in that the style focuses more on full contact training. This is not to say that a Shotokan karateka can't get with it and hold their own. It is just that the two styles focus on different things.